Former UWF Coach honored Friday

The Pensacola Pelicans and University of West Florida honored former UWF baseball coach Jim Spooner during a double header last night at Pelican Park.

Spooner, who was not able to attend the event due to medical reasons, was honored between gamesw of a doubleheader between the Pelicans and the Grand Prairie AirHogs.

Ceremonies were planned for tonight, but the schedule was changed late Thursday due to the threat of Tropical Storm Fay, who was traveling west along the panhandle.

Friday’s ceremony honoring Spooner included appearances by current and former UWF players, university 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 one of Spooner’s daughters throwing out the Pelicans ceremonial first pitch.

 “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.”