Sports

Still around a mound

By Joey Knight
Published June 17, 2007

---

ADVERTISEMENT

Tracking Down . . . Marc Valdes

An occasional feature profiling the current life of a former prominent high school athlete in the county.

Age: 35

In his previous life: One of the most successful pitchers Tampa ever spawned, Valdes shined at Jesuit and the University of Florida and later pitched in 144 big-league games. The Gators' career leader in wins 31 and starts (55), he exited Gainesville following his junior season after being drafted by the Florida Marlins in the first round of the 1993 big-league draft. Among the final cuts from the 1992 U.S. Olympic team, he pitched with four big-league clubs from 1995-2001 - mostly as a middle reliever - and later spent three seasons playing in Japan. His last stint in pro ball was with the Yankees organization, which released him in July 2005.

In his current life: Valdes was set to leave this weekend for Tennessee, where he'll serve as pitching coach for the New York Mets' rookie-league affiliate in Kingsport. He had been serving as pitching coach at Jesuit when the Mets offered him a job in late February.

Playing height/weight at Jesuit: 5-11; 170

Current height/weight: 6-0; 195

Car driven in high school: pewter Isuzu I-Mark

Current vehicle: black Hummer

Family: wife, Heather; dog, Strike (an all-white bichon)

Proudest accomplishment since high school: Reaching the big leagues is atop Valdes' list. He also mentions his 3-0 shutout of FSU in the College World Series, his pre-Olympic stint with the U.S. national team and his experience in Japan.

What he misses most about high school: "I miss the free periods, " Valdes said. "Those were fun. You could either get your homework done, study more for your class or hang with your friends. That was a good time."

Joey Knight, Times staff writer. Got someone you'd like to have tracked down? Contact Joey Knight at (813) 226-3350 or jknight@sptimes.com.

[Last modified June 16, 2007, 22:57:03]