Former Killian standout Danny Miranda signed with the World Series champs St. Louis Cardinals. Miranda was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 50th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, so the Cardinals already liked him coming out of college.  Miranda was the Hurricanes closer for at least part of the season this year.  Miranda had a park and schedule adjusted 3.14 FIP this season with 37 Ks and 4 walks.

Former Killian Cougar and University of Miami left-hander Sam Robinson has signed a contract to play at the professional level with the Texas Rangers.

Robinson was a standout performer for the Cougars in his 4 years at Killian. In 2008, Robinson was named Pitcher of the year and was a Miami Herald First Team All-Dade selection. Sam, along with UM teammate Danny Miranda and F.I.U left-hander Mason McVay were apart of a memorable pitching staff at Killian during the 2007 & 2008 seasons.

Killian Alumni on current UM roster.

Posted by Adam Berger of themiamihurricane.com

The University of Miami baseball team lost its second midweek game of the year on Tuesday to USF, 4-2, two days after beating the Florida Marlins in an exhibition game.

Though fans may be getting concerned, the season is young and so is the team.

The primarily homegrown squad boasts 13 newcomers, 12 of whom are freshmen. Of the first-year players, five call Miami their hometown. The trend is clear across the Hurricanes’ roster.

“I would say 75-80 percent of our players came up from Miami and Broward County,” head coach Jim Morris said.

Talk about talent in your own backyard.

“They grew up in our ballpark and thank goodness they want to play here,” said Morris, who is recovering from surgery to remove his gall bladder at University of Miami Hospital.

With the large talent pool that the Miami area has to offer, there’s no question that the Hurricanes have an advantage over other schools in recruiting.

Local athletes are drawn to the appeal of playing on the big stage, under the lights at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

“It’s tradition. Most of us grew up around here. I remember growing up running around this stadium,” sophomore pitcher E.J. Encinosa said. “It’s just that feeling… that any other university just wouldn’t be the same.”

Killian Senior High School alone has six alumni on the Miami roster, including five pitchers.

“It’s just a great program over there. [Coach Herrera] is a great head coach,” junior pitcher Sam Robinson said. “If you want to go to school he’s the guy to go to. It’s a great program to play for. I was lucky I got into the program.”

Nevertheless, Miami is just like any other Division I program when it comes to losing talent to the professional level.

Offensively, the Hurricanes have struggled with the loss of former star catcher Yasmani Grandal, who was taken 12th overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft.

“You don’t replace Yasmani. Everyone else has to get better… you can’t say you’re going to replace Yasmani, someone who was the best player in the country,” Morris said.

The effect of Grandal’s absence has been exacerbated by the debut of the new NCAA regulation aluminum bats, which are designed to limit offensive production.

Miami has scored five runs or fewer in five of their first eight games.

Miami and its fans will find out what the 2011 Hurricanes are truly made of this weekend when the squad takes on the No. 1- ranked Florida Gators in Gainesville.

Adam Berger may be contacted at aberger@themiamihurricane.com.

On Sunday, Coach Herrera, and the Killian Baseball Program experienced a tremendous honor.  Led by the efforts of 4 Alumni, Mike Rudman (Class of 2007), Sam and Zach Robinson (Class of 2008), and Sam Abrams (Class of 2010), the University of Miami Baseball Team beat the Florida Marlins in an exhibition game at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. “Here comes the 4th pitcher today who has turned in his green and gold from Killian for the green and orange of Miami.  Coach Herrera, Head Coach at Miami Killian must be doing something right”  said radio announcer for 560 WQAM.  “Each and every one of those players have their very own story, and very own path that ended up at Miami.  Watching those guys throw today was both emotional and proud.  To see a Sam Abrams pitch 2 and a third innings of hitless and scoreless baseball against a Major League Team for the school of his dreams was wonderful.  Today was a very rewarding day for me.”  Said Coach Herrera. Also in uniform were 2008 Pitcher of the Year at Killian and First Team All County performer Danny Miranda, and 2010 M.V.P, Gold Glove, and First Team All County Performer in Julian Santos.  “Today was a proud day for me.”

Click Here for Box Score

By Corey W. Campbell | The Miami Herald :

The Killian baseball team is on a four-game winning streak after defeating Varela 14-2 on Thursday afternoon.

The Cougars (4-1) were led by Charlie Durkee, who went 3 for 4 with a home run and three RBI.

Killian won the District 16-6A championship last year, but coach Angel Herrera has higher expectations than last season.

“There a lot of great of teams out there in Dade County – just to get out of the district is a challenge,’’ Herrera said. “We are hoping to make a run through regions, but we are a long ways away. We will attemp to be the best we can be.’’

Killian has had recent wins against South Dade and Florida Christian. The one loss came against LaSalle in the season opener.

“We have really good leadership with kids that have really stepped up: Ruben Munoz, Theo Castillo and Gabriel Llanes and Mandy Alvarez,’’ Herrera said. “Llanes shut out Palm Bay Melbourne and was the winning pitcher against South Dade. Alverez has hit .600 this season.’’

The Cougars have averaged sevens runs a game with eight home runs.

WP: McLean Becton 2-0. LP: Noel Davila. Top performers: Charlie Durkee 3 for 4, HR, 3 RBIs. Nick Mira 2 for 4. Ruben Munoz 1 for 2, 3 RBIs. KIL 4-1.

Andrew Grifol was the pitcher of the year for the Cougar baseball team en route to a first team all county selection. As good of an accomplishment as that is, Grifol (Class of 2010) is taking things to a whole new level. Going into February 23, Grifol is currently the national leader in RBI for the NJCAA. “I am so proud of Andrew. He is an amazing player, but an even better young man. I really iss him, and wish him nothing but the absolute best. He is a part of my family, and this programs family always. We are all rooting for him”. Says Coach Herrera. Grifol and this Santa Fe Saints are currently the top ranked team in the State of Florida.