Stephen Dezzi Named MVP of Florida League Championship Game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - University of Tampa senior baseball player Stephen Dezzi led his team to the Florida League championship, while also being named the MVP of the championship game for the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs.

The Diamond Dawgs became the first Florida League team to win back-to-back championships when they defeated the Sanford River Rats by a score of 6-4. at Tropicana Field, home of the MLB's Tampa Bay Rays.

Dezzi was 3-for-5 with a run scored and RBI in the championship game. He was joined by former Spartan second baseman Orlando Rivera on the team.

The Sarasota, Fla., native enjoyed a breakout junior season as an All-American and finalist for both the Tino Martinez and Josh Willingham Awards. The Daktronics South Region Player of the Year was also a first-team all-Sunshine State Conference selection.

In 2014, Dezzi hit .369 for the Spartans with eight home runs and 47 RBI. He also led all Spartans with 55 runs and ranked second on the squad with 75 hits.