In a very overcast skies, the Dept of Transportation Monday gave the deed of the famed Al Lopez House to the City of Tampa that then transferred to the Ybor City Museum Society. Al Lopez was a famous Tampa & Yborite who was the first Tampa native to be signed into the Major Baseball League and was also the first Hall of Fame player from Tampa.

    The new Tampa Baseball Museum is next to Centennial Park and also the future Law Enforcement Museum which will be housed in a bungalow house next door to the Al Lopez house on 19th Street in Ybor City.

    The many exhibits will be featuring exhibits and articles from The National Baseball League. Also artifacts, clothing and articles from past Tampa baseball teams, including Major Leagues teams, area Semi-Pro teams, Cigar Factory Baseball teams, the Negro Baseball League, High Schools and College teams from Tampa Bay!

    The ceremony on Monday soon had pouring rain clouds. Attending were a number of local officials including Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda, County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, former Councilwoman Mary Alvarez and husband banker Manny, Ybor City Manager Vince Pardo and Y.C. Museum  Society President Chantal Hevia.

    “May the construction begin was heard throughout the crowd!”

    A spring date is tentative for the new Tampa Baseball Museums opening.