ORLANDO, FLA – First one there. Last one to leave. Coaches love preaching that to their players.

Bishop Moore Head Baseball Coach Tony Mehlich leads by example. He’s the first one at the field hours before a Saturday afternoon junior varsity game.

“Black and gold looks good on everyone,” Mehlich jokes. “I fell in love with baseball on and off the field and really it was Bishop Moore Catholic High School that did that for me.”

Love was discovered during his high school days with the Hornets. Less than two decades later he’s leading his alma mater.

“He’s a fantastic baseball coach,” Tony’s wife Nichole said. “When it came open he really wanted the head job. It’s not just coaching for him. It’s the home base and the family he has here with everyone at Bishop Moore.”

Mehlich’s at the helm for a sixth season. He’s won a district title every year, claimed three region crowns and made as many trips to the state semifinals with one-runner up appearance in 2017.

“Trust me I like winning more than I like losing but the result isn’t the most important thing,” Mehlich said. “A kid makes an error, it’s not an opportunity to get upset with him. It’s an opportunity to put my arm around him. I’m still in their corner.”

Faithful with no exception. That held true when his own home team faced their toughest out. During the summer of 2011, Tony and Nichole were expecting their first child; a baby boy. A sonogram indicated a minor kidney issue. Upon further examination at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, a more severe issue resided in a different area.

“The moment we found out and the doctors walked out of the room, he snaps into place okay what are we going to do? What’s our next move,” Nichole said?

Tony and Nichole’s baby developed a heart defect known as right hypo-plastic heart syndrome.

“He actually ended up having a hole in his heart that allowed him to get more oxygen than he should have,” Nichole said. “It was very unknown and it was very overwhelming. It was really scary.”

For three months, Tony and Nichole anxiously waited. September 8, 2011, Mason Mehlich entered the world.

“I remember when he came out we were expecting blue, blue, blue,” Tony said. “He came out so pink and so beautiful. That was kind of the first moment I knew this kid was going to be special.”

A month later, Mason underwent his first of three major surgeries. The initial operation is the most critical with the highest risk for patients with hypo-plastic heart syndrome. There was a chance Mason would never properly speak, eat or walk.

“It was scary that I had felt true love, family for the first time in three weeks,” Tony said. “Now we’re going through something where we may not see him in that role as our loving, smiling beautiful pink son.”

Eight years, three surgeries later, Mason Mehlich is a healthy, happy little boy.

He refers to his heart condition as his “boo boo.” When asked about his heart condition, he says “my parents think I’m cute.”

Tony, Nichole, Mason and three-year-old son Maddux have moved past their darkest period as a family.

“It’s two different worlds,” Nichole said. “What he was back then and what we had to go through and seeing him now, he’s so strong. He’s amazing and I love him so much.”

For a coach not too concerned with his record, Tony will celebrate Mason’s life as the biggest win possible.

“He wins everyday and he’s so happy. He’s so proud. That’s the most important thing for me as a dad.”