Appalachian League announces 2021 executive awards
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League today announced its end-of-year awards for the 2021 season. Executive of the Year—Kat Foster, Greeneville Flyboys Kat Foster, general manager of the Greeneville Flyboys, has been named the 2021 Appalachian League Executive of the Year. The award is presented to the one executive
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League today announced its end-of-year awards for the 2021 season.
Executive of the Year—Kat Foster, Greeneville Flyboys
Kat Foster, general manager of the Greeneville Flyboys, has been named the 2021 Appalachian League Executive of the Year. The award is presented to the one executive who has made the most valuable contribution to his/her club. In her second year as GM, Foster and her team drew more than 33,000 fans to Pioneer Park, for an average of 1,344 fans per game. On July 4, the Flyboys set an all-time Pioneer Park attendance record with 4,536 fans. Foster has also been active in the community, hosting various events at the ballpark including the NJAA tournament and a sold-out Mercy Me concert. In 2021, the Flyboys contributed more than $122,000 in gift-in-kind donations in the Greeneville area.
Promotional Award of Excellence—Burlington Sock Puppets
The Burlington Sock Puppets have earned the Appalachian League Promotional Trophy. The Sock Puppets launched one of the most successful and wide-spread rebranding campaigns in the baseball industry, receiving national recognition and unprecedented media exposure. The club was featured in/on People.com, ESPN, Bob and Tom national radio show, Yahoo Sports, Barstool and more. Its social media presence was the largest in the league across the three main channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram). From February to August, it had more than 23 million impressions on Twitter alone. The staff sold the most season seats and partnerships in club history and created the first Appy League Sales Academy in conjunction with Elon University. In addition, the club performed free Little League takeovers at random youth leagues and hosted free two-day kids’ camps to more than 100 youth.
Patriot Award—Princeton WhistlePigs
The Princeton WhistlePigs are the 2021 recipient of the Appalachian League Patriot Award, presented to a club for outstanding support and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community. The WhistlePigs continued their long-standing support of the military by having a Veteran’s Recognition Day on July 4 and hosted a group from the Wounded Warriors and their families. The WhistlePigs also raised more than $1,000 in new toys and donations for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. General manager Danny Shingleton, retired Navy Chief of more than 31 years, is an active member of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Marine Corps League.
Lee Landers Community Service Award—Bristol State Liners
The Bristol State Liners, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit operated by Bristol Baseball Inc. and a volunteer gameday staff, have earned the 2021 Appalachian League’s Lee Landers Community Service Award. It is presented annually to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their community and within the baseball industry. With a focus on the citizens of Bristol, the club has had an economic impact on the region documented at approximately $2.8 million in direct and indirect dollars and has compiled more than 3,500 volunteer hours from game day staff and the board of director’s operational work at the ballpark. In 2021, the club gave more than $1 million in gift-in-kind contributions, including significant donations to Gate City High School and the Virginia High Band Boosters. State Liners staff were also involved with other programs including the Little League Field of Dreams, teacher recognition and the local Civitan’s club.
Organization of the Year—Kingsport Axmen
The Kingsport Axmen were named the 2021 Appalachian League Organization of the Year. The award is given to the one club that exemplifies the standards of the complete baseball franchise, based upon franchise stability, contributions to league stability, contribution to baseball in the community and the promotion of the baseball industry. The Kingsport club saw a 37% increase in average attendance from the last playing season. In 2021, the Axmen averaged 1,228 fans per night. The season high of 3,216 came on Wednesday, June 30, when the Axmen hosted the Opening Ceremonies of the USSSA World Series in Kingsport. After being notified in mid-July that the Axmen players and on-field staff would not be completing the season, the organization moved quickly to form a new team. They were determined to continue the season not only for their fans, but also for the nine other clubs in the league to ensure their schedules remained intact. The Kingsport team was actively involved multiple charitable events and causes, including both the Kingsport Miracle League and the Niswonger Children’s Hospital.
State Liners announce 2023 roster
BRISTOL, Va. — After the announcement of our 2023 on-field staff, the Bristol State Liners are excited to announce our 2023 roster, featuring 17 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders and five outfielders. These players from around the country will be joined by a coaching staff comprised of manager Bill Kinneberg,
State Liners unveil 2023 coaching staff
The Bristol State Liners are excited to announce that our 2023 coaching and athletic training staff is now set. Please welcome these talented individuals that will join manager Bill Kinneberg for what is expected to be a very exciting 2023 season of Appalachian League baseball. TED POWER - PITCHING COACH:
Appalachian League's 2023 managers set to take the helm
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Over the last several weeks, Appalachian League teams have announced their managers for the 2023 season. That group includes four brand-new faces with more than 150 years of combined experience in professional baseball. Former big league manager John McLaren, along with Dennis Cook, Bill Kinneberg and
Appalachian League participates in MLK Day of Service
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Appalachian League executives participated in the 28th annual MLK Day of Service on Jan. 16, 2023, volunteering in nine communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Tabbed as a “day on, not a day off” to celebrate the life and legacy of the Civil
State Liners announce 2023 manager
The Bristol State Liners will be under a new manager in 2023. In its third year under the new Appalachian League, Bill Kinneberg will take the help as the new skipper for the State Liners. Kinneberg, born in Sewell, Chile, joins the State Liners with decades of prior coaching experience,
Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service. The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10
Appalachian League elects two to Hall of Fame
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The Appalachian League announced two new members have been elected to the Appalachian League Hall of Fame. The 2022 HOF Class included former Major League pitcher CC Sabathia and former Major League manager Jim Leyland. "It is truly an honor to announce our 2022 class of
Appy League adds Justin Morgenstern as director of player personnel
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League is pleased to announce the hiring of Justin Morgenstern as the new director of player personnel. Morgenstern joins the Appalachian League from the Philadelphia Phillies, where he was an area scout since 2016. Morgenstern spent his first three years with the organization covering
Appalachian League announces Humanitarian of the Year nominees
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the 10 nominees for its 2022 Humanitarian of the Year award. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through
2022 All-Appalachian League Team announced
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the 2022 All-Appalachian League Team. The honorees were nominated and voted on by the league’s managers. The All-Appalachian League Team is highlighted by Bluefield’s Jackson Feltner, who was named Player of the Year, and Burlington’s Mason Ruh, who earned Pitcher of the
Johnson Jr. hits walk-off single, East tops West at 2022 Appy League All-Star Game
BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The East defeated the West, 6-5, at the 2022 Appalachian League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance on Tuesday night at Burlington Athletic Stadium. After Greeneville's Brock Daniels (Missouri) hit a game-tying two-run single with two outs in the top of the ninth, Danville's RJ Johnson Jr
Roster announced for 2022 Appy League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance
The Appalachian League announced the rosters for the second Appy League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance. The rosters will feature 44 of the league's top players from the East and West Divisions, as nominated and voted on by the league's managers. The Visit Alamance All-Star Game is scheduled to
River Riders-State Liners postponed due to COVID-19
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- In accordance with Appalachian League guidelines, tonight's game between the Bristol State Liners and Elizabethton River Riders has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. The two teams are following Appy League and local public health guidelines to prioritize the health and safety of all athletes and
Appalachian League introduces new extra-innings format
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the addition of a "sudden death" extra-innings rule and the return of seven-inning games on Sundays. EXTRA INNINGS: Similar to the Frontier League and MLB Draft League, the Appalachian League will implement a "sudden death" extra-innings format. During the plate meeting prior
State Liners unveil 2022 roster
BRISTOL, Va. — On the heels of our manager announcement, the State Liners are thrilled to announce our 2022 lineup! In the second year under the new Appalachian League format and rebrand of the Bristol club, the State Liners enter 2022 seeking to improve on the .522 season with Barbaro
State Liners announce Barbaro Garbey as 2022 manager
BRISTOL, Va. — The Bristol State Liners are excited to announce Barbaro Garbey will manage the Bristol State Liners for the 2022 Appalachian League season. Garbey, entering in his second year with Bristol, served as the State Liners hitting coach during the 2021 inaugural season. Before joining the Appalachian League,
Appalachian League participates in MLK Week of Service
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Appalachian League executives participated in a Week of Service, volunteering in 11 communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Jan. 17, 2022 marked the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Tabbed as a “day on, not a day off” to celebrate the life and
Bristol State Liners unveil 2022 schedule
BRISTOL, Va. — The Bristol State Liners have released their official 2022 season schedule. In their second year in the new Appalachian League, the State Liners will play host to 29 home games and 29 away games. The State Liners will begin the season on the road with a two-game
2021 All-Appalachian League Team, award winners announced
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Appalachian League announced its 2021 All-Appalachian League Team prior to the completion of its inaugural season as a collegiate summer league as part of the MLB and USA Baseball Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP). The honorees were nominated and voted on by the league’s managers and
Kight, Peddycord earn weekly honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Appalachian League announced that Bristol's Tate Kight and Greeneville's Sam Peddycord were named Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively. Kight hit .455 (10-for-22) in six games this week to lead Bristol at the plate. The Homerville, Ga., native collected at least one hit in
Power on display in inaugural Appy League All-Star Game presented by Pennzoil
PULASKI, Va. – Dylan Rogers (Princeton) blasted a three-run homer in the first inning – the first of the game’s six total homers – as the East and West All-Stars played to a 6-6 tie in the 2021 Appalachian League All-Star Game presented by Pennzoil at Calfee Park in Pulaski,
Rosters announced for Appy League All-Star Game presented by Pennzoil
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced today the rosters for the inaugural Appy League All-Star Game presented by Pennzoil. The rosters feature 46 of the league’s top players from the East and West Divisions, as nominated and voted on by the league’s managers. The 2021 Appy League All-Star
Crist, Trembley to manage Appy League All-Star teams
The Appalachian League announced today that Pulaski’s Clark Crist and Bristol’s Dave Trembley will manage the East and West teams for the Appalachian League All-Star Game, respectively. The inaugural All-Star Game is set to take place Tuesday, July 27, at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Virginia. The managers will be joined