We all have our favorite hometown spots and special landmarks that bring back childhood memories. With summer just around the corner I wanted to focus on a field filled with highlights and records. Buddy Lowe Field at Pat Thomas Stadium is home to the Leesburg High School Yellow Jackets and Leesburg Lightning. Most recently the excitement has been around the Lightning, a member of the Florida Collegiate Summer League, but longtime greats will always be part of Pat Thomas Stadium.
The field was named after Buddy Lowe, a longtime coach of Leesburg High and retired as the state’s winningest high school baseball coach. On April 28, 2013 coach Lowe will be inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Gainsville. (source Orlando Sentinel)
Buddy Lowe’s bio can be found at http://www.fhsaa.org/departments/special-programs/hall-of-fame/members/charles-buddy-lowe
Fun History
Pat Thomas Stadium was also home to the Philadelphia Phillies minor league training camp through 1968. MLB exhibition games were also held here featuring greats like Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro. More information on the history of the stadium can be found on this link http://ballparkdigest.com/200912292402/college-baseball/visits/ballpark-visit-pat-thomas-stadium-leesburg-lightning
Great athletes have graced the area of Venetian Gardens and left us with unforgettable memories of big games at Pat Thomas Stadium. Baseball is a true pastime for our country but more importantly for Leesburg, FL. Come out and support your Leesburg Lightning this summer at one of our hometown landmarks, Buddy Lowe Field/Pat Thomas Stadium.
2013 Lightning Season
The Leesburg Lightning kickoff their 2013 season on June 5th. View the complete schedule and information on the Lightning website at http://www.leesburglightning.com/
Photo Source (www.leesburglightning.com)