Pedro Grifol, a Miami native and former Major League Baseball manager, has been named the sixth head coach in the history of Florida International University’s baseball program. The announcement, made on May 23, 2026, marks the culmination of a career that spans playing, scouting and managing at the highest levels of the sport.
Grifol’s appointment follows a distinguished playing career that began at Christopher Columbus High School, where he earned Florida’s 1988 4A Player of the Year honors, and continued at Florida State University, where he helped the Seminoles reach the College World Series in 1989 and 1991. He was later drafted in the sixth round by the Minnesota Twins in 1991 and spent three professional seasons in the minor leagues before transitioning to coaching.
A Legacy of Experience
His coaching résumé includes more than two decades of experience across the MLB, minor leagues and winter ball circuits. Grifol served as a bench coach, catching coach and quality‑control specialist for the Kansas City Royals, contributing to back‑to‑back American League pennants in 2014 and 2015 and a World Series championship in 2015. He most recently managed the Chicago White Sox in 2023 and 2024 before turning his focus to developing talent at the collegiate level.
Beyond his managerial credentials, Grifol’s background as an MLB scout — particularly in South Florida and Puerto Rico — positions him to strengthen the program’s recruiting pipeline. His intimate knowledge of the region’s talent pool, combined with his Cuban‑American heritage, aligns with a growing emphasis on diversity in college baseball.
The new coach also brings family ties to the university community. His daughter, Amanda Grifol, played soccer at FIU and is married to former FIU men’s soccer player Hugo Fauroux. This personal connection underscores the program’s expanding multi‑sport legacy.
A New Era for FIU Baseball
Heading the program, Grifol joins an exclusive group of three active Cuban‑American Division I baseball head coaches, a distinction that reflects both his impact and the broader representation of Latin American voices in collegiate athletics.
His leadership will be measured not only by wins on the field but also by the development of student‑athletes who aspire to follow his path from high school stardom to professional success. As the program looks ahead, Grifol’s vision promises to blend competitive ambition with a commitment to academic and personal growth.
The university’s athletic director, Scott Carr, expressed confidence that Grifol’s extensive experience will elevate the program’s profile and foster sustained success. Carr highlighted Grifol’s ability to mentor players both on and off the diamond, citing his track record of player development and community engagement.
Fans and alumni alike anticipate that Grifol’s appointment will reinvigorate interest in FIU baseball, potentially attracting higher‑profile recruits and expanding the program’s reach across the nation. With a strong foundation and a clear strategic direction, the team is poised to compete at new heights.
Looking Forward
As the 2026 season approaches, the excitement surrounding Grifol’s leadership is palpable. His blend of championship experience, scouting acumen and personal connections positions FIU baseball to chart a course toward greater achievements, while honoring the program’s rich history and future aspirations.