You don’t have to be a die-hard baseball fan to know who Gary Sheffield is. He spent over twenty years smashing home runs with his very unique swing. He won a World Series with the Florida Marlins and later spent time with the Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Mets and Tigers. Gary retired from Major League baseball in 2009 and when he hung up his cleats for the final time he finished with 509 home runs and 1676 RBIs.

Enjoying a cigar with the legend himself.

With his baseball career in the rearview mirror, Gary turned to another passion to help fill his spare time. Growing up near Ybor City one can say that he was born with cigar culture in his blood. When Livan Hernandez defected from Cuba and joined the Marlins in 1991 his cigar journey really took off. I recently spent some time with Gary, enjoying a few of his cigars and talking about baseball and what got him interested in the making his own smokes.

Gary credits Hernandez with his increased passion for cigars. Sheffield told me that Livan always had cigars and the two of them enjoyed them after games. It was a practice that Gary would continue throughout his major league career. 162 games can take a toll on a body and it was the relaxation afforded by a nice cigar that helped Gary get through the grueling schedule.

Today, Gary has his own cigar line through Rocky Patel. He spent a lot of time working on his blend. He credits Rocky with providing him with the knowledge and educated palate, which allowed him to create the 500 Home Run Club cigar.

The first thing you notice about the cigar is all of the elaborate artwork. There are three separate bands that nearly cover the stick from head to foot. Once removed though, the real beauty lies with the Ecuadorian habano wrapper. The inside of the stick is packed with some of Nicaragua’s finest. There is the signature black pepper and coffee notes and it can pack a little punch. I rate the strength at just a shade below full-bodied, a 400 foot shot to centerfield that bounces on the warning track.

Gary told me “they almost killed him” when he was working on the blend. Smoking Nicaraguan filler all day can have that effect on you. I am personally glad that he endured the process, for we are all rewarded with a great cigar.

It is safe to say that Mr. Sheffield has hit home run number 510 with this stick. 

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida regional manager, Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server

Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.