By Thomas Grant Jr.
The 20th season of Lexington County Blowfish baseball begins Thursday in Florence.
After back-to-back appearances in the Coastal Plain League Petit Cup, winning it all in 2023, Lexington looks to regain the title. The quest starts at its closest geographic rival the Florence Flamingos.
The same day the team is on the road, Lexington County Baseball Stadium will serve as site for a Blood Drive. Lexington County is co-sponsoring the event with the Blood Connection from noon to 5 p.m.
On Friday, the Blowfish play their home opener against the Macon Bacon. The two teams meet again the following night at Forest City, but Lexington County will send a split squad on the road.
Back at home, the Blowfish will play host to the Catawba Valley Stars in a 7 p.m. exhibition game. At 5:30 p.m., the second annual “Battle of the Badges” between the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and Lexington County Sheriff’s Departments.
It’s part of USO Night and proceeds from the game will benefit the local organization which serves veterans and active duty military personnel.
Lexington County will have a new head coach in Michael Menhart. He was on previous head coach KC Brown’s staff with the Blowfish in 2024, helping the team to its second consecutive appearance in the CPL Petitt Cup Championship Series.
The team also returns several players who competed at Lexington and Richland County high schools. Among the returning players are pitcher Cade Bouknight (Batesburg-Leesville), infielders Zach Cowart (River Bluff), Blake Martin (Dutch Fork) and Ty Marshall and Parker Mergo (both of Brookland-Cayce) and outfielder Thomas Powell (River Bluff).
For more information on tickets and team news, visit www.blowfishbaseball.com.
LEXINGTON COUNTY BLOWFISH SCHEDULE
THURSDAY – at Florence 7 p.m.
FRIDAY – MACON 7:05 p.m.
SATURDAY – at Forest City/CATAWBA VALLEY STARS 7 p.m.
MONDAY – MACON 7:05 p.m.
TUESDAY – at Florence 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY – BOONE 7:05 p.m.
(Photo by Lexington County Blowfish)