Anthony’s power along with Clemente, Arroyo’s pitching lifted Douglas to back-to-back state titles
The Stoneman Douglas baseball team’s march to a second consecutive Class 7A state championship and bid to be national champions this year stems from its deep lineup and plentiful quality options on the mound.
But even a team as loaded as the Eagles were this year has its standouts, those top players who find a way to elevate an already talented team.
That’s where a trio of seniors — outfielder Roman Anthony and pitchers Jake Clemente and Chris Arroyo — factor into the equation.
Anthony is the Miami Herald’s Broward County Baseball Player of the Year for Classes 7A-6A, while Clemente and Arroyo are splitting Pitcher of the Year honors. All three were instrumental in Stoneman Douglas’ 30-2 record, which includes winning the 2022 USA Baseball National High School Invitational prior to their domination in the FHSAA state series.
“We were doing it for each other,” Anthony said. “I think that’s why we had so much success. We’re not really worried about what’s going on outside the lines.”
Anthony was a spark plug all season at the plate. The left-handed hitter posted a .545 batting average this season with 10 home runs, 40 RBI and 36
runs scored. He made himself known on the national level when he slugged a 450-foot home run in MLB’s High School All-Star Game in Denver last year.
He never really modeled his game after one specific player, but instead focused on “seeing what all the best do and trying to be like that,” although he did specifically point out that he sees his playing profile resemble that of former Marlins outfielder and current Milwaukee Brewer Christian Yelich.
Anthony is an Ole Miss signee, but there is a
chance he doesn’t make it to school if he gets picked high enough in July’s MLB Draft. Anthony is ranked as the No. 57 overall prospect for the draft by MLB Pipeline because of his raw power at the plate.
“I’m just grateful that I’m guaranteed to play baseball after high school,” Anthony said. “Whether it’s college or pro ball, I’m really excited.”
Arroyo and Clemente, meanwhile, served as the backbone of Douglas’ pitching staff. Together, they accounted for 109 of the Eagles’ 206 innings pitched and struck out 154
batters while walking just 39. Both are Florida Gators signees.
Arroyo went 10-1 on the season, posting a 0.54 ERA and striking out 74 batters over 52 innings. The 6-1 lefty pitched a five-inning shutout in the state championship game, striking out seven while giving up just two hits and a walk in Douglas’ 10-0, mercy-rule win over Palm Beach Gardens.
He only started pitching two years ago after primarily being an outfielder during his baseball career.
“They always told me not to pitch,” Arroyo said,
“but I love pitching. [Douglas coach Todd Fitz-Gerald] never let me pitch because I couldn’t throw strikes or any breaking pitches.”
Turns out Arroyo knew what he was doing.
“I proved them wrong,” Arroyo said.
Clemente went 10-0 with a 1.11 ERA and 80 strikeouts over 57 innings. Ten of those strikeouts came in Douglas’ state semifinal win over Orlando Hagerty.
His favorite pitcher to watch and emulate his game around is Max Scherzer.
“I just love the way he competes,” Clemente said. “He’s definitely the most competitive pitcher in the league. He always has the same attitude on the mound, so that’s definitely something I have watched and studied.”
As for Clemente’s thoughts on splitting the award with his teammate Arroyo?
“We both definitely put in a ton of work to have great seasons,” Clemente said. “We’re not selfish players . .... The brotherly bond we have is just awesome. It’s just a great way to go out.”