Más allá del diamante: Conmemoración del legado y el impacto del entrenador Danny Price

Mañana, la Universidad Internacional de Florida dará la bienvenida y honrará a una de las figuras deportivas más legendarias del sur de Florida, el entrenador Danny Price. Price lanzará el primer lanzamiento honorario en el segundo partido de una doble jornada en la que los Panthers se enfrentarán a Notre Dame. Esta es la primera aparición del entrenador Price en el campo de béisbol de FIU desde 2007. Durante 28 años, el entrenador Price supervisó la evolución del béisbol de FIU en un ganador constante, acumulando más de 1.000 victorias. También desempeñó un papel fundamental en la transición del equipo de la División II a la División I de béisbol y ayudó a los Panthers a pasar de ser un equipo independiente en la década de 1980 a unirse a la Trans America Athletic Conference en la década de 1990, antes de aterrizar en la Sun Belt Conference en 1999. Más allá de su impresionante historial de victorias y de construcción de programas de béisbol en el sur de Florida, el entrenador Price es mucho más que victorias y derrotas. En una entrevista exclusiva con LifeWalletSports, el entrenador Danny Price ofreció una visión especial de su vida, sus antecedentes y lo que realmente importa para él.

El amor temprano del entrenador Price por el béisbol comenzó jugando en las Ligas Menores y varias ligas de la iglesia, donde el juego se convirtió rápidamente en una pasión. En la escuela secundaria, bajo la dirección de un increíble entrenador de fútbol Gene Worthington, la pasión de Danny por el deporte creció exponencialmente. El entrenador Worthington se convirtió en una figura importante en la vida de Danny, y le inculcó los valores del trabajo duro y la perseverancia, cualidades que el entrenador Price admiraba y llevó a su propia carrera como entrenador.

Rememorando la influencia del entrenador Gene, Price declaró : "Correrías a través de un muro por él, y todo el mundo lo haría. Era un entrenador increíble. Siempre nos inspiró. Cada viernes por la noche, cuando yo jugaba en el equipo universitario, él decía que ojalá pudiera jugar esa noche, que daría su pierna izquierda por poder jugar. Por supuesto, yo siempre pensaba: 'Tío, eso es una locura'. Pero, a medida que fui creciendo, le respeté mucho. Era un entrenador increíble". Esta base de trabajo duro y pasión por el juego a través de la influencia de un mentor que creía en sus jugadores, jugó un papel crucial en la formación del enfoque de Danny Price hacia el deporte y el entrenamiento.

Su entrenador de fútbol de la escuela secundaria no fue la única figura influyente en sus primeros años, el entrenador Price también atribuye su ética de trabajo a las influencias de la familia y los educadores. Su tía le enseñó el valor de superar las expectativas a través de un simple acto de ir a buscar agua, donde aprendió una lección que nunca olvidó. "Cuando trabajaba en el huerto de la granja de mi abuelo, mi tía me pidió que fuera a buscar medio cubo de agua con un cubo, ya que no teníamos manguera. Me aconsejó: "Trae siempre un poco más de lo que crees que necesito". Esta temprana lección, cuando sólo tenía cinco o seis años, me enseñó el valor de superar las expectativas, un principio que he abrazado durante toda mi vida, esforzándome siempre por hacer más de lo que se espera de mí".

Otro momento importante ocurrió con su maestra de séptimo grado, la Sra. Kearns, quien lo hizo retroceder un grado para mejorar su lectura. El entrenador Price habló de cómo esta profesora fue su mentora, le quiso, le animó permitiéndole descubrir la importancia del crecimiento personal y la perseverancia.

"Años más tarde, yo dirigía un campamento en Carolina del Norte cuando su hija [la señora Kearns] se me acercó. Me dijo: 'Mi madre siempre me decía que tenía que venir a verte. Decía que eras su alumna favorita de toda su vida'. Sabes cuánto significó eso para mí. Significó mucho para mí porque se preocupó lo suficiente por mí y me quiso lo suficiente como para decirme: 'Oye, esto es lo que vamos a hacer'. Siempre tenía una gran sonrisa en la cara. Veía amor en esa profesora y me encantaba". afirmó el entrenador Price, reflexionando sobre aquel encuentro tan sincero.

Estas experiencias tempranas, combinadas con el ejemplo trabajador de su madre y el aliento de figuras clave en su vida, moldearon la dedicación de Price al trabajo duro, su cuidado de los demás y la búsqueda de la excelencia.

La entrada del entrenador Price en el puesto de entrenador principal no fue por la ruta habitual de solicitudes y entrevistas. Recién salido de unas prácticas en el Central High School, donde había empezado a hacer contactos y a sumergirse en el mundo del entrenamiento, una sorprendente oportunidad llamó a su puerta. Fue el estímulo y el reconocimiento de los entrenadores y el personal que conoció allí lo que le llevó a una oferta inesperada: una invitación directa del director a aceptar una oferta de trabajo para unirse al cuerpo técnico del Miami Central High School. Este momento fortuito marcó el comienzo de lo que se convertiría en una carrera como entrenador, una carrera que no buscó ni solicitó.

“I got the Central job without applying. I landed a position at FIU without submitting an application, and Miami Dade pursued me, requiring me to undergo their process. It’s astonishing to reflect on how I’ve obtained positions without ever applying, while the jobs I did apply for eluded me. It’s quite the paradox, Coach Price indicated.

Looking back on Coach Price’s success with the Panthers one might think he hit the ground running on day one. Despite the fact that he experienced on field success early on, there were significant challenges that he had to navigate. Price faced substantial financial and logistical challenges at FIU, starting with a modest travel budget of $35,000. As the Panthers moved from Division II to Division I the baseball team struggled to garner the resources of top tier programs in powerhouse conferences. Florida International’s fortunes dramatically changed upon joining the Sun Belt Conference, soaring to $107,000, facilitating improved travel, and accommodations and marking a pivotal shift in the program’s dynamics.

Operating under tight constraints, Price’s strategic recruitment approach, with just a $4,000 budget, contrasted sharply with the more substantial funds typical of other programs whose recruiting budgets were well north of $20,000. Despite this, Price was undeterred, he continued to coach, recruit and was a force when it came to fundraising. His creativity in maximizing limited resources through effective recruitment and fundraising ensured FIU’s competitiveness and developed the DNA for a culture of hard work and success. “The university never bailed out the baseball program because we fundraised all year, doing whatever was necessary, including tasks we preferred not to do. Our team worked at the Orange Bowl, parking cars and more, to ensure we did everything needed to succeed.”

During his 28 years as FIU’s head coach, Coach Price achieved an outstanding 1,086-597 overall record, making him the winningest coach in FIU’s history. His leadership led FIU to eight NCAA Division I regional appearances, with six in the latter 11 years, showcasing sustained excellence. Price earned three Trans America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards, recognizing his remarkable impact on the team’s success and development. In 1995, the Panthers were the 8th ranked team in the nation, leading the team to the quarterfinals of the Atlantic II Regional.

After his tenure at FIU, Coach Price embarked on a new chapter at Miami Dade College, where he amassed a 298-160 win-loss record and led the team to four Southern Conference championships in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2019, narrowly missing out in 2018. His leadership also propelled the Sharks to national prominence, securing the runner-up position in the 2014 National Junior College Athletic Association.This era highlighted Price’s consistent excellence and competitive spirit, further cementing his illustrious coaching legacy.

With 1384 total wins, 43 years of coaching experience on the baseball diamond and postseason success with both Florida International University and Miami-Dade, one would think that Coach Danny Price’s legacy is that of a winner. Although he is a winner, that would be under selling the impact that Coach Price has had in the community. After his baseball days ended, he joined foundations in Florida and the Dominican Republic, focusing on leadership development, life skills, and enhancing the lives of aspiring ballplayers through education and athletics. His involvement with “Leaders Unlimited” and “Dream Big” reflects his commitment to using sports as a vehicle for positive change and personal development.

Coach Price has been humbled by the impact that the foundations he partnered with have had, especially the opportunities that it has given kids to follow their dreams. “One of my former players, Joe Rodriguez, reached the big leagues and warned me that once I visited the Dominican Republic for the “Dream Big” project, I might never want to leave because of the humble people there. He was right. I became involved in helping many student-athletes secure opportunities in junior colleges in the United States, often visiting during summers and sometimes in winter, staying for a few days to assist them. This experience allowed me to guide these young individuals to improve their lives through education, emphasizing the importance of doing things the right way, including learning English to integrate better into new environments. Over the years, this work has left me with lasting memories and a deep connection with those I’ve helped.”

Helping others, mentoring, and making a difference in the life of almost 5,000 players and their families is the real legacy of Coach Price. In fact, he was almost dismissive of his accolades, focusing more on the lasting relationships that were forged. “Forget about the wins and losses because that wasn’t what it was about. It was about how many people affected my life. I had guys affect my life, you know? And sometimes you think you’re just affecting other people. That’s not true. It’s a two-way street”, Coach Price asserted. For Coach, it was always about people and finding ways to connect and reach different personalities. He valued the individuality of his players, understanding that their reactions to coaching methods vary. He acknowledged that while some may respond to a raised voice, others need a gentler approach, emphasizing the importance of adapting his style to meet each player’s needs. Price’s commitment to his players extended beyond the field, as he made personal efforts to ensure their well-being, stressing his belief in the power of hope and the impact of direct, caring communication.

At heart he was a teacher, and the baseball diamond was just an opportunity to teach. “To me, a baseball field, a football field, a basketball arena, or a soccer field—regardless of the sport—is just another classroom. These environments teach kids so much, often providing the only discipline they really receive, making them larger-than-life classrooms.”

Tomorrow when Coach Price walks on the field for the Panthers the first time since 2007, he will be introduced and recognized for the accolades that he received as a baseball coach. What will not be mentioned is that his true legacy goes beyond mere wins, losses and tournament championships. For Coach Price his legacy will not be quantified or measured by statistics, it will be one of uniquely touching and transforming the lives of thousands of players. “I’ve had many players who didn’t make it to the Major Leagues but made it to the Majors in life, which is even more important. It’s about the kind of person you become, the kind of family man you are, the relationships you build in your community, and how you give back.”

Thank you, Coach Price, no one gave back more than you and that is why your legacy of love will transcend sports.

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