Dolphin baseball goals - 20 wins, playoffs
Gulf Breeze hosts Pine Forest in preseason game Friday, open regular season Feb. 15 at Catholic
BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News Staying close to home GBHS outfielder Kameron Brunty signed a scholarship with Pensacola Junior College last week. Also pictured: mother Michelle Brunty and PJC assistant coach Doug Martin.

The 2008 Dolphin baseball team has three goals for this season - win 20 games or more, lose 10 games or less and make the playoffs. And not necessarily in that order.

"We want to make the playoffs regardless of our record," said coach Randy Renfroe. "We feel we have a realistic chance at that."

The Dolphins won 17 games last year, beating such schools as Pine Forest (who lost in the 4A state championship game), Jay (who made to the 2A state semifinals), Hatley, Miss. (who lost in the Mississippi 2A state quarterfinals).

But the Eagles, while on their way to state, beat the Dolphins in the semifinals of the district tournament, denying them their first playoff bid since 1980.

Gulf Breeze has five starters back from that 2007 squad who are determined to snap that streak.

"We're very strong up the middle," said Renfroe referring to seniors Brandon Scott (shortstop), T.J. Jordan (second base), Kameron Brunty and Shane Dorlag (left and center field) and Kolton Hanke behind the plate. Hanke replaces fouryear starter Brad McGuire as the Dolphin 'backstop.'

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News Brandon Scott is one of five returning starters for GBHS.

"If Kolton can do what Brad does defensively, hitting will just be a plus," Renfroe said. Patrick Vance, also a senior, can also play behind the plate and could also see time at first base while senior Mark Waghalter, the team's top returning pitcher, recovers from a broken foot.

"We'll also need (senior) Dane Monnin to step it up and take over for Mark a little bit," Renfroe said. Juniors Cody Warford and Corey Downs will also see some mound time when not playing in the outfield.

"Those juniors have to be ready," Renfroe said.

Junior Kris Matsoukas will get the first crack at third base, while fellow junior Kyle Schnackenberg can play at either second, third or short.

Senior Bo Dobson can also pitch, as can junior Luke Crooke. Junior Greg Shows will play some infield, while juniors Caleb Brown, Trey Pfeiffer, Greg Shows and Spencer Wiley could see time in the outfield. Junior Shane Pascoe will be a backup catcher.

Sophomores Ben Lively and Thomas Dorsey could also see some mound time for the varsity when not playing on the junior varsity team.

District 1-4A, which Gulf Breeze is in along with West Florida, Washington, Navarre, Milton and PHS, is wide open, according to Renfroe. "I don't think anybody stands out," Renfroe said.

Gulf Breeze hosts Pine Forest in a preseason game tomorrow night at 6 p.m. The Dolphins will open the regular season Feb. 15 at Catholic and will begin district play at home the following Friday against Milton.

Brunty signs with PJC

In what could be the first of several on this year's team, Brunty signed to play baseball for Pensacola Junior College last week.

"He's someone that can contribute for them right away," said Renfroe, who has two former Dolphins already on the Pirate roster in pitchers Greg Tober and Derek Jeter.

"We feel he has the potential to be a pro prospect," said PJC assistant coach Doug Martin.

Brunty led last year's squad with a .516 batting average. He was among the team leaders in doubles, triples and home runs.

"I know a lot of the guys on the team and they say it's fun," Brunty said.