The Blue Wahoos Remember The Legendary John Appleyard
The Blue Wahoos join the city of Pensacola in mourning the passing of Mr. John Appleyard. Mr. Appleyard made an immeasurable impact on the growth of the Pensacola community during his 97 years, recording and sharing the city’s history through dozens of books and hundreds of columns, establishing the area’s
The Blue Wahoos join the city of Pensacola in mourning the passing of Mr. John Appleyard.
Mr. Appleyard made an immeasurable impact on the growth of the Pensacola community during his 97 years, recording and sharing the city’s history through dozens of books and hundreds of columns, establishing the area’s foremost marketing firm, and remaining heavily involved in numerous community service and charitable projects throughout his life.
“When you look back at the history of Pensacola, the best parts have John Appleyard in them,” Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, a longtime friend of Mr. Appleyard, said. “He was always raising money for a good cause and always writing to share how great our city is.”
“Mr. Appleyard was one of the most loving men I’ve ever known. When she was in the nursing home, he visited his wife three times a day, everyday. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even during the pandemic when he couldn’t visit, he would sit outside her window in his wheelchair and spend time with her.
“His legacy will continue across the city and no one who knew him will forget his impact.”
Mr. Appleyard was a passionate supporter of the game of baseball in Pensacola and a constant presence at Blue Wahoos Stadium, serving as a radio broadcaster for the team since 2016. A lifelong fan of the game, he blessed Blue Wahoos fans with an encyclopedic knowledge of the game along with his trademark graciousness and wit on the air and was awarded the team’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
Above all, Mr. Appleyard was a loving husband and father and a friend to all he met. He will never be forgotten at the ballpark and will be missed across the Pensacola community.
“When you look back at the history of Pensacola, the best parts have John Appleyard in them."-Quint Studer
— Pensacola Blue Wahoos (@BlueWahoosBBall) October 21, 2020
Mr. Appleyard will be missed dearly by family, friends, and fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium and across the Pensacola community. pic.twitter.com/R05CZiLmUy