The history of the Blowfish was on full display last week as the team hosted its second-ever alumni game. 

Players and coaches of old and new gathered at the Lexington County stadium and played in a friendly exhibition in front of fans. In between innings, the team took time to honor some of the franchise's most iconic figures, including players, coaches and former mascots. 

The event was a celebration of 20 years of Blowfish Baseball. 17 former players and three former coaches made the trip to the fish bowl for the festivities. 

Timmy Martin and Tony Graham were two former players in attendance. They played for the Blowfish during the 2006 inaugural season, when the team was known as the Columbia Blowfish and played in the historic Capital City Stadium.

Carson Starnes, Wells Sykes and Ashby Vining were all part of Lexington County’s 2023 CPL championship team. Sykes was a starter for Coastal Carolina during the team’s run to the 2025 College World Series. Vining now plays for the Savannah Bananas developmental squad, the Visitors.

Tim Medlin, the team’s first coach; Jonathan Johnson, the team’s all-time winningest coach; and K.C. Brown, the 2023 championship-winning coach, were also in attendance, coaching the alumni team. 

Mascots from around the area, including Clemson and South Carolina, attended the game to celebrate Blowie the mascot’s birthday. 

Overall, the vibes were high as former players got to reminisce about their Blowfish days and make new connections with the current roster. 

Players on both sides participated in a bit of smack talk while playing a more casual, care free game. Co-owner Bill Shanahan took the field often to thank everyone involved in the Blowfish’s history. 

The alumni took the win 8-2. The team jumped out to a 7-1 lead two innings into the game before the scoring slowed down. 

The Blowfish will be back in action against CPL teams this week as the season nears an end. Lexington County is contending for the top spot in their conference, making every game down the stretch extremely important. 

While there is a lot of pressure to win those last few games, having contests like the alumni game is a good way to keep the team warm in a stress-free environment. 

Below is a full list of former players and coaches who returned for the alumni game.

Players

Trevor Bradley – 2015 – USC Sumter

Ryan Brash – 2021, 2022, 2024 – Anderson

Matt Dooley – 2023 – Francis Marion

Tony Graham – 2006 – Anderson

Jared Kirven – 2021 – College of Charleston

Seth Lancaster – 2017 – Coastal Carolina

Connor Lewis – 2013 – Lander

Timmy Martin – 2006 – The Citadel

Landry Mead – 2023, 2024 – Georgia Southern

Hunter Privette – 2013 – South Carolina

Josh Senter – 2019, 2020 – North Greenville

Cody Smith – 2013, 2014 – Spartanburg Methodist

Derrick Smith – 2010, 2013 – College of Charleston

Carson Starnes – 2022, 2023, 2024 – Wingate

Wells Sykes – 2022, 2023, 2024 – Coastal Carolina

Ashby Vining – 2023, 2024 – Saint Peter’s

Jarrett Whitley – 2024 – Southern Wesleyan

Coaches

K.C. Brown – 2023-2024 – CPL Champions in 2023, CPL West Division Champions in 2024

Jonathan Johnson – 2013-2019 – Winningest head coach in Blowfish history

Tim Medlin – 2006-2011 – First-ever head coach of the Blowfish