The 11-year wait for the Coastal Plain League championship ended last August for the Lexington County Blowfish.
As Ryan Ouzts caught the final out in the 7-5 victory over Wilmington, the franchise had finally achieved the goal obtained one other time in its history in 2012. Instead of the Capital City, Lexington County Blowfish Stadium was the setting for this championship moment for the first time since arriving in 2014.
“You all are the greatest team I ever had,” Blowfish co-owner Bill Shanahan said after receiving the Petitt Cup for winning the Coastal Plain League Championship.
On Friday, the Blowfish begin its quest for a second straight title against the Macon Bacon. The contest will feature various pre-game festivities and the first of 16 post-game fireworks shows.
As for the team, Lexington County head coach K.C. Barnes is back with several key contributors from last year’s champions. This includes Game Three hero catcher Ashby Vining of Gilbert, infielders Phillip Ard and Zack Cowart of River Bluff, Landry Mead, pitchers C.J. Czerwinski, Cade Bouknight of Batesburg-Leesville and Carson Starnes and outfielders Thomas Powell of River Bluff and Wells Sykes of Gilbert.
Lexington County will debut its 2024 uniforms at Friday’s opener. The new uniforms brings back the classic home white jerseys, a gold trim signifying the team’s championship success and a patch commemorating the team’s 10-year anniversary in Lexington County.
The Blowfish will also produce two jerseys with an emblem of each of the county’s 14 towns and cities.
General manager Tony Baldwin said a town representative will select one or two charitable organizations which will receive portions of the money raised during the Blowfish’s season-ending jersey auction.
A day before the season-opener, a Blowfish Fan Fest will take place at the stadium. The Thursday event is an opportunity for fans to meet the coaching staff and players as well as take part in the Tino Tough Hit and Run Experience.
The event will raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. for both Fan Fest and the home opener. Visit www.blowfishbaseball.com for tickets and more information.
THIS WEEK’S LEXINGTON COUNTY BLOWFISH SCHEDULE
Friday – MACON BACON 7:05 p.m.
Saturday – ASHBORO ZOOKEEPERS 7:05 p.m.
Monday – at Florence Flamingos 7 p.m.
Tuesday – FLORENCE FLAMINGOS 7:05 p.m.