CORAL GABLES, Fla. - University of Miami head baseball coach Jim Morris has announced the addition of Rey Fuentes to the coaching staff for the 2009 season. Fuentes, a former player and assistant coach at Barry University, will work with outfielders and hitters in addition to coaching first base for the Hurricanes.
Fuentes has a long baseball history in South Florida, attending Coral Park High School in Miami before 10 years in the Barry program - four as a player and six as an assistant coach.
“Rey was a big part of our growth as a baseball program," Barry head coach Marc Pavao said. "He was involved with every aspect of the program and really made a difference in his player’s lives. His work ethic and passion to the Buccaneer baseball program will be missed. He will do a great job at the University of Miami. They are lucky to have him.”
While an assistant at Barry, Fuentes' main responsibilities included working with outfielders, coaching first base and coordinating the team's off-season strength and conditioning program.
This past season, three of Barry's top four hitters were outfielders, with Andrew Frezza (.392), John Servidio (.366) and Joel Keefe (.347) combining for 209 hits, 165 RBI, 143 runs, 21 home runs and 27 stolen bases.
In addition to coordinating summer camps at Barry during his tenure there, Fuentes has also worked camps at UM the previous nine years.
A versatile player for the Buccaneers, Fuentes saw time in the outfield, on the mound, and at first base. He finished his career with eight homers, 65 runs scored and 58 RBI in 157 games. In 1999, he was second on the team in both homers and RBI.
Fuentes received his bachelor's degree in Special Education at Barry in December 2002.