UWF Baseball Field Named in Honor of Former Baseball Coach Jim Spooner

In recognition of Coach Jim Spooner’s renowned service to the University of West Florida, UWF’s baseball field has been named in his honor. Baseball alumni, friends and fans gathered at Pelican Park on Fri. Aug. 22 to celebrate the occasion and recognize Coach Spooner’s achievement. A ceremony was held between games and a replica of the sign commemorating the naming of the field was unveiled.

Spooner’s legacy at UWF includes 16 winning seasons during his 23-year tenure. More than 20 of his players have signed professional contracts, including seven members of the 1989 NAIA World Series team.

“Coach Spooner has had such a positive impact on so many ballplayers,” said Casey Roberts,’85, former student baseball player. “Student athletes that came through Jim Spooner's program benefited tremendously because of his genuine concern for the well-being and development of each ballplayer, on and off of the field.”

To further honor Spooner’s legacy, a group of devoted UWF baseball alumni and friends have joined together to establish the Coach Jim Spooner Endowment which will be dedicated to providing support for UWF’s baseball program. This endowment will exist in perpetuity and will be a tremendous source of support for future generations of Argonauts. The ultimate goal is to raise $100,000.

“It is a privilege to continue to be a part of such a special program, and to be able to give a little back to a program that gave me a foundation to grow on,” said Roberts.

To learn more or to make a gift, please contact Martha Lee Blodgett, UWF director of development for University Advancement, at (850) 474-2712 or e-mail mblodget@uwf.edu.