Charlotte, NC – Miami Dade’s Raphy Almanzar’s reputation as an elite middle infielder has been rewarded with the 2019 Spalding® NJCAA DI Baseball Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Sharks’ primary shortstop, Almanzar’s glove was on full display throughout the year as the freshman turned 20 double plays while boasting a .965 fielding percentage. Almanzar’s efforts in the field helped guide Miami Dade to the FCSAA Southern Conference title and a berth in the FCSAA State Tournament. The Sharks concluded the season with a 31-20 record.
Personal
- Position: SS
- Height: 6-2
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Bonao, Dominican Republic
2019 Statistics
- 198 total chances
- 109 putouts
- 82 assists
- 20 double plays
- .965 fielding percentage
2019 Accomplishments
- NJCAA DI Baseball ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove
- NJCAA Region 8 All-Southern Conference First Team
- NJCAA Region 8 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year
- NJCAA DI Gulf District Defensive Player of the Year
- NJCAA DI Gulf District Gold Glove
Miami Dade's former head coach Danny Price on Almanzar
"Outstanding work habits. Raphy came to Miami Dade College to get better where he thrived on and off the field. In my 43 years of coaching, Raphy Almanzar has to be the best defender I've ever coached."