Baseball Brought Us Together

Last night, the entire Panther Organization, everyone who was a part of the Panthers 2016 season, joined together for the end of the year baseball banquet. Everyone who attended the banquet went in very dressy attire. The parents, players, coaches and girlfriends all looked great and ready to enjoy the rest of the night. First, once you came in you had to check-in with the list and then we all socialized for a good hour while eating plenty of appetizers. Then, the doors to the banquet room have oped and everyone took a seat with their clique or family. The announcer then came up to announce how the banquet will play out and congratulated everyone who participated in the 2016 season. After, everyone was served their dinner and we ate a video was presented that showed pictures and memories of the three teams this year. Later, the award ceremony had begun and many talented players were rewarded. Moreover, the seniors were given a tribute and everyone was very proud of what they done. The seniors had also slow danced with their mothers and it was very adorable according to the others. Overall, it was very special night for everyone and some people will leave, but will not be forgotten...

WE WILL ALWAYS BE PANTHER STRONG!

Panthers vs. Cougars ( A Game to Remember )

A win was exactly what Killian needed after dropping two games last week. They got just that beating district rival Palmetto 7-0. Cougars manager Angel Herrera is happy with the way his team came out and showed life on Tuesday. The Cougars got on the scoreboard early in the first when Eddy Arteaga drove one to deep into left for a double to drive in Freddy Zamora, who had double to start the inning off.The fifth and sixth were big innings for the Cougars, where they scored a total of five runs. Gabe Garcia scored Chris Garcia in the fifth with a double to left. Gabe Garcia and Alejandro Mosquera then scored the final two runs of the inning due to an infield error. Eddy Arteaga came up clutch in the sixth when he drove one down the left field line for a triple, driving in Chris Garcia and Kevin Castillo, who had gotten on thanks to a single and double. 

Palmetto did show some life in some of the innings. Aramis Toledo delivered a double in the third, Keaton Zargham shot one up the middle for a base hit in the sixth, but Killian’s pitching kept them in check the whole game. Panthers manager Danny Smith was very disappointed in the loss and hopes that his team can learn from this. 

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Baseball Banquet Closing In

The last event for Palmetto Panther baseball is right around the corner and everyone is very excited! The baseball banquet is a dinner for the coaches, players, and their families. This is for celebrating the great season the Panthers had and to congratulate the players that have become men to continue striving for greatness in their lives. There will be music, dancing, food, and the award ceremony as well. The players must be nervous about what will they recieve. Furthermore, there will a player/mother slow dance to appreciate all the moms have done for each player. Moreover, the players cannot wait to thank Buffy Heldt for all she has done for the organization and being an extra mother for each player. In all, this will the graduation ceremony for the players that have taken part of the Panther Baseball Organization.

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Men

The season may be over for the Panthers, but this year's seniors will live on to become successful men. Head Coach Smith's goal was to make every single player that came to the program become a young man when they leave high school. I believe Coach Smith is a great coach; he has taught us a lot and disciplined us for life out there. All the seniors were able to become young men; they all decided where they wanted to for college and study what they want to major in. Some players have even received baseball scholarships to colleges and universities. For example, Alan Alonso committed to play baseball for a junior college in Missouri and Hector Vazquez committed to play baseball at St. Thomas University as a pitcher. Furthermore, there are many players from the team that are going to college to study what they love and maybe tryout for baseball. For example, Victor Lovo is going to the University of Central Florida to study economics and Ryan Booth is going there as well to study physical therapy. The best part is they will be roommates there and will train to eventually tryout to walk on as baseball players there. Being a Panther is more than what you think; the program will make you...

PANTHER STRONG

Baseballs and Tears

The Panthers have a tradition; they would give it their all no matter who they play. Without a doubt, on the biggest game of their season, they gave it all they had. Yesterday, when the sun was at its peak, the Panthers faced off against the Killian Cougars for the District Semi-Final game. These two teams were evenly matched, but all it will take is a single mistake to tip the game to one side. 

Palmetto for the first time since 2007 was able to host District playoffs this year. The field looked absolutely perfect for the game. The game started with cheers and screams, the surrounding was full of energy and the crowd was ecstatic. Every player on the field had fire in their eyes because this game could be their last. Finally, the game's first pitch was thrown and the District playoff has begun. Through the first three innings the game was tied 0-0, but during the fourth inning the first mistake was made was made by the Panthers and they suffered from it. By the end of the fourth inning, the game was 5-0 with Killian taking the lead. The Panther battled in the last three innings, but they only managed to bring two runs in. As a result, the Panthers lost the game and for many seniors it was the last high school game of their careers.

Tear were shed in that dugout, but we came out strong because everyone knew that they did whatever they possibly could and gave their very all in that entire game. This year would be one for the books.

PANTHER STRONG

The Winning Streak

The Palmetto Panthers are on an amazing winning streak towards the end of the season. They have won five straight and will be playing the Homestead Broncos later on today. They are hoping to win this district game and increase their winning streak to six straight. The Panthers did win their last district battle against the Broncos last week very easily, so hopefully they can do it again. Panther Baseball has been making a lot of noise lately and they will continue to get lots of attention if the winning continues. Since, the team has received buzz cuts after their last defeat against the South Dade Buccaneers they have been victorious since that day.

The Panthers will be on a huge journey to Sarasota this spring break to one of the biggest tournaments of the year. I believe they will be making even more noise up there while playing what they love to do. At the same time they will be on vacation together bonding, relaxing, and having a great time. Also, Head Coach Danny Smith made a bet a few weeks ago about winning five straight games and the Panthers actually completed it. The team will all be receiving brand new pairs of cleats. Soon the whole district will be jealous of the Palmetto Panthers and how fresh they look. Although, we are all animals on the field and the opponent will be our prey.

PANTHER STRONG

The Panthers are on a Roll

The Palmetto Panthers are on a nice winning streak this week. They were able to beat their opponents the past three games. First, they beat their district rivals, the Coral Reef Cudas, which are not very good this year. We should of knocked them out quickly, but we were able to beat them 4-2. Our offense has awaken in this game because everyone was able to hit the ball very well for the most part. Nick Labrada through a good game, but he could of pitched a lot better. Plus, our defense has been getting better lately which is crucial in baseball.

Next, the Panthers faced the Killian Cougars and it was a very intense, nail-biting game. This game decided if we would stay in second place in our district. We defeated the Cougars 2-0 and basically made them feel like little kitty cats. They were very disappointed for losing and the Panthers felt amazing, so they celebrated together at Hole in the Wall! Matt Turner pitched an outstanding complete game against Killian, which led to our victory! Our offense made a few mistakes, but it was good enough to win.

Finally, we absolutely destroyed the Homestead Broncos! They were the worse team we have faced this season so far. We knocked them out 16-1 and went home and celebrated. Our offense is what led to our victory we had more than ten hits that game and just kept scoring on their mistakes. The Panthers will be facing the Southridge Spartans at their home next week and they better be ready for our claws. 

PANTHER STRONG