Bubba Watson Becomes Part Owner Of The Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Aug 30, 2014; Norton, MA, USA; Bubba Watson watches his tee shot on the 14th hole during the second round of the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament at TPC of Boston. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s president, Bruce Baldwin announced on Monday afternoon that PGA Tour golf professional, and two-time Masters Champ, Bubba Watson has purchased a share of the Cincinnati Reds Double A franchise. Baldwin made the announcement in front of Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, located just a few miles from Bubba’s hometown of Bagdad, Florida.

Following the announcement, Bubba took a couple of ceremonial swings with pitches from Jamie Walczak, who pitched for the Wahoos last season. The first swing was with his iconic driver, and the second with a Louisville Slugger. Both were of course, were pink.

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"“This is a dream come true for me,” Watson said. “When I was about 15, I had to pick a sport, so that’s when I stopped playing baseball, but I have loved the game.”"

Although no details of the agreement were made public, the Pensacola New’s Journal reported that Quint Studer, another part owner of the team, said that Watson’s investment was significant.

"“Ever since I went to my first Blue Wahoos game I have been a big fan of the team. I love the atmosphere, it’s such a great place to go with friends and family. I wish Pensacola had a team like this when I was growing up. There’s something special about pulling for the hometown team. It’s great that Quint and Rishy were willing to let me be a part of it. I look forward to a long and exciting partnership with them. I just hope Quint doesn’t get tired of my crazy ideas because I have been known to have a few. One thing I know for sure is that you won’t see me out there in a uniform playing. I already asked, and they said I can’t do that even if I own part of the team,” said Watson."

Bubba has long been a fan of the Double A franchise, occasionally throwing out ceremonial pitches and greeting players after his two Masters Championships in 2012 and 2014. He has thrown out first pitches in his Green Jacket.

In honor of the partnership, the team will begin selling co-branded merchandise, a Bubba Dub Grilled Cheese, a double decker grilled cheese sandwich with crispy hash browns inside, and the restaurant and bar behind home plate will be renamed Bubba’s Sand Trap.

"“We are thrilled to welcome Bubba Watson into the ownership and to have Bubba’s family, Angie, Caleb and Dakota, as part of the Wahoos family, enjoying the Wahoos Life,” said Quint Studer, Blue Wahoos majority owner with his wife, Rishy."

Bubba will get back to work on the golf course next week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He came close to winning this event last year, until he faltered on the 18th hole, and lost to Kevin Stadler in a playoff that ended only minutes before the kickoff of the Super Bowl.

Although he will be the top-ranked player in this year’s edition of this popular event, he will have to compete with the return of Tiger Woods to Phoenix, where I’m sure the focus will be on Tiger, and Phil Mickelson.

Watson is ranked fourth in the world at this juncture, and already has a victory in the 2014-2015 wrap-around season. He was able to defeat Tim Clark in a playoff at the WGC-HSBC Championship in Shanghai. Bubba made a miraculous sand shot at the 72nd hole to force the playoff.

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos play their first home game at the Pensacola Bay Stadium on April 9th at 6:30 PM against the Biloxi Shuckers which is a Milwaukee Brewer franchise minor league team.

Pensacola ended the 2014 season on a two-game win streak, but finished last in the Southern League South.

Source: PGATour.com and BlueWahoos.com

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