Wahoos Record 100th Sellout With Win Over Mobile’s Baybears
July 26, 2014
On a historic night when the Pensacola Blue Wahoos recorded their 100th sellout in only its third season, Michael Lorenzen became the team’s first pitcher to hit a home run.
It wasn’t just any home run, it was a two-out grand slam that broke a 1-1 tie and vaulted Pensacola to a 7-1 lead over the Mobile BayBears, who have the best record in the Southern League.
Pensacola never looked back and went on to win its fourth straight game – tying its longest streak of the season – with a 9-1 victory in front of 5,038 fans at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Lorenzen said he wished it was his pitching, not his hitting, that fans gave him a standing ovation for during a curtain call.
“It was one of the best feelings ever,” he said afterward. “It stunk that I had to do it as a batter instead of a pitcher. But everyone loves playing here and we want to make the fans happy.”
Lorenzen came to the plate with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the third inning. The BayBears highly touted Archie Bradley, who is the Arizona Diamondbacks No. 1 pitching prospect, intentionally walked Brodie Greene to pitch against Lorenzen. Greene had doubled in Kyle Waldrop to tie the game at 1 in the second inning, which extended his hitting streak to eight games.
Pensacola Manager Delino DeShields knows what Lorenzen can do at the plate from jacking balls out of the ballpark during batting practice. Lorenzen, who played outfield for Cal State Fullerton last year before being drafted by Cincinnati, hit .335 with seven homers and 35 RBI in college. For the Wahoos this season, Lorenzen leads all pitchers with a .227 average and five of his hits now include three doubles and a grand slam.
“I was not expecting a home run but I knew if he got a strike he would do something with it,” DeShields said. “Mike’s a good hitter.”
Lorenzen’s last grand slam came for Cal State Fullerton in 2013 when he knocked one out in the first inning after coming straight from his brother’s wedding.
The Wahoos bullpen also put up another good outing, allowing no hits in five innings. James Walczak who relieved Lorenzen in the fourth inning, pitched three innings, allowed one hit and struck out six, including five in a row. Walczak entered the game having given up four runs in 1.1 innings in his last outing.
Both Lorenzen and Walczak emphasized how much they enjoy playing in front of sellout crowds at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium that’s on the scenic waterfront in downtown Pensacola.
“I love this Pensacola atmosphere,” Lorenzen said. “It’s been fun all year, even though, it has not been a good season for us. We enjoy making everyone go wild.”
Walczak said he feeds off the energy of the Pensacola fans.
“It’s energizing for us,” he said. “We know the fans are there for us whether we win or lose. I love how Pensacola takes care of us.”
DeShields said on Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer’s 63rd birthday, he was happy to get the 100th sellout and the win. It was the 29th sellout in 55 home games this year and puts the Wahoos on pace to surpass 300,000 fans total for the third year in three seasons.
“A big shoutout needs to go to the staff and Quint Studer for all they do,” DeShields said. “It’s a credit to them. This is an excellent venue for the fans.”
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos start a five-game series with Atlanta Braves Double-A affiliate Mississippi Braves at 6 p.m. Saturday. RHP Ben Lively (0-4, 3.52) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the Braves RHP Jason Hursh (8-6, 3.70).
No Injuries In Early Morning Wreck That Blocked Hwy 29 In Molino
July 25, 2014
There were no injuries in a single vehicle rollover accident early this morning that blocked traffic on Highway 29 in Molino.
The driver of a Chevrolet S10 pickup lost control and overturned in the southbound lanes of Highway 29 just south of Molino Road about 3:10 a.m. The driver refused to be transported to the hospital.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Two Cantonment Residents Caught Burglarizing Barn
July 25, 2014
Two Cantonment residents were arrested after being caught stealing metal and equipment from a barn in the Cottage Hill area.
John Henry Shiffner III, age 19, was charged with felony burglary and felony grand theft. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond due to probation violation charge. A 16-year old juvenile was also charged in connection with the incident and released into the custody of the Department of Youth Services.
A man at his mother’s home on Williams Ditch Road observed Shiffner and the juvenile walking away from a barn. It was discovered, according to an arrest report, that the duo had moved hundreds of pounds of heavy equipment and metals from the barn to a path that borders one side of the property.
When deputies caught up with Shiffner and the juvenile a short time later, both completed written, sworn confessions, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court records, Shiffner was on probation at the time of his arrest this week after being convicted for of aggravated battery and disorderly public intoxication.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a drunken public disturbance in the intersection of Mayo and Front streets in Century in October 2013. Shiffner’s girlfriend, who is two and a half months pregnant with his child, said he had pushed her, causing her to land on her back on the ground. She refused medical treatment.
When deputies tried to question Shiffner in the back of their patrol vehicle during the October incident, he began yelling at his girlfriend. When deputies explained her claim that he had pushed her, “he stated he did not touch her and then began rambling on about how Obama is right,” deputies reported.
“Obama said cops always listen to women,” Shiffner said, according to his arrest report.
Hall, Patee Apoointed To Escambia County Extension Council
July 25, 2014
Two new members were appointed Thursday night to the Escambia County Extension Council by the Escambia County Commission.
Janean “Karen” Hall of Bay Springs, principal at Bratt Elementary School, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Vernon Hiebert, who resigned. And Jerry Patee of Pensacola, retired Navy captain, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Stephanie Croan, who also resigned.
Hall was born and raised in rural Escambia County and enjoys gardening and fishing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida. Hall has taught in rural elementary schools for 28 years.
Patee served 31 years on active duty as an aviation physiologist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, biology and chemistry and a masters degree from the University of West Florida and the University of Southern California. He has completed over 1,500 volunteer hours as a Master Gardener, a Florida Naturalist, and is involved with numerous gardening and community organizations.
Their appointments are subject to the approval of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.
Monday Last Day To Register To Vote In August Primary
July 25, 2014
According to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David H. Stafford, Monday, July 28 is the last day to register to vote or change party affiliation for those who wish to cast a ballot in the August 26, 2014 Primary Election.
Florida law mandates that registration books close 29 days before an election. New registrations and party changes must be completed and received or postmarked no later than July 28 in order for them to be effective for the August 26 election. Address changes can be made after the books close. Voters unsure of their registration status can visit EscambiaVotes.com and click Am I Registered?.
Escambia County citizens have several ways to register or update their record:
Online/By Mail: Visit EscambiaVotes.com and complete, print, and sign the online application. Be sure to include a valid Florida Driver’s License number, a valid Florida ID number, or if you have neither, the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number in the appropriate space. Completed applications must be received or postmarked no later than July 28. Send to: Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591-2601, or take the completed application to the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, in downtown Pensacola. Also, to have a form mailed to you, call (595-3900) or e-mail the Elections Office (soe@escambiavotes.com).
In Person: You can register at the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor in downtown Pensacola, at any Florida Driver’s License Office, and several other governmental offices and public assistance centers. Registration forms are also available to pick up at many locations countywide. For a complete list of locations throughout Escambia County, visit EscambiaVotes.com or call or e-mail the Elections Office.
For voters who wish to cast a ballot by mail (an absentee ballot), go to EscambiaVotes.com and complete the online request form, or call or e-mail the elections office. Early voting begins August 16 at seven locations throughout Escambia County.
‘Great Day For Our Community’ — Immediate Financial Picture Improving For Atmore YMCA
July 25, 2014
About two weeks after announcing that they were on track to close the doors permanently next month, the Atmore YMCA director says things are beginning to look up for the organization’s immediate financial future.
“It has been a great day for our community and the YMCA,” Paul Chason, CEO of the Atmore Area YMCA said Thursday night.
Chason said several organizations have made financial commitments to help keep the YMCA’s doors open — the Atmore Lions Club has made a $5,000 donation; the Atmore Rotary Club has pledged $5,000; Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union committed to a $10,000 donation and $6,000 per year for three years; Alto Products has pledged $6,000 per year for three to five years.
He said the Atmore Rotary Club is reviewing their $5,000 pledge to possibly make it an immediate donation. If that happens, the YMCA will have secured the minimum amount needed to remain open through 2014.
In the meantime, the YMCA is still working to secure funding pledges for not only the remainder of this year, but for 2015 and beyond.
The YMCA board had set an August 4 deadline to raise $75,000 in donations to prevent an August 29 closure, but the board changed the request to $20,000 by August 4 to remain open through December.
The Atmore YMCA has served Atmore and surrounding areas since June 1995. The Atmore YMCA currently has just over 500 memberships representing about 1,250 members.
For more information or to donate to the Atmore YMCA, call (251) 368-9622 or stop by 501 South Pensacola Avenue in Atmore.
Pictured top: The Atmore Area YMCA building. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Registration Event Scheduled For Danceworks Classes
July 25, 2014
Registration is underway for Heather Leonard’s Danceworks, and a registration event will be held Tuesday in Byrneville.
The registration will be from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Byrneville Community Center. Or students can register by mail; click here for a form.
Ballet, tap and jazz classes will be taught by Heather Leonard beginning the week of August 18 for girls ages 3 and up, including a class for teens and a hip hop class for those 10 and up. Leonard has taught dance to hundreds of girls from North Escambia and surrounding areas. She is also the coach for the Northview High School Dance Team.
For a printable information sheet, schedule and registration form, click here. For further information, contact Heather Leonard at (850) 529-1358 or email hldanceworks@gmail.com.
Pictured: The Heather Leonard’s Danceworks Spring 2014 recital at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Greater Escambia Relay For Life Needs Volunteers Now
July 25, 2014
The Relay For Life of Greater Escambia is seeking volunteers – community leaders, cancer survivors, caregivers, and all others – to join the 2015 Event Leadership Committee. Event Leadership Committee members are essential to the planning and implementation of the event.
The committee is made up of local volunteers that want to help the American Cancer Society fight cancer. Committee members have the opportunity to take on a variety of roles, including team or sponsor recruitment, fundraising, survivor and caregiver recognition, publicity, mission education, and more. The committee meets throughout the Relay season to plan all aspects of the event and coordinate a unique and special community experience.
Greater Escambia’s 2014 event was held at Tate High School on April 25 and raised more than $80,000. Plans for 2015 are underway, and the 2015 committee will hold its first meeting in early September.
Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, with events in more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries. Every year, the Relay For Life movement raises more than $400 million which helps fund groundbreaking research and free information and services for cancer patients and their caregivers.
For more information about joining the fight against cancer with Relay For Life, contact Event Chair Pat Clements at (850) 776-2944 or Shane Carter with the American Cancer Society at (850) 266-2290.
Pictured: The 2014 Greater Escambia Relay for Life at Tate High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Varsity Northview Cheerleaders Attend Florida State Camp
July 25, 2014
The Northview High School varsity cheerleaders recently attended a two-night stunt camp at Florida State University.
The team received an overall superior rating and the “Banana Spirit Award”. Kendal Cobb received the “Pin It Forward Award”, and Morgan Ward and Megan Bryan were selected as All-American Cheerleaders. Ward and Bryan will have an opportunity to take part in the London New Year’s Day parade.
“We are anticipating a great season,” Coach Megan Carroll said.
Pictured top: The Northview High School varsity cheerleaders recently attended a stunt camp at Florida State University. Pictured below: Morgan Ward (left) and Megan Bryan (center) where selected as All-American Cheerleaders, and Kendal Cobb received the “Pin It Foward Award”. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three In A Row: Blue Wahoos Beat The Mobile BayBears
July 25, 2014
Bryson Smith broke an 0-for-15 slump since returning to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos lineup in Hollywood-type fashion.
Smith belted a grand slam in the third inning that put the Wahoos ahead, 7-2, against Southern League South Division leader the Mobile BayBears. Pensacola held on to win its third straight game, 7-6, Thursday in front of a sellout crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos took their first series in the second half with the dramatic win.
It was the right fielder’s first RBI since June 15, 2013. That’s when Smith made an all-out play that cost him the second half of last season and a majority of this one. Chasing down a fly ball, he climbed the right field wall and his foot got stuck in the fencing’s padding, tearing every ligament in his ankle and shattering his fibula in six places. Smith still managed to catch the ball.
Smith hoped to play through the injury this season but went back on the DL on April 25 because of bone chips as a result of the surgery to repair the initial breaks. He was activated July 7 and sent to High-A Bakersfield before rejoing the Wahoos July 18.
“A fairytale would have been in my first at bat back, not my 20th,” said a smiling Smith, who still has no feeling on the outside of his leg and foot. “It’s a relief. It’s been a year since I’ve felt good. I’m still not 100 percent now, but I’m just glad to be playing.”
Before the injury, Smith was a career .308 hitter in his three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds organization. He admits it’s a miracle to be back in the game he loves and still trying to reach the Major Leagues one day. Smith plans to get a lot of rest in the offseason and lots of at bats in winter ball.
“To God be the glory that I’m here and talking to you,” he said. “I definitely have not given up hope. I know I can do it. My goal is to be in Cincinnati.”
Travis Mattair, Smith’s roommate, remembers watching the horrific accident, He says he will also remember Smith’s grand slam.
“I’m so excited for him,” Mattair said. “That was a big one tonight. We’re all happy to see it.”
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Manager Delino DeShields said he wishes Smith the best of luck in his long comeback.
“I’m really glad to see him here,” DeShields said. “He’s a very fortunate young man to just be here playing baseball still. I think he has been pressing a little bit but it was good to see him get one tonight.”
For the second consecutive game, Mobile’s shortstop Nate Sansom started the game with a home run driving a 95 mph fastball from Pensacola starting pitcher Robert Stephenson over the left field fence. Stephenson settled down getting 11 outs in a row at one point before exiting after 4.1 innings of work and seven strikeouts. In all, five Wahoos pitchers combined for 15 Ks.
Pensacola immediately came back with two runs in the bottom of the first and then got five more in the third inning, including four on Smith’s shot to leftfield.
The finale of the five-game series with Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A affiliate Mobile BayBears gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Friday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-5, 2.72) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the BayBears RHP Archie Bradley (1-0, 1.78). Bradley is the top prospect in the Diamondbacks’ system and the top pitching prospect in all of baseball.
Pictured: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Mobile BayBears 7-6 Thursday in Pensacola. Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.