Kyle Whitfield signs to pitch at Jeff Davis

By BILL GAMBLIN

sports@srpressgazette.com

Kyle Whitfield got a phone call about college in one of the strangest situations, but the timing didn’t curb his enthusiasm about continuing his career.

Whitfield, who signed with Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, Ala., had just finished his game against rival Pace a few weeks back when he first got the call.

“This is the opportunity I have been looking for my entire life,” said Whitfield. “It was exciting when I got the call and it helped with the sting of losing to Pace a little, but it was still tough to lose to them.”

Whitfield was one of the seniors who helped turn around the Panthers’ baseball program under first year coach Craig Bragg.

Under the direction of Bragg and his staff the Panthers went from 7-17 last season to 13-13 this year and at one point this season were ranked by the Florida Sportswriters Association in Class 4A.

With these strides made by the Panthers, Whitfield finds himself at times wishing he had one more year wearing the black and gold.

“It has been a real big change this season,” said Whitfield. “This season has been fun, exciting, and productive as Coach Bragg and Coach (Phillip) Blake have helped out a lot and got us off to a great start.

“So I do find myself wishing I had one more year with as far as the team has come.”

While Bragg and his staff might like to have Whitfield for another season, he knows there are bigger and better things ahead for him.

“Kyle should be congratulated on a great year and he is going on to be part of a very class organization in Brewton,” said Bragg. “Coach (Darrell) Blevins is one of the finest men I know and I am very excited for Kyle.

“This is a good move for him and an honor to Kyle for the culmination what he worked to reach this goal.”

Blevins, who drove to Milton for Tuesday’s signing, and was excited to not only talk to Kyle but also his teammates.

“This is Kyle’s day,” said Blevins. “But I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone’s support.

“This is a great day for us as we are getting a quality young man who will play a major role in a bunch of games for us as we got a lot better as a team today.”