Bloomingdale’s Incredible Playoff Run Ends In State Semifinal

It was a tough final stop on the Bulls’ impressive playoff ride, in a shutout loss to the Buchholz Bobcats in the state semifinal.

Although the final chapter is not the best part of the story, the tale is one that Bloomingdale fans should always celebrate and remember. From playing on the opening day of the district tournament all the way to a berth in the state Final Four, the Bulls’ 2024 playoff run is exactly the sort of inspiration possible for how the current playoff system works.

On Thursday afternoon, Bloomingdale’s season came to an end with a tough, 12-0 loss to the Buchholz Bobcats, in a Class 6A state semifinal at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Buchholz (24-8) jumped out with a seven-run first inning, and never looked back to win in five innings via the mercy rule.

“Obviously we ran into a buzzsaw, and hats off to them,” Bloomingdale Manager Kris Wilken said. “They came out swinging the bats and they pitched. They did everything right and we let it snowball going out of control down the hill, and we couldn’t stop it. We tried, and our kids kept competing. I’m proud of them, not just for today and how they kept competing today, but especially the last two weeks just to get us here. I’m very proud of this group.”

Coach Wilken has every reason to be proud, after the way his team focused for the playoffs. Bloomingdale (19-11) won two district playoffs to reach the 6A-11 title game, which ended in a defeat that left them in need of an at-large bid to advance into the regional playoffs. But when the selections were announced, the Bulls were in.

“My sophomore year we were in the exact same position about moving on, and we actually didn’t move on. So this year, getting to move on was really big for me,” senior Cooper Hinson said. “I didn’t want to waste it, and I know that none of the other guys did, either. After the district final game there were some tears, and I just looked at our center fielder, Dawson Rankin, and said that this cannot be over. So as soon as we got the call, a switch flipped. I’m really proud of how we performed.”

“We were fortunate to come down here three years ago, and you don’t do that two times in four years without having really good players,” Coach Wilken said.

“When they got that new life, they didn’t waste it,” Coach Wilken said.

Bloomingdale caught fire in the regional playoffs. They enjoyed some revenge of the Palmetto Tigers team that defeated them for the district title by shutting them out 13-0 to move on against an East Lake Eagles squad that was among the top-ranked in Tampa Bay all season. Bloomingdale battled for an 11-7 comeback win, scoring six runs in the late innings to rally to the road victory. That brought on the defending state-champion Sickles Gryphons in the regional finals, and once again the Bulls rallied late for a close, 3-2 win that stamped their ticket to the state Final Four.

“I’m really proud of the way this team fought throughout the year,” Hinson said. “We had our up-and-downs, but our playoff run was probably the most memorable part of my high school career. It was a lot of fun to see the kids mature throughout those eleven days or so, and it was just great to bond with the guys. We got to dye our hair or whatever, and I’m just really happy we got to make the trip down here. Win or a loss, I’m really proud of the team.”

The Bulls were unable to find that same spark against Buchholz. They managed just two hits and were unable to crack the scoreboard, even despite senior Johnny Delarosa connecting for a triple. But in the end, a loss by any margin means the same thing. Except that there is always an appreciation and self-recognition of the season accomplished when that final loss of the year comes in the state Final Four with the last four teams of the entire class the only ones left still playing.

“Being able to be here is a blessing,” Delarosa said. “We just embraced the moment today and took it all in. No matter what, be ready at any time and your call will be up. You’ll just take that opportunity and do what you can. All Coach said was keep working and keep fighting. If you get punched in the face, how can you face that adversity and get up and keep going?”

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