Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies have one of the richest histories in all of Minor League Baseball and roots that stretch back to the late 1800s. Since 1897, the franchise has played in more than 10 leagues at virtually every level of the minors. The team has been located in Knoxville for its entire history, and only since 2000 has it been known as the Tennessee Smokies. Between 1993 and 1999, and from 1925 to 1967, the club was called the Knoxville Smokies. Other names have included the Blue Jays, Sox, Pioneers, Reds, Appalachians and Indians. The Smokies have been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs since 2007, and have held partnerships with more than 10 other teams. The longest affiliation was with the Toronto Blue Jays and lasted from 1980 to 2002.

Ballpark

The Smokies play the home games on their schedule at Smokies Park, which opened in 2000. It’s the sixth home of the team in Knoxville, and was built to replace Bill Meyer Stadium, which the team had called home between 1955 and 1999. Smokies Park has an official capacity of 6,412 and its features include an enormous video board, large party porches at each end of the suite level and a “win” flag that honors the Cubs win flag at Wrigley Field.

Three Southern League Championship

The Smokies have won three Southern League titles since joining the league in 1964. These titles came in 1974, 1978 and 2004. Most recently, the club won three straight division titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Tennessee Smokies Roster

A long list of notable Major Leaguers appeared on the Smokies roster early in their careers. These players include Joe Girardi, Shawn Green, Roy Halladay, Dan Haren, David Wells, Vernon Wells, Jeff Kent, Orlando Hudson, Mark Reynolds, Kerry Wood, Jeff Samardzija, Chris Carpenter, Carlos Delgado, Jayson Werth, Harold Baines, Mike Timlin, Miguel Montero, Starlin Castro and Fred McGriff.

Spring Training

During Spring Training, members of the Smokies share Cubs Park with other players from the Chicago Cubs system. Cubs Park opened in 2014 and replaced HoHoKam Stadium, which the Cubs had used since 1997. With an official capacity of 15,000, Cubs Park is the largest Spring Training facility in baseball.

The Ballpark Guide hasn’t visited the Tennessee Smokies yet, but hopes to in the near future. If you’re excited to read a fan guide to Smokies Park, check out the many ways you can support The Ballpark Guide on future baseball road trips.