CHRONICLE SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

The Lexington County Blowfish held its first preseason media luncheon in front of a full house inside the VIP Stadium Club at Lexington County Baseball Stadium Wednesday afternoon.

The big announcement that had everyone waiting in anticipation was the unveiling of the special patriotic-themed jersey for the 2020 season.

The Blowfish are honoring baseball’s return to the Summer Olympics by becoming Team Blowfish in 2020.

“This season, for this particular jersey, we turned to our great Blowfish fans,” Blowfish co-owner and President Bill Shanahan stated. “And, after the votes were counted, it was clear the fans had their minds made up.

“This jersey will be auctioned off at the end of the season to benefit the Lexington 4H Clubs and Future Farmers of America in conjunction with the Lexington County Farm Bureau Federation.

“Once again, our wonderful friends at Carolina Comfort will be the presenting sponsor for the special themed patriotic jersey.”

Shanahan was also joined by John Clinger, co-founder of the annual Lexington County Chili Cook-Off, to preview this Sunday’s big event at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington.

A total of 25 cook teams will compete for the title of Best Chili in Lexington County this Sunday. The Cook-Off will be held from noon to 5 pm and is $10 per person, $5 for children.

Proceeds benefit the Town of Lexington’s Police Foundation and the Jeffrey Vaden Chavis House part of the Burn Foundation.

The Blowfish also announced the signing of 3 hometown players who are returning to the Blowfish in 2020.

Josh Senter, Tyler Corbitt, and Jared Kirven will be back at the Stadium for the 2nd consecutive year.

A River Bluff alumnus, Senter is currently enrolled at North Greenville University.

Corbitt is an Airport High graduate that started all 52 games in his freshman season at The Citadel. He figures to play a key role offensively and defensively for the Bulldogs in 2020.

Kirven, a catcher at the College of Charleston, graduated from Lexington High School.

“The group we’re assembling is going to play the game the right way,” Blowfish head coach Matt Padgett stated. “We want to come out to the ballpark each day ready to work and win games in front of our great fans in Lexington County.”

The Blowfish begin their 15th season and 6th in Lexington on May 28 at home against Gastonia.