Blowfish Special 5-21-15

BLOWFISH

Lexington County

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Inaugural Season Guide

Blowfish Baseball

Quackenbush Architects + Planners rendering of the new Blowfish Stadium.

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2015 SCHEDULE

2015 TENTATIVE ROSTER

2015 BLOWFISH BASEBALL SCHEDULE

Sun

Mon

MAY/JUNE 31

HS 8

FL

14

Sun

28

FL 9

Wed

27

Thu

28

GA

GA

3

4

GA

FL

10

11

Fri

30 Number Name

29

MV

FA 5

AS

6

AS

12

13

MV

FC

FL

HT

GA 18

19

20

PT

PN

WS

FC

FC

HT

16

22

23

FL

FL

Mon

Tue

17

24

Wed

30

1

FC

GA

FC

6

12

13

19

20

FA

All-Star All-Star Fan Fest Game

GA

7

GA

2

Thu

FC

8

MV

Fri

3

USC Alumni

FL

FL

HT

FL

ED

JULY

through 15 Western5 Michigan University

Jr.

South Haven, MI

6'2''

215

RHP

R/R

Nathan Bond

Bethune-Cookman

Jr.

Orlando, FL

6'2"

200

OF

S/R

Trevor Bradley

USC Aiken

Jr.

Lexington, SC

6'0''

190

SS/RHP

R/R

Banks Cromer

University of South Carolina

Fr.

Columbia, SC

6'4''

170

LHP

L/L

Canaan Cropper

University of South Carolina

Fr.

Salisbury, MD

6'0"

175

RHP/OF R/R

JD Crowe

Francis Marion

RS-Jr.

Birmingham, AL

6'0"

215

C/3B

L/R

Augusta, GA

6'1''

175

IF/OF

R/R

Palatka, FL

6'0''

194

OF

L/R

Suwannee, GA

6'3''

190

3B/SS

L/R

FL Gabe Berman

PN - Peninsula Jr. LC - Lexington FL - Florence Southern University Spencer Duffie County Georgia

Austin Garcia

Bethune-Cookman

So.

LaBelle, FL

6'0"

220

1B/3B

R/R

Avery Greer

University of North Georgia

RS-Fr.

Acworth, GA

6'4"

205

RHP

R/R

Blake Hamilton

University of Georgia

Fr.

Ringgold, GA

6'3"

205

RHP

R/R

Fr.

Margate, FL

6'1''

218

RHP

R/R

Jr.

Grand Rapids, MI 6'2''

190

2B/SS

L/R

Jr.

North Augusta

6'2"

195

RHP

R/R

So.

Lexington, SC

6'3"

265

RHP

R/R

25

University of Central Florida Lexington County Baseball Stadium Kurt Hoekstra Western Michigan 474 Ballpark Rd. University Lexington, SC 29072 USC-Aiken Trevor Hutto (803) 254-FISH Nick Jobst USC- Aiken Eric Hepple

Howard Joe

Mercer University

RS-So.

Dunwoody, GA

6'3''

220

1B/OF

R/R

Elliot Lance

Wofford

So.

Lexington, SC

6'1"

185

RHP

R/R

Chas McCormick

Millersville University

So.

West Chester, PA

6'0"

180

OF/LHP

R/L

Sean Miller

USC-Aiken

Jr.

Crofton, MD

5'11"

170

SS

R/R

Jarren Pinkney

Northwest Florida State College

Fr.

Lake Worth, FL

6'1''

210

OF

R/R

Madison Stokes

University of South Carolina

Fr.

Winnsboro, SC

6'3"

202

3B/SS/2B R/R

Brett Sunde

Western Michigan University

Jr.

Royal Oak, MI

6'0''

195

C

R/R

Jared Williams

University of South Carolina

Fr.

Gilbert, SC

5'10''

188

2B/OF

R/R

* Domineke Albert Blowfish Baseball Bryan NickCollege Wood

Jr. Columbia, SC Oral Roberts University

5'10" RS-Jr.

200 C/OF CA R/R Los Alamitos, 6'3"

225

RHP

L/R

* Tyler Asbill

Jr. Lexington, SC BryanRSCollege

5'9" Jr.

165 OFSC Columbia,

L/R 5'10"

200

C/OF

R/R

6'0" IF/SC RHP RSJr. 180 Lexington,

R/R 5'9"

165

OF

L/R

6'2" RHP RSSo. 210 Lexington, SC

R/R 6'0"

180

IF/ RHP

R/R

6'6" Fr.

225 RHP Lexington, SC

R/R 6'2"

210

RHP

R/R

6'5" Fr.

230 1B/OF Charleston, SC

L/R 6'6"

225

RHP

R/R

1

1

HT

FLFL FC FC

R/R

AS

BASEBALL SCHEDULE

HT

3

2B/SS

R/R

H BASEBALL SCHEDULE 3

185

OF

FL

MV

5'11"

185

GA

31

Fairburn, GA

th

th

5'10"

AS

30

So.

FC

Miami Lakes, FL

FC

29

University of Georgia

Michael Bell

Jr.

FA

28

Bats/Throws

Charleston Southern

FL

24

27

Height Weight Positions

Sly Edwards

Sat

23

26

Hometown

11

4

18

WM MH

HT

Year

3

HS - Holly Springs PT - Petersburg HPThomasville HT-Florida GA - Gastonia University of Central So. MH - Morehead WM - Wilmington MV - Martinsville Mercer University WS - Wilson So.

17

FA

1

School

AS - Asheboro ED -Duty Edenton Dalton FA - Fayetteville FC -Edgeworth Forest City Danny

16

FL FL

FA

10

15

22

27

9

14

21

26

FL

29

5

25

* Temporary Contract ^ Disabled List

Sat

FL

15

21

26

2

1

7

Tue

th

th

5 ththrough 15 th 5 through 15

Blowfish Baseball

Winthrop University * Domineke Albert

* Colie Bowers USCSumter RS- University So. Lexington, SC * Tyler Asbill Winthrop Peninsula PN -- Peninsula - Lexington County FLFL- Florence - Florence PN LC LC - Lexington County http://www.blowfishbaseball.com/blowfish.asp?PageID=23&categoryID=[5/18/2015 10:08:41 AM] *Springs Reece Burnett Methodist Petersburg Spartanburg PT -- Petersburg - Asheboro - HollySprings PT * Colie Bowers USC- Fr. Sumter Lexington, SC AS -ASAsheboro HSHS- Holly HPThomasville HT ED Edenton Gastonia GA HT- HPThomasville ED - Edenton GA - Gastonia * Tyler Kimbrell Methodist Fr. Charleston, SC Wilmington Spartanburg WM -- Wilmington - Fayetteville - Morehead MH- Morehead * Reece Burnett Spartanburg Methodist WM FA -FAFayetteville MH WS - Wilson FC - Forest City MV - Martinsville WS Wilson FC - Forest City MV - Martinsville * Carson Mac McCurdy FlorenceFr. Lexington, SC * Tyler Darlington Kimbrell Tech Spartanburg Methodist * Timothy Naughton

North Carolina University Fr. Darlington Goldsboro, * Carson MacState McCurdy FlorenceTech SC

6'3" Fr.

185 RHP Lexington, SC

R/R 6'5"

230

1B/OF

L/R

* Zachary Paquette

Francis Marion University North RSFr. Lexington, SC * Timothy Naughton Carolina State University

6'0" Fr.

215 OF NC Goldsboro,

L/R 6'3"

185

RHP

R/R

* Mitchell Price

USC-Lancaster * Zachary Paquette

So.Marion Columbia, Francis University SC

6'1" OFSC RSFr. 186 Lexington,

S/R 6'0"

215

OF

L/R

* Ricky Rice

Bryan College * Mitchell Price

Jr. Union, SC USC-Lancaster

5'10" So.

185 LHP Columbia, SC

L/L 6'1"

186

OF

S/R

Francis Marion * Ricky Rice University BryanFr. College Florence, SC

6'0" Jr.

185 OF/P Union, SC

R/R 5'10"

185

LHP

L/L

Spartanburg * Matthew Methodist Wilson

So.Marion Lancaster, Francis University SC

6'6" Fr.

215 Florence,LHP SC

R/L 6'0"

185

OF/P

R/R

Lander * CD University Pelham

So. Chapin, SC Spartanburg Methodist

6'2" So.

210 RHP Lancaster, SC

R/R 6'6"

215

LHP

R/L

* Michael Gilroy

Winthrop University * Brandon White

RS-Sr. Columbia, SC Lander University

6'0" So.

175 Chapin, LHP SC

L/L 6'2"

210

RHP

R/R

* Erik Davis

USC - Aiken Gilroy * Michael

Jr. University Black Creek, GA RS-Sr. 6'2" Winthrop

210 LHP Columbia, SC

L/L 6'0"

175

LHP

L/L

* Kyle Bailey

Anderson University * Erik Davis

USC -RS-Jr. Aiken

6'2" Jr.

185 2B/SSGA R/R Black Creek, 6'2"

210

LHP

L/L

Lexington County Baseball Stadium * Matthew Wilson 474 Ballpark Rd. Stadium Lexington County Baseball CD Pelham Lexington, SC*Rd. 29072 474 Ballpark (803) 254-FISH Lexington, SC *29072 Brandon White

(803) 254-FISH

Keep up with the Blowfish at www.LexingtonChronicle.com

Grayson, GA

* Kyle Bailey

Anderson University

RS-Jr.

Grayson, GA

6'2"

185

2B/SS

R/R

*Tripp Hansen

Lenoir Community College

Fr.

Pelion, SC

6'1"

185

1B/3B/P

R/R

Head Coach: Jonathan Johnson Tentative roster: Subject to change depending Assistant Coach: Jason Bell on a player's status due to his college's Assistant Coach/Camps Director: Matt Bedenbaugh Head Coach: Jonathan Johnson conference and NCAA playoff picture.

Volunteer Assistant Coach: Troy Hoard Assistant Coach: Jason Bell Assistant Coach/Camps Director: Matt Bedenbaugh Volunteer Assistant Coach: Troy Hoard

Chronicle LEXINGTON COUNT Y

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

AND

The Dispatch-News SINCE 1870

2 |Lexington County Blowfish Season Guide |Thursday, May 21, 2015

Welcome to the Blowfish from Lexington County

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News | Lake Murray Fish Wrapper | www.lexingtonchronicle.com

Lexington lands Blowfish, stadium planned

BY HAL MILLARD Reprinted from July 31, 2014 Lexington County Chronicle

“It is with great pleasure that I, on behalf of the Lexington County Council, welcome Bill and Vicki Shanahan and the entire Blowfish baseball organization.

We are excited to be the home of the Lexington County Blowfish and eagerly anticipate their inaugural season in the new Ballpark Road stadium.”

Johnny W. Jeffcoat Chairman, County Council

“On behalf of the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission board of commissioners and staff, I would like to welcome Bill and Vicki Shanahan back to Lexington County. The Commission is excited to be a part of growing the sport of baseball in our community and making the Blowfish Lexington County’s team.”

Larry Mack Chairman, County Recreation & Aging Commission

Lexington’s quest to become a baseball Mecca took a big step this week.

The Columbia Blowfish is changing its name to the Lexington County Blowfish and moving to Lexington, owner Bill Shanahan said.

Shanahan signed a lease with the county Recreation & Aging Commission to play home games starting in 2015 at a new $3 million, 3,000-seat ballpark at the old Wildcat Hollow on Ballpark Road in Lexington.

At a news conference Tuesday, Shanahan said the park is across from the Lexington Dixie Youth Sports Complex, where the 2014 and 2015 Dixie Youth World Series will be played.

Shanahan thanked Randy Gibson and Larry Mack of the recreation commission and County Council Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat for their encouragement.

“Lexington County is continuously developing ways to improve our community through sports and recreation, and this is another giant step in achieving that goal,” Gibson said.

The park will be on 15 of Wildcat Hollow’s 20 acres.

Architect Doug Quakenbush whose firm planned and designed it said home plate will be behind the former north end zone.

He said the ballpark is designed to maximize baseball fans’ experience.

“We want them to bring their families,” he said.

The ballpark’s cost is part of a $23 million bond for sports facilities County Council unanimously approved last year.

The bond will cost property owners $4 a year for every $100,000 of a home’s assessed value and $6 for every $100,000 in value in vehicles and businesses.

The park will include an expanded concourse,

bowl seating, Wrigley Field style box seats, a right-field berm, left-field lawn seating and an air conditioned hospitality club.

In addition to hosting the Blowfish, the stateof-the-art complex will be available for collegiate and high school baseball championships, camps, tournaments, concerts and other events.

Construction is scheduled to start this fall, and is expected to be completed before the 2015 season.

The Blowfish will play their last regular season home game at Capital City Stadium July 31.

Lexington County Stadium by the numbers • Cost: $3 million • Seating 3,000 • Size: 15 acres • Place: Wildcat Hollow Ballpark Road, Lexington • Team: Lexington County Blowfish

New Blowfish ballpark will rival all in Coastal Plain League Quackenbush and Robin Fisher of Quackenbursh Architects & Planners designed the 3,000-seat, $3 million baseball stadium for the Lexington County Recreation & Aging CommisBill Shanahan is sion which is leasing it to the Blowproud of the Blowfish fish. ballpark plan.

Construction is to start this fall and “We will be the newthe park is to be ready for the 2015 est and best in the season.

Coastal Plain League,” Quackenbush has experience with he said. ballpark designs.

Shanahan is a 30-year His firm designed the new Univerbaseball man and ownsity of South Carolina Softball Staer of the to-be-newly dium which seats 1,400. named Lexington CounAt a news conference Tuesday, Shaty Blowfish baseball nahan introduced his wife and partteam. ner Vicki, his general manager Kelly He said Tuesday that Evans and head coach Jonathon the team will open its Johnson, who coached at Dutch Fork 2015 season at the old High.

Wildcat Hollow stadiShanahan said one of the best um on Ballpark Road in things about the Coastal Plain Lexington.

League is that “we get to recruit the Photo by Thomas Grant Jr. | Chronicle Shanahan and archiplayers.” tect Doug Quackenbush Additional seating placed near the remaining bleacher section of the former Wildcat The team is made up of college said the park will have Hollow at the new Lexington Blowfish Stadium. players who want to hone their basea lot of Major League ball skills and gain experience using characteristics. wooden bats like those used in Major League Baseball.

The right field depth will be the same as Fenway Park, home of the Bos“If we were a minor league team for a major league club,” Shanahan ton Red Sox, Shanahan said. said, “we would have to take what they send us.”

The center field will be the depth of Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago For more information, visit www.blowfishbaseball.com.

Cubs, and the left field the depth of Yankee Stadium.

BY JERRY BELLUNE Reprinted from July 31, 2014 Lexington County Chronicle

I’m always available to serve you As your member of the House of Representatives in Columbia, it is my honor and privilege to represent you in District 88 in Lexington County, Please feel welcome to contact me with any of your concerns.

I’m pleased to sponsor this special Lexington County Blowfish Inaugural Season Guide. I congratulate the Lexington County Blowfish and everyone who worked hard to help bring them here.

Please call me for help.

State Rep. Mac Toole Republican - District 88 323C Blatt Bldg., Columbia 29201 (803) 734-2973

Welcome Lexington County Blowfish to the Town of Lexington.

Good Luck in your inaugural season at Lexington County Stadium!

Play Ball!

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News | Lake Murray Fish Wrapper | www.lexingtonchronicle.com

Lexington County Blowfish Season Guide |Thursday, May 21, 2015 | 3

New stadium seen as major economic boost photo by Jerry bellune | chronicle

Lexington County Blowfish co-owners Vicki and Bill (right) Shanahan cut the ribbon during a December ceremony for the opening of the new club office at 101 East Main St. in Lexington. Standing with the Shanahans (starting from left) are Blowie the mascot, Randy Halfacre, President of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and Johnny Jeffcoat, Chairman of the Lexington County Council.

By THOMAS GRANT JR. Reprinted from May 7, 2015 Lexington County Chronicle

It’s ‘Seventh Inning Stretch’ time for Lexington County Blowfish baseball.

With the May 27 home opener against Gastonia now just three weeks away, construction at the new stadium is entering the final stages. The team recently laid down the field turf and are putting the finishing touches on the concession stands, conference building and outfield fences.

“I think we’re ready,” co-owner Bill Shanahan said. “We’ve got (20) days until Opening Day. So many things are already complete. We’ve got some fencing to do...and the scoreboard and the backstop netting. But from that, we’ve got grass on the field and our head coach (Jonathan Johnson) is ready to play baseball today if he could.”

For Blowfish head coach Jonathan Johnson, the anticipation to a new season grows greater by the day.

“Now that the sod’s going down, everything is coming together,” he said.

“The last thing is going to be putting the fences up and just seeing the warning track down. It’s beautiful. I’m just excited about getting out here and really 26 days until our first game. So not much time left until we’re out here playing some live action.”

Shanahan believes fans will be proud of the team and the $3 million fa-

cility. With its “intimate,” “warm” and “friendly” atmosphere”, the stadium can potentially become an effective recruiter for players and leagues.

In fact, the Lexington County Recreational and Aging Commission is counting on that in its bid for two college tournaments. During the April 30 media event, commission assistant athletics director B.J. Belleville said bids have been placed for both the Big South tournament from 2016-18 and the Conference Carolinas college tournament.

The Big South features in-state Division teams Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Winthrop and Presbyterian, while Conference Carolinas is Division II with Erskine, Limestone, Southern Wesleyan and North Greenville.

Along with baseball, Lexington County officials plan to make the facility available year round for companies and leagues.

“This is what this stadium was built for,” Shanahan said. “For the Blowfish and to build year round events to bring more tourist dollars to spend in our restaurants, to go and spend nights at our hotels right here in Lexington County. The Lexington County Council and all of the citizens, a lot of applause and praise for this vision.”

Individual opening day tickets are now on sale for the reserved grandstand section and general admission seating area. Tickets are available by calling the box office at (803) 254-FISH, visiting the main office at 101 East Main Street in Lexington or online at www.blowfishbaseball.com.

HOME-OPENER TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE

“No one loves baseball more than Lexington County. With the Dixie Youth World Series and our high school teams, we have talent waiting to be tapped.

Hats off to Bill and Vicki Shanahan and the Lexington County Blowfish.”

Katrina Shealy State Senator

“You’ve hit a home run by coming to the finest county in beautiful South Carolina. Our family is excited to spend time at the ballpark, enjoying games and cheering for the Blowfish.”

Kenny Bingham State Representative

“Congratulations to the Lexington County Blowfish and the local officials who worked hard to help bring them here.”

Mac Toole State Representative

Welcome to the Blowfish Welcome to Lexington County!

You've hit a home run by coming to the finest county in the beautiful State of South Carolina.

You’ve chosen a wonderful place to call home.

Our family is excited to spend time at the ballpark, enjoying games and cheering the Blowfish on to great success.

ng, 10

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Thom

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Congratul ations and welcome to Lexingt on County – play ball !

District 26 Nikki Setzler

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6

No one loves Baseball more than Lexington County! We are so excited to have the Blowfish coming to Lexington and the opening Game on May 27th.

With the Dixie Youth World Series held in Lexington last year and looking forward to it again next year and all of the great High School Teams we have in the county we have so much talent just waiting to be tapped.

What better example than to have Bill and Vicki Shanahan and the Lexington County Blowfish right here for our youth to enjoy, grow and aspire to be part of their future. Hats off to Bill and Vicki and all you do and for making Lexington home!

We are looking forward to a great future together. Now let’s play ball!!

Senator Katrina Shealy Lexington District 23

4 |Lexington County Blowfish Season Guide |Thursday, May 21, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News | Lake Murray Fish Wrapper | www.lexingtonchronicle.com

“Congratulations to Bill and Vicki Shanahan and their Lexngton County Blowfish collegiate team coaches and players. Welcome to Lexington County.

Nikki Setzler State Senator

“As a baseball fanatic, I really enjoy watching the Blowfish play. I am pleased that the team will remain in the Midlands. Under Bill Shanahan’s continued leadership, it will be an asset to Lexington County.”

John Courson S.C. Senator

“I am positive the Blowfish will be well received and supported by Lexington County and wish them much success in the years to come.”

Ronnie Cromer State Senator

Photo courtesy of the Lexington County Blowfish

On May 30, the Lexington County Blowfish will play in special Lake Murray Blowfish jerseys which fans will have an opportunity to make bids.

Blowfish to hold various special nights for fans

By THOMAS GRANT JR. Reprint from April 30, 2015 Lexington County Chronicle

The season opens May 26 against Florence, but the Lexington County Blowfish are optimistic about the completion of the new ballpark.

During a Feb. 25 media luncheon, owner Bill Shanahan provided an update on construction and upcoming events.

“MAR Construction (of Lexington) is handling the building of the stadium and they’re doing a super job,” he said. “The weather’s held us back a little bit. But ultimately, it’s suppose to be done in the beginning of May. So in a few weeks, get ready for the Blowfish season and here we go.”

Shanahan also announced the Blowish will be sporting a special “Lake Murray Baseball” jersey May 30.

The jersey will feature a “Lake Murray Blowfish” across the chest and an aerial view of the lake and the dam with the slogan “Jewel of South Carolina” on the back. On the day of the game, fans will have the opportunity to bid on their favorite player’s jersey in a “Jersey Off Their Back” silent auction.

The highest bids will be announced in the post-game ceremonies, and the winners will meet their player on the field to receive the jersey in person.

“The jewel of South Carolina is Lake Murray and we’re all about promoting Lexington County,” Shanahan said. “What better way to kick off the baseball stadium at our new ballpark than honor and showcase that jewel of South Carolina at the green diamond jewel of Lexington County Baseball Stadium.

“It should be exciting. The Blowfish players will be excited to be wearing these one of a kind themed Lake Murray Blowfish jerseys. At the same time, we’ll be raising money for a great cause – that’s to help the Lake Murray Independence Day fireworks show.”

The Blowfish have also released its nightly themes for the 2015 season. On opening night, rally towels will be given to the first 1,000 fans when they donate canned food items toward the night’s “Non Profit of the Night” Harvest Hope Food Bank.

Wednesdays are also “Ladies Night” and the first 500 women will receive a “Beauty Bag” courtesy of Mary Kay. The Blowfish are also bringing back fan favorites from previous years including “Frozen Night-Part Two” (June 13), “Super Hero Nights” (May 29) and USC Alumni Night (July 3).

The popular “Play Catch with the Blowfish”, where children 12 and under can play catch with the players, will take place every Saturday and the ever popular “Thirsty Thursday” also makes its return to Blowfish Baseball.

! h s i f w o l B , s t gn ra

Co

HOUSE DESTRICT 96

KIT SPIRES

Welcome to Lexi ng

ton, Blowfish!

James W. Denny, DMD www.jamesdennydmd.com

1197-B North Lake Drive

(803)358-2211

To Bill and Vicki Shanahan and their Lexington County Blowfish collegiate baseball team, welcome to Lexington County!

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News | Lake Murray Fish Wrapper | www.lexingtonchronicle.com

Lexington County Blowfish Season Guide |Thursday, May 21, 2015 | 5

Quackenbush Architects rendering of the new Blowfish stadium club area.

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

By May 7, workers had installed field turf at the new Lexington County Blowfish stadium and were touching up the outfield area.

The Sports Grouch

I

Sound values

have a lot to grouch about these days.

But there are rays of hope.

It was refreshing to hear Lexington County Blowfish owners Bill and Vicki Shanahan talk about their values in managing a collegiate baseball team.

Bill spoke about this to the S.C. Christian Chamber of Commerce recently in a moving testimonial.

The Shanahans had lived in the Oak Grove section years ago and loved it.

Their children attended Oak Grove Elementary school. They didn’t wanted to leave our county.

I know how they feel. You may feel the same way, too.

This is the best place in the world to raise children and put down roots.

But that wasn’t in God’s plan for Bill and Vicki.

The owners of the Columbia Mets minor league team they managed wanted them to build a new baseball stadium in Mobile, Ala. So they packed up and moved to Alabama.

Hank Aaron Stadium

The stadium was to be named for home

run king Hank Aaron, a native of Mobile.

That was one of God’s tests for Bill.

Bill grew up in San Francisco where one of his heroes, another Alabama native, Hall of Famer Willie Mays, played for the Giants.

Mays shares the record of being chosen for 24 All-Star Games, a record shared with Hank Aaron and Stan Musial. He won a record-tying 12 Gold Gloves and hit 660 big league home runs.

Aaron, who spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves, held the big league record for 755 career home runs for 33 years, and still holds several records.

He hit 24 or more home runs every year from 1955 through 1973. He is the only player to hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least 15 times.

Aaron changed Bill’s mind after they met.

Now he’s become a big Hank Aaron fan and proud of the stadium they built bearing his name.

A new challenge

The last stadium Shanahan was involved in building was $8 million before he and his wife moved the Blowfish to Lexington.

Now they are building a $3 million stadium on Ballpark Road that will have many features of more expensive stadiums.

That includes Fenway Park-style seats, dimensions of famous fields like Yankee Stadium, a wiffle ball park for kids and left field Home Run Hill where the fence is only 4-feet high.

Bill and Vicki believe God brought them back to Lexington County.

That’s a feeling we share.

Want to comment?

Write SportsGrouch@aol.com

PHOTO BY JERRY BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Lexington County Blowfish co-owners Vicki and Bill Shanahan sit on a bench designated for the new stadium.

Blowfish make new front office additions Special to the Chronicle

The Lexington County Blowfish Baseball Club is pleased to announce the addition of Josh Howe, Director of Business Development, and Jordan Kuhns, Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations to the team.

Howe, a graduate of Tennessee Tech University, joins the Blowfish after serving in the Marine Corps for seven years. He served tours of duty in Afghanistan and Africa.

Kuhns joins the team after spending the 2014-15 season at ESPN Williamsport as the voice of Misericordia University’s football and basketball teams.

Kuhns started his broadcasting career at his alma mater, Millersville University.

Kuhns served as a broadcaster for the Marauder Sports Broadcasting Network for four seasons.

Fans can listen to game broadcasts on Z93.1 FM “The Lake” or via the CPL Webpass on May 26 at 7:05 p.m.

6 |Lexington County Blowfish Season Guide |Thursday, May 21, 2015

Welcome to the Blowfish

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News | Lake Murray Fish Wrapper | www.lexingtonchronicle.com

Former Dutch Fork coach now leading Blowfish Through Sosa, Johnny was made aware of the love for baseball, the extreme poverty of the country and At the end of the incredible platform it Blowfish 2012 Coastprovided for ministry. Johnal Plain League ny called his son and reChampionship seaquested baseball equipment son, team owner Bill to be sent to Cuba. The next Shanahan was left to day Johnson and his teamsearch for a new mates, including 2011 CY head coach.

Young Winner R.A. Dickey, With USC Gameshipped $5,000 worth of cock great and the equipment. former third base“To see my teammates man for the Minnepour out generosity when sota Twins, Brian we presented a need was Buscher, stepping unbelievable,” Johnson said. down as head coach “I think that was the moof the Coastal Plain ment that I realized my callLeague champs to reing in baseball. The feeling join the Gamecocks was indescribable.” coaching staff, ShaJohnson spends most of nahan asked the his time in the off-season Lord to guide him in raising funds for Honoring the search for the the Father. The money right coach to lead raised sponsors trips to the Blowfish in 2013. countries like Cuba, Nicara“I wanted somegua and Honduras, where one who could not Photo by Thomas Grant Jr. | Chronicle he and his team use the only coach our playLexington County Blowfish head coach Jonathan Joseph stands with Blowie the Mascot game of baseball to share ers, but someone during a Feb. 26 press conference. their own testimonies as eviwho would be a dence of Jesus Christ.

Christian role model sion off the field that truly altered his approach Just two weeks after pitching at Fenway Park and mentor for them,” Shanahan said. “I wantto the game. During his sophomore year of high in Boston in 2003, Johnson retired. He made a ed the coach to teach our players not just on school, Johnson sold his extensive baseball card brief comeback in 2005 making the Atlanta but off the field as well.” collection for $500 and used the funds to help a Braves spring training roster, but retired shortly Over a period of months, those prayers were struggling pastor in his hometown. after. answered with the Texas Rangers’ first round “I felt like God was calling me to help this Now a decade removed from professional pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. Former major man out so that is exactly what I did,” Johnson baseball, Johnson has set his sights on developleague pitcher and former Dutch Fork High said. “I think it was that act of faith that really ing and mentoring the next generation of playSchool baseball coach Jonathan Johnson had shifted the rest of my life; how I would be as a ers. In addition to Honoring the Father and agreed to fill the void. player and a man.” coaching the Blowfish, he operates Hook’s Base“I was nervous in a new position, in a new Johnson’s pitches topped out at 93 mph his ball Academy in Irmo. league, with a new level of quality players but “My whole goal when I started out in 1995 after that initial meeting with Bill, I knew I was senior year of high school. He attended Florida State University where he was a Freshman Allwas to stay true to what God has blessed me where the Lord wanted me to be,” Johnson American, voted “Most Ready for the Major with,” he said. “I’ve pitch in over 18,000 professaid. sional innings, I’ve rubbed shoulders with Later that summer, the Blowfish found them- Leagues” by his teammates and was slated as the number one pitching prospect in the counnames like Nolan Ryan and Tony Gwynn, but it selves in the final game of the CPL Championtry. all pales in comparison to the Lord’s faithfulship.

After being drafted by the Rangers, Johnson ness. He has kept me humble through all of it.”

Johnson will be the first to tell you that the Johnson resides in Irmo with his wife Kristin. success he has experienced in his career, wheth- leveraged his signing bonus towards the startup cost of Honoring the Father Ministries. In They have three children Tucker, McKade, and er as a coach or player, has nothing to do with luck but everything to do with his faith in Jesus 1998, Johnson’s father, Johnny, a pastor in Oca- Susannah. la for 25 years, visited Cuba where he met a To find out more about Honoring the Father MinChrist. istries, visit www.honoringthefather.org Johnson began his baseball career as a catch- Cuban Major League pitcher named Osmani Sosa. Sosa immediately made a distinct connecer for his high school team in Ocala, Fla. He tion with Johnny. would soon move to pitcher, but it was a deci-

By Tyler Sutton

Reprinted Nov. 13, 2014 Special to the Chronicle

“My 6-year-old son is excited to cheer on the Blowfish. He has narrowed his career choices to either baseball or Batman. I hope that watching the games will swing him in the direction of baseball. We’ll see you at the ballpark.”

Rick Quinn State Representative

On behalf of District 87, I proudly welcome the Lexington County Blowfish.

Best wishes for a successful inaugural season.

Todd Atwater House Representatives

“We are excited and honored to have a great organization join us in the hot bed of baseball in our state.

On behalf of the Greater Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, its members and staff, we welcome Bill and Vickie Shannahan, their staff and players and wish them success.”

Nancy Hutto Board Chair Randy Halfacre President & CEO

The Town of Pine Ridge would like to extend a warm welcome to Bill and Vicki Shanahan and the Lexington County Blowfish to the greatest baseball loving county in South Carolina.

Mayor David Busby Town of Pine Ridge

“We are excited to welcome the Lexington County Blowfish. Your investment will have a great economic impact, attracting visitors from many municipalities and states. We look forward to many years of great baseball and family fun.”

Mayor Rita J. Crapps

Town of Batesburg-Leesville

“On behalf of the Town of Pelion I welcome the Blowfish to Lexington County.

We are excited to have the team’s home so close to Pelion and look forward to supporting them. Best wishes for an exciting and successful season.

For twenty years, we’ve called the Midlands home. It’s led to a unique understanding of the market and an abiding support of the community. We are thrilled to welcome the Blowfish to Lexington.

Barbara Hartley Smith Mayor, Town of Pelion blowfish_ad_newsize.indd 1

5/15/15 10:26 AM

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Lexington County Blowfish Season Guide |Thursday, May 21, 2015 | 7

Blowfish look to improve from 2014 in new home

Welcome to the Blowfish

“As a lifelong fan, baseball is the heart of Lexington County. The Blowfish will enhance awareness about the fact that Lexington County is a great place to raise a family and enjoy the national pastime.”

Jay Koon Lexington County Sheriff

Quackenbush Architects planners’ rendering of the new Lexington Blowfish Stadium

By CODY CLARK Special to the Chronicle

After winning the Coastal Plain League Pettit Cup Championship in 2012 and finishing as the runners’ up in 2013, the Columbia Blowfish came into the 2014 season with high hopes for another solid summer season of baseball in the capital city of South Carolina.

Playing in the shadows of Williams Brice Stadium in the Olympia Mills neighborhood of downtown Columbia, the Blowfish welcomed back some familiar faces for what ultimately proved to be the final season of baseball at Historic Capital City Stadium.

Allen Staton (North Greenville), Chase Shelton (Charleston Southern), Erik Barber (Central Florida), Josh Sealey (North Greenville), Stuart Pound (Gray), Jake Welch (Bethune-Cookman), and Evan Raynor (FlorenceDarlington Tech) all returned for their second summer with the team after being part of the squad that made it to the 2013 Pettit Cup Championship series against the Peninsula Pilots.

The Blowfish got a 4-0 shutout victory in their home opener tot start the year off the right way, but stumbled out of the gate overall to start the 2014 campaign.

Five separate losing streaks, including a

season high 6-game losing streak that spanned the second week of June, left the Blowfish skidding into the second half of the season.

And as Columbia ripped the June calendar off the wall and tacked up the month of July, the Blowfish flipped the script on a 9-19 start to the season.

After dropping the last game of the first half, the Blowfish opened the second half with a home-and-home sweep of the Gastonia Grizzlies by posting 18 runs and 30 hits between the two games.

The Blowfish used those outputs to kick start a 5-game winning streak on their way to winning seven out of their first eight to open the second half of the season. This put them atop the CPL West to begin the second half of the CPL season.

Columbia had three players selected to represent the club at the 2014 CPL All-Star game in Morehead City, North Carolina. Staton, Shelton and Francis Marion’s J.D. Crowe, North Greenville’s Allen Staton all got the nod to participate, with Staton starting at third base for the CPL West squad.

Shelton delivered a walked-off single in the last of the 9th inning in an important 6-5 victory against the RedWolves on July 20th after dropping a doubleheader in Florence the night

e m o c l e W n o t g n i x e L County ! h s i f w o l B

before, but Columbia found themselves amidst another tough stretch as the final two weeks of the regular season wound down.

A 3-6 stretch clouded the waters for the Blowfish in terms of the playoff picture, as they entered the final week of the regular season needing wins and some help to have any shot at their third consecutive appearance into the Pettit Cup Playoffs.

Earlier in the week, the Columbia Blowfish had announced a move to Lexington County for the 2015 season and beyond. A brand new $3 million baseball stadium (the Lexington County Baseball Stadium) is set to be constructed at “Wildcat Hollow,” the site of the old Lexington High School football stadium. The team will be renamed the Lexington County Blowfish, and construction was announced as being set to begin in the fall and ready to go for the 2015 summer CPL season.

The Columbia Blowfish finished tied with the Florence RedWolves in the second half of the season at 17-11, but failed to make the playoffs due to a tiebreaker situation. It is the first time since 2011 that the Blowfish have fallen short of the playoffs. Columbia finished the year on a 4-game winning streak and finished the summer 26-30 overall.

The Town of Lexington is honored to welcome the Lexington County Blowfish.

We invite visiting teams and fans to explore all Lexington has to offer, whether you fish at Gibson Pond Park, enjoy a picnic at Virginia Hylton Park, take in the scenic nature at Fourteen Mile Creek Trail or climb the the playground equipment at Corley Street Park or Caractor Park.

Mayor Steve MacDougall Town of Lexington

“On behalf of the City Council, I wish to extend a big Cayce welcome to the Shanahan family and the Blowfish team. We are the fastest growing city in Lexington County and the #1 City in South Carolina for young job seekers.”

Mayor Elise Partin City of Cayce

Blowie has a deal for you Dear Blowfish Fan, I had to twist their arms but I got my friends at my favorite newspaper, the Lexington County Chronicle to agree to make you this super duper deal.

As a Blowfish fan, you qualify for six FREE weeks of the Chronicle delivered nice and dry to your mailbox each week. No charge. You can’t lose.

“The South Carolina Christian Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Lexington County Blowfish.

We appreciate that Bill and Vicki Shanahan brought their team to Lexington County. We encourage the community to support the team.”

Ray Hill Chairman

Now there’s a catch, I have to admit. When you call my friends Ashley and Hilda at the Chronicle, they will start your subscription. The first six weeks are free when you say, “Blowie told me to call.”

If you don’t decide to subscribe, just call them later and they will stop the subscription at no cost to

you. You have nothing to risk.

Call Ashley and Hilda today to get your subscription started.

www.toddatwater.com facebook.com/schouse87 twitter.com/toddatwater

359-7633

On behalf of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce we are happy to welcome the Blowfish. Thank you, Bill and Vicki, for your commitment to baseball and Lexington County.

Tom Ledbetter Chairman

8 |Lexington County Blowfish Season Guide |Thursday, May 21, 2015

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