LONGWOOD, FL - The Florida League would like to congratulate Diego Garcia of the DeLand Suns as the 2020 David Eckstein Sportsmanship Award Winner. Garcia is a refugee from Venezuela and attends Pasco Hernando State College.

Diego gives it his all when he’s behind the plate and can always be counted on. During a two week period this summer, Diego was asked to catch nearly every game while the Suns were down a catcher, including a doubleheader.

If that doesn’t tell you about his desire to play, we’ll tell you about a time in Leesburg where he dove for a ball behind third base, hindering his left shoulder for a bit. Refusing to come out of the game, the very next play he threw out a runner going to second after an over throw at first.

“He’s Mr Hustle. I guess if anyone knows how David Eckstein plays, it’s me since I was his high school coach” said DeLand Suns Coach, Mike Powers.

“He shows all the qualities of the awards namesake.”