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This city has such a pleasant climate that it's sometimes called theSunshine City. This city is also nicknamed the Winter Baseball Capital of the U.S. Which city is this?

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SAINT PETERSBURG, FLA. - geography illustration
SAINT PETERSBURG, FLA. — geography

Saint Petersburg, Florida, proudly holds the moniker of the "Sunshine City" due to its remarkably pleasant climate, boasting an impressive average of 361 days of sunshine each year. This sunny reputation is not merely anecdotal; the city even achieved a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine, with a remarkable 768 days between 1967 and 1969. The nickname itself dates back to 1910, largely popularized by Lew Brown, the editor of The Evening Independent newspaper. Brown initiated a clever "Sunshine Offer," promising free newspapers on any day the sun failed to appear, a promotion that successfully ran for 76 years and cemented the city's image as a perpetual sunny haven.

Beyond its radiant weather, this Florida city is also celebrated as the "Winter Baseball Capital of the U.S.," a title earned through its extensive history as a premier destination for Major League Baseball spring training. Since 1914, more Major League spring training games have been played in St. Petersburg than in any other city. Former mayor Al Lang was a pivotal figure in attracting teams to the city, beginning with the St. Louis Browns in 1914. Over the decades, legendary players and numerous Hall of Famers, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, have graced the city's waterfront baseball parks, making it a crucial training ground for America's favorite pastime.

The city's mild winters and abundant sunshine made it an ideal location for teams to prepare for their seasons, drawing both players and fans southward. This rich baseball legacy continues today, even with the modern Tampa Bay Rays calling the city home. The consistent warm weather and long-standing connection to professional baseball have deeply shaped the identity and appeal of this vibrant Florida community.