Longtime Leto skipper JJ Pizzio resigns after 19 seasons
The 2018 All-813Preps Coach of the Year and three-time state semifinalist has accepted a teaching position at Plant City HS to be closer to home with upcoming family health procedures on the horizon.
By Jarrett Guthrie, Editor
TAMPA – JJ Pizzio said he has stepped down as the head baseball coach at Leto on Thursday after 19 seasons leading the Falcons.
Pizzio, our 2018 All-813Preps Coach of the Year, said his family is facing some upcoming health procedures and, after a recent move to Plant City, he needed to focus on them right now and he didn’t feel right not being able to be fully invested in his team and players at Leto.
Pizzio did say he was grateful to the Leto administration as they were willing to accommodate his need for time off, but after, “many days of praying and conversation with my wife,” a position in the physical education department at Plant City High opened up this week and it was an opportunity to be closer to home that he said he could not pass up.
“I believe God had a plan and this was presented to me and my family (allowing) me to be 10 minutes from home,” he said. “…This opportunity presented itself in a time of need and we feel very blessed to have so many people to welcome us into the Plant City community.”
With a creative and unique coaching style, Pizzio turned around Leto’s program and led the Falcons to four region tournament appearances in his tenure, and two-straight state final four appearances in 2018 and 2019.
“JJ is a tremendous coach and friend,” Hillsborough County coaching legend and Leto High alum John Crumbley said. “I loved competing against his teams because I knew they would always be well-coached and to see the love that his players had for him.
“His baseball knowledge and commitment to his players, other county coaches and especially to me will always be remembered and cherished, and will surely continue to bond our friendship!”
Prior to his time at Leto he was the head coach at Middleton from 2003-05, and Seminole Presbyterian (now Cambridge Christian) from 1997-2002, where he led the Lancers to three region appearances and one final four berth.
Pizzio said he will continue to stay involved in baseball continuing to work with Plant City head coach Mark Persails’ Florida Baseball Heaven travel baseball organization and could join the Raiders staff in some capacity next spring.
He said he wanted to express gratitude to the administrators and support staff at Leto over the years, who helped him build a highly-respected baseball program in the Egypt Lake neighborhood of West Tampa.
“I have nothing but love and admiration for my colleagues and the leadership at Leto High School over the past 19 years,” Pizzio said. “From Mr. Oscar Gonzalez hiring me, to all the principals and AD’s I have worked for, all the teachers and wonderful students I have had the privilege to coach, mentor, and teach over the years. I love Leto and it’s an amazing, special place.”
Colleagues reached out after Pizzio made his announcement public Thursday evening, some messaging 813Preps, and others posting on social media.
- “Coach Pizzio was always available to help me when I started at Jefferson,” Dragons head coach Spencer Nunez said. “Any questions I asked he had the advice and answers for, and I appreciate that. He did much more than coach the game of baseball at Leto. He taught his players more about life than anything else.”
- Former Leto baseball coach Lou Llerandi posted: “Coach many are going to miss you my friend as you have been the face of the falcons for a long time and have given back to so many! You truly love the game in your players. Falcon forever.”
- Lennard High assistant coach Ronnie Rodriguez posted: “You are a credit to coaching. Your program is very successful because of you. Coach you are a winner. Good luck coach. God bless you.”
