While many are waiting to hear the major reason why Ray Evans has always been successful as a baseball coach, you may sit there for a long time and never hear what you want.

The Flanagan High coach wins because of the way the approaches the game. It’s that simple, and it’s a formula he has used as a player and as a coach that has blazed the way for two state titles and tremendous success that has crossed over to a pair of counties and two wonderful decades.

While he is best known for bringing the Falcons two state titles and a shot at a third crown, Evans will tell you that the sport will only give you what you put into it, and at Miami Beach, Miami’s Dr. Krop and with Flanagan, this feisty, but very organized coach has sacrificed.

“You win because you develop talent, are always prepared and will get the most out of what you have to work with,” said Evans, who once again has his team in the mix for a playoff this season. “I have been taught plenty throughout my career, but it’s what you apply that ends up separating you from the rest of the pack.”

While many look at Evans as brash and overconfident, this gifted baseball mind laughs off any criticism. He knows that when you organize and teach, you have a far greater chance of succeeding than failing. It’s a formula that has worked for him at every stop.

Recently, as his team dropped a tough one-run game to powerhouse Nova, Evans reflected on his successes, fully understanding that along the way there have been people who have contributed to winning districts, regionals and state titles.

“We sat on this field over a decade ago with a team that had no businesses being here and gave Nova its best game of the year,” Evans remembered. “That was a Dr. Krop team in its first year at the varsity level and we lost 5-3. That was a perfect example of buying into the system and what we do.”

Very little has changed since then. Evans and his teams have been in the playoff mix all six years he has been at Flanagan, and this year, with a younger team, he knows that his Falcons could very well be standing on the podium again!

Watch a Flanagan-coached team and you are amazed at how professional the Falcons look. From infield practice to things that happen in the game, Evans and assistant coaches Eric Cruz, Howard Stein, Noel Figueroa and Pete Greenwood are one step ahead - of everyone.

“You only accomplish great things in this sport because of what your assistant coaches do,” Evans said. “I have been around these guys since we started, so there are no questions. We move like clockwork and that is truly the recipe for success.”

While he has watched many former players move on to college and professional ball, Evan knows that the formula will continue to produce positive results - even if you do have nine seniors, five juniors, three sophomores and a freshman, who happens to play a key role in your lineup.

Pitcher Diego Delgado leads a seniors class that also includes catcher Carlos Delgado, designated hitter Justin Frias, outfielder Zach Jackson, pitcher/infielder Andres Ortegano, pitchers David Thomas and Mark Peterson, first baseman Daniel Rojo-Campos and infielder Ryan Smith.

The junior class boasts catcher Corey Janson, pitcher/infielder Pichi Torres, outfielder/pitcher Adam Quiles, infielder David Gonzalez and outfielder Geoffrey Jiminez.

Starting shortstop Ricardo Santiago is one of the sophomores the Falcons believe will be something special. He is joined by pitcher Keil Conway, infielder Matthew Figueroa, and gifted freshman Nicholas Basto.

There are also Ryan Lozada and Robert Collin.

“We have some very good upperclassmen,” said Evans. “But we also rely on some quality young kids as well. That’s what will keep this program moving in the right direction for years to come.”

Evans has never kept this program a secret. He has taken his team all over the country in the past. On a recent spring break trip to South Carolina, the Falcons and their many saw how other states view a team so well prepared. The support that Flanagan has at home and on the road was impressive to those from other areas.

Flanagan took home the team title!

“We have a tremendous parental and student following,” Evans said. “That support system really helps make this program go - in a very positive way!”

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).