- May 21, 2024
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Spruce Creek catcher Cody Duke has committed to Florida Southern to play college baseball. Photo by Casey Bell
Cody Duke takes a swing during a game last season. Photo by Casey Bell
Cody Duke attempts to block a ball in the dirt. Head coach Johnny Goodrich has called him the best defensive catcher in the Spruce Creek history. Photo by Casey Bell
Cody Duke’s baseball journey began in his backyard when he was 3 years old.
He has played catch with his dad since before he could remember, and now he’s grown from a little tyke throwing around a ball to a young man preparing for his future. Duke, a catcher, has officially committed to Florida Southern to play college baseball.
“My family and coaches have all helped me out along the way, and I owe it all to them,” Duke said.
Duke has had to work hard to achieve success. Head coach Johnny Goodrich said that during Duke's underclassman years he spent a lot of time in the bullpen and had to learn by watching his older teammates.
With patience and a good attitude, Duke has now ascended to a level he has always dreamed of, but it’s something Goodrich said doesn’t surprise him.
“He relished sitting in the bullpen and didn’t get a whole lot of action. Versus crying and moping and having a bad attitude, he got better,” Goodrich said. “Because of that, hands down he’s the best defensive catcher we’ve ever had at Spruce Creek.”
As a result, Goodrich says Spruce Creek pitchers feel extra comfortable when Duke is behind the plate.
In addition to his talents on the field, Duke also sports a 4.0 GPA and is a full Bright Futures qualifier.
“I love being able to help my team out in some of the toughest spots,” Duke said. “Florida Southern had the biology program that I wanted, and it felt like a home away from home.”
Duke is planning on becoming a doctor one day, so baseball is a stepping stone for him to something more.
Duke joins Hunter Fornari as Spruce Creek baseball players who have committed to play at the next level in the last month.
“It’s huge because when you commit. It’s a relief,” Duke said. “Having Hunter and I committed, we’re going to be really relieved about our futures, and we can really focus on the task at hand, which is winning as many ballgames as we can when the season starts.”
