Remembering When Blue Wahoos Honored Pensacola Team Breaking Little League Color Barrier 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

On an August night in 2018, Jerry Cowart had traveled more than 750 miles from West Virginia to Pensacola, so he could reconnect with special history.

He was a pitcher-infielder on the 1955 Orlando Kiwanis, an 11-12-year-old Little League team, which agreed to play the Pensacola Jaycees in a game which shook youth baseball in the southeast.

The Pensacola Jaycees were a team of all Black players. Orlando’s team was all White players. Their Florida Little League state semifinal game on August 10, 1955, at Orlando’s Lake Lorna Doone Park broke the game’s color barrier

That game, that moment, and those players, which spawned the movie “Long Time Coming: A 1955 Baseball Story,” were honored August 18, 2018 by the Pensacola Blue Wahoos prior during their game at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

It was something the Blue Wahoos and team owner Quint Studer made happen as a well to honor the moment 63 years earlier, but also remind of its significance.

As Major League Baseball celebrates the final day of Black History Month in February 2022, this story is a fitting way to recognized Pensacola’s history with baseball and great Black players in the community’s history.

“I would have never missed this,” said Cowart, who engaged in embrace with fellow 70-year-old men who played for the Jaycees. “It’s very special. I know back then, we wanted to play that game. We didn’t care. We just wanted to play baseball.

“We didn’t think one bit of the implications,” said Cowart, whose team won the game 5-0 to advance to play Miami for the 1955 state title, which Miami won 1-0. “I know (Jaycees) were scared. And we were uptight too. But it was fun. We had a good time.”

On that night in 2018, PGA Tour star and Pensacola resident Bubba Watson, a co-investor with the Blue Wahoos, returned from his busy schedule to hand out commemorative plaques to all players and show his support.

That was a joyous surprise to the members of both teams and their families. Blue Wahoos players and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp players applauded from both dugouts during the ceremony.

The cheers became louder during the second inning when a sellout crowd (5,038) had filled the seats.

“I almost wish I could have been a part of it back in that era,” said former Blue Wahoos manager Jody Davis, who grew up in Gainesville, Georgia, and went on to become a Major League All-Star catcher with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves

“But I wasn’t born until ’56, so it was just a little bit ahead of my time, but this game of baseball has kinda smoothed over a lot of rough times.

“That bunch from Orlando did the right thing, we all know that. It is historic. I was glad to be part of it and see those guys out here. I hope they had a good time.”

The Blue Wahoos wore replica home jerseys of the Pensacola Jaycees.

The players from both the Jaycees and Orlando Kiwanis gathered on the concourse that night, signing autographs, posing with fans for pictures, or just taking in the whole experience.

At one point, Escambia County commissioner Lumon May approached four of the Orlando team members and hugged each one. It was his emotional way of saying “thank you” for what they accomplished.

“It was baseball that brought it all together and baseball is doing it again here (Saturday),” said Ted Haddock, the film’s producer.

The game was eight years after Jackie Robinson, who was born in Cairo, Georgia, made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier.

“One of our own coaches quit before we played that game, because he didn’t want to go against a black team,” Cowart said.

The Pensacola Jaycees reached the state Little League semifinals, because teams from Fort Walton Beach and Panama City both forfeited playoff games after refusing to play against black players.

“We really didn’t know, because we had baseball fields to play on,” said Willie Robinson, a shortstop on the Jaycees and nephew of former Booker T. Washington principal Sherman Robinson. “There were baseball fields everywhere in Pensacola back then.”

“But people outside of us didn’t know we could play so well. We weren’t the best ballplayers, necessarily, in the south, but other teams didn’t get the same opportunity.”

The team traveled in three cars to get to Orlando. Only one gas station company in Florida — Phillips 66 — permitted African-American travelers to use their restrooms and drink from their water fountains.

“There were some very rough towns back then … racist places,” said Rev. Freddie Augustine, a second baseman on the Pensacola Jaycees. “We couldn’t just stop anywhere.”

But they made it happen. And 63 years later, so did the Blue Wahoos.

Blue Wahoos Stadium provided a fitting venue. It was only blocks away from where the Pensacola Jaycees played at their field that once existed on the corner of Government Street and Intendencia.

“This all goes back to our covenant about bringing the community together,” Studer said that night. “But it is also to let people know we have a ways to go. We’ve always wanted to make this ballpark like a neighborhood.. an integrated neighborhood.”

The players from both teams met for the first time two years ago in Pensacola to film the documentary. It was their first meeting since 1955. It was at a ballpark near A.K. Suter Elementary School — a field that was off-limits to the Jaycees in 1955.

Neighborhood kids saw the film crews and the production. The youth players asked the former players, all now in their 70s, about what was going on.

When they found out, the kids began asking for autographs and bonded with the men in a way that touched their hearts.

“I thank the Lord for what happened,” Robinson said. “My only disappointment is that (the local African-American community) never recognized us back then. That is my disappointment.

“But I am overwhelmed now because they are finally getting to know what we did. It’s just they can’t really feel the full impact.”

Blue Wahoos Receive Sports Tourism Award At Pensacola Sports Awards Banquet 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the Blue Wahoos became innovators and award winners.

Those elements were honored Feb. 24 during the annual Pensacola Sports Awards Banquet at the Pensacola Yacht Club, sponsored by Cox Communications.

The Blue Wahoos received the Sports Tourism Award for 2020, after creating the nation’s first Airbnb experience at a ballpark in a year without baseball, along with the other creative ways to bring people to Blue Wahoos Stadium and fulfill the team’s mission to improve the quality of life in the Pensacola community.

Blue Wahoos vice president Alex Sides accepted the award on a special night celebrating the varied success stories with athletes and teams in the Pensacola area. Pensacola Sports was founded in 1955 and is the oldest sports association in Florida.

Pensacola Sports created the Sports Tourism Award several years ago as a way to recognize an organization or group of individuals who make a significant contribution to generating tourism to Pensacola and advancing the community’s awareness.

The Blue Wahoos were able to do that in a number of ways in 2020, after all levels of Minor League Baseball were cancelled prior to the 2020 season due to the first onslaught of COVID-19. The team’s front office staff went to work to transition into an events company and Airbnb experience.

In a time where family entertainment options were greatly limited, the Blue Wahoos staged more than 200 events, along with the 75 nights of Airbnb guests from 30 different states.

It earned the Blue Wahoos the Bob Freitas Award from Baseball America as the Double-A organization of the year. The Blue Wahoos also earned the prestigious Golden Bobblehead Award for best overall promotion during the MILB Innovators Summtt, held virtually in 2020.

At the Feb. 24 Pensacola Sports banquet, event emcee Dan Shugart recognized all of the achievements and provided the gathering with awareness of how the Blue Wahoos survived a year without baseball.

The team also won other awards that year.

Team owners Quint and Rishy Studer decided in April 2020 not to reduce staffing or lay off employees and were able to keep the entire front office staff employed the entire year.

The Blue Wahoos have been able to attract visitors from across the country, either to attend games, or simply visit the stadium during non-event days to browse in the team store or simply walk around and experience the bayfront stadium.

The Blue Wahoos were joined by Five Flags Speedway, winner of the 2021 Sports Tourism Award, in earning recognition for impact in the community.

Jumbo Shrimp ballpark job fairs set for March 3, 12 & 16

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are building their team for another season of Affordable Family Fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. The club will hold three job fairs for 2022 game day positions from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 12 and 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at the ballpark.

Interested applicants need only attend one of the job fairs, and will be asked to complete an employee application form. Applicants may bring a completed application to the job fair. All applicants should be prepared to interview at the job fairs and are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately. Potential employees are subject to a background check and drug test.

Parking for the job fairs will be in Lot P and applicants may enter through the main stadium gates at the corner of A Philip Randolph Blvd. and E. Adams St.

Open positions are for seasonal employment, including but not limited to 75 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball home games, additional stadium events and training. The ideal candidate is outgoing, enjoys being part of a team atmosphere and is ready to have FUN while providing top-notch customer service.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for the following positions:

· GAME DAY TICKET SELLER/TICKET TAKER: One of the first points of guest interaction, the game day ticket seller/ticket taker will staff a ticket window at the box office approximately one hour before the gates open for that night’s game and work until the majority of the crowd has been served, approximately an hour after the game begins. 121 Financial Ballpark utilizes the Glitnir ticketing system, and the game day ticket seller will work in an efficient manner to meet fans’ needs for ticket purchases, exchanges and upgrades at the ticket window. Ticket takers will be responsible for greeting guests at the gate and scanning them into the ballpark.

· KIDS ZONE ATTENDANT: The kids zone attendant will staff one of the multiple children’s attractions at 121 Financial Ballpark. From the speed pitch to the giant inflatables and carnival-style games, the attendant is responsible for overseeing the safety of those in the area, as well as ensuring everyone is having FUN. Arrival time would be approximately one hour before gates open and end time would be dependent on crowd size.

· BIRTHDAY PARTY HOST: The birthday party host will assist in all day-of executions of our birthday party packages at the ballpark. From working with our full-time staff members, to helping prepare the birthday area prior to guest arrival, to greeting and hosting the guests at the ballpark, to cleaning up once the party concludes, the ideal candidate will have an outgoing and upbeat personality with attention to detail and a priority on having FUN at the ballpark a must. The host will also have the opportunity to work as a Kids Zone Attendant.

· MERCHANDISE STORE EMPLOYEE: From stocking and organizing the store prior to the gates opening on game day to assisting customers with their merchandise purchases, the merchandise store employee will provide top-notch customer service while maintaining organization and attention to detail. Additionally, the merchandise employee may also be operating satellite merchandise kiosks, as well as hawking smaller items in the stands. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open, and end time would be dependent on crowd size but could be following the game on busier nights. Retail experience is a plus.

· 50/50 TICKET SELLER: Ticket sellers sell tickets to fans for the nightly 50/50 charitable raffle at Jumbo Shrimp home games. Sellers should comfortably handle large cash transactions and credit card machines, as well as the sale and distribution of 50/50 raffle tickets throughout their work shift. They work to engage fans and staff to spread awareness of the 50/50 raffle program. They solve problems quickly and efficiently and answer questions fans may have about the 50/50 raffle program. Ticket sellers are responsible for meeting and/or exceeding designated sales goals per game. Preferred candidates will be available to work a majority of the 70 home games, arriving 1.5 hours prior to game time.

· FAN EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVES: The Jumbo Shrimp’s most visible and helpful game day employee, the ideal Fan Experience Representative candidate is outgoing, knowledgeable about the ballpark and its rules and regulations, and enjoys interacting with people and having FUN. The Fan Experience Representatives will be located throughout the ballpark, including entry areas of the stadium. Fan Experience Representatives will also serve as friendly faces in many tasks including assisting fans to their seats, answering any questions guests may have, inspection of bags brought into the ballpark by guests and other tasks as needed. These staff members will also direct entry and exit of guests through areas within the ballpark. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open for wiping down and preparing their seating section and last until at least the final out of the game, pending postgame activities.

· GROUNDS CREW: A great opportunity to experience baseball in a whole new way. Join the Jumbo Shrimp Grounds Crew and see what it is like to work on a top-tier MiLB field. Be a part of a team within a team and help keep the field in game-ready condition. Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs and be available to work all games on a consistent basis.

· GAME DAY CLEAN TEAM: Team members will work throughout the game keeping 121 Financial Ballpark clean. Responsibilities will include keeping the main concourse tidy, responding to spill calls, emptying trash receptacles throughout the game, keeping restrooms clean and stocked with paper products and soap and generally keeping the stadium presentable. Team members will generally arrive a half hour before the gates open and work through the end of the game, reporting to the stadium operations manager. Candidates may also be considered for non-game day work.

· BAT BOY: Collecting bats from the field is the part you have probably seen at a game, but there is more to the job of a bat boy – from filling water jugs before the game to getting the dugouts prepared and any other duties as assigned by the clubhouse manager. All bat boys must be at least 16 years of age by Opening Day (April 5).

· ID CHECKER: Fans consuming alcohol at Jumbo Shrimp games must first stop by an ID Check station to have their age verified and receive a wrist band from an ID Checker. ID Checkers will arrive at the ballpark a half-hour before gates open, and end time will be based on crowd size and no later than the seventh inning when alcohol sales end.

· PROMOTIONS TEAM: Assist and execute between-inning games and promotional activities on the field, handing out giveaway items, assisting with first pitches, Anthems and engaging fans throughout the game!

· CONCESSIONS LEAD: Responsible for overall operation of a concession stand, including knowledge of setting up a stand, determining levels of production, cleanliness and sanitation of the concession stand, maintaining outstanding quality of customer service, following food HAACP guidelines, alcohol awareness, proper handling of cash, inventory, organization of inventory, and the knowledge to clean and close the stand at the end of the shift. Must have experience operating on a variety of kitchen equipment and cleanup. Responsible for monitoring all aspects of concession stand operation throughout the game. Food Handler Card required.

· CONCESSIONS FLOOR SUPERVISOR: Responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of the operation of the concession stands and food and beverage portables, including setup and breakdown. Must ensure employees are exemplifying quality of service and customer satisfaction needs. Management experience preferred.

· WAREHOUSE COORDINATOR: Responsible for the operation of the warehouse. The duties include directing and overseeing the receiving and verifying of deliveries from purveyors, proper storage, care, inventory of all products, distributing products to all areas of the stadium, and setup and breakdown of all food and beverage stations. The warehouse manager will work in conjunction with the F&B Team to ensure that all deliveries are dispersed in the most efficient fashion. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

· CONCESSIONS ATTENDANT: Help set up the concession stand per Concession Lead’s instructions while keeping the workspace cleaned and organized throughout the shift. Help within concessions to greet customers and ensures that correct order has been placed while taking payment. Ensure order freshness and quality before serving to guest. Refer all guest complaints to Concession Lead or supervisor. Help close and clean the concession stand at the end of the shift per Concession Lead instructions.

· COOK: Responsible for preparing menu items per the instructions of the F&B Team. Must have some experience as a cook in a professional or industrial kitchen, and experience using a variety of kitchen equipment. Must have some knife skills and a sense of urgency in completing tasks. Must have a Food Handlers’ Card or ServSafe Certificate per the Health Dept. Duties include but not limited to; preparing food items according to the Chef and Kitchen Lead’s instructions, maintaining cooking temperature records, maintain a clean cooking station throughout the event, and adhering to safety and sanitation guidelines. Must be able to remain standing for the entirety of the shift.

· WAREHOUSE WORKER: Duties include receiving and verifying deliveries from purveyors, storing items in areas as directed by the Warehouse Manager, setting up and breaking down portables. Required to put product orders together and deliver them to different areas of the stadium.

· KITCHEN UTILITY: Works closely with kitchen staff, assisting cooks and leads in food prep, overall cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen and cleaning all dishes, small wares, and utensils as directed. Involved with delivering food to various parts of the stadium as needed. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and withstand freezer elements.

· PARTY DECK ATTENDANT: Responsible for all duties needed to service the party area. This includes the setup/breakdown of the catering area. Throughout the event, must ensure the area stays clean, food stays replenished, and maintained hot or cold. Maintain a positive attitude while greeting/speaking to members of the party throughout event and relaying any comments or concerns to supervisor throughout party.

· VENDING HAWKER: Duties include selling food and beverage in the seating bowl and along the stadium concourse before and during the event. The hawker will be responsible for all cash transactions with fans and will reconcile the money and inventory with the vending manager at the end of the shift. Employee needs to be in good physical condition and be able to carry loads of up to 50 pounds up and down the stairs of the stadium. Hawkers are responsible for ensuring accurate inventory after each game.

· KITCHEN LEAD: Responsible for helping the Chef supervise all aspects of food prep, production, and safety and sanitation in the catering kitchens. Must have experience in a professional or industrial kitchen. Must have a Food Handlers’ Card or ServSafe Certificate per the Health Dept. Duties include but not limited to; preparing, producing, organizing, and storing menu items in accordance with catering BEOs and F&B Team’s instructions.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

“The Nine” – One day, everyone will remember Giancarlo Stanton’s name

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. On February 1, the Jumbo Shrimp unveiled five of the best Black players to ever suit up for Jacksonville (Henry Aaron, Willie Wilson, Giancarlo Stanton, Frank White, Buck O’Neil), plus a legendary Negro leagues star with ties to the city (John Henry “Pop” Lloyd).

Here is a deeper look at Giancarlo Stanton, one of the best Black players in Jacksonville history.

Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton had a few of different options for college coming out of Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks, Calif.). A three-sport athlete who starred in baseball, basketball and football as a wide receiver and cornerback, the University of Southern California offered him a baseball scholarship with an opportunity to walk-on to the football team coached at the time by Pete Carroll. UNLV offered the opposite; floating a football scholarship with the chance to walk-on to the school’s baseball team. Stanton ultimately accepted a baseball-only scholarship from Tulane.

But he never played for the Green Wave. The then-Florida Marlins had selected him in the second round of the 2007 draft and Stanton opted to sign to begin his professional baseball career.

Stanton was known then as Mike Stanton. His mother had wanted to name him Fidel but his father refused it, with the since-divorced couple ultimately settling on Giancarlo. That name, however, was not used at all during his minor league career or even his first two seasons in the major leagues. He had been going by “Mike” since sixth grade, when he tired of his legal name Giancarlo getting made fun of and his friends having trouble pronouncing it.

In the offseason following the 2011 campaign, Stanton took a baseball trip to Europe, performing clinics in the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy. His mind was immediately encapsulated by what he saw on the continent, specifically with the architecture, food and culture that was so unlike what he had grown up with near Los Angeles and what he’d seen playing in the minor leagues and later in Miami. Stanton was so taken with Europe that he even loved hearing the way names like Gianpiero, Gianpaolo, Gianluigi, and yes, Giancarlo were pronounced. When he returned, he informed his parents and the Marlins that he wanted to be known as Giancarlo Stanton.

By this time, baseball was well acquainted with Stanton. During his time in the minor leagues, he had long been regarded as a top prospect. In 2009, at just 19 years old, Stanton wound up leading both High-A Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville in home runs despite playing in just 50 and 79 games, respectively, with the clubs.

Stanton returned to Jacksonville to start the 2010 campaign and mashed 15 home runs in his first 28 games, tallying 28 walks, 28 runs and 33 RBIs with a batting line of .340/.481/.854 during that stretch. After 52 games, he was hitting .313/.442/.729 with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs before the Marlins called him up to the major leagues.

In 12 MLB seasons since with the Marlins and New York Yankees, Stanton has walloped 347 long balls while batting .268/.358/.543 (143 OPS+). A four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Stanton was named the 2017 NL MVP after leading MLB in both home runs (59) and RBIs (132). His slugging percentage (.631) and OPS+ (169) topped the National League during that campaign. Stanton also finished second in the MVP balloting in 2014 after besting the NL in homers (37) and slugging percentage (.555).

As always, the biggest question surrounding Stanton has been his health. Through his age-31 season, he has played in more than 140 games in a campaign only four times. When he’s been able to get on the field, however, he has performed at a Hall of Fame-level, posting 5.4 WAR/162 games, a higher mark than the average Hall of Fame outfielder. On his Baseball-Reference page, three of the top four most similar batters through all age-31 seasons in baseball history are Hall of Famers in Harmon Killebrew, Ralph Kiner and Jim Thome.

How much are we surprised by what we see on the field or court in sports nowadays? Every highlight is a simple notification or scroll on social media away, right at our fingertips. There’s just not much left to the imagination, and in many ways, that’s a great thing for fans.

Perhaps, though, this is why Giancarlo Stanton is so special. A lot of things still have to happen for him to one day have a plaque in Cooperstown, because, no, he hasn’t always been able to stay on the field. But when he has, even through all those highlights we are inundated with daily, he has still found a way to blow the mind.

With his 500-plus-foot home runs and 122-plus exit velocities, Giancarlo Stanton has seemingly changed what is possible for a hitter on a baseball field. And if that’s it, that’s the only thing his legacy ends up becoming… it’s one that most baseball fans will never be able to forget. Giancarlo Stanton will be known forever.

Pensacola Ahead Of Its Time A Century Ago With Negro League Baseball Opportunities 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

More than 100 years ago, Pensacola was ahead of its time with opportunities in baseball.

In a downtown area now occupied by Baptist Hospital and the Pensacola Retirement Village, was site of Kupfrian Park, a ballpark built by the city as a community centerpiece for the segregated African-American population. The 500-seat venue was framed by a pond, a horsetrack, a picnic area and fairground.

This is where Pensacola in 1890 had a thriving Black baseball league and its strong community impact before American Negro League Baseball was officially founded in 1920.

Kupfrian Park was essentially the origination of Pensacola’s Black baseball history.

“Pensacola, in reality, was color blind to a degree when it came to the game of baseball,” said author Scott Brown, whose book, “Baseball In Pensacola: American’s Pastime & The City Of Five Flags,” was published in 2013 and chronicles the city’s unique heritage in the sport.

As Major League Baseball celebrates Black History Month, the existence of Kupfrian Park enabled the sport to reach all parts of Pensacola. It was spurned baseball’s growth during segregation in Pensacola, even before the 19th Century.

Only 25 years after the Civil War ended, Pensacola leaders had a vision to grow the game in the Black community. Few cities that were Pensacola’s size had anything resembling Kupfrian Park.

“One of things in my research that just blew me away was the building and usage of Kupfrian Park,” Brown said. “That was a huge entertainment arena. The fact the city and the mayor at that time, William D. Chipley, got behind the construction of a field that sat 500 people in the grandstand, which was a big stadium back then, is just amazing.

“I mean, we are talking 1890 Pensacola. And here was a Deep South city building a ballpark for early Negro League teams to use. This wasn’t just a baseball park, it was a community center completely run by African-American employees. This was huge for Pensacola.”

This is what eventually led to the Pensacola Arthur Giants in 1920 becoming part of the Southern Negro League. And it led 25 years later to Jackie Robinson playing an exhibition game in Pensacola, while with the Kansas City Monarchs at Pensacola’s Legion Field.

So much of the foundation for the future began at Kupfrian Park on North Pace Boulevard.

“Not only did the city have the insight, but they also had the understanding this was huge entertainment venue and this was a money maker for the city,” Brown said. “It was, by-design, a place to rally the community.

“That for me was the beginning of everyone in Pensacola for Negro League Baseball. The fact the white community of Pensacola back then gave place, gave property, and gave funding, to get all of this started.”

There were several other key moments and teams that carried Pensacola’s connections with various Negro League Baseball organizations.

The first were the Pensacola African Americans, who played at Kupfrian Park and competed in the Emerald Coast Negro League. Many of those players in the early 1900’s advanced to higher levels.

Once the official start of Negro League Baseball formed in 1920, Pensacola had teams in various leagues. The teams were the Pensacola Arthur Giants, the Pepsi-Cola Stars and the Pensacola Seagulls.

Legion Field was Pensacola’s ballpark for both the Negro Southern League teams like the Pensacola Seagulls and Pepsi-Cola Stars, but also the Florida-Alabama Class D League Pensacola Dons and Senators.
Photo courtesy of UWF Historic Trust

The stadiums in town evolved into Maxent Park, which became Legion Field in 1928 and was located at its present location on Gregory Street and G Street. It was Maxent Park and Legion Field where MLB teams stopped to play during spring training on train rides back to Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Boston.

Pensacola’s Negro League teams played at those stadiums on designated days.

“While Pensacola was still playing in segregated leagues, the people I talked to who were children then and still living now, can remember when people in the white community of Pensacola would attend Negro League games and people in the black community would attend the white games,” Brown said.

“During the white games, the African American fans were restricted to the non-covered portion of Legion Field back then along the left field line.”

The Seagulls were a feeder affiliate team for the Negro Southern League. They had the longest tenure in Pensacola, later becoming an semipro, non-affiliated, integrated team, all the way into the 1970’s.

“We might not have been known as a Negro League town in the same way as cities such as Kansas City with the Kansas City Monarchs, but were turning out players who were high aptitude in the game,” said Brown, discussing his research. “That continued on to the 1960’s. We had players who had the ability to sustain themselves all the way into the major leagues.”

The best of those players was Johnny Joe Lewis. The Booker T. Washington High graduate played for the Seagulls. He was an outfielder, who then attended a Detroit Tigers tryout as a catcher.

The Tigers signed Lewis, traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals where he made his pro debut in 1959 in Wytheville, Va. Five years later, on April 14, 1964, Lewis made his MLB debut with the Cardinals and became Pensacola’s first African-American player to reach the big leagues.

“Johnny was the epitome of the kind of talent we turned out in Pensacola among African-American players back then,” Brown said.

All of this is part of Pensacola’s rich history with Negro League Baseball. It put the community in a different light from so many other places during those eras.

“It wasn’t so much that it was an answer of giving a place to play, as much as it was that Pensacola was enamored with the game of baseball,” Brown said. “Pensacola was color blind in that regard.

“From my research, it was just a natural thing to do then. We’re just going to play baseball. It was so natural for Pensacola to begin playing black baseball.”

A look at Pensacola’s three best known Negro League teams.

ARTHUR GIANTS – The team played at Pete Caldwell Field, now in an area off Fairfield Drive and Market Street that is near Pensacola Catholic High School. The team had distinction in the early 1900’s as Pensacola most accomplished Black baseball team. Team owner E.S. Cobb, a Pensacola physician, enabled the team to travel and gain interest of the national level Negro League scouts during the 1930’s. The team played into the 1940’s.

PEPSI COLA STARS – Pensacola’s team was part of a national set of Black baseball teams sponsored by Pepsi-Cola. The team played an exhibition game on Aug. 9. 1942 against the Montgomery (Ala.) Brown Bombers, a team connected to the national Negro League.

PENSACOLA SEAGULLS – The team had its own bus, enabling trips to nearby cities or as far away as San Francisco, where the Seagulls once traveled to play. The ballclub was a feeder affiliate for the Negro Southern League during the 1940’s and stayed a team long past Integration in Major League Baseball. The team stayed as an amateur or adult league teams.

The Seagulls were led by catcher William “Pit” Bell, who later became a long-time employee at Armstrong World Industries. The team played at Legion Field and had exhibition games against the Indianapolis Clowns and Kansas City Monarchs, two of the most famous teams in the elite Negro National League.

It was also the team that Johnny Joe Lewis played for as an outfielder, leading into his opportunity to rise in professional baseball and become Pensacola’s first Black player to reach the Major Leagues.

“The Nine” – The great Royals teams of the ’70s & ’80s needed Willie Wilson and Frank White

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. On February 1, the Jumbo Shrimp unveiled five of the best Black players to ever suit up for Jacksonville, plus a legendary Negro leagues star with ties to the city.

Here is a deeper look at Willie Wilson and Frank White, two of the best Black players in Jacksonville history.

Even now, the names still roll off the tongue so easily, like burnt ends from Arthur Bryant’s getting washed down with an ice-cold Boulevard brew. George Brett. Amos Otis. Willie Wilson. Frank White. Hal McRae. Dan Quisenberry. John Mayberry.

Anyone who pictures those great Kansas City Royals teams – and wow, were they great – from the 1970s and ‘80s can remember the audacious baserunning, the airtight defense and the winning. In those days, the Royals won. A lot.

In the 15 seasons from 1975-89, Kansas City earned six division titles, two American League pennants and the 1985 World Series championship. The Royals won at least 90 games eight times, finishing with a winning record in all but two full seasons (they were also 50-53 in the strike-shortened 1981 campaign.)

Over the 32 seasons since, the Royals, outside of the 2014 AL pennant and the 2015 World Series title, have mostly been not just bad, but atrocious. They’ve suffered 15 90-loss seasons, 10 times losing more than 95 games and six campaigns with at least 100 defeats. They’ve posted only six winning seasons, earning a division title just once.

In the minds of young fans, the Royals of the past three-plus decades have mostly been just a blip on the baseball horizon, a flyover for an easy series win. It’s the older fans who can recall the special style that stood out from cutting-edge roster construction of Kansas City’s winning days before then.

Perhaps most remarkably, on teams known for terrific defense, the Royals’ top two defensive players either did not even play a remotely similar position, or baseball at all, in high school. Wilson was a catcher at Summit High School in New Jersey. White attended Lincoln High School in Kansas City, which did not have a baseball team. White was only discovered post-graduation at a tryout for the Royals’ Baseball Academy.

With the Royals, the pair became known for the club’s bedrock stellar up-the-middle defense, with Wilson starring in center field and White anchoring second base.

Willie Wilson still places 12th all-time in stolen bases in MLB history.

Wilson had two idols growing up: Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Manny Sanguillen, which made Wilson want to play catcher at Summit, and Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers. Wilson’s football coach arranged for Sayers to visit Wilson in the hospital when Wilson was recovering from a foot injury. A part of championship teams in both baseball and football in high school, Wilson’s athletic prowess, at least partially inspired by his sports heroes, helped him earn an athletic scholarship to the University of Maryland.

However, after Kansas City used its first-round pick on Wilson in 1974, he opted to sign with the Royals for $90,000, using some of that money to pay off the bills that his single mother had accrued.

The Royals immediately moved Wilson to the outfield, where, learning a new position and facing more accomplished pitchers, he initially struggled. Still, despite posting a meager .663 OPS, Billy Scripture, his manager for the Rookie-level GCL Royals and later the skipper of the 1975-76 Jacksonville Suns, immediately recognized the type of talent Kansas City was trying to develop, telling reporters that “having Wilson in center field was like having four outfielders.”

After leading the Class A Midwest League in hits (132), setting a league record with 76 stolen bases and earning the circuit’s Player of the Year award while with Waterloo in 1975, Wilson moved up to Double-A Jacksonville for the 1976 season. Wilson hit .253/.309/.325 with the Suns and made his major league debut in September of that year. In 1977, Wilson converted to become a switch-hitter and played mostly with Triple-A Omaha before reaching the big leagues for good late in that campaign.

Wilson’s 19-year career was often breathtaking for fans to take in. He was a two-time All-Star, earned two Silver Slugger Awards and one Gold Glove Award, won the 1982 American League batting title (.332), set a league and club record in 1979 with 83 stolen bases and also set all-time Royals records with 612 steals and a preposterous 13 inside-the-park home runs.

After 15 seasons with Kansas City, Wilson ended his career in 1994 following two years apiece on the Oakland A’s and Chicago Cubs. He compiled 2,207 career hits and 46.1 bWAR, with his 668 career steals still ranking him 12th all-time in MLB history. A Royals icon, Wilson earned induction into the Royals Hall of Fame in 2000.

Despite not playing in high school, Frank White became one of the greatest defensive second basemen of all-time.

While Wilson was a first-round pick, with the Royals clearly seeing he had the potential for stardom, White was not drafted at all. Though White had wanted to play baseball, he simply did not think it was something he was good enough to get paid for as a professional. “I dreamed about it, but you dream about a lot of things that never happen,” he later said.

When Kansas City announced tryouts for the Royals’ Baseball Academy, a flagship program that sought to refine the skills of athletically-gifted prospects who had been neglected by other major league teams because they had not played much baseball in high school or college, White did not even plan to attend. He figured he would not be able to get off work, but Hall of Famer Hilton Smith, who coached his Safeway grocery sandlot team, and Bill Rowan, his high school science teacher and basketball coach, convinced White to find a way to attend.

On the first day of the tryout, White shined among the roughly 300 other applicants. However, with a wife and baby to support at home, he was crushed during the event when he overheard that the plan was to only send unmarried players to the Academy. White left the tryout thinking his baseball career was over.

Only then, something miraculous happened. While at his parents’ house, a limousine belonging to Royals owner Ewing Kauffman pulled up. The owner was not inside, but he had sent the limo so that he could speak with White on its car phone. Kauffman offered White a spot in the Academy and his wife a job in the camp’s ticket office so that the family could move and White could start a professional baseball career. White agreed to the offer.

As a graduate of the Royals’ Baseball Academy, White was one of eight players on the 1971 GCL Royals who had never played an inning of high school baseball. He spent time with both Class A San Jose and Double-A Jacksonville in 1972, slashing .252/.316/.318 with 13 stolen bases in 16 attempts over 91 games with the Suns. Sadly, though, he dealt with far more on his plate off the field than just simply learning how to play the game. As the only Black player with Jacksonville at the time, his teammates would bring him food and drinks while White remained on the bus at various stops to road games across the South. White often was not allowed in restaurants.

White moved back to the Midwest for the 1973 season to play for Omaha and made his major league debut later that season. He would spend the next 18 years at the keystone for Kansas City, earning eight Gold Glove Awards, five All-Star appearances and a Silver Slugger Award. White’s No. 20 was retired by the Royals in 1995, the same year he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

The honors and accolades tell quite the story for someone who didn’t even play baseball in high school. But it’s one thing to have a fairytale career and earn several accolades and awards. It’s another to do it with the utmost respect from your peers.

So then, how good was Frank White, according to his legendary teammate George Brett? “It`s like that song by Carly Simon,” Brett once said. “‘Nobody Does It Better.’”

Blue Wahoos To Hold Job Fair At Brownsville Community Center On February 23

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Blue Wahoos are hiring for the 2022 baseball season and will hold a job fair on Wednesday, February 23 at the Brownsville Community Center in Pensacola to seek candidates interested in available positions for the upcoming season. Candidates can interview on-site for positions from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Community

The Blue Wahoos are hiring for the 2022 baseball season and will hold a job fair on Wednesday, February 23 at the Brownsville Community Center in Pensacola to seek candidates interested in available positions for the upcoming season. Candidates can interview on-site for positions from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Community Center, located next to the Brownsville Church at 3200 West Desoto Street.

Seasonal positions are available in food and beverage, merchandise, cleaning services, game production, and in-game entertainment.

To complete the application form, candidates are required to bring a resume that includes their contact information, education history, job experience, and professional references. Candidates will be interviewed on-site at the event and are encouraged to dress for a formal interview and be prepared to discuss their customer service skills and experience.

The Greats: Marauders Celebrate Black History Month

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Marauders.

Evan Chambers (Outfielder, 2011-12) — A third-round draft pick in 2009 out of Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Chambers played nearly 200 games across two seasons for the Marauders, hitting 12 home runs and stealing 31 bases. The Lakeland native brought a radiant smile and a positive presence to the field and the clubhouse.

In December 2013, Chambers died in his sleep at the age of 24 of an undetected genetic heart condition. In his memory, a sign bearing his number 53 adorns the boardwalk in right field at LECOM Park. He was posthumously inducted into the Florida State League Hall of Fame in 2017.

Ke’Bryan Hayes (Infielder, 2017) — The Pirates selected Hayes in the first round of the 2015 draft out of Concordia Lutheran High School in Texas. Hayes enjoyed an outstanding season with the Marauders in 2017, hitting .278 while stealing 27 bases, second-most among Pirates farmhands. He earned a selection to the Florida State League all-star game and was named a Gold Glove award winner at third base for all of Minor League Baseball.

Hayes made his major league debut in 2020 and batted .376 with a .442 on-base percentage in the shortened season, finishing sixth in National League rookie of the year voting.

Hayes is a proud second-generation major leaguer; his father, Charlie, played 14 seasons in the majors from 1988 to 2001, most notably with the Phillies and Rockies.

Cal Mitchell (Outfielder, 2019) — Mitchell, the Pirates’ second-round pick in 2017, patrolled right field for the Marauders throughout the 2019 season and led all Florida State League right fielders with a .977 fielding percentage.

Mitchell’s 15 home runs that season ranked second on the team, and he was selected to the Florida State League all-star game in Jupiter. He started in right field and earned all-star game MVP honors, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored.

Gift Ngoepe (Infielder, 2010; 2012-13) — Ngoepe, a native of Randburg, South Africa, made baseball history as the first African-born player in the major leagues when he debuted for the Pirates in 2017. On his way to the majors, Ngoepe spent all or parts of three seasons in a Marauders uniform, stealing a total of 29 bases and providing solid infield defense.

Ngoepe made his major league debut on April 26, 2017 at PNC Park, going 1-for-2 with a single in his first at-bat. Time zone differences meant that, in his native South Africa, Ngoepe’s debut fell on the morning of April 27, known as Freedom Day—a date commemorating the nation’s first post-apartheid election.

After brief stints with the Blue Jays and Phillies organizations and a short return to the Pirates’ system in 2019, Ngoepe has continued his career in the independent leagues, most recently with the Quebec Capitales of the Frontier League in 2021.

Cole Tucker (Infielder, 2016-2017) — The Pirates’ first-round pick in 2014, Tucker starred at shortstop for the Marauders in the second half of 2016 and the first half of 2017. In addition to his slick defense, Tucker ran rampant on the basepaths, swiping 41 bases in 133 total games as a Marauder.

On May 12, 2017, Tucker homered from both sides of the plate in a 20-2 Marauders victory, finished a single shy of the cycle, and drove in seven runs, tying a franchise record.

Tucker made his major league debut for the Pirates on April 20, 2019, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer for his first major league hit.

Black History Month: Five of the Top Black Players in Clearwater History

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for Clearwater.

Ron Jones (1986)

After turning down draft offers in 1982 and 1983, Ron Jones signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as a free agent in 1984.

During his 108-game stint with Clearwater in 1986, the outfielder led the team in every offensive category aside from home runs and led the Florida State League in batting average (.371), hits (153), slugging percentage (.524), on-base percentage (.423) and triples (12). His stand-out numbers led to Jones being voted FSL MVP. It would have been a unanimous decision, but since teams are not allowed to vote for their own player, Jones did not get the two votes from Clearwater representatives.

Jones was part of the first duo of players to win a Paul Owens Award, an honor given out annually since 1986 to the best position player and pitcher in the Phillies minor league system.

The left-handed hitter had thirteen game-winning RBIs for the Single-A team before skipping Double-A and being promoted straight to the Triple-A club (Portland).

Jones made his major league debut on August 26, 1988, for the Philadelphia Phillies. In just 33 games to finish out the 1988 season, Jones drove in 26 runs including eight home runs for the big-league club. However, Jones’ major league career was plagued with injuries to both knees that ultimately ended his flourishing career. After retiring from the game in 2000, Jones turned to coaching and eventually opened the Big League Batting Academy in Houston, Texas, along with former teammate Charlie Hayes.

Jimmy Rollins (1998)

Jimmy Rollins was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round of the 1996 June Amateur Draft out of Encinal High School (Alameda, CA).

At 18 years old, Rollins was the youngest member of the 1998 Clearwater (A+) team. The switch hitter totaled a .244 batting average with six home runs in 119 games with the Florida State League club. As a shortstop with Clearwater, Rollins carried a league-best .952 fielding percentage. His top-notch fielding earned Rollins a spot on the mid-season FSL All-Star Team.

He made his big-league debut with the Phillies on September 17, 2000. During his sixteen-year career, he led the National League in triples four times. He is a three-time All-Star (2001, 2002, 2005), was named the National League MVP in 2007, won the Gold Glove award four times (2007 – 2009, 2012), and garnered a Silver Slugger award in 2007. The shortstop played an important role in the Phillies’ 2008 World Series Championship and was honored at the end of the season with a Fielding Bible Award as the top shortstop that season. Rollins was inducted into both the Clearwater Phillies and Threshers Wall of Fame and the Florida State League Hall of Fame in 2013. He was a co-recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 2014.

After he retired from playing in 2017, Rollins returned to the Phillies as a special advisor for the team and acted as an on-air commentator for television broadcasts.

Ryan Howard (2003)

Ryan Howard was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2001 MLB Draft out of Missouri State University.

Howard spent the entirety of the 2003 season with the Clearwater Phillies. He was voted Florida State League MVP, named Best Power Prospect in the FSL, and led the league in three categories: average (.304), home runs (23), and slugging percentage (.514). He was the 2003 and 2004 recipient of the Paul Owens award and played in the 2003 All-Star Futures game.

The first baseman was a September call-up for the Phillies on September 1, 2004. Howard was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2005 after leading all rookies with 22 home runs and posting a .288 average and 63 RBI in just 88 games. Nicknamed “The Big Piece”, Howard is known for being the player to reach 100 home runs and 200 home runs the quickest. He spent his entire 13-year career playing for the Phillies.

The lefty was awarded National League MVP in 2006, finishing the season with a .313 batting average 58 home runs, and 149 RBI. He was part of the 2008 Phillies World Series Championship team contributing six RBI including three home runs during the series. Howard was inducted into the Clearwater Phillies and Threshers Wall of Fame in 2016.

Greg Golson (2006)

Greg Golson was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the 2004 MLB draft out of John B. Connally High School (Austin, TX).

Golson made his professional debut that summer with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, hitting .295 in 47 games. After continuing to show power and speed in Lakewood with a .264 average and 25 stolen bases, Golson was added to the squad in Clearwater late in 2006. He started the 2007 campaign back in Clearwater, and in 99 games with the Threshers that year, Golson hit .285 with 12 long balls and 52 RBI to land himself a spot on the Florida State League All-Star team. His 139 games with the Threshers make him the first-round pick to play in the most games with the Clearwater club.

Golson appeared in the 2008 futures game and made his major league debut the same year as a September call-up with the Philadelphia Phillies. The outfielder was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2009 and played the next two years with the New York Yankees before making his final appearance in September of 2011. Golson was later hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of their pro scouting department in 2019.

Quintin Berry (2008)

Quintin Berry was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2006 MLB Draft out of San Diego State University.

Berry began his career in Batavia (A) and led the club in walks. He was a Paul Owens award recipient in 2007 before joining the squad in Clearwater in 2008. The speedster had the most stolen bases (51) in the Florida State League and throughout the entire Phillies Minor League system. He was the only player to represent the Threshers on the 2008 Postseason All-Star team.

The outfielder was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres and played around the minor leagues with the Padres, Mets, Reds, and Tigers organizations. Berry made his major league debut with the Tigers on May 23, 2012. He set an American League record for most bases stolen without being caught stealing (21). Berry earned a World Series ring in 2013 as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement for the Boston Red Sox, swiping three postseason bases.

Berry transitioned into coaching after his retirement in 2018. In 2019, he became the Milwaukee Brewers outfield and base running coordinator and in 2021 he was promoted to the major league coaching staff as the first base coach.

MLB Pioneer Johnny Joe Lewis Leads Pensacola’s All-Time Greatest Black Baseball Players 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Nearly 50 years later, Kevin Saucier’s amazement has grown from his unique connections with Pensacola’s history of its greatest Black baseball players.

The left-hander was making his pitching debut with the Pulaski (Virginia) Phillies in the Appalachian League. It was weeks after the Philadelphia Phillies had selected Saucier in the second round of the 1974 draft from Escambia High School.

In the opposing lineup that night for the Covington (Va.) Astros was an outfielder named Joe “JJ” Cannon, who Saucier knew from Cannon’s success at Pensacola State College, formerly Pensacola Junior College.

“He was in the top three of the batting order,” Saucier said. “I wish I could remember how I did against him, but I knew JJ could run and I didn’t want him on base. But imagine that, your first game and guy from Pensacola you’re going against.”

Both players continued incredible journeys to reach the major leagues.

Cannon was the first PJC player to be drafted and continued a trailblazing path set by predecessors Johnny Joe Lewis and Hosken Powell to be among Pensacola’s greatest Black baseball players who reached the major leagues.

Saucier, nicknamed “Hot Sauce,” rose in the Phillies organization to win a World Series title with Philadelphia in 1980.

As part of Black History Month, Major League Baseball is recognizing players who advanced the game and became inspirations as part of an initiative to recognize top Black players in the communities of minor league affiliates.

The Blue Wahoos have chosen Cannon, along with Lewis, Powell, then Mark Whitten and Adron Chambers, as five of Pensacola’s greatest.

All played Major League Baseball and overcame long odds to do so. Saucer brings perspective with knowing all of them.

“I have all the respect in the world for these guys because they had a lot of things against them to get to the big leagues,” said Saucier, whose playing career transitioned into becoming an MLB regional scouting director and works with the Blue Wahoos during their home schedule as a liaison with current scouts and MLB team executives who travel to Pensacola to attend games.

“When you look at these guys, especially guys like Johnny, Hosken and JJ, you remember there was no such thing as (youth team) travel ball in those days and the summer league opportunities for them were nowhere near the same as for white players,” Saucier said.

“They had to overcome a lot and stay with it. And these five guys were some of the best players to ever come out of Pensacola.”

Saucier played against Cannon in high school and pro ball. He pitched against Powell in spring training games. He then got to know Lewis well in his later years. He then got to know and became friends with Whiten and Chambers during his scouting career.

In honor of Black History Month, here is a look at Pensacola’s top five Black baseball players.

JOHNNY JOE LEWIS – During his prep career at Booker T. Washington, Lewis grew up less than a decade removed from Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier.

He was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Tigers, but broke into pro ball with the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 1959. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1964. Lewis played five seasons in the big leagues, including the final three years with the New York Mets.

He had 174 hits, 24 doubles, six triples, 22 home runs with 74 RBI in the majors. One of those home runs was a historic solo homer in 1965 against the Cincinnati Reds, breaking up a 10-inning, no-hitter by Reds pitcher Jim Maloney – one of the longest no-hitters in MLB history.

Following his playing career, he became the Cardinals first Black assistant coach in 1973 and stayed with the organization for the next two decades. He died in 2018 at age 78 and is considered one of Pensacola’s most famous names in Major League Baseball.

“When I got into coaching, that’s when I really started to get to know who Johnny Joe was,” Saucier said. “He was such a great guy and everyone in the game knew who he was. He had to have such an influence on everyone at that time in Pensacola.”

HOSKEN POWELL – One of the top players in Pensacola’s prep baseball history, Powell, a Woodham High graduate and outfielder, was twice a first-round draft pick in the same year while playing at Chipola Junior College. After being chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1975 as the 19th overall pick in primary draft in January, Powell was later chosen by the Minnesota Twins as the third overall pick in the June secondary draft phase.

One of his roommates at Chipola was Century High grad Buck Showalter, now manager of the New York Mets.

Powell signed with the Twins and made his MLB debut with the Twins in 1978 and played six years in the big leagues.

“I remember I was a freshman in high school (Escambia) and on the JV team and we were playing Woodham. All I heard about was this guy named Hosken Powell,” Saucier said, laughing. “Let me tell you I could not get him out. You knew then, that this guy was going to be someone special.

“He had a lot of influence on baseball in Pensacola.”

JJ CANNON – While playing prep baseball at Camp LeJuene, N.C., Cannon’s family moved to Florida and he later signed to play at Pensacola Junior College. That’s where he caught attention from pro scouts and the Houston Astros made him the 16th overall pick in the 1974 draft.

Three later, following his rookie year with Saucier in the Appalachian League, Cannon made his MLB debut with the Astros in 1977 before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1979. His four-year career in the big leagues was followed by an extensive tenure as a minor league coach and manager. Cannon managed five different teams in four different leagues.

In 1991, he had a stadium in Hanover, Maryland named in his honor.

“The Appalachian League back in the 70’s was not an easy way to break into professional baseball for young black players,” Saucier said. “So I know JJ had to go through a lot.”

MARK WHITEN

Former Pensacola High football coach Leo Carvalis convinced Whiten to become a two-sport athlete and try out for the baseball team. His progression earned him a baseball scholarship at PJC and he chose that route as opposed to trying college football.

In 1986, Whiten was drafted in the fifth round by the Toronto Blue Jays. That organization became one of nine different MLB teams that Whitten played for during his 11 year career. While with the Phillies in 1993, he hit four home runs in a game and now is among 18 players in MLB history to attain that feat.

Whitten’s four homers resulted in 12 RBI which is tied for the all-time record in MLB history. He embraced the nickname of “Hard-Hittin’ Mark Whiten.”

“When Mark was in high school and PJC, he had a heck of an arm as a rightfielder,” Saucier said. “He had talent, but was raw as heck back then. And he just kept getting better.”

The Blue Jays scout who signed Whiten had to convince his director that it was a worthy choice. Whiten finished his career in 2000 with the Cleveland Indians and his career numbers included a .259 batting average with 105 home runs and 423 RBI.

ADRON CHAMBERS

A star quarterback and defensive back at Pensacola High, who led the Tigers to a state semifinal appearance in 2004, Chambers signed a football scholarship at Mississippi State. He then turned to baseball and joined Pensacola State College where he earned a pro opportunity during a tryout camp in 2007 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Four years later, Chambers became part of the Cardinals’ World Series march and earned a championship ring with the Cardinals in 2011. In a four-year climb through the minor leagues, Chambers went from hitting .238 in Low-A in 2008 to .290 in Triple-A with the Memphis Redbirds in 2010.

That earned him a place on the Cardinals’ 40-man MLB roster. He spent parts of the 2012-13 seasons with the Cardinals and minor league affiliate, then played with the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays organizations. He signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Cubs before the 2015 season and was a teammate of former Cubs’ shortstop and Pace High grad Addison Russell that year.

“It is so amazing when you consider that Adron did not even play baseball at Mississippi State,” Saucier said. “And then he stayed with it (after 2011) to play several years in the minors.

Jumbo Shrimp to hold next food & beverage job fair Feb. 12

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 2022 season of Affordable Family Fun on the horizon, the club will hold its next food & beverage job fair for 2022 seasonal food and beverage positions from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, February 12 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for:

· Concessions Lead

· Concessions Floor Supervisor

· Warehouse Coordinator

· Suite Attendant

· Concessions Attendant

· Cook

· Bartender

· Warehouse Worker

· Party Deck Attendant

· Vending Hawker

· Kitchen Utility

· Kitchen Lead

· Office Coordinator

· Clean Team

Interested applicants may find full position descriptions and an application form at www.jaxshrimp.com. Applicants may bring a completed application to the job fair. All applicants should be prepared to interview at the job fairs and are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately. Potential employees are subject to a background check and drug test.

Parking for the events will be in Lot P and applicants may enter through the Home Plate Gate at the corner of A Philip Randolph Blvd. and E. Adams St.

Open positions are for seasonal employment, including but not limited to 75 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp home baseball games, additional stadium events and training.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general Lead Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Phillies & Threshers Job Fair on Feb. 11th

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Phillies and Threshers are hiring now for BayCare Ballpark seasonal positions. A job fair will be held in-person at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater on Friday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Multiple positions in Food & Beverage are available. Interviews will be conducted on-site. Positions available include: stand lead, cook, cashier, bartender, food prep, food runner, and warehouse.

On Friday, please park in the south lot of BayCare Ballpark and enter through the suites lobby, entrance and lot located at US19 & Drew St.

For more information for Food & Beverage positions, please contact Justin Stone at [email protected].

For information about the Threshers Fun Team, our in-game and community event promo team, please email [email protected].

The first home game of Phillies Spring Training is scheduled for February 27, Threshers Opening Night is April 8.

Phillies Spring Training schedule

Threshers summer schedule

Dynamic Didi, Record Holder Hamilton Lead Top Black Players In Blue Wahoos History 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout the month of February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just incredible one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

DIDI GREGORIUS

In the same year he made his major league debut, Didi Gregorius was part of the Blue Wahoos inaugural Opening Day lineup at shortstop on April 5, 2012 in the team’s historic first season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

After signing an international contract at 18-years-old with the Cincinnati Reds, the Amsterdam, Netherlands native had already built acclaim before arriving to Pensacola.

He began that season as the Reds’ No. 6 prospect by Baseball America and was known for being able to speak eight different languages. He played 81 games for the Blue Wahoos in 2012, captivating Pensacola fans with his defensive wizardry, along with speed on the basepaths.

He batted .279 with 31 RBI for the Blue Wahoos, along with eight triples, 11 doubles and a home run. He was named a Southern League All-Star. He quickly became a fan favorite and often engaged with fans during pregame, along with signing autographs.

Gregorius was elevated to Triple-A Louisville in the second half of 2012 and made his MLB debut with the Reds on Sept. 4, 2012 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Ironically, he was acquired by the Phillies in 2020 and remains under contract with that team.

BILLY HAMILTON

When Gregorius was promoted in 2012, Billy Hamilton joined the Blue Wahoos from the Cincinnati Reds’ High-A affiliate in Bakersfield, Calif. for the second half of that season.

When he got to Pensacola, Hamilton was already well on his way to breaking the Minor League Baseball stolen base record. Anticipation and fan interest then grew with every game, each successful stolen base.

History happened on August 21 at Blue Wahoos Stadium against the Montgomery Biscuits when Hamilton recorded his 146th stolen base, breaking the mark set in 1983 by former St. Louis Cardinals star Vince Coleman when he played for former affiliate Macon (Ga.) Redbirds.

Hamilton’s chase and record-setting feat provided the Blue Wahoos with national attention. It gave the team notice on ESPN and MLB Network and other national media outlets.

Hamilton, a second-round pick by the Reds in 2009 from Taylorsville, Miss., finished with 155 stolen bases in 2012, including 51 with the Blue Wahoos. He played 50 games for Pensacola, batting .286 with five triples, four doubles and one home run that was an all-time memorable inside-the-park HR during a Sunday home game at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

He then returned to loud ovations in 2015 for three games, while on a injury rehab assignment with the Reds.

PHILIP ERVIN

After joining the Blue Wahoos in the second half of the 2015 season, Philip Ervin helped the team make its first post-season appearance under first-year manager Pat Kelly.

The following year, Ervin played 123 games as a versatile outfielder and was a big part of why the Blue Wahoos attained their first winning season in franchise history. He was a key part of the team that won both half-season, division titles in the Southern League before losing in the playoffs.

Ervin, who was the Cincinnati Reds’ first round selection in 2013, collected 100 hits with 45 RBI in 2016 with 13 home runs. He also stole 36 bases. The games he played often had a family contingent of fans. He grew up in Leroy, Alabama, a tiny town 55 miles north of Mobile and played three sports – football, basketball and baseball – at his high school.

During his career at Samford, he was named the MVP of the Cape Cod League, following his sophomore year in 2012. He began 2013 as a preseason All-American and MVP of the Southern Conference.

Ervin made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Reds and played four seasons in the big leagues.

AMIR GARRETT

As part of the Blue Wahoos talented starting rotation in 2016, Garrett put together one of the best years by a pitcher in team history.

Chosen by the Reds in the 22nd round of the 2011 draft out of St. John’s University, the left-handed hurler from Victorville, Calif. rapidly progressed in 2016 to become the Reds Minor League Pitcher of the year, as well as a Southern League All-Star for the Blue Wahoos.

Garrett, a 6-foot-5, former basketball player at St. John’s, compiled a 5-3 record in 12 starts for the Blue Wahoos, but he allowed just 20 runs in that span with only 15 earned runs. He did not allow a home run in any appearance. His 1.75 earned run average with the Blue Wahoos led all Reds’ minor league pitchers that season.

He played in the Sirius-XM Futures Game after being promoted to Triple-A Louisville on June 17 that season. He threw two hitless innings in the game.

Garrett made his MLB debut in 2017 and figures to again be part of the Reds starting rotation in 2022.

SHED LONG

The Blue Wahoos championship season in 2017 included outfielder Shed Long, who then returned in 2018 to have a big year in the team’s final season as a Cincinnati Reds affiliate.

Long, a Birmingham native, was a 12th round selection by the Reds in 2013. He bypassed a potential college football career to play professional baseball. In 2018, Long batted a team-high .261 in 126 games and his 56 RBI were second-best. He was a Southern League All Star selection that year.

He finished the season leading the Blue Wahoos with most at-bats, runs scored (75), hits (118), doubles (22), triples (5) total bases and walks (57). His 19 steals tied for team best.

Following the 2018 season in Pensacola, Long became an Arizona Fall League All-Star. He was then traded by the Reds to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team deal with the New York Yankees.

After spending parts of the past three seasons in the major leagues with the Seattle Mariners, where Long made his MLB Debut in 2019, he is now a free agent.

MiLB, Palm Beach Cardinals Launch “The Nine” and Recognize Outstanding Black Players

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

Minor League Baseball announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. The initiative aims to provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, while further diversifying the business of baseball that embraces millions of passionate fans.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Palm Beach Cardinals.

Tommy Pham

Palm Beach Cardinals outfielder Tommy Pham lays down a bunt at Roger Dean Stadium in 2009. The then 21-year-old hit eight home runs that year on his way to a .691 OPS that season.

Tommy Pham was a Cardinal, both for the big league club in St. Louis and as a coveted prospect in the minor league system. Selected by the Redbirds in the 16th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft, the outfielder reached Palm Beach in 2008.

The Las Vegas native spent parts of three seasons with the Beach Birds, including all of 2009. He slashed .232/.313/.378 that year, following that up with a .262/.377/.392 line in 68 games in 2010. Pham also hit 12 homers across his 209 total games with Palm Beach before earning a promotion to Double-A Springfield midway through ‘10.

Pham would reach the majors with a callup to St. Louis in 2014, the same season he was named a St. Louis Cardinals Minor League All-Star. The right-handed slugger would remain in St. Louis until midway through 2018.

Xavier Scruggs

Xavier Scruggs of the Palm Beach Cardinals in action during a 2011 game against the Tampa Yankees at the George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

After the Cardinals took Xavier Scruggs in the 19th round of the 2008 draft, the first baseman spent 2010 and 2011 with Palm Beach and stood out for his power. Scruggs hit 34 homers in 204 total games with the club. After compiling an OPS of .834 in ‘11, the California native was promoted to Double-A Springfield.

Scruggs earned a call to the majors in 2014 while also spending 2015 in St. Louis. The then 28-year-old did not return to MLB after 2016, instead finishing his career with stints in the Korean and Mexican leagues. In 2021, he returned to the Cardinals as the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant while also taking an analyst position at ESPN.

Adron Chambers

Adron Chambers slugs a line drive against the Tampa Yankees in 2009. The outfielder batted .284 in his lone season with Palm Beach.

Hailing from Pensacola, Fla., Adron Chambers was selected in the 38th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by St. Louis out of Pensacola State College. The lefty reached Class-A Advanced in 2009, spending the entire season with Palm Beach. He sported a .284/.370/.400 slash line in the Florida State League before earning a promotion to Double-A Springfield ahead of 2010.

Chambers is perhaps best known for his role in the 2011 World Series championship run for the Cardinals. The outfielder only saw action in 18 regular season games for the club, but accumulated a .375 batting average during that stretch. Chambers scored the game-winning run as a pinch runner against the Chicago Cubs on September 24, helping the team clinch a playoff berth by a single game. The Cardinals would beat the Texas Rangers in a thrilling seven-game World Series one month later, bringing the franchise its 11th world title.

Sam Freeman

Sam Freeman pitches for Palm Beach during the 2009 season. The southpaw threw 33.0 innings on the year.

Sam Freeman was another major leaguer who went through Palm Beach on his way to ‘The Show.’ Selected by the Cardinals in the 32nd round of the 2008 draft out of the University of Kansas, he only appeared in a single game for Palm Beach after spending most of the season in the Rookie Leagues.

Freeman stood out as a member of the Florida State League club in 2009, where in 26 appearances, the relief pitcher boasted a 1.64 ERA and a 0.939 WHIP.

The native of Houston recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2010 before earning a callup to St. Louis in 2012. He spent parts of three seasons with the Cardinals and would remain a major leaguer through 2020.

Maikel Cleto

Maikel Cleto delivers a pitch for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds in 2013. The right-handed arm would pitch in the big leagues in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Maikel Cleto was signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic. The right-handed pitcher was part of a trade to the Cardinals organization in 2011 after spending time as a prospect for both the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners. In five starts for Palm Beach, Cleto accumulated a 2.48 ERA and a WHIP of 1.034 in 2011. The impressive numbers helped earn him a promotion to Double-A Springfield, before being called up directly to the majors in June.

Cleto would spend time with both the Cardinals and Chicago White Sox from 2011-14, where he saw action in 41 big league matchups as a relief pitcher.

“The Nine” – The best Black players in Jacksonville history

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for Jacksonville, plus a legendary Negro leagues star with ties to the city.

HENRY AARON

At just 15 years old in 1949, Aaron earned a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but his unorthodox batting grip likely contributed to the team deciding not to offer him a contract (incidentally, the first time Aaron hit conventionally with his right hand on top of his left, which he was instructed to do in 1952, he homered). He signed instead with a semi-pro team called the Mobile Black Bears, collecting $3 per game. Aaron’s mother, Estella, only granted Henry permission to play with the Black Bears on the condition that he did not travel with the team, thus limiting him to games in their hometown of Mobile.

Two years later, Henry inked a deal for $200 per month as a shortstop with the Negro American League champion Indianapolis Clowns. Immediately, Aaron excelled, batting .366 with five home runs and nine stolen bases in 26 games to help Indianapolis win the 1952 Negro Leagues World Series. He was just 18 years old.

Aaron’s instantaneous stardom quickly caught the eye of several major league organizations. He signed with the Braves, who assigned him to Class A Jacksonville for the 1953 season. Along with Black teammates Horace Garner and Felix Mantilla, Aaron integrated the South Atlantic League. Despite the pressure of breaking the color line in places like Montgomery, Ala., Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah, Ga., and Charleston and Columbia, S.C., Aaron led the league in batting average (.362), runs scored (115), hits (208), doubles (36), total bases (338) and RBIs (135). He spurred Jacksonville to the league championship and was named MVP. As one scribe wrote in regards to Aaron’s performance while navigating the Jim Crow laws that still governed the South at the time, “Henry Aaron led the league in everything except hotel accommodations.”

The next season, Aaron made his major league debut for the Milwaukee Braves, sparking a career that can be argued as the greatest in baseball history. He wound up launching 755 home runs in an extraordinary 23-year career, but even if he didn’t hit a single long ball in his career, Aaron still would have totaled more than 3,000 hits. He accumulated an MLB record 6,856 total bases; second-place Stan Musial is closer to 10th-place Carl Yastrzemski than he is to Aaron in first. Aaron knocked in 2,297 runs, the most in major league history. When he finally retired, he had scored 2,174 runs, the most of any National League player (he has since been passed by Barry Bonds).

Add it all up, and Aaron was a 25-time All-Star (some seasons during his playing days had more than one All-Star Game). That number is so staggering it blows the mind. It’s more All-Star Games than Tom Seaver and Frank Robinson combined. It’s as many All-Star Games that Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Schmidt can tally up. Even fellow Jacksonville Hall of Fame alums Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan and Phil Niekro combined for 23 All-Star Games between the three of them.

Aaron’s greatness is synonymous with more than just baseball because of how much he had to endure outside of the ballpark. Sadly, the blatant racism he began encountering with Jacksonville in 1953 was a harbinger of things to come. Aaron still rose above it in every single step of the journey anyway.

WILLIE WILSON

The Kansas City Royals’ first-round pick in 1974, Willie Wilson batted .253/.309/.325 with Double-A Jacksonville in 1976. Though he was still growing his game as a 20-year-old talent, he made his major league debut the same season for Kansas City and go on to play 19 seasons for the Royals.

Wilson did virtually everything during his big league career; he was a two-time All-Star, earned two Silver Slugger Awards and one Gold Glove Award, won the 1982 American League batting title (.332), set a league and club record in 1979 with 83 stolen bases and set all-time Royals records with 612 steals and a preposterous 13 inside-the-park home runs. Simply put, he was a dazzling player, finishing with 46.1 career bWAR and earning induction into the Royals Hall of Fame.

After playing 15 seasons with the Royals, including the 1985 campaign that saw the franchise win its first World Series title, Wilson played two years with Oakland before a pair of seasons with the Cubs to finish his career.

GIANCARLO STANTON

The 2009 season for Giancarlo Stanton, then known as Mike, was a remarkable campaign on his rise towards stardom in the major leagues. At just 19 years old, Stanton wound up leading both High-A Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville in home runs despite playing in just 50 and 79 games, respectively, with the clubs.

Stanton returned to Jacksonville to start the 2010 campaign and mashed 15 home runs in his first 28 games, tallying 28 walks, 28 runs and 33 RBIs with a batting line of .340/.481/.854 during that stretch. After 52 games, he was hitting .313/.442/.729 with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs before the Marlins called him up to the major leagues.

In 12 MLB seasons since with the Marlins and New York Yankees, Stanton has walloped 347 long balls while batting .268/.358/.543 (143 OPS+). A four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Stanton was named the 2017 NL MVP after leading MLB in both home runs (59) and RBIs (132). His slugging percentage (.631) and OPS+ (169) topped the National League during that campaign.

Stanton also finished second in the MVP balloting in 2014 after besting the NL in homers (37) and slugging percentage (.555).

FRANK WHITE

Frank White is perhaps the most successful graduate of the Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy – established by team owner Ewing Kauffman and run by Syd Thrift – a flagship program that sought to refine the skills of athletically-gifted prospects who had been neglected by other major league teams because they had not played much baseball in high school or college. Like many of the Academy’s projects, Frank White had not been drafted. The Royals developed him into one of the leading second basemen of his generation.

One of the greatest defensive second basemen in major league history, White reached Double-A Jacksonville at just 21 years old in 1971. He slashed .252/.316/.318 with 13 stolen bases in 16 attempts over 91 games. Sadly, he was the only African-American player with Jacksonville at the time, so at various stops, his teammates would bring him food and drinks while he remained on the bus. White moved up to Triple-A Omaha to start the 1972 season before making his big league debut for the Royals later in that 1972 campaign.

Along with Wilson and other Royals legends like George Brett, White helped form the nucleus of Kansas City teams that won six division titles, two AL pennants and the 1985 World Series from 1976-85. Over a remarkable 18-year career, White earned eight Gold Glove Awards, five All-Star appearances and a Silver Slugger Award.

White’s No. 20 was retired by the Royals in 1995, the same year he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

JOHN JORDAN “BUCK” O’NEIL

One of six members of the incoming Hall of Fame baseball class in 2022, John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil lived perhaps the most impactful life in baseball history.

Raised in Sarasota, Fla., O’Neil made his way to Jacksonville after receiving a scholarship to Edward Waters College, where he played both baseball and football. In 1937, he began his 11-season playing career in the Negro leagues, 10 of which would come with the legendary Kansas City Monarchs. O’Neil won a pair of batting titles, hitting .345 in 1940 and .350 in 1946 and developed a reputation as a smooth-fielding first baseman. He also managed the Monarchs from 1948-1955, leading the team to four Negro American League titles.

Though he never reached the major leagues as a player, O’Neil is credited with becoming both MLB’s first Black scout and coach. O’Neil is credited with scouting Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Lou Brock and Lee Smith, as well as other prominent major leaguers like Joe Carter and Oscar Gamble.

In addition to his work as a player, manager, scout and coach, O’Neil spent much of the later decades of his life as an advocate for the Negro leagues. He served as founder and board chairman of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum before dying in 2006 at the age of 94.

The Baseball Hall of Fame honors O’Neil’s legacy with the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to individuals whose extraordinary efforts enhanced baseball’s positive impact on society, broadened the game’s appeal and whose character, integrity and dignity are comparable to the qualities exhibited by O’Neil.

BONUS: JOHN HENRY “POP” LLOYD

Though it is not certain where exactly Lloyd was born in Florida, he was raised by his grandmother in and around Jacksonville during his childhood. Often regarded as the greatest shortstop in the history of the Negro leagues thanks to his batting, fielding and base-stealing prowess, Lloyd enjoyed a 25-year career in which he regularly batted over .300.

As a player, Lloyd spent time with the Cuban X-Giants, Philadelphia Giants, Chicago Leland Giants, New York Lincoln Giants, Chicago American Giants, New York Lincoln Stars, Brooklyn Royal Giants, New York Bacharach Giants, Columbus Buckeyes, Atlantic City Bacharach Giants, Hilldale Daisies and the Harlem Stars. Lloyd also managed four of those teams over a span of six years while playing.

During his playing career, Lloyd was often compared with Hall of Fame shortstop Honus Wagner. While playing in Cuba, Lloyd earned the nickname “El Cuchara” (translated to English meaning “The Tablespoon” or “The Shovel”), for how he characteristically scooped up a glove-full of dirt from the ground every time he fielded a ball, similar to the style of Wagner.

Unfortunately, like many Negro leagues players, Lloyd passed away before he was elected into the Hall of Fame. His election came in 1977, 13 years after his death.

BEST OF THE REST

MARQUIS GRISSOM

Grissom batted .299/.365/.414 with Jacksonville in 1989 before embarking on a 17-year major league career. He helped the Atlanta Braves win the 1995 World Series and also spent time with the Montreal Expos, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians. Grissom was a four-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time All-Star.

DELINO DeSHIELDS

Like Grissom, DeShields was a member of the 1989 Jacksonville Expos, slashing a robust .270/.413/.371. He went on to play 13 seasons in the major leagues for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, tallying eight seasons with at least 35 stolen bases.

MATT KEMP

Kemp hit .327/.402/.528 in 48 games with Jacksonville in 2006, a season that saw him later make his MLB debut. A three-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glover and two-time Silver Slugger over a 15-year career mainly with the Dodgers, Kemp finished playing with 1,808 hits and 287 home runs. He finished second in the NL MVP balloting in 2011 after batting .324/.399/.586 while leading the league in both home runs (39) and RBIs (126).

DAVE ROBERTS

Roberts put up stellar numbers with Jacksonville in both 1997 and 1998 as a Detroit Tigers farmhand. He is perhaps most well-known in his playing career for stealing second base in the ninth inning of Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, helping to ignite the Boston Red Sox to a historic 3-0 series comeback over the New York Yankees and eventually leading the club to its first World Series title since 1918. Roberts has served as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2016, winning five NL West division titles, three NL pennants and the 2020 World Series.

JAMES LONEY

Loney slashed .264/.339/.378 as a member of both the 2004 and 2005 Jacksonville Suns. He made his debut for the Dodgers in 2006 and wound up playing 11 seasons in the major leagues with Los Angeles, the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. He owns a career MLB batting line of .284/.336/.410.

EDWIN JACKSON

A member of the Jacksonville Suns in both 2003 and 2005, Jackson played for 14 different MLB teams in his 17-year career. He was an All-Star with Detroit in 2009, when he went 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA in 33 starts covering 214.0 innings. Jackson also helped the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals capture the franchise’s 11th World Series championship.