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Although Tropical Storm Fay lurked in the distance, it was a packed house on the final day of the season for the Pelicans with a season-high 3,751 fans.
Due to some uncooperative wind in the afternoon, fans got a sneak peak at the new sign erected above the scoreboard in right field.
To the delight of the home crowd, the Pelicans swept the doubleheader over the Grand Prairie Air Hogs, winning 7-0 in Game One and 7-3 in Game Two.
After the first game ended, the ceremony started with the UWF baseball team walking on to the field from the third base line ...
... followed by a large group of UWF baseball alumni in attendance to support their former coach.
The ceremony was held at home plate, as the UWF baseball alumni stood behind the speakers ...
... flanked on both sides by the current UWF baseball team.
Sandra Averhart of WUWF acted as Master of Ceremonies.
The first speaker was K.C. Clark, who emphasized the importance of naming public places.
Next up was Dr. Judy Bense, UWF Interim President. Dr. Bense spoke of the value of endowed scholarships and the money raised to name the field after Coach Spooner.
Casey Roberts, former player under Coach Spooner, detailed the relationships that the coach and mentor formed with his student-athletes.
Pelicans owner Quint Studer discussed the impact that Coach Spooner has had for baseball in Pensacola.
A rendering of the Jim Spooner Field sign was brought to the field, and Sharon Hess Herrick and current UWF baseball coach Mike Jeffcoat ...
... unveiled the rendering.
Jim Spooner was unavailable to make the event because of complications due to a battle with cancer, but the first UWF baseball All-American Wayne Giddings was in attendance to read a message from Coach Spooner.
It was a memorable night for all in attendance. Thanks to the Pelicans and UWF officials for making this such a special event.
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