Bristol, Virginia, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Virginia is set to revive Appalachian League baseball with a plan for a new multi-use stadium funded by a $1.1 million allocation from the city council. This stadium will host the Bristol State Liners and the Virginia High baseball program. The project follows previous unsuccessful attempts to renovate Tod Houston Field. With local support, the revival is expected to boost the community’s economy and player development as the league integrates top college prospects.
Bristol, Virginia Set for Appalachian League Baseball Revival
A contract has been established to bring Appalachian League baseball back to Bristol, Virginia. The Bristol City Council is scheduled to vote on a financing deal that will allocate $1.1 million for the purchase of land on Bob Morrison Boulevard. This land is earmarked for constructing a new multi-use stadium, which will host both the Bristol State Liners and the Virginia High baseball program.
The property was originally priced at $1.6 million, but negotiations with K-VA-T Food Stores, the parent company behind Food City, resulted in a reduction of the purchase price. In a strategic move, Food City will also acquire naming rights for the new stadium and collaborate on the design of its logo.
This new project follows the unsuccessful negotiations aimed at renovating Tod Houston Field between leaders from Bristol, Tennessee, and Boyd Sports. The revival of the Appalachian League in Bristol has garnered wide support from local and state leaders, who see its potential economic impact on the community.
Exciting Player Debuts and League Changes
Among the early players making waves in the league is Cooper Flemming, a signee from Vanderbilt University. Flemming made an impressive debut with the Bristol State Liners, delivering a performance that included a double and a home run in his first game. He graduated from Alisa Niguel High School in California and is currently ranked 132nd on Baseball America’s list of the 500 best prospects for the MLB Amateur Draft. In his debut, he finished with two hits out of three at-bats, driving in two runs and scoring twice in a game against the Johnson City Doughboys, which ended in a tie, later resolved with a tiebreaker.
During this game, a total of six Bristol pitchers allowed 15 walks while limiting the Doughboys to only four hits. Bristol pitcher Max Owens highlighted the tiebreaker situation with a crucial strikeout that secured the eventual victory.
In other regional games, the Boone Bigfoots defeated the Marion Hungry Mothers decisively with a score of 14-2, exhibiting a powerful performance with 14 hits and nine walks against five opposing pitchers. The Hungry Mothers managed only two hits throughout the game but avoided a shutout in the seventh inning.
Future of the Appalachian League
In a notable trend, twenty-eight Appalachian League alumni were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft, with seven selections among the first 100 picks. Marcus Phillips, a player from Elizabethton ’24, was the highest pick, drafted at 33rd overall by the Boston Red Sox. This marked only the third first-round pick in Appalachian League history. Flemming and Tanner Franklin from Bristol were selected in the second round at 53rd and 72nd overall, respectively.
The new format for the Appalachian League features top rising college freshmen and sophomores participating in summer wood-bat play, as part of the Prospect Development Pipeline. This initiative is backed by MLB and USA Baseball, which will provide logistics, player participation, and administrative support. Plans for the league include a 54-game regular season and an annual All-Star Game.
Since 2021, each team in the Appalachian League will undergo a process to change their names and logos to better align with local communities. The enthusiasm for the league’s revival and its positive implications for the local economy continue to drive support from local and state leaders, including U.S. senators and governors.
FAQ
What is the Appalachian League?
The Appalachian League is a collegiate summer baseball league that features top rising college freshmen and sophomores participating in wood-bat play as part of the Prospect Development Pipeline.
What are the financing details for the new stadium in Bristol?
The Bristol City Council will vote on a deal to finance $1.1 million for a property purchase on Bob Morrison Boulevard for the construction of a new multi-use stadium.
What are the key events slated for the Appalachian League?
Plans include a 54-game regular season and an annual All-Star Game.
Key Features of the Appalachian League Revival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Financing | $1.1 million for property purchase |
| Stadium Naming Rights | Food City obtains naming rights |
| Inaugural Season | 54-game regular season, annual All-Star Game |
| Player Development | Prospect Development Pipeline participation |
| Prospects | Twenty-eight alumni drafted in 2025 MLB Draft |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bristol, Virginia Plans New Baseball Stadium
Fairmount Elementary School Teacher Librarian Recognized as Finalist
Doughboys Secure Doubleheader Sweep Over Bristol State Liners
Volunteers Transform Schools in Johnson City During Caring Week
Bristol School Welcomes New Renovated Tod Houston Field
Bristol School Sports Set for Major Upgrade and Events
Bristol City Council Rescinds Baseball Stadium Agreement
Bristol Tennessee to Renovate Baseball Stadium
Bristol City School Council Rescinds Stadium Agreement
Appalachian League Launches Fifth Collegiate Season
Additional Resources
- WJHL: Bristol Stateliners to Return
- Wikipedia: Appalachian League
- Elizabethton Star: 28 Appalachian League Alumni
- Google Search: Appalachian League
- USA Baseball: MLB and USA Appalachian League
- Google Scholar: Appalachian League
- MiLB: Unique Facts about the Appalachian League
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Appalachian League
- Forbes: MLB and Bristol Notes
- Google News: Appalachian League
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
