What is the Asheville Tourists?
The Asheville Tourists is a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team based in Asheville, North Carolina. The team is a member of the South Atlantic League and is affiliated with the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Tourists play their home games at McCormick Field, which is located in the heart of downtown Asheville. The team has been in existence since 1897, making them one of the oldest Minor League Baseball teams still in existence today.
History of the Asheville Tourists
The Asheville Tourists were originally founded in 1897 as the Asheville Moonshiners. The team was a part of the original Appalachian League, and played its first game on May 21, 1897. The team was renamed the “Asheville Mountaineers” in 1904 and remained as such until 1915 when they changed their name to the “Asheville Tourists”.
The Tourists were an independent team until 1937 when they affiliated with the Detroit Tigers. They remained affiliated with the Tigers until 1942, when the team joined the Tri-State League. The Tourists became a charter member of the South Atlantic League in 1945 and have remained a part of the league ever since.
Asheville Tourists Franchise Achievements
The Asheville Tourists have been one of the most successful Minor League Baseball teams in history. The team has won six South Atlantic League Championships and has produced a number of Major League Baseball stars, including Hall of Fame members Bob Feller and Hank Aaron. The team has also been the home of many future MLB stars, such as Jeff Bagwell, Jason Giambi and Todd Helton.
Asheville Tourists and the Colorado Rockies
The Asheville Tourists have been affiliated with the Colorado Rockies since 1994. The partnership between the two teams has been beneficial for both organizations. The Rockies have used the Tourists as a place to develop their young players, while the Tourists have been able to benefit from the support and resources provided by the Rockies.
The affiliation has also been beneficial for the city of Asheville, as the Tourists have become an important part of the city’s culture and identity. The team has become a source of pride for the city and a source of entertainment for its citizens.
Asheville Tourists Stadium: McCormick Field
The Tourists play their home games at McCormick Field, which is located in the heart of downtown Asheville. The stadium was built in 1924 and has a seating capacity of 4,000, making it one of the smallest stadiums in Minor League Baseball. The stadium has undergone a number of renovations over the years and is now one of the most picturesque and modern stadiums in the Minor Leagues.
Asheville Tourists Team Culture
The Tourists have created a unique and vibrant culture around the team that has become a major part of the city’s identity. The Tourists have become synonymous with Asheville and the team has become a source of pride for the city and its citizens.
The Tourists have also become known for their fun and creative promotions. Every year the team hosts a number of creative and entertaining promotions such as “Thirsty Thursday” and “Fan Appreciation Night”. The team also hosts a number of special events throughout the season, such as the annual “Tourists on Tour” event, which allows fans to join the team on their road trips.
Asheville Tourists Community Outreach
The Tourists are committed to being an active part of the Asheville community. The team has a number of initiatives that support local charities and organizations, such as the “Tourists Helping Hands” program, which raises funds for local non-profits. The team also hosts a number of events throughout the season that are designed to give back to the community, such as the annual “Asheville Tourists Community Day”.
Notable Asheville Tourists Players
Throughout its history, the Tourists have been home to a number of future Major League Baseball stars.
- Bob Feller – Hall of Fame pitcher who played for the Tourists from 1936-1937
- Hank Aaron – Hall of Fame outfielder who played for the Tourists in 1953
- Jeff Bagwell – Future Hall of Fame first baseman who played for the Tourists in 1989
- Jason Giambi – Future MVP who played for the Tourists in 1991
- Todd Helton – Future three-time All-Star who played for the Tourists in 1993
Asheville Tourists Fans
The Tourists have a passionate and loyal fanbase that has been supporting the team since 1897. The fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and they create a unique and exciting atmosphere at McCormick Field. The team has also developed a strong following throughout the region, with fans traveling from all over to support the team.
Conclusion
The Asheville Tourists are one of the oldest Minor League Baseball teams still in existence today, and have been affiliated with the Colorado Rockies since 1994. The team has a long and successful history, having won six South Atlantic League championships and producing a number of MLB stars. The Tourists also have a unique culture and a passionate fanbase that has been supporting the team since 1897.
The Tourists are an important part of the Asheville community and the team is committed to being an active part of the city’s culture and identity. The team has a number of initiatives that support local charities and organizations, and they are a source of entertainment for the city’s citizens. The Tourists are a source of pride for the city and a source of entertainment for its citizens.