The Kingsport Mets and the Greeneville Astros are the first of several teams the Tour will come across in the Appalachian League, which is Rookie-level baseball located mostly in a region where Tennessee, Virgina, and West Virgina all come together. Tonight’s game was a lightly attended event, which will most likely be the theme of the Appalachian League games. Most of these ballparks are slightly more than bleachers and a field, seating just over 2,000 fans at full capacity. Up until 1995, the team used to play at Dobyns-Bennett High School. Thanks to Tim for getting us a signed ball for our raffle tonight!

The next day brought the Tour to Greeneville, TN—not too far from the Kingsport Mets. Unlike most other ballparks in the Appalachian League, Pioneer Park has a more modern and well-designed feel to it—having been built in 2004, it holds over 4,000 total fans. For the past three years, the Astros have led the league in attendance, averaging just over 1,500 fans per game. We were all set to do a raffle tonight, but there were a few factors that prevented us from having an overly successful night. Right before the game a big thunderstorm came down and scared off potential fans, with only the most dedicated fans holding out to see the game. Those fans who stuck around to see the start of the game were not rewarded by the home team. By the 6th inning, it was 19-0 in favor of the Elizabethton Twins. Meanwhile, I was trying to raffle off a baseball that was signed by the Astros. I couldn’t have given away the ball—and selling raffle tickets to these fans for a chance to win this prize was like trying to sell ice to an Eskimo. The final score ended up being a very lopsided 22-3, so at least the Astros got a few runs on the board. Thanks to Stephen for all the help tonight!