BRISTOL, Va. — Baseball is coming back to Boyce Cox Field with a name that leans into the city’s two biggest claims to fame. The City of Bristol, Virginia on Thursday introduced the Bristol Pickin’ Chickens, a new club that will take the field for the first time in the summer of 2027.
The club is joining the Blue Ridge League, a summer circuit. The nickname and mascot are meant as a nod to both the ballpark tradition and the music heritage that the Birthplace of Country Music city is known for. Bristol, Virginia Mayor Jake Holmes said a name tying those two threads together matters, and he credited the league with embracing local identity and partnering closely with the community.
The team fills a gap left when the Bristol State Liners, who played in the Appalachian League, were disbanded. Joel Camp will manage the new club as head coach. Camp said he is eager to carry on a baseball legacy at the field that includes future Hall of Famer Alan Trammell and longtime big leaguer Tony Clark among those who once played there.
Some work is needed before opening day. Holmes said the city is fixing the transition between the infield and outfield grass, repairing flooring in the stands and improving the protective netting for fans. He described the ballpark as sound overall and said the upgrades will also benefit the Virginia High School Bearcats, who use the field.
For fans in the Twin City, the announcement means a summer of home games is again on the calendar, though the first pitch is still more than a year away. The city has not yet released a schedule, ticket prices or the dates for the ballpark work, and those details are expected closer to the 2027 season.
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