Valdosta Wildcats to honor former baseball players
Feb. 10—VALDOSTA — As the new baseball and softball high school complex for the Valdosta Wildcats nears completion, the Wildcat athletic program wants to reflect on the journey that led them there.
The Wildcats plan to initiate the "Proud Past Bright Future" program for all former players and coaches as the team prepares to move into the new complex. The program aims to bring past team members onto the original Wildcat field for recognition during the remaining home games of the 2024 season. Former players should arrive early for the game to participate in the ceremony and fill out information for recognition.
Head coach Bart Shuman looks forward to remembering former players and games with Wildcat graduates and their families, "You know, give them one more chance to come out and get some love. This is going to be really good for our community."
Specifically, the 1978 state champion team will be honored together on Friday, April 5, between the two doubleheader games against Richmond Hill. This event will take place at the new high school facility, with the first game of the doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m.
Former players and coaches will meet at the home dugout and take to the field 15 minutes before the start of the game. The program aims to give any past players their last chance to step on the familiar diamond and say goodbye to the historic Bazemore Field.
With plenty of home games left in the season, alums have a chance to reconnect with each other and the storied history of Bazemore Field. In the next two weeks, the Wildcats will host Thomasville on Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. and Tift County High on Friday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m.
