Exploring the Best Sports History in Sunny, Beachy Pensacola

Pensacola, FL is known for its beaches, but it also has a rich sports history that reflects the areas diverse and charming culture. From historic baseball games to legendary horse races, here are some of the best places to explore Pensacolas sporting past.

One great place to start is Admiral Mason Park (8100 Occident St, Pensacola, FL 32514), which was once home to one of Americas first professional allblack baseball teams The Pensacola Giants. Founded in 1908 by Frank Marshall and Bill Pettiford during a time when black ball players were excluded from organized play with whites. This talented team produced several major league players including Pie Traynor who played for Pittsburgh Pirates and Leroy Satchel Paige who became an iconic Negro League pitcher.

Another key site lies at Palafox Pier & Yacht Harbor (997 S Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32502) where beginning in the mid1800s boats carrying thoroughbred horses arrived from New Orleans setting up competitions like seatoshore races along Bayfront Parkway through downtown Penninsula before finishing on Perdido Key just across Alabama state line. These annual events attracted large crowds until World War II interrupted them.

Finally dont miss out on catching a game at Blue Wahoo Stadium (351 W Cedar St, Pensacola ,FL) which opened in 2012 as Minor Leagues Baseball AAA stadium affiliated with Cincinnati Reds. Never forget Don Sutton whose tenure saw him win three Cy Young Awards while playing for Los Angeles Dodgers pitching nearly two decades worth of seasons could be seen right there!

Whether youre a sports enthusiast or just looking for something new to do while enjoying the sun and sand of this coastal city these sites make it clear that theres much more to Pensacolas heritage than just beaches and blue water.