Jacksonville Red Caps Annual Community Game
The walls of the old James P. Smalls Baseball Park has gone through several names since it was built in 1932, Hammerin’ Hank played minor league baseball here on his way to the major leagues. Major League Baseball announced that more than 3,400 players from seven Negro Leagues operating between 1920 and 1948 — the year after Jackie Robinson put on a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform — would be recognized as major leaguers. According to Seamheads.com, a remarkable collection of Negro Leagues data, the Red Caps went 14-16-1 in 1938. They were led by pitchers Leo “Preacher” Henryand Raymond “Smoky” Owens. And when they turned double plays, the ball sometimes went from shortstop Philly Holmes to second baseman Skin Down Robinson to first baseman Mint Jones. (read more from The Florida Times Union)
