Aug. 13, 2008
PENSACOLA, Fla. - The University of West Florida and Pensacola Pelicans are pleased to announce they will hold a field-naming ceremony prior to the Pelicans' game on Saturday, August 23 against the Grand Prairie Air Hogs. Moving forward, the home of Argonauts and Pelicans baseball will now be referred to as Jim Spooner Field at Pelican Park at the University of West Florida in honor of long-time UWF baseball coach Jim Spooner.
The ceremony honoring Spooner will begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. and include appearances by current and former UWF players, school and Pelicans officials, and other local community leaders. The ceremony will conclude with the unveiling of a sign commemorating the naming of the field, and Spooner will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the first ever game at Jim Spooner Field at Pelican Park at UWF.
"Naming the UWF baseball field for coach Jim Spooner is an outstanding way to recognize his many years of dedication," said former West Florida Athletic Director Richard Berg. "He has established a quality baseball program for UWF."
In 23 seasons at UWF, Spooner compiled a record of 688-521-1 (.569 winning percentage), ranking him among the top NCAA Division II coaches of all time. Entering the 2008 season, his 688 wins ranked him 31st in Division II history. Spooner led the Argonauts to three Southern States Conference titles and two Gulf South Conference East Division championships. He began his coaching career at Edison Community College in his hometown of Fort Myers, Fla., where he compiled a record of 186-180 over five seasons from 1978-1982. In 2006, Spooner was inducted to the Pensacola Sports Association Hall of Fame.
"Having known Jim for many years, I am excited to be part of this ceremony for myself as well as the Pelicans organization," said Pelicans General Manager Talmadge Nunnari. "He's touched many lives and had an amazing positive impact over his career. This will be a special day."
Following the ceremonial first pitch from Spooner, the Pelicans first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. for the last game of the 2008 season. A post-game fireworks display is planned sponsored by Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union. Fans are welcome to bring their own chairs as the Pelicans are expecting a standing room only crowd.
Fans can purchase tickets for this and any other game at www.pensacolapelicans.com or by calling 850-934-8444.
- University of West Florida: The University of West Florida is an NCAA Division II institution located in Pensacola, Fla. UWF offers 13 varsity sports and competes in the Gulf South Conference. In the 2007-08 academic year, 10 of the 13 UWF teams reached NCAA postseason play, including the men's golf team's Division II national championship.
- Pensacola Pelicans Baseball: The Pensacola Pelicans are a professional baseball team, a member of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. They play 96 games May through August consisting of 48 home and 48 away games. The Pelicans lease the baseball field from UWF to play their home games at Pelican Park.
