The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will host the inaugural ‘Smoky Mountain Rivalry’ baseball game between Austin-East Magnet High School and Fulton High School at Smokies Stadium on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 5:30pm. The game will be preceded with the Emerald Youth Middle School Jamboree beginning at 2:00pm featuring middle school baseball teams from Emerald Academy, Holston, Vine, Northwest, and Whittle Springs.
Baseball is an incredible sport, and we are dedicated to expanding it with young people who live in Knoxville’s city neighborhoods,” said Emerald Youth Foundation’s Director of Sports Ministry and FCA Urban Outreach Sanford Miller. “Through our partnerships with city middle and high schools, including Austin-East and Fulton, more youth are growing their athletic skills, learning teamwork and enjoying being on the baseball field. We are grateful to the Tennessee Smokies for their commitment to Emerald Youth and making this opportunity available. It is sure to be a special day!”
This is a free event, with gates opening at 1:00pm. Middle School games will begin at 2:00pm and 3:30pm. Austin-East Magnet High School vs Fulton High School has a first pitch time slated for 5:30pm. The contest will resemble a Tennessee Smokies game with team headshots, walk-up music, and in-between inning entertainment. Concession stands will be open selling all ballpark classics. The GoTeez Locker Room and Homer Hound’s Playland presented by Shoney’s will also be open for this event.
“Emerald Youth Foundation’s mission to bring baseball and other youth sports to more Knoxville communities is so important, and we are so honored to support and partner with them on this event,” said Tennessee Smokies Director of Outside Events Morgan Messick. “It means so much to us here at the stadium to know that we get to bring in kids of all ages to experience the excitement of playing on a professional baseball field. We are looking forward to having the community come out to cheer on these middle school teams and Austin-East and Fulton in what is sure to be an incredible rivalry game!”
About Emerald Youth Foundation
Since 1991, Emerald Youth Foundation has worked to support Knoxville’s youth and prepare generations of Godly community leaders. Emerald Youth has engaged more than 30,000 children and young adults in a variety of community programs over nearly three decades. Every year, Emerald Youth serves 3,000 children, teens and young adults in the heart of Knoxville through faith, learning and health programs. Learn more at emeraldyouth.org.
About The Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.