Twenty years ago, Joe Espada and Carlos Mendoza were minor league teammates grinding it out for the independent Pensacola Pelicans at the University of West Florida. Today, they manage two of baseball’s most storied franchises.
- On February 6, both men will return to Pensacola for a community forum celebrating not just their remarkable journeys but also the city that helped shape them.
The Blue Wahoos announced today that Espada, now in his third year managing the Houston Astros, and Mendoza, also entering his third season with the New York Mets, will participate in “An Evening with Joe and Carlos” at the Brownsville Community Center. The event runs from 6 to 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
More Than Teammates
This homecoming carries special significance. Espada and Mendoza weren’t just teammates during their 2004-2005 stint with the Pelicans—they shared an infield and a host family.
“They shared with me how much they loved Pensacola,” Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer said after speaking with both managers at December’s Winter Meetings. Studer, who owned the Pelicans during their tenure, extended what he called “a long shot” invitation, given that Spring Training officially kicks off on Feb. 20. However, both managers said yes.
Their career paths since leaving Pensacola have been remarkable. Espada won a World Series ring as the Astros’ bench coach before taking the helm in 2022. Mendoza climbed through the Yankees organization as a coach before landing the Mets job. Both credit their Pensacola experience as formative.
Details
Retired WEAR sports director Dan Shugart, who covered Espada and Mendoza during their playing days, will moderate the forum. Shugart witnessed firsthand their talent and character before their names appeared on major league lineup cards.
- Admission is free, but tickets are required and available at bluewahoos.com. For a community that’s watched countless players pass through on their way to the majors, this event offers something rare: a chance to celebrate two who made it all the way to the top while never forgetting where they played some of their final professional games.
The Blue Wahoos open their 2026 season on April 3 against the Montgomery Biscuits. For tickets and information, visit bluewahoos.com or call (850) 934-8444.
