Page 109 - PINE CREST 1980

COMPETING in the State Tournament in
Avon Park against Jacksonville Bolles, first
baseman Scott Efird attempts to force a second
out after the batter had popped up.

Varsity Baseball Team

Competes In State Tournament

‘‘This team has earned my highest In post-season play the Panthers
respect and admiration,” comment­ defeated Dade Christian and Belen
ed coach Gus Bell at the end of the for the district title and then defeated
season. The team battled twenty-one a powerful Westminster Christian
opponents during the season and team to win the regional champion­
defeated seventeen of them. A ship. When the baseball team rallied
second place ranking in the confer­ to win 8-7 over John Carroll for the
ence was achieved. sectional title, a trip to the state
tournament was earned. However, in
One of the team’s greatest assets was the state semi-final game against
starting pitcher Bob Efird. Bob won Jacksonville Bolles, the season came
all twelve of the games in which he to an end. The starting pitcher for
pitched. He improved greatly from Bolles was awesome, allowing only
last season when he had a 3-2 record. two hits.
He explained his transformation to
FORT LAUDERDALE NEWS Coach Bell summed up his feeling
reporter Dave Wieczorek. Bob said, about the team by saying, “In nine
‘‘Last year I was nervous,” and later years of coaching I have never been
added, ‘‘This year I challenge every associated with so many leaders on
hitter.” one given team.”

STARTING PITCHER Bob Efird throws with
grace and form. He threw one no-hitter and
finished the regular season with a 12-0 record.

CROUCHING, junior Buck Buchanan
prepares to catch a low ball from the left
fielder.

Varsity Baseball/105