Blue Wahoos Host Tate, Escambia Prep Baseball Teams In Special State Title Reunion Game
More than a half century later, Kevin Saucier remembered his prep baseball stardom days at Escambia High with a playoff dig at rival Tate’s Scotti Madison. “It’s going to be nice to visit with all those old Tate (players),” said Saucier, laughing, a two-time state championship winner, as he looked
More than a half century later, Kevin Saucier remembered his prep baseball stardom days at Escambia High with a playoff dig at rival Tate’s Scotti Madison.
“It’s going to be nice to visit with all those old Tate (players),” said Saucier, laughing, a two-time state championship winner, as he looked at his own text message with a different word.
Saucier went on to help the Philadelphia Phillies win the 1980 World Series – the Phillies first in franchise history – as a reliever with a well-earned nickname of “Hot Sauce.”
Madison helped lead Tate to its 1976 state title, then added to the Aggies distinguished list of Major League Baseball players with a five-year career as third baseman and catcher in the big leagues. One of his teammates with the Kansas Royals happened to be Bo Jackson.
Together, Saucier and Madison, who rose from high school acclaim to the game’s highest level, have helped arrange a special moment in each of their former high school’s decorated baseball history.
The Aggies and Gators current teams play at 7 p.m. Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium on a championship reunion night for each school.
Tate is the home team and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its ’76 Class 4A team. Escambia will be honored for its 1972 and ’74 Class 4A championship teams. Back then, it was the highest classification in Florida.
There are 21 players from the Tate team committed to attend the 50-year anniversary along with former coaches. One of those former players was a sophomore named Mike Killam, now the long-time, metro director of the Northwest Florida chapter for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
This was Killam’s brainchild to honor the 1976 team he played on.
“I got to thinking, hey, Tate is playing Escambia in this game. Let’s invite former players from Escambia’s 1972 and ’74 championship teams,” said Killam, whose FCA leadership has enabled thousands of area high school kids get recognized at awards banquets, a golf tournament, along with other special events his organization has staged.
“I figured, let’s make this really special,” Killam said. “Let’s just have a big night to celebrate these teams and these schools and all the baseball accomplishments.
“It’s going to great. I’m so honored to have the response we’ve had.”
The former players will first reunite Friday at the Pensacola Yacht Club with a luncheon event. They will have a special gathering area Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium to mingle before the game begins.
“A lot of these guys have already reached out and said how excited they are to be part of this,” said Saucier, who was a dominating pitcher on those Escambia teams. “One of these guys is coming from California, another from South Carolina, another from Tennessee, another from Tampa. So what does that tell you?
“These guys are traveling from all over because they want to be here. More than anything, these guys want to see each other again.”
Saucier, who now works as a Blue Wahoos gameday employee, helping coordinate MLB scouts and executive personnel from teams with a variety of needs, vividly remembers facing Madison when he was a sophomore.
“You knew Scotti would be special. He was a really good player,” Saucier said. “But more than anything, it was all about the Tate-Escambia rivalry. Man, we had some battles in those days.
“That’s a long time ago, that is all I want to say,” said Saucier, laughing. “A lot of these guys I have not seen since high school.”
This game on Friday is part of three high school games in five days at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Tate faced Fort Walton Beach on Thursday. On Monday night at 6:30, Orange Beach (Ala.) will take on the Gulf Breeze Dolphins at the bayfront stadium.
A record eight high school games are being staged at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
There are 11 players from each of the Escambia state title teams who will be part of Friday’s events. The 1972 Gators team went 36-1. Back in those days, teams could play that many games.
“A lot of these guys from both teams went on to play college ball,” said Saucier, who was a second-round draft pick by the Phillies in 1974 and made his MLB debut with Philadelphia in 1978. (Former Escambia coach) Fred Waters knew a lot of college coaches. He really helped so many guys get college opportunities.
“It will be good to talk stories again. I know these (returning alumni) are going to want to hear stories.”
WANT TO GO?
Who: Escambia Gators vs. Tate Aggies Baseball
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Tickets: Priced at $12.25 apiece and available online at www.bluewahoos.com or at stadium box office.
Gates Open: 6 p.m.
Parking: Free.
MONDAY’S GAME
Who: Orange Beach Makos vs. Gulf Breeze Dolphins
When: Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Tickets: Priced at $12.25 apiece and available online at www.bluewahoos.com or at stadium box office
Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Parking: Free.