SSU Athletics Selects Florentino "Tino" Burgos as the New Head Coach of Tiger Baseball

Savannah State University Athletics has announced the hiring of Florentino "Tino" Burgos as the new head coach of the Tigers' baseball program.

Burgos comes to "The Marsh" with a wealth of experience as a head coach, with his most recent post coming at Florida Memorial University, where he spent eight seasons, leading the Lions to their most successful era of baseball in program history.

"Becoming the head baseball coach at Savannah State University is more than an opportunity, it's a calling to lead, inspire, and elevate young men both on and off the field," remarked Coach Burgos. "Together, we will build a culture of excellence, resilience, and pride that represents the very best of Tiger Nation."

During Burgos' tenure at the Miami Gardens, Florida based institution, the FMU baseball program developed into one of the best baseball teams among Historically Black Colleges and University's (HBCU's) and grew to be a highly competitive program in The Sun Conference, often referred to be the toughest baseball conference in the NAIA.

In 2023, Burgos won the Black College World Series championship, defeating fellow SIAC school Albany State 5-4 in the title game.

"We are excited to have someone of the caliber of Tino Burgos to lead our baseball program," remarked SSU Director of Athletics Opio Mashariki. "Our search for a new coach required us to do a deep dive to find someone who will continue the success of the program, and I am confident that we have found that person in Coach Burgos."

Burgos takes over a Savannah State team that finished 2024 with an impressive 31-17 overall record, and represented the SIAC at the 2024 NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament.

In addition to the many FMU players selected for the Sun Conferences' All-Conference Team since 2018, more than 10 FMU players have received the Sun Conferences' All-Academic Team honors each year, demonstrating the culture of academic excellence that Burgos has established.

In 2019, FMU Baseball achieved a No. 1 ranking in the Black College Nines National HBCU Baseball Poll for the first time in their history and Burgos was named HBCU Coach of the Year by Black College Nines. That year, FMU finished the season tied for third in the Sun Conference and reached the Sun Conference Tournament for the first time in over 15 years.

Since 2018, the Lions have consistently been ranked in the top 10 of the Black College Nines Small School Division. In 2021, FMU was chosen to compete in the HBCU World Series in Alabama.

In 2019, Nick Herfordt of PG College Ball stated, "the FMU Lions might be the best HBCU baseball team, regardless of division," which is a statement to the growth of FMU Baseball under Burgos' leadership.

Burgos attended high school and playing baseball at Dade Christian School, where he was a three-time all-conference player, a two-time First Team All-Dade County player, a Second Team All-County and a two-time All-State. In 1997, Coach Burgos finished in the top three for Florida Gatorade Player of the Year. Burgos played his freshman year at perennial junior college baseball powerhouse, Seminole State College in Oklahoma, and his sophomore year at perennial baseball powerhouse Miami Dade College playing under Hall of Fame coaches Lloyd "Zero" Simmons and Steve Hertz respectfully. Burgos finished his last two years of collegiate baseball at Florida International University, playing under Coach Danny Price. The Panthers would make two regional trips and one super regional bid during Burgos' time as a Panther. In 2001 Burgos was an All- Tournament team selection in the Coral Gables Regional and he would also be a key contributor in the FIU's 2002 run, which included an upset of No. 1 seed Notre Dame at the South Bend, IN regional.

Burgos went on to sign professionally and played a couple of injury-plagued seasons of independent league baseball in the Frontier League. In 2003, Burgos would have his best season in professional baseball, making the Frontier League All- Star team. After being released and signing to play with the Portland Kings in Oregon, Burgos hung up his cleats and came home to begin teaching at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, where he was named Teacher of the Year in his second year. A year later, he took an opportunity to be the head baseball coach at North Miami Beach Senior High School. Two years later, Coach Burgos was chosen to start a baseball program at a new school – Hialeah Gardens Senior High School. In addition to coaching and teaching, he served as the Chair of the Social Science Department for eight years. As a high school coach, Coach Burgos won Coach of the Year honors, three district titles, and two regional bids. Numerous players moved on to play collegiate baseball, with two signing to play professionally.

Burgos is a native of South Florida and is the youngest of three to father William Sr. and mother Paula Burgos, both of whom were born in Puerto Rico. Burgos has been married to Jessica Garcia Burgos for 14 years.