by JGuthrie | Mar 1, 2020 | Community Stories, Features, Jesuit
By Mike Camunas 813Preps Creative Director TAMPA — When it comes to high school athletic programs, many can count the number of state titles on one, possibly two hands. And even then, it generally means there’s that one coach — the local legend — the overseer of said...
by JGuthrie | Feb 28, 2020 | Bloomingdale, East Bay, Features
By Bob Bellone VALRICO – Richie Martin admits he was taken aback by flame-throwing Plant senior Mychal Givens as a 14-year-old freshman making his Bloomingdale debut in 2009. “He’s throwing 96 and it’s like, ‘Man, am I cut out for this? I don’t know if I’m ready for...
by JGuthrie | Feb 12, 2020 | Features, Plant
By Jarrett Guthrie TAMPA – Plant High’s baseball program added another number to its retired jersey wall as the Panthers honored 2013 alum and 2019 National League Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso on Tuesday night. A whirlwind year for the 25-year-old starting first...
by JGuthrie | Feb 9, 2020 | Features, Gaither
Gaither alum Mercado honored with jersey retirement By Jarrett Guthrie TAMPA – Oscar Mercado said he was honored to be at the place that “helped shape” who he is today. Mercado, who made his Major League debut last season with the Cleveland Indians and put together an...
by JGuthrie | Feb 7, 2020 | Community Stories, Features, Preseason Baseball
Larkins has a half-century of love for the game By Jarrett Guthrie TAMPA – “Alright now, what do you say?” shouts a big voice from an even bigger personality as a wide grin leads the way for umpire Willie Larkins as he enters the field. Larkins, 73, is first and...
by JGuthrie | Jun 24, 2019 | Features, Strawberry Crest
Recent Strawberry Crest grad Benny Pues (right) is congratulated at home plate by Chargers and wiffle ball Ballz Deep teammate Kade Manderscheid after hitting a home run at Pues’ MiniFenway field in Plant City. By Jarrett Guthrie, editor PLANT CITY –...
