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. For Espada, it included a World Series championship as the club’s bench coach from 2018 to 2022, while Mendoza previously served as an infield and bench coach for the Yankees from 2018 to 2023. The event, titled 'An Evening with Joe and Carlos: From the Pensacola Pelicans to Major League Managers', will take place at the Brownsville Community Center and is free to attend. However, a ticket is required for entry, so fans are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance. The event will be moderated by retired WEAR sports director Dan Shugart, who covered both Espada and Mendoza during their time with the Pelicans. For more information on how to get your ticket, click here (https://www.milb.com/pensacola).
