FIU creating a buzz in the minor leagues

Luis Diaz/ Contributing Writer

Florida International University is no stranger to success on the clay diamond. At the collegiate level, the Blue and Gold currently wear the belt as Conference USA Baseball Champions. At the professional level, FIU created a Hero to any Miami baseball fan and MVP of the 2007 World Series, Mike Lowell. However, much like any middle-aged Dolphin fan sleeping in his Dan Marino jersey bragging about the 1972 perfect season, to cling onto the past can get embarrassing. Thankfully for all of the Golden Panther baseball fans, there are a few FIU alumnus making their way through their respective farm systems on their way towards giving FIU one more name to be proud of.

After a stint with the Texas Rangers’ farm system and utter domination of the Australian Baseball League, yes that’s a thing, pitcher Jorge Marban signed with the Boston Red Sox and is tearing it up for their Double-A affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. Marban has a 4-1 record, in addition to his 5 saves, while maintaining an ERA of 0.81 after 44.2 innings pitched. His time in Australia has definitely paid off because he’s working his way to the top shutting things down while he’s on the mound.

Another pitcher creating a buzz is Mike Franco, seventh round pick in the 2014 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco has been one of the Charlotte Stone Crabs’ more reliable relievers by cashing in on 4 of his 5 save attempts. He’s worked his way to an impressive 1.65 ERA while holding his opposing batters to a miniscule .223. Michael James Franco has been a nightmare on the mound for whatever team is attempting to make contact against him, striking out 55 batters in only 49 innings pitched. Yes, his name is similar to Hollywood star James Franco, but if that actor wants to put on a performance like the one the Stone Crab fans have been able to see, he’s going to have to be a little more like Mike.

The 52nd overall pick of the 2014 MLB Draft, 2014 Conference USA Player of the Year and a 2014 All-American is none other than former Golden Panther Aramis Garcia. Catcher for the Augusta Green Jackets, Class-A affiliate to the San Francisco Giants, Garcia has definitely been giving FIU a good name. Batting a respectable .268, he’s managed to trot the bases quite a bit this year with 14 homeruns while also driving in 58 RBIs. The 6’2” Hialeah native has been playing good old fashioned baseball not only his abuela can be proud of, but his entire alma mater can be proud of.

The players that were just mentioned are only a fraction of the outstanding products FIU has been gracing the MLB with in recent years. And with the talent level only increasing, there are sure to be more names to add on this list of eye popping performances in professional baseball. It’s about time the FIU community puts their Lowell 19 jersey back in their closet and starts buying some new ones, because in a few years, everyone else will already be rocking them.