Orange Bowl Committee visits Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to honor baseball coach Todd Fitz-Gerald for outstanding work on and off the field
Parkland, Florida – Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School baseball head coach Todd Fitz-Gerald received a special honor this week when officials from the Orange Bowl Committee visited the campus to recognize his outstanding contributions both on and off the field. The visit took place on Tuesday and was part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program, a nationwide initiative that celebrates educators and coaches for their impact in schools.
During the surprise visit, Fitz-Gerald was presented with a $1,000 check to use toward a school program of his choice. The gesture was meant to acknowledge his dedication not only to coaching but also to mentoring students and fostering personal growth among the young athletes he works with. “This recognition is about the hard work and commitment our educators and coaches put in every day,” Orange Bowl officials said, emphasizing that the award highlights both achievement and community impact.
Fitz-Gerald’s record speaks for itself. Under his leadership, the Stoneman Douglas Eagles baseball team has secured six national titles and seven Florida High School Athletic Association state championships. The team made history with a Florida-record five consecutive state titles from 2021 to 2025, and in 2023, they completed a perfect season with a 29–0 record. His successes have earned him multiple National Coach of the Year honors over the years, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s premier high school baseball coaches.
However, the Orange Bowl Committee highlighted that Fitz-Gerald’s influence extends far beyond the scoreboard. In addition to his strategic expertise and competitive achievements, he has been praised for developing and mentoring young men, teaching them valuable life skills, discipline, and teamwork. Officials noted that his dedication to fostering character and leadership among his players is just as impressive as his record of championships.
Students and faculty at Marjory Stoneman Douglas were thrilled to witness the recognition, noting that Fitz-Gerald’s guidance has shaped countless lives. The award provides an opportunity for him to reinvest in the school community, using the $1,000 check to support programs that benefit students directly.
The Extra Yard for Teachers program by the College Football Playoff Foundation aims to celebrate teachers and coaches who go above and beyond in supporting their students, encouraging excellence both academically and personally. Fitz-Gerald’s recognition reflects the program’s mission to honor educators who make meaningful contributions to their school communities.
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“This honor is about celebrating the positive impact educators have on students’ lives,” the Orange Bowl Committee said. “Coach Fitz-Gerald exemplifies dedication, leadership, and mentorship, and we are proud to recognize his contributions to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.”
The recognition from the Orange Bowl Committee adds to Fitz-Gerald’s growing list of accolades, demonstrating that his leadership and commitment to young athletes extend far beyond winning games. Students, parents, and fellow educators praised him not only for his coaching record but also for the example he sets as a mentor and role model.
With a legacy that combines unparalleled success on the field with unwavering commitment to student development, Todd Fitz-Gerald continues to shape the future of high school baseball and inspire young athletes at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and beyond.
