BRANDON — Alonso coach Landy Faedo had past players win the prestigious Tony Saladino Award, but he took a bit more pride in this year’s winner.
This time it was his son.
Pitcher Alex Faedo hoisted the 44th annual Tony Saladino Award trophy in front of family, friends and coaches Saturday night at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill.
“It’s special, because of all the players to come out of Alonso,” Landy said. “He’s made great strides the last couple of years in his game. He’s an A-1 person. He’s everybody’s friend at school; he’s everyone’s friend on the team.”
Alex is the fourth Alonso player in the past eight years to win the award, joining fellow pitchers Tommy Toledo (2007), Alex Panteliodis (2008) and Jose Fernandez (2011).
He also is the second in his family to capture the award for seniors only. Second cousin Lenny Faedo of Jefferson won a Saladino in 1978 and went on to play shortstop for the Minnesota Twins in 1980-84.
“I guess my kids are going to have to win it,” Alex quipped.
The 6-foot-5 right-hander has signed with Florida and is headed to Gainesville despite being drafted in the 40th round by the Detroit Tigers. Toledo and Panteliodis pitched for the Gators, but Fernandez signed with the Miami Marlins and was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2013.
Alex Faedo went 6-2 with one save this season, posting a 0.58 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 48 innings. He also batted .290 with 15 RBIs, but said he will pitch at Florida.
Alex graduated with a 3.84 GPA and is undecided on a major, but mentioned sports marketing.