JUPITER, Fla. – Former Bethune-Cookman Baseball pitcher Anthony Maldonado took part in the first day of Miami Marlins spring training on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
 
Maldonado, a 6-foot-4 right-hander from West Palm Beach, Florida, played for the Wildcats from 2017-19, earning two First Team Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) selections, while going on to be named 2018 MEAC Pitcher of the Year. During his freshman season in 2017, Maldonado was a part of a Bethune-Cookman side that advanced to the NCAA Gainesville [Fla.] Regional final against eventual national champion Florida. That same season, he was a First Team All-MEAC choice, while going on to post a 7-3 record across the campaign.
 
When asked about being added to the Marlins 40-man roster in an interview with Fish on First, the former Wildcats hurler was excited about the opportunity.
 
"It was great," said Maldonado. "I was happy the Marlins chose to protect me. I felt like I put myself in a good position last year after the season I had, and I'm blessed."
 
After a successful three-year collegiate career with the Maroon and Gold, Maldonado was selected in the 11th Round of the MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins with the 321st pick.
 
Maldonado has worked his way up through the Marlins farm system, playing the 2021 season with each of the Gulf Coast League Marlins (Rookie), Jupiter Hammerheads (A), Beloit Snappers (High-A) and Pensacola Blue Wahoos (AA), respectfully.
 
Last year, he had one of his best professional seasons to date, posting a 7-3 record with a 1.76 ERA for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA). He would also register a season-high 71 strikeouts while limiting opponents to just a .148 batting average against.
 
In a continued interview with Fish On First, Maldonado explained why he had such a successful 2023 season despite a few injury concerns at first.
 
"I trusted myself a lot more," said Maldonado. "Playing in the [World Baseball] Classic really helped me. Being with those guys and the advice that they gave me allowed me to know I was good enough to compete and throw quality pitches."
 
The Marlins will play their first spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
 
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