Credits to Steshka Willems
Tampa’s first sports team was the Tampa Smokers, a minor league baseball team that played in the Florida State League from 1919 to 1930. The team was originally known as the Tampa Tarpons, but changed its name to the Smokers in 1920 in honor of the city’s cigar industry.
The Smokers were founded by local businessman W.C. Gwynn, who was instrumental in bringing professional baseball to Tampa. The team played its home games at Plant Field, which was located on the campus of the University of Tampa. The stadium was considered one of the best in the league and was a popular destination for baseball fans throughout the region. We will discuss more about Plant Field Below.
Over the course of its 12-year existence, the Smokers had several notable players on its roster, including Hall of Famer Al Lopez, who played for the team in the late 1920s. The team also had a number of successful seasons, winning the Florida State League championship in 1928 and 1929.
Despite its success on the field, the Smokers faced several challenges throughout its existence, including financial difficulties and competition from other minor league teams in the region. The team ultimately disbanded in 1930 due to the economic hardships of the Great Depression.
While the Smokers were Tampa’s first sports team, they were certainly not the last. The city has since become home to a number of successful sports franchises, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). These teams have brought national attention and recognition to the city and have helped to establish Tampa as a major player in the world of sports.
In addition to its professional sports teams, Tampa has also been a popular destination for amateur and collegiate sports. The city has hosted a number of major sporting events over the years, including the Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, and the NHL All-Star Game. These events have brought millions of visitors to the city and have helped to stimulate the local economy.
In recent years, Tampa has also become a hub for recreational sports and outdoor activities. The city boasts a number of parks and recreational areas, as well as a thriving fitness and wellness community. From hiking and biking to kayaking and paddleboarding, there are plenty of ways for visitors and residents alike to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors in Tampa.
More About Plant Field
The oldest sports field in Tampa, Florida is Plant Field, which was located on the campus of the University of Tampa. The field was originally built in 1899 and served as the home of the Tampa Smokers, the city’s first minor league baseball team.
In addition to baseball, Plant Field was also used for a variety of other sports, including football, soccer, and track and field. The field was considered one of the best in the region and was a popular destination for athletes and sports fans throughout the area.
Over the years, Plant Field hosted a number of notable sporting events, including the Florida State Fair football game, which was held annually from 1917 to 1938. The game featured some of the top high school football teams in the state and drew large crowds from across Florida.
In 1933, Plant Field was renovated and expanded to accommodate larger crowds and a wider range of sporting events. The new stadium featured a seating capacity of 12,000 and was considered one of the best sports facilities in the Southeast.
Despite its success as a sports venue, Plant Field faced several challenges over the years, including financial difficulties and competition from other stadiums in the area. The field ultimately fell into disuse in the 1960s and was replaced by a new stadium on the University of Tampa campus.
Today, the site of Plant Field is occupied by the University of Tampa’s Pepin-Rood Stadium, which serves as the home of the school’s soccer and lacrosse teams. While the original field may be gone, its legacy lives on through the many sporting events and activities that continue to take place in Tampa today. Whether you’re a sports fan or simply interested in the city’s rich history, a visit to Pepin-Rood Stadium is a must-see attraction in Tampa.
Famous Athletes from Tampa
Tampa has produced a number of famous athletes over the years, from baseball players to football stars and beyond. Here are just a few of the most notable athletes from Tampa:
- Derek Jeter – Derek Jeter is a former professional baseball player who spent his entire career with the New York Yankees. He was born in New Jersey, but grew up in the Tampa Bay area and attended high school in nearby Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jeter is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, having won five World Series championships and numerous individual awards during his career.
- Emmitt Smith – Emmitt Smith is a former professional football player who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals during his career. He was born in Pensacola, Florida, but spent much of his childhood in Tampa, where he attended high school. Smith is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, having won three Super Bowl championships and numerous individual awards during his career.
- Lou Piniella – Lou Piniella is a former professional baseball player and manager who was born and raised in Tampa. He played for several teams during his career, including the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds, and won two World Series championships as a manager. Piniella was inducted into the Tampa Bay Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
These are just a few of the many famous athletes who have called Tampa home over the years. Whether you’re a fan of baseball, football, or any other sport, Tampa’s rich athletic history is sure to impress.
The Tampa Smokers were the city’s first sports team and played an important role in the development of professional sports in the region. While the team is no longer in existence, its legacy lives on through the many successful sports franchises that have since called Tampa home. From professional football and baseball to hockey and more, Tampa has established itself as a major player in the world of sports and continues to attract visitors and sports fans from around the world.
