Sept. 14, 2008

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The University of West Florida Athletic Department mourns the loss of former baseball coach Jim Spooner, who died Saturday evening at approximately 7:15 p.m. after a lengthy battle with cancer. Spooner is survived by his wife Carolyn and daughters Lindsay and Jamie.

Spooner, 62, was unable to attend the dedication of the UWF baseball field in his honor on August 22 before the Pensacola Pelicans game due to health problems. The event was well attended and featured appearances from current and former UWF baseball players and university officials. His name will forever be linked to UWF as the home of Argonauts baseball will now be called Jim Spooner Field at Pelican Park.

Spooner led the UWF baseball program from 1983-2006 and compiled 688 wins, good for 31st all-time in NCAA Division II history. He led the Argonauts to the NAIA World Series in 1989 and was inducted into the Pensacola Sports Association Hall of Fame in 2006.

For more information, contact UWF Athletics at (850) 474-3003.

Coverage of Spooner Field Dedication (including quotes, photos, and more)