The Champions! Blue Wahoos Roll To First Southern League Outright Title In 10th Anniversary Season
The Blue Wahoos applied a shining, championship bow Wednesday night on their special 10th anniversary season. Exhibiting the resiliency that carried them to this point, the Blue Wahoos got a fifth inning, go-ahead grand slam, from infielder Cobie Fletcher-Vance to turn the game, then rode the strength of their pitching
The Blue Wahoos applied a shining, championship bow Wednesday night on their special 10th anniversary season.
Exhibiting the resiliency that carried them to this point, the Blue Wahoos got a fifth inning, go-ahead grand slam, from infielder Cobie Fletcher-Vance to turn the game, then rode the strength of their pitching to cruise into an 11-4 win against the Tennessee Smokies in the deciding game of the Southern League championship series at Smokies Park.
"Man, it's crazy, because it's the first time I have ever been on a championship team... pro ball, college, high school, so this is super exciting," said Fletcher-Vance, who also had a run-scoring single to finish a 5 RBI night. "We won the championship! We did it!"
After losing Sunday’s first game 4-1 to the Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium, the Blue Wahoos won twice on the road at Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tennessee – located east of Knoxville -- to claim the first outright Southern League title in franchise history. They were co-champions in 2017 when weather concerns wiped out the championship series.
In their second year as the Miami Marlins' Double-A affiliate, the Blue Wahoos delivered the first championship by a Marlins minor league team since 2014 when Jacksonville won the Southern League. The Marlins had their three top minor league executives, led by director Geoff DeGroot, attending the game. Pensacola was the only affiliate to reach the postseason.
"To win the last game of the season is always a great thing to accomplish," said manager Kevin Randel, who has now won a championship in the Marlins organization as a player, assistant coach and manager. "These guys never gave in. You preach to these guys 27 outs, play every single out. We had some great at-bats throughout. It was a memorable series."
.The Smokies, the Chicago Cubs’ long-time Double-A affiliate, who knocked off the Rocket City Trash Pandas – the league’s best record team to win the North Division title -- were seeking their first Southern League title since 1978.
Trailing 3-2 in the fifth, the Blue Wahoos loaded the bases on two walks and an error. Fletcher-Vance then blasted the first pitch he saw from reliever Blake Whitney over the left field wall, just inside the foul pole and above the fence line.
"That kinda sealed the deal for where the game was at," Randel said. "Everybody was going crazy, that's for sure. He had a first pitch breaking ball and he was on it. He had a big hit (Tuesday) with a two RBI single on a breaking ball. He was looking for it, got it and put a good swing on it."
They expanded a 6-3 lead with a four-run seventh inning. The first five batters reached on hits, including Fletcher-Vance who drove in his fifth run in the game with a bases-loaded single. Pinch-hitter J.D. Osborne followed with a two-run double. The fourth run scored when reliever Riley Martin failed to catch a throw from his catcher Harrison Wenson after a pitch.
From that point, the bullpen finished it off. Sean Reynolds, the reliever star of back-to-back wins against the Montgomery Biscuits in the South Division series, recorded the final five outs to celebrate again with teammates.
The game began with an incredible start from Blue Wahoos 19-year-old star prospect Eury Perez. The 19-year-old Perez tied a Minor League Baseball record by striking out the first eight batters he faced.
But he ran into trouble with two outs in the third as the Smokies took a 3-2 lead, causing Perez to throw 40 pitches in that inning and requiring the bullpen to be summoned earlier than hoped.
"Eury was cruising," Randel said. "Everything lined up pretty good, then he had a little hiccup and we had to piece the game together. But the offense came through."
The Blue Wahoos regained an emotional edge two innings later.
Nasim Nunez led off by hitting a grounder that Tennessee first baseman Nelson Maldanado mishandled for an error. Will Banfield followed with a walk. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch. With one out, Griffin Conine checked his swing on a 3-2 pitch and the umpires agreed to load bases.
That moment became pivotal.
On the next pitch, Fletcher-Vance clubbed a sinker out of the ballpark and the Blue Wahoos never trailed again.
The Blue Wahoos were Southern League co-champions in 2017 with the Chattanooga Lookouts, after the league opted to cancel the title series due to concern with a hurricane approaching from the Gulf of Mexico.
This time, the Blue Wahoos twice won best-of-three series after dropping the first game. They forced a deciding game against the Montgomery Biscuits in the South Division series, after trailing 5-0 at one point. They won the deciding game 1-0 on a sensational game-saving catch from centerfielder Thomas Jones at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos won this championship after qualifying as first-half division winners. They then had more than 70 roster moves in the second half, including adding many players from the High-A affiliate Beloit Sky Carp.
It all led into a championship.
BLUE WAHOOS IN POST-SEASON
2015 Lost South Division Series 0-3 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
2016 Lost South Division Series 1-3 vs. Mississippi Braves
2017 Won Southern League Co-Championship 3-0 vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
2018 Lost South Division Series 1-3 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
2019 Lost South Division Series 2-3 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
2021 Won South Division Series 2-1 vs. Montgomery Biscuits, Won Southern League Championship Series 2-1 vs. Tennessee Smokies.
WHAT’S NEXT?
MOVE AHEAD: 2023 Season Opener
WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits
WHEN: April 7, 2023
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
TICKETS: Season Tickets For 2023 Season: www.bluewahoos.com/tickets.
SCHEDULE: The 2023 schedule will closely resemble this season with Blue Wahoos playing 69 home games with Mondays as the off-day each week.
Escambia High Has Made Games At Blue Wahoos Stadium A Spring Break Reward
When taking over in 2016 as Escambia High’s baseball coach, Tracey King made a point of scheduling a game each season at Blue Wahoos Stadium. “For us, it is our spring break trip,” said King, whose team is soaring with an 11-2 record and unbeaten in District 1-4A. “We try
Blue Wahoos Provide Impactful Experience For Wisconsin-Whitewater Baseball
Months of planning, days of travel, have created an annual mid-March excursion by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team viewed beyond a spring getaway into better weather. It is considered a vital component of the team’s future. “Almost every program at our level now…. all the programs are taking trips.
Blue Wahoos Stadium Going Through Home Improvement Projects Before Season Begins
With the team’s 2025 season less than 30 days away, the largest home improvement project at Blue Wahoos Stadium is progressing toward completion. Most of the enhancements are in areas not visible from the outside, or the seating bowl, but necessities to ensure the team’s future as direct affiliation with
Nine Former Blue Wahoos to Appear in 2025 Miami Marlins Spring Breakout Game
PENSACOLA, FL – Major League Baseball announced on Thursday the rosters for the second annual “Spring Breakout” Prospect Games that will be part of Major League Spring Training and broadcast live on MLB.tv, MLB.com, MLB Network, and the MLB app from March 13-16. The Miami Marlins prospect team will play
UWF Baseball Team Celebrates Return To Blue Wahoos Stadium With Walk-off Win
A return trip by the UWF baseball team this year to Blue Wahoos Stadium became a far different experience. This one was celebratory. Argos’ first baseman Cade Easterbrook hit a slow roller in the ninth inning with the bases loaded, and Alex Urias beat the throw to the plate for
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Principal Owner Quint Studer Wins 2025 Baldrige Foundation Leadership Award
Quint Studer, principal owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and co-founder of Pensacola’s Healthcare Plus Solutions Group® (HPSG), has been named one of the 2025 recipients of the Baldrige Foundation Leadership Excellence Awards. The award, given by the Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Inc., recognizes leaders who
Blue Wahoos Stadium Hosts UWF Baseball Tuesday In Showcase Game
His desire to play an annual game at Blue Wahoos Stadium has provided UWF baseball coach Mike Jeffcoat with a notable element this time. After the Argos came back against No. 16 ranked Delta State to win their biggest weekend series, so far, this season, they will face the University
Blue Wahoos Announce Preliminary 2025 Promotional Schedule
PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced their preliminary promotional schedule for the upcoming 2025 baseball season at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Friday, bringing a jam-packed slate of giveaways and exciting promotions back to downtown Pensacola! Single-game ticket sales begin on Saturday, March 1 as the Blue Wahoos embark
Blue Wahoos First-Time Contest Winners Thrilled By Marlins FanFest Experience
Taylor Addison was driving her daughter last month to a cheerleading competition in Biloxi when jolted by a phone call, which led into a family trip of a lifetime. She was informed of submitting the winning entry in the Blue Wahoos first-time contest of an all-expenses paid trip to Miami
Blue Wahoos Celebrate Majority Women Impacting Organization Success
A recent photo gathering of women working in the Blue Wahoos front office created a poignant moment. With this month highlighting the 39th celebration of National Girls and Women In Sports Day, officially recognized February 5, the Blue Wahoos have become a leader in the sports business world for women
Blue Wahoos Announce 2025 Coaching Staff Led by Manager Nelson Prada
The Miami Marlins announced the 2025 coaching staff for the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Tuesday, led by new manager Nelson Prada. Prada will be joined by pitching coach Jerad Eickhoff, hitting coach Jason Krizan, defensive coaches Jay Weaver and Ruben Someillan, athletic trainer Adam Sparks, strength and conditioning coach
Blue Wahoos To Make Up Half Of Miami Marlins Spring Training Roster
When the Miami Marlins assemble for the official start of spring training in two weeks, exactly half of the 64 players in camp will be former Blue Wahoos players. The Marlins on Monday released their non-roster invitees, which include 16 former Blue Wahoos, led by last season’s top player, catcher
Blue Wahoos Stadium sets the stage for the start of the Double Bridge Run
Runners for the 2025 Publix Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15k presented by aDoor Real Estate will get an added bonus this year — shelter from the cool coastal breeze while they are inside Blue Wahoos Stadium. Runners have typically had to brave the chilly temps outside the stadium while waiting
Win a Trip for Four to Miami Marlins FanFest in Blue Wahoos Social Media Contest
PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are offering four fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive a VIP experience at Miami Marlins FanFest, held at loanDepot Park on Saturday, February 8. The winning entrant will receive round-trip airfare from Pensacola International Airport to Miami International Airport, hotel accommodations in Miami,
Blue Wahoos' Advocate Roger Mayo, Decorated Prep Coach, Gets Hall of Fame Honor
Roger Mayo was once a pitchman for Blue Wahoos Stadium, pushing the return of affiliated baseball in Pensacola and the groundbreaking in 2009 for the now-acclaimed bayfront ballpark. He was then a fixture as Escambia High baseball coach, a role he held for 32 years. “Everywhere I went, everyone I
Blue Wahoos Return An Early New Year’s Eve Party To Ballpark
The Blue Wahoos are providing a New Year’s Eve experience, family style. For the first time in six years, Blue Wahoos Stadium will host “Kazoo’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party,” an event on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. that will feature renowned country music artist Jessie Ritter, inflatable
Blue Wahoos Leadership Team Reconnects, Gains Insight at MLB Winter Meetings
The Blue Wahoos had an increased presence at the annual Major League Baseball Winter Meetings, which concluded on Wednesday in Dallas. The three-day event began Monday at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, located in an upscale suburb of Dallas. This event, which brings together MLB and Minor League Baseball executives, has
Blue Wahoos Stadium to Host "Kazoo's Rockin' New Year's Eve Party"
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are ringing in the new year in festive fashion, hosting “Kazoo’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party” at Blue Wahoos Stadium on December 31. The family-friendly event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and feature inflatables, playing field access, ballpark concessions, a photo booth
Blue Wahoos Celebrate Holiday Season By Hosting, Participating In Variety Of Events
In ways which have utilized both the stadium and front office staff, the Blue Wahoos have spread Christmas spirit and created holiday season cheer. Being part of Saturday’s annual Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade, presented by Cox Communications, will complete a two- weekend stretch of four private stadium events and two
Quint and Rishy Studer Provide Holiday Surprise to SFOC Employees
Quint and Rishy Studer have provided each full-time and part-time employee of the Studer Family of Companies, Center for Civic Engagement and Studer Community Institute a gift of $1,000 in advance of the holiday season. “Rishy and I see how inflation impacts individuals and families,” said Quint Studer in an
Blue Wahoos Announce Front Office Promotions
PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced on Tuesday a series of promotions and additions to their full-time front office staff. After five years in the organization, Tyler “TJ” Johnson has been promoted to assistant general manager. Born and raised in Pensacola before attending Troy University, TJ joined the
Blue Wahoos Hosting Yard Sale Party At Ballpark On Saturday
The Blue Wahoos on Saturday are having a yard sale at their ballyard. In a first-time event, dubbed “Thrift And Sip At Blue Wahoos Stadium,” there will be a variety of items dating from the first season in 2012 to the past season on display throughout the infield and playing
Joe Mack Wins 2024 Minor League Rawlings Gold Glove Award
PENSACOLA, FL – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., today announced the nine recipients of the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence, including the recognition of Pensacola Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Mack as one of the best defensive players in Minor League Baseball. The winners
Blue Wahoos Partnership With Local HS Soccer Team Provides New Uniforms
An opportunity for the West Florida High boys soccer team to work as volunteer parking attendants at Blue Wahoos baseball games this past summer brought dividends. Taking part in a work-fund project, the team of 34 student-athletes worked 12 games and 205 volunteer hours, enabling them the ability to purchase
Former Soul Bowl Player Leads PHS To Memorable First City Bowl Win At Blue Wahoos Stadium
Pensacola High’s Jarmacuz Fountain was enveloped in celebration, as he reflected upon his star role in the second First City Bowl game, sponsored by Cox Mobile, at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The junior quarterback led the Tigers on a dramatic, 98-yard go-ahead TD drive, capped by Fountain’s 42 yard touchdown run