SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – In a significant development for Savannah State's baseball program, the university has welcomed its new head coach. Carlton Hardy's departure in the summer led to a search for a worthy successor, and Florentino “Tino” Burgos has now been announced as the program's new leader.

A New Era Begins with Tino Burgos at Savannah State

Background and Experience

Burgos arrives at Savannah State following an impressive eight-year tenure at Florida Memorial University. During his time there, he led the Lions to a Black College World Series championship in 2023 and was named HBCU Coach of the Year in 2019. His extensive coaching experience and success make him a highly sought-after figure in the baseball world.This experience has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a team to great heights. His ability to inspire and motivate players has been evident throughout his career, and Savannah State is confident that he will bring the same level of enthusiasm and determination to their program.

Vision for the Program

Burgos sees his role as more than just a coach. He views it as a calling to lead, inspire, and elevate young men both on and off the field. His vision for the Savannah State baseball program is to build a culture of excellence, resilience, and pride that represents the very best of Tiger Nation.He believes that by instilling these values in his players, they will not only become better baseball players but also better individuals. This holistic approach to coaching is what sets Burgos apart and gives him the confidence to lead the program forward.

Recent Team Performance

The Savannah State team that Burgos takes over finished with a 31-17 overall record this past spring and represented the SIAC at the 2024 NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament. This shows that the program has been on an upward trajectory and has the potential to achieve even greater things under Burgos' leadership.His task will be to build on this success and take the team to the next level. He will work closely with his players to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to help them reach their full potential.

Impact on the University

The hiring of Burgos is seen as a major boost for Savannah State University. His reputation and experience will attract more attention to the baseball program and help raise the profile of the university as a whole.It also sends a message to current and future students that the university is committed to providing them with high-quality athletic programs and a supportive learning environment. Burgos' leadership will have a lasting impact on the university and its students.