Padron Brings Winning Experience to TERRA

One of Miami-Dade County’s most successful coaches has found a new challenge this season. Ernie Padron has been a Manager for more than 20 years, and now he is on a mission to put TERRA Institute on the baseball map as he recently became Manager of the Wolves.

Padron is no stranger to the deep playoff runs. He took teams at Florida Christian to the state finals six times, including five consecutive trips from 2001 to 2006, winning titles in Class 2A in 2004 and 2005. Padron spent 15 seasons at Florida Christian before taking 2013 off and returning to coaching at Coral Reef last year.

TERRA opened in 2009 and made it to the regional playoffs in 2013, losing in the first round. TERRA improved in wins from 11 in 2013 to 15 last year, and things are shaping up for another solid year as the Wolves seek to build a winning tradition and advance in the playoffs. So far, Padron is impressed with what he’s seen from his players at TERRA and is enthused about this season with 12 returning starters.

“This is a good group of kids who are fundamentally sound,” Padron said. “Coach Hernan Adames did a good job of instilling fundamentals, and they have a high skill set. All the info we’ve given them, they’ve processed, and they’ve put in the work. I think we’ll grow as we go and get the most out of these guys. I expect us to play as unit. I expect us to play with a lot of energy and to play the game the right way.”

One of the biggest keys to success for any team is pitching depth, and the Wolves are in a good situation as far as that goes with a trio of lefties and a trio of righties. Padron thinks their pitching will dictate their success, and if they pitch and play defense they will be in games.

Leading the staff is Miami signee Frankie Bartow, a tall, lanky right-hander.

“I like his demeanor,” Padron said. “He brings a good work ethic. He can get after guys and is just a competitor.”

Bartow said he plans to be a leader and make the most of his fastball and curveball to effective in tight situations. He said he doesn’t have plans to play professionally but he would consider an offer at the time. For now, he’s focused on what he can do for Miami after he leads the Wolves this season.

There is nice depth behind Bartow. Tyler Prichard is a guy who pounds the strike zone. He pitches for contact and gets a lot of outs. Andres Perez, like Prichard, also pounds the strikezone, Padron said, and has a fastball in the mid-80s while throwing three pitches well. Padron called him “a student of the game”. Lefty Octavio Marin, who pitches to contact, will come out of the bullpen in certain situations.

A big lefty sophomore whom Padron believes has a bright future is Joe Sanchez, who Padron says “loves to compete and is going to be tough to beat in the next few years”.

Rounding out the staff is Alexis Viadaris, who is coming back from a torn labrum.

Complementing the strong pitching staff is a solid infield that includes Lynn signee Yasser Santana, who with Nick Lopez, will form a good double-play combo. They bring a lot of chemistry as well as being leaders for the team. Another key guy is Alexis Valladares, who runs well, can pitch and possesses a good skill set.

On offense, the Wolves will be situational hitters who do the little things to move guys over and hit gap to gap. Padron expects the occasional clutch hit. Lance Curtis is another player who can provide a punch in the middle, and junior third baseman Ozzie Millet has been a starter since his freshman year and provides solid defense and another strong bat in lineup. Other returning starters include junior catcher Lucas Perez, senior outfielder Nick Wydler and infielder Kiki Perez.

All of the experience and talent the Wolves possess this year will come in handy against the fierce 6A-16 competition they are up against. The district includes Belen Jesuit, Mater Academy, Doral, Homestead, Miami Jackson.

“District 6A-16 is a very tough league,” Padron said. “There are no days off in this district.”

Santana said the Wolves are more worried about themselves than the competition, however. He did acknowledge the toughness of the district.

“We know what they have and what they’re going to bring,” Santana said. “So we’re looking for a dogfight and hopefully we will come out on top. “I knew a new coach coming in would be a challenge, but I knew if we can come together, we can accomplish some good things this year.”

Santana said the team is getting used to the new style and adapting to the new plays Padron is calling, but he’s confident it will be a good season.

“We’re glad to have him. He knows what he’s doing,” Bartow said. “He won state titles. Hopefully he can bring one to TERRA this year.”

When they’re not giving it their all on the field, the Wolves are dealing with academics and a workload Padron said is utterly demanding. Each player has at least three AP or honors classes.

“You’ve got to stick to your goals,” Santana said. “The rigors of the school keeps your focused and away from the distractions. You learn to have a flexible schedule when dealing with the tough academics. At the end of the day, you’re a student-athlete, so you know the more important thing is school. It’s a challenge, but it’s why we’re there.”

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