J. P. Small Baseball Park was originally opened in 1912 and served baseball players from Major, Minor, and Negro league teams. The land was originally owned by a former Union soldier. Over the years, after several name changes and a devastating fire in the 1930s, the baseball field has been a center of both Jacksonville baseball and entertainment for the Durkeeville, Sugar Hill, and Springfield neighborhoods. J.P. Small has had the pleasure of hosting some of baseball’s biggest names. Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Ty Cobb, Satchel Paige, and “Cool Papa”…
