Blue Wahoos To Honor Long Time Escambia High Baseball Coach 

Two months ago, Roger Mayo was treated to a surprise reunion to celebrate his legacy and impending retirement with former players.

While it won’t be a surprise event Wednesday, the Blue Wahoos are providing the long-time, former Escambia High baseball coach with a special recognition.

Mayo will be honored during the Blue Wahoos game against the Chattanooga Lookouts by throwing out a first pitch, having family and friends at the ballpark, along with three of the Gators’ former Major League Baseball players.

The group will also include members of the Escambia’s 1991 state title team, which was the fifth in school history. The Gators’ tradition was forged by local baseball legend Fred Waters, who influenced so many players.

“Roger was able to keep it going, keep the winning tradition and all the good players after Fred was gone,” said Kevin Saucier, a 1974 Escambia grad, who became a second-round pick that year by the Philadelphia Phillies and helped the ballclub to a World Series title as a relief pitcher in 1980.

“Roger has meant a lot to so many people and influenced so many kids over the years,” said Saucier, now the Blue Wahoos scouting concierge, who helped organize the event.

Former MLB All-Star third baseman Jim Presley will be at the game – his first time attending a Blue Wahoos game. Presley was a fourth round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 1979 and became an All-Star with Seattle in 1986.

Dennis Lewallyn, former MLB pitcher and long-time coach in the Atlanta Braves organization, will join the group as well.

Mayo was Escambia’s coach for 32 years before becoming the Escambia County Athletic Director for five years beginning in 2016.

The group will be visiting with Blue Wahoos season-ticket holders and will be seated as a group in the ballpark.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Blue Wahoos Baseball

WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

WHEN: 6:35 p.m.

EVENTS: Former Escambia High baseball coach Roger Mayo will be saluted for 32 years of prep coaching at school. It is also Mardi Gras Night, including pregame parade and throws with area Krewes beginning at 6:00 p.m. And there are post-game fireworks.

TICKETS: Available on www.bluewahoos.com and at stadium box office.