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Baseball incidents costly for Armwood

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2009

NEWS & NOTES

Baseball incidents costly for Armwood

Armwood has been fined $1,350 and placed on administrative and restrictive probation until June 2010 stemming from its involvement in two on-field incidents in a Class 5A state semifinal baseball game last season, according to a letter sent to the school by the Florida High School Athletics Association.

The letter, which was obtained by The Tampa Tribune, also states that in addition to the fine and probation, Armwood is restricted from playing in a preseason classic, was issued an official letter of reprimand and Hawks coach Mike Wrenn is required to attend an FHSAA Sportsmanship Summit at the Florida Athletic Coaches Association conference in December.

Wrenn declined to comment. Armwood athletic director Don Hill did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

The two incidents occurred at home plate during Armwood's 4-2 loss to Tallahassee Chiles in May at Port St. Lucie's Tradition Field.

The first occurred when a Chiles player attempted to score and was tagged out by Armwood C Josh Spano. The second occurred when Spano attempted to score on a hit in the home half of the inning and was involved in a collision with the Chiles catcher.

Players from both teams left the bench area during both incidents. Spano was ejected from the game following the second incident.
Chiles received almost identical punishment, the only difference being the monetary fine amount ($550), according to a letter sent by the FHSAA to that school.

Both schools can appeal the FHSAA's decision.

MORE BASEBALL: Brandon senior SS Spencer Haynes has verbally committed to Manatee Community College, and Alonso senior 2B Tyler Ding has verbally committed to the University of Tampa.

Haynes has been a solid performer for Brandon in each of the past two seasons. In 2009, Haynes ranked among the team's offensive leaders in most categories, hitting .356 with two home runs, 23 RBIs and 35 runs. As a sophomore, Haynes hit .283 with eight doubles, three home runs and 19 RBIs during the Eagles' run to the state tournament.

Ding has been impressive for the Ravens over the same stretch. He hit.476 with eight doubles, two home runs, 26 RBIs, 31 runs and 23 stolen bases for the Class 6A state champion Ravens last season, earning first-team all-state honors. As a sophomore, Ding hit .388 with nine doubles, two home runs, 32 RBIs, 20 runs and 15 stolen bases.

Basketball

A wake for former Bloomingdale star and Hampton University senior C Theo Smalling will be held Friday, former Bloomingdale coach Josh Chapin said.

Smalling died Oct. 26 from a gunshot wound in the abdomen in Virginia.

The wake will be held at Serenity Meadows, at 6919 Providence Road in Riverview, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 5-9 p.m.

The funeral will be Saturday at St. Stephens Catholic Church, at 5049 Bell Shoals Road in Valrico, at 1:30 p.m.

Chapin attended a ceremony for Smalling last week in Virginia, and he said at least 3,000 people attended, including Hampton's football and men's and women's basketball teams.

Adam Adkins,

Nick Williams

NEWS & NOTES

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