On February 27, 2025, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. celebrated the launch of its new Tampa Smokers cigars with a sold-out event at the Tampa Baseball Museum. The event drew 150 cigar-loving baseball enthusiasts and featured appearances by former Tampa Bay Rays managers Larry Rothschild and Joe Maddon.
Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman Cigar Co., emphasized the connection between cigars and baseball, stating, “Baseball and cigars are two of America’s historic pastimes. It is only fitting to celebrate the new baseball season with a special cigar that honors Tampa’s first professional baseball team, the Tampa Smokers.”
The Tampa Smokers baseball team, active from 1919 into the 1950s, played at Plant Park, where the University of Tampa now hosts games. The team’s name celebrated Tampa’s proud identity as the “Cigar City,” which once boasted 200 cigar factories producing over 700 million cigars annually. Tampa Smokers legends include Hall of Famer Al Lopez, whose former home now houses the Tampa Baseball Museum.
The Tampa Smokers cigar release coincides with the 100th anniversary of baseball spring training in Tampa. These cigars will be available at 200 premium cigar retailers in Major League Baseball cities just in time for Opening Day.
Hand-rolled in J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj factory, Tampa Smokers cigars are crafted in two distinctive sizes: a traditional 6″ x 52 toro and a unique 7″ baseball bat shape. Each cigar is meticulously rolled by a single master roller, producing just 80 cigars per day. They feature an Ecuadorian Shade wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and filler tobaccos from Latin America, where baseball remains a cherished sport.
FOX 13 News recently highlighted the Tampa Smokers cigar, emphasizing its tribute to Tampa’s intertwined history of cigars and baseball. The report shared colorful stories of the Smokers’ heyday, including their fierce rivalries with Cuban teams and their iconic jerseys featuring a cigar logo.
Proceeds from the February 27 launch event were donated to the Tampa Baseball Museum, supporting its mission to preserve Tampa’s rich baseball heritage. With the Tampa Smokers cigar, J.C. Newman honors this unique legacy, blending the traditions of premium cigars with the excitement of America’s favorite pastime.