The Jacksonville City Council will follow up a resolution honoring and commemorating the life and accomplishments of Peter Bragan Sr. by proposing to name the field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville “Bragan Field.”
The Council approved a resolution July 24 recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Bragan Sr., who died July 7 at the age of 89.
Council President Bill Bishop then introduced the naming ordinance, 2012-500, Aug. 15 and it was co-sponsored by Council member Doyle Carter.
“He’s done tremendous things for the community and has put the Jacksonville Suns on the map for minor league baseball,” said Bishop.
Bragan Sr. was a native of Birmingham, Ala., where he was a successful automobile dealer after returning from military service in World War II in France and Germany. The opportunity to purchase the Jacksonville Suns brought him to the city in 1984.
“Under Mr. Bragan’s leadership the organization has experienced tremendous success, winning five Southern League championships in conjunction with several different major league affiliations, leading the Southern League in attendance for many years and becoming the most successful franchise in Jacksonville’s long and storied history of minor league baseball,” the ordinance states.
Bragan also negotiated with the City to include the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in the Better Jacksonville Plan in 2000.
The plan, approved by voters in 2000, is a $2.25 billion growth management program that provides road and infrastructure improvements, environmental preservation, targeted economic development and new and improved public facilities. It is funded in part by a half-cent sales tax approved by Duval County voters.
Bragan’s son, Peter Bragan Jr., saw it as a fitting tribute to have the field named after his father.
“The whole family is thrilled that the City is paying tribute to my father this way for all he did for baseball in Jacksonville,” Bragan Jr. said.
Although Bragan Sr. may be a sentimental favorite in Jacksonville, the City also recognized the potential for naming rights opportunities in the future.
“This is similar to situations at the University of Florida’s Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium or Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. It allows for a naming sponsor if that opportunity presents itself in the future,” said Bishop.
Bragan Jr. agreed.
“Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville makes sense,” said Bragan Jr.
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