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Marjory Stoneman Douglas State Champions from freshmen to seniors.

Head Coach Todd Fitz-Gerald calls them the “four horsemen.”

Members of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas baseball team—Rylan Lujo, Alex Rodriguez, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Niko Benestad—made history after winning the State Championship for all four years of high school.

The seniors, who are all signed to play Division 1 baseball in college, are coming off a fourth straight State Championship and have also won three National Championships in high school.

“I love them all,” Coach Fitz-Gerald said. “They were the nucleus of the team and are true winners. I couldn’t be happier for them. They will always go down in history as the greatest group of players to ever play at Douglas.”

Lujo will play at Dayton University and is the grandson of former World Series Champion Rennie Stennett. He began as a freshman and played alongside his older brother Rolando Lujo, appearing in 10 games. Rylan went on to hit over .400 during his final two years, including an astounding .453 this past season. He also hit ten home runs in the last two years and finished high school with 105 hits and 85 RBIs.

“It meant the world going out with my boys for these last four years was truly a treat,” Rylan said. “The bonds this game called baseball can create are unreal, and I Can’t believe it’s over. You simply can’t do high school baseball better than we did.”

The Four Horsemen: A Legacy of Champions at Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Niko Benestad, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Rylan Lujo and Alex Rodriguez after winning States as freshmen. {Jillian Jarboe}

Alex was on the team as a freshman and played a major role in his final two years, following in the footsteps of top big league prospect Roman Anthony. He played alongside his older cousin, Christian Rodriguez, who was a three-time state champion and National Pither of the Year, currently playing with the Florida Gators. Alex also has a younger brother and cousin who are a part of the MSD baseball team. Alex, though, anchored the leadoff spot in the order hit .339 in high school and scored 39 runs in each of his junior and senior seasons. He also stole 79 bases, hit his lone high school home run in 2023, and will play at the University of Central Florida.

“The fact that I was able to win with my brothers every year is something I will never forget,” Rodriguez said. “We set a goal every year, which is to win the state championship.”

Core 4: A Legacy of Champions at Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Rylan Lujo, Alex Rodriguez, Devin Fitz-Gerald and Niko Benestad after winning States as sophomores. {Sidney Berthiaume}

Devin, the son of Coach Fitz-Gerald and younger brother to Seattle Mariners prospect Hunter Fitz-Gerald, shined at shortstop and is signed to play at NC State. Fitz-Gerald appeared in only 19 games in his first two years of high school but went on to hit 11 home runs and 57 RBIs during his final two seasons. Devin won the MVP during his junior year during the BCAA Championship and finished high school with a .397 batting average.

“This team was so special,” Devin said. “We had had many ups and downs, but in the end, we came out on top. I am super happy to be a part of this program for these past four years.”

Rylan Lujo, Niko Benestad, Alex Rodriguez and Devin Fitz-Gerald after winning States as juniors. {Vale Sandoval}

Benestad, who has been best friends with Rylan since they were little kids, had one of the biggest hits all season for MSD. Coming into the game, having lost five of 11 games, Benestad hit a walk-off two-run home run against one of the top teams in the nation to lift MSD to a 3-2. The Eagles went on to win their final 12 games to secure their fourth title. Benestad was the BCAA MVP earlier in the season and finished his high school career with nine home runs. He hit over .300 all four years, including hitting .372 as a senior. He is signed to play at the University of South Florida.

“We all believed in one another and had each other’s back in any situation,” Benestad said. “I love my team, and I’m so happy to make history with this group.”

All four of these players will be eligible to be selected in the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. If they are picked, they will have the choice to sign or continue on to play in college.

Rylan Lujo, Niko Benestad, Alex Rodriguez and Devin Fitz-Gerald after winning states as seniors. {Vale Sandoval}

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Matt Rothman

Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student. He also works for the Mohave Valley Daily News in Bullhead City, Arizona covering high school sports.