What Major League Baseball Team is from Tennessee?
Tennessee is known for its country music and delicious southern food, but it also has a history of Major League Baseball (MLB). This article will explore the teams that have called Tennessee home, as well as some of the great players who have worn their uniforms.
Tennessee Teams in the MLB
Tennessee has had two MLB teams that have called the state home. The first was the Nashville Vols, who played in the Southern Association from 1901 to 1962. The team was originally known as the Nashville Baseball Club, but changed their name to the Vols in 1908. The team won the pennant in 1920 and made it to the World Series in 1925. The second team to call Tennessee home was the Memphis Redbirds, who played in the Pacific Coast League from 1998 to 2000.
Notable Players from Tennessee
The state of Tennessee has produced some of the greatest players to ever step onto the diamond. Some of the most notable players from the state include:
- Vinny Castilla – A two-time All-Star selection, Castilla played for the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies. He was also a member of the 1996 World Series Champion New York Yankees.
- Troy Percival – Percival was one of the most dominant closers of his era, recording 358 saves in his career. He was a member of the 2002 World Series Champion Angels.
- Todd Helton – Helton is one of the greatest hitters to ever wear the Rockies uniform. He is a five-time All-Star selection, and a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
- C.J. Nitkowski – Nitkowski was the first player from Tennessee to reach the majors in 1994. He played for eight teams during his career, and was an All-Star selection in 2003.
- Adam Everett – Everett was a two-time All-Star selection and a three-time Gold Glover Award winner. He was also a member of the 2004 World Series Champion Red Sox.
- Boone Logan – Logan was a two-time All-Star selection who spent time with the Rockies, Yankees, White Sox and Braves in his career.
- John Smoltz – Smoltz is one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He was a member of the 1995 World Series Champion Braves, and was an eight-time All-Star selection.
Tennessee MLB All-Stars
Tennessee has had a number of players selected as All-Stars over the years. Some of the most notable All-Stars from the state include:
- Vinny Castilla – Two-time All-Star selection (1995, 2004)
- Troy Percival – Two-time All-Star selection (2002, 2004)
- Todd Helton – Five-time All-Star selection (2000-2004)
- C.J. Nitkowski – One-time All-Star selection (2003)
- Adam Everett – Two-time All-Star selection (2003, 2004)
- Boone Logan – Two-time All-Star selection (2008, 2010)
- John Smoltz – Eight-time All-Star selection (1989-2002)
Tennessee MLB Hall of Fame Inductees
Tennessee has also had a number of players inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Some of the most notable inductees from the state include:
- Vinny Castilla – Inducted in 2016
- Troy Percival – Inducted in 2019
- Todd Helton – Inducted in 2020
- John Smoltz – Inducted in 2015
MLB in Tennessee Today
Though there are no MLB teams currently playing in Tennessee, the state has a long history with the sport and there is an active minor league team, the Nashville Sounds. The Sounds are a Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play in the Pacific Coast League.
Tennessee in the MLB Draft
Tennessee has had a number of players selected in the MLB Draft over the years. Some of the most notable players selected from the state include:
- Vinny Castilla – Selected in the 7th round of the 1986 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves
- Troy Percival – Selected in the 8th round of the 1990 MLB Draft by the California Angels
- Todd Helton – Selected in the 1st round of the 1995 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies
- C.J. Nitkowski – Selected in the 1st round of the 1994 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds
- Adam Everett – Selected in the 4th round of the 1998 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros
- Boone Logan – Selected in the 20th round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox
- John Smoltz – Selected in the 22nd round of the 1985 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers
Conclusion
Tennessee has had a rich history with Major League Baseball. Though there are no MLB teams currently based in the state, there have been two teams that have called Tennessee home in the past. The state has also produced some of the greatest players to ever step onto the diamond. From Hall of Famers to All-Stars, Tennessee has had a great impact on the sport of baseball.