06/19/2026
Honoring History This Juneteenth
As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on the enduring contributions of Black Americans to our nation's history, we also honor the legacy of JP Small Park and the trailblazing athletes who helped shape Jacksonville's sports story.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the park was home to the Jacksonville Red Caps, a Negro Southern League team whose name originated from the red caps worn by players who worked on the railroad and assisted passengers at train stations throughout the South. The Red Caps brought elite baseball talent to Jacksonville and provided local fans the opportunity to witness some of the era's greatest players.
The Red Caps brought elite baseball talent to Jacksonville and helped establish the city as an important stop in Negro League baseball. Over the years, JP Small Park welcomed some of the greatest players in baseball history, including Henry "Hank" Aaron, Leroy "Satchel" Paige, Roy Campanella, James "Cool Papa" Bell, and William "Judy" Johnson. These athletes' achievements helped pave the way for future generations and whose impact extended far beyond the diamond. The park also played an important role in the integration of Southern baseball, hosting early in*******al games that helped transform the region's sports landscape.
For decades, JP Small Park served as the home field for Edward Waters College, strengthening its connection to Jacksonville's HBCU community and supporting generations of student-athletes.
Today, the park's museum preserves the stories, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of a venue where sports, culture, and history intersect.
