Community Holds a Dedication Ceremony for the Don Pranzo Field, Named After Beloved Former Coach
Following a March 2024 resolution by the Miller Place School District Board of Education, the Miller Place High School Varsity Baseball Field has been renamed Don Pranzo Field, in honor of the legendary former Miller Place baseball coach who launched the district’s first athletic program in 1969. Recently, the District community gathered for a dedication ceremony, during which Mr. Pranzo shared words of inspiration to the current varsity baseball team.
“As a District and a community, we are honored to recognize the impact Mr. Pranzo has had on our athletic program,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “As a pioneer for athletics in Miller Place, Mr. Pranzo coached and mentored so many athletes during his time as coach of the varsity baseball team. His determination and dedication paved the way for our future successes and established Miller Place as a baseball powerhouse in Suffolk County. It was a pleasure to have him back for the dedication ceremony. He shared his wisdom and insight before generations of Miller Place athletes. His legacy will live on forever in our community.”
Mr. Pranzo started his career at Miller Place in 1955 when Miller Place was a K-8 school district and during his time here he coached twelve different sports at the junior high level, became the first Athletic Administrator for the Miller Place School District in 1969, and served as the first coach of the varsity baseball team for 20 years. He coached the team starting in the early 1970s through 1989 and again from 2003 through 2006. Under his leadership, the team won seven league titles, two county championships, one Long Island championship, and finished second in the state in 1985. Mr. Pranzo was also named Coach of the Year seven times for his unwavering dedication and coaching successes.
For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.
