By Thomas Grant Jr.
The 11th annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff co-sponsored by the Lexington County Blowfish netted a valuable donation to the Lexington Police Department Foundation.
Blowfish co-owner Bill Shanahan and Old Mill Brewpub owner John Clinger presented a $5,000 check during the March 19 meeting at the VIP Stadium Room. Lieutenant Brent Carter and Detective Justin Matthews received it on behalf of the donation raised during the March 2 event.
Carter said the foundation plans to use the money to sponsor scholarships to help officers to obtain valuable training and other activities to benefit the community.
In other business, Shanahan announced several special night events planned during the 2025 season:
June 7: NASCAR NIGHT/DALE EARNHARDT MUSTACHE APPRECIATION NIGHT – Fans will have an opportunity to wear their favorite NASCAR drivers’ apparel with Darlington Raceway officials present. They will also get to participate in a mustache contest for the one which best resembles the racing legend.
June 20: NEON 90s NIGHT/HOOTIES NIGHT – Fans are encouraged to pull out their fanny packs, neon t-shirts and trapper keepers for the on-field parade. The team will also hold an auction of its special Hootie jerseys in honor of the group Hootie and the Blowfish. The Lexington County Blowfish are named after them.
July 12: BACK TO THE 80s NIGHT – In commemoration of the movie release of Back To The Future, the Blowfish have an Air Guitar contest. Fans are also encouraged to dress in track suits, leg warmers and heavily sprayed hair for the on-field parade.
July 19: THE ALUMNI GAME – As part of the franchise’s 20th year celebration, the Blowfish will hold its first All-Star game involving past players from the Columbia and Lexington teams.
July 25: S.C. STATE FAIR APPRECIATION NIGHT – The team will sell fair-related food and beverages and hold such events like “pig races” at the ballpark.
Other events planned will be announced on the team’s website www.blowfishbaseball.com.
The Blowfish opens the season May 29 at the Florence Flamingos. The team is still finalizing the roster as Shanahan announced three new additions:
– Blythewood native Landon Penfield (College of Charleston)
– Sam Stem (Gonzaga University)
– Spencer Nolan (Charlotte)
