Sunday Morning Chat: Monsignor Pace Manager Tom Duffin

Sunday Morning Chat: Monsignor Pace Manager Tom Duffin

As the 2024 season comes to an end, HSBN had the honor of sitting down with one of the best to ever step foot in a Miami-Dade dugout. Monsignor Pace Manager Tom Duffin announced earlier this year, that after several decades, he will be stepping down from managing the Spartans at the end of the season.

HSBN’s Anthony Uttariello spent some time with Duffin this past week, allowing the Pace manager to reflect on his long career, his relationships he has built along the way, and his experience this past October being inducted into the HSBN South Florida Hall of Fame.

Duffin has been a longtime supporter of HSBN, and has been a true role model for many other coaches around the county with how he has run his program.

We want to thank Coach Duffin, and wish him happiness as he exits the Spartans dugout. Enjoy this exclusive Sunday Morning Chat to finish off the 2024 season.

Here is what some of his peers had to say to Duffin, in speaking about his retirement.

“Duff not only teaches his players the values of the game, but the value of life. He is a man of respect, honor, and tradition. He is always willing to listen to his players whether its about baseball or life advice. We will miss the sayings and the stories. Thank you Duff.” – Monsignor Pace Assistant Christian Gonzalez

“It has been an honor being able to share the field with you over the years. You have been a legendary coach, and a true friend. I will miss our battles, and our conversations. You have had a great career, and I wish you nothing but the best the rest of the way.” – Douglas Manager Todd Fitz-Gerald

“Thank you for helping make South Florida High School Baseball some of the best in the country. Miami will have some big shoes to fill in 2025, with you not being in the dugout.” – Taravella Manager Joe Giummule

“Our coaching staff at Cardinal Gibbons has as much respect for Coach Duffin, as any coach we have competed against, since we have been here. We will miss our great battles over the years, but also the respect and love shown by you, Tom, and your staff, in all those battles.” – Cardinal Gibbons Manager Jason Hamilton

“Coach Duffin is one of the best coaches ever in Miami-Dade County. Not only is he a great coach, but also a great person. he is a guy I always looked up to, and has done a tremendous job with his program. Pace should be very proud with how Coach Duffin represented the school, and I wish him luck as he moves into the next chapter.” – Doral manager Ralph Suarez

“Congrats to Tom on a great career. He is a class act all the time. It has been a pleasure competing against him over the years. Best of luck with your future endeavors.” – Miami Beach Manager Charlie Garcia

“Tom Duffin has been a fixture at Pace and has developed and maintained one of the top programs in the state of Florida. We always enjoyed playing Pace because you were always going to be in for an excellent baseball game, and you knew their team would always represent the game and the school in a first class manner.” – West Boca Manager Jerry Albert

“Tom Duffin is a great coach, but an even better human being. I was proud to call Duff my teammate my first year in the minor leagues, and am even more fortunate to call him my friend for nearly 40 years. He is a Pace lifer, and the Spartans are better because of Duff. Touch ’em all Duff, you deserve it.” – Posnack School Athletic Director Wayne Stofsky

Leave a comment using your facebook account!