The Bradenton Nine Devils played here starting in the 1930's as part of the Florida State Negro Baseball League. Known by various names, "Nine Devils" is attributed to a 9-game winning streak one season. Team owners Bish Christopher and John Clark, later Edward Stephens, organized over 70 games annually. Working all week, players practiced at night and played on Sundays. Their home field was here, and they traveled to away games throughout Florida on a red bus with their devil mascot painted on the side. Shortstop James Copeland recalled, "You'd play, shower, eat, get back on the bus and be back at work the next day. You had to love it." Their devotion continues to inspire.