Chattanooga Lookouts begin title series tonight

photo After advancing to second base after his third-inning single Monday night, Chattanooga's Noel Cuevas just beats the throw back to second at AT&T Field. The Lookouts beat the Huntsville Stars 7-6 and move on to the Southern League championship series against Jacksonville.

There was a time when getting to the Southern League championship series was all Chattanooga Lookouts owner Frank Burke knew.

Burke, who purchased the Lookouts with his father and a third buyer before the 1995 season, watched the Lookouts fall in the title series in 1995 and again a year later. But Chattanooga has not been back to the league finals until now, as it opens a best-of-five series tonight against Jacksonville at AT&T Field.

"I've come this close before," Burke said Tuesday, "but it's been a long time."

The Lookouts will host the Suns tonight and Thursday night before the series shifts to Jacksonville on Friday. The Suns would host games Saturday and Sunday if necessary.

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Chattanooga is an unlikely finalist after beginning August with a 40-69 overall record and a 14-25 mark in the second half of the season. The Lookouts needed a 14-15 month to avoid having the worst record since the Double-A franchise moved to AT&T Field but instead went 21-8 to pass the Tennessee Smokies for the title.

"You've got to love minor league baseball and the fresh start it provides," Lookouts outfielder Scott Schebler said.

Wrapping up his 20th and likely his last season as owner, Burke would love to see this year's team win a championship. The Lookouts have not claimed the Southern League crown since 1988.

"I think the world of [manager] Razor Shines," Burke said. "He was wonderful when he managed Birmingham, and I'm just really happy for him and his players. If they win this series, they will be getting some tremendously cool rings."

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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