Titan Alumni Baseball

Life in the Minor Leagues can be a difficult place to live. In a Midwest league, athletes play 140 games in 144 days and are expected to travel through 5 states and 16 different cities. Bus trips typically are long and in some instances take 8 to 12 hours non-stop to reach the team’s destination.

Last month in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Titan Baseball Alumni member Terry Bultemeier (1981-1983) went to a Fort Wayne Tin Caps game against the Dayton Dragons with his family. After grabbing some snacks and a program from the concession stand, Terry noticed that Sean Buckley (2011) and Spencer Dickinson (2010-2011) were recent graduates from SPC.

Following the game Terry had a chance to meet up and talk with Sean and Spencer to discuss SP(J)C. He was curious as to how the program was doing. In an email sent to the baseball office, Terry explained, “We had the privilege to meet Buckley & Dickinson. Both were very courteous and my sons especially thankful for taking pictures and the autographs. Spencer was especially pleasant to speak with and chat briefly. Made me proud as a SPC (baseball) alum”.

When asked about the encounter, current SPC Coach Ryan Beckman said, “A moment like this is a great reminder; you never know who is watching. We are very proud of Spencer and Sean.”

The next generation of SPC Baseball Alumni kicked off this this week with fall practices.

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Beckman Announces Coaching Staff

With the first week of school beginning here at St. Petersburg College, so does a new era of SPC Baseball. Coach Ryan Beckman took over as Interim Head Coach in January 2012 and will return as the Head Coach for the 2012-2013 season. This year, Coach Beckman brings with him a new staff full of knowledge and experience.

2012-2013 SPC Baseball Coaches

Ryan Beckman – Head Coach
Kenny Norman
TJ Large
Jason Szafarski
Todd Brazeal

Coach Kenny Norman is the only returning staff member from last year’s team. “Coach Norman will be in charge of our Hitters and Outfielders. He is very passionate about the game of baseball and is a great role model to our student athletes” Coach Beckman said. His knowledge of hitting and defensive play can only improve the performance of SPC players. Prior to coaching with St. Petersburg College, he was a 6^th round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 1989 out of Sweetwater, TX.

Coach TJ Large is a member of the Titan Alumni and played for Coach Dave Pano in 2003. After leaving SPC, Coach Large went on to play at the University of Alabama, and the Boston Red Sox. “It is always great to connect the past to the future. Bringing TJ on board was huge in recapturing the great tradition St. Petersburg Baseball has.” Coach Large will oversee all aspects of the pitching staff.

Coach Jason Szafarski previously held positions as the head coach at Boca Ciega, and Dixie Hollins High Schools. He took over two difficult situations and turned the programs around. “As one of the most recognized faces in Pinellas County baseball, Coach Szafarski brings with him a great knowledge of the area and the game with him to St. Pete.” He has a tremendous impact on young lives every day and is a true asset to the program. Coach Szafarski will be instructing the infielders.

Coach Todd Brazeal is a recent graduate from the University of South Florida. While battling through injuries this past spring, he completed his senior season by hitting .233 with 3 home runs and 28 RBIs. “It is not often you come across a young man as mature and experienced in the game of baseball as Todd.  His energy and enthusiasm is going to have a great impact on the Titan program.” Coach Brazeal will oversee the Baserunners.

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SPC baseball standout makes major league debut

After seven years in the minors, former St. Petersburg College baseball standout Todd Redmond made his major league debut Saturday night with the Cincinnati Reds.  Redmond, who pitched the Titans to the state championship in 2005 and their only World Series appearance, lasted 3-and-a-third innings, and gave up four runs.  After waiting so long to pitch in the majors, his control was off as he walked five batters.  After the game he was sent back to the minors.

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1st Annual Women’s Basketball Team Luncheon

What a great day and start for the upcoming school year and basketball season. The Lady Titans had their 1^st Annual Women’s Basketball Team Luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon was for student athletes to meet and greet with St. Petersburg College (Gibbs Campus) administrators and staff, along with some supporters and fans for Women’s Basketball.

Each presenter spoke briefly about their role here at the college and how their positions can help the student athletes continue to grow as a person both on and off the court.  The Lady Titans had the opportunity to meet and speak with all the presenters personally.  We are very appreciative and grateful to all those who attended.

Our first home game will be Nov. 2, 2012, at 7 p.m. versus Hillsborough Community College. All home games will be played at the St. Pete Gibbs campus.

Please follow the Lady Titans on Twitter @spcwbasketball.

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Little League World Series

Returning St. Petersburg College softball players Talia Barraco and Shanelly Brown are participating in the Little League World Series in Michigan. Their team won the first set of games 3 – 2 last Thursday night and then lost on Friday. The bracket for the series includes eight games, with the two best records that continue on.

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