MLB managers Joe Espada and Carlos Mendoza are returning to their Pensacola roots for a special community event. But here's where it gets interesting: these two managers were teammates on the independent Pensacola Pelicans in 2004 and 2005. And this is the part most people miss: both Espada and Mendoza are entering their third year as managers in the MLB, with Espada leading the Houston Astros and Mendoza the New York Mets. But their journey to the top wasn't always a smooth one. Espada, a Puerto Rico native, had a diverse playing career, while Mendoza, a Venezuela native, started his coaching career in 2009 with the Yankees organization. The event, titled 'An Evening with Joe and Carlos: From the Pensacola Pelicans to Major League Managers', will be moderated by retired WEAR sports director Dan Shugart, who covered their time with the Pelicans. It's a rare opportunity to hear from these managers about their experiences and the path that led them to the MLB. The event is free, but tickets are required. Fans are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance to secure their spot. For more information, visit https://www.milb.com/pensacola. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to hear from these managers and their Pensacola story!
