Weber reaches milestone as Columbus baseball secures walk-off victory
Joe Weber has watched his baseball teams at Columbus come up with many dramatic victories over nearly three decades.
The Explorers delivered their longtime coach another one on Wednesday night that was memorable and special.
Senior outfielder Franklin Francisco belted a solo walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift Columbus to a 6-5 win over visiting Georgetown Prep of Maryland.
The victory lifted the Explorers to 8-2 on the season, and it was Weber’s 600th career win.
Weber tied Doral coach Ralph Suarez, who reached the mark earlier this week, for second among Miami-Dade coaches behind only former Westminster Christian coach Rich Hofman, who won 726 games while coaching the Warriors and 1,020 victories overall.
Weber, an alum of the school, has coached 27 seasons at Columbus and led the Explorers to state championships in 2003 and 2015 and three state runner-up finishes. He’s compiled a record of 600-145 during that span.
Weber also guided Columbus to the state final four in 2018 and 2021.
“I’m just so proud I’ve been able to do it all at one place,” Weber said. “I’ve gone through two presidents, five principals and one athletic director and I’m still standing. The support has been amazing or else no one makes it this long. I’ve been blessed to have some great coaches around me.”
Along the way, Weber has been at the helm at one of South Florida’s top programs at producing college and pro talent. Over 200 players have signed to play college ball under Weber’s watch and about 40 of his players have signed pro with five reaching the majors including Jon Jay, Andrew Suarez and Bryan Garcia.
This year’s group is one of the younger ones in recent memory for the Explorers, but nonetheless talented.
Francisco, a Miami-Dade College commit, is one of three seniors on the roster and the team’s top hitter this season, batting .367 with two homers and 13 RBI. First baseman Rene Ramirez, a junior and South Alabama commit, is among the top college prospects.
The Explorers figure to be in the mix once again come playoff time in a tough region that includes reigning national champion Stoneman Douglas and Taravella.
“It’s been challenging, but they’re learning and getting better and finding new ways to win each time,” Weber said. “You expect the inexperience, but you hope that by the end of the year that’s no longer there and they’re veterans by then.”
