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Over the years, driven, talented and ambitious athletes have walked through the doors of Madison County High School. Some of which, have gone on to accomplish great things. In 2004, small town boy, Jeremy Haynes walked across the stage to receive his diploma at MCHS. While he left Madison as the boy who lived down by the rec park-- he grew into a man who never gave up on his dreams and, with a combination of excellent work ethic and a lot of prayer, he went on to play baseball at the professional level. Today, he is the newest baseball coach at Florida State University and is enjoying working with talented players and coaches, and frequenting a campus that is famous for producing legends. Haynes serves as first base coach and also works to help develop the outfielders. Haynes grew up in Madison and, according to him, he lived “down by the old rec park.” Thus, from an early age, he was never too far from the field. Jeremy Haynes is the son of Shirley Haynes and the late Jerald Haynes of Madison. He has two older brothers, Isaac and Marcus Mitchell and a younger sister, Ashley Haynes. His mother, Shirley, currently works at Madison County Memorial Hospital, and his father, Jerald, passed away in 2011. Haynes refers to the couple as “praying parents,” who pushed him to work hard and never give up on his dreams. He played baseball at MCHS alongside his best friend and current Kansas City Royal, Lorenzo Cain. “We have been best friends for a long time,” said Haynes. “In fact, he was best man at my wedding, and I was best man at his-- we go way back.” After graduation, Haynes went on to attend Tallahassee Community College where he played ball for two years until he signed with the Los Angeles Angels as a pitcher in 2006. He played in their farm system for six years and made it to the Double A level with the Arkansas Travelers in 2010. Haynes worked as a baseball coach with the Jacksonville Crusaders, a travel baseball team that he created in Jacksonville before he was eventually hired at FSU. “One day I received a phone call from Mike Martin Jr. offering me the position,” said Haynes. “It was a dream come true; a week later I was in Tallahassee preparing to work among some of the best coaches and players around. I am excited to work for Head Coach Mike Martin, Sr. He has been coaching for a long time and I'll be learning from the best there is.” When asked why he decided to coach baseball, Haynes didn't hesitate to respond. “After I retired from playing baseball, I knew I wanted to still be a part of the game I love,” said Haynes. “Coaching is also an opportunity to give back and help players become the best they can be.” Perhaps Haynes learned how to be a good coach from his family-- he is no stranger to a strong support system. “I have a great family and a praying mom and dad who pushed me to be the best I could be,” said Haynes. He has also started a family of his own-- wife, Tonia, and seven-week-old daughter, Kadence Faith are Haynes' biggest fans. Haynes is an example of what hard work and big dreams can do. He never let go of his dreams and now he is working among the best in the industry. Haynes had some inspiring words of wisdom for the youth of Madison County: “I want them to know that it can happen-- dreams do come true. You have all seen it happen with me and also with Lorenzo Cain, who just played with the Kansas City Royals in the World Series. I challenge Madison's kids to keep dreaming and work hard. It isn't impossible.” Alright young people, you heard Coach Haynes. Your dreams are important. Now go out and do great things. This writer will be waiting to put you on front page.