RBI Rangers 10u travel baseball team seeking experienced players, especially pitchers, for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013. Contact Todd at toddhale1972@gmail.com or (865) 216-2955.

     GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum College will host the 12^th annual Collegiate and Pro Showcase Baseball Camp, November 5-6 on the Greeneville campus.

    The camp allows top athletes from the 2012-2014 high school graduating classes to showcase their talents to many of the top collegiate and professional scouts in the region.  Players will participate in skill tests ranging from: fielding, hitting, arm strength and the 60-yard dash.

     Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with college coaches and scouts who can provide a true assessment of their playing ability.  Previous showcase attendees have signed with schools from conferences such as: South Atlantic, Southeastern (SEC), Atlantic Coast (ACC), Southern, Sun Belt, Big Ten, Big South and Colonial.  A complete list of NCAA Division I II, III, NAIA and Junior College scouts planning to attend can be obtained by contacting the Tusculum Baseball office at (423) 636-7300 ext. 5699.

    The cost of the two-day Showcase Camp is $175 with a deposit of $50 if received by October 22^nd.  Reservations after October 22^nd will be $195 with a $50 deposit.  Pre-Registration will take place on Saturday, November 5^th between 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. at Pioneer Park.  The baseball stadium is located on the Tusculum campus adjacent to the football stadium.

     Each participant is responsible for his own food and lodging during the weekend of the Showcase.  For more information, contact Tusculum Assistant Head Coach Todd Ireland at (423) 636-7300, ext. 5699 or download the information from the Tusculum Baseball Site at www.TusculumPioneers.com.

                                 

The Sevier County High School Smoky Bears Baseball Club won the First IMAC Tournament game 6-4 over Morristown East last night at Jefferson County High. The win sets a new historical school record as the Bears become the first team in history to have 3 seasons with 20 game wins.

The Bears were led by the pitching of all District Player Marcus Watson for 4 and a half inning and was spared by Drew Correll. Sophomore Dillion Cate came to the mound in the top of the 7th and closed out the game.

The Smokers were led at the plate by Senior and All District Charlie Gavaghan who went 3 for 4 with a big double and 3 RBI's. Kyle Pope also added an RBI in the win.

The Bears will play Jefferson County at 2:30 pm today at Jeff County High in the winners bracket. The tournament is double elimination so the Bears will also play on Monday. The time will be announced after today's game.

All District Pitcher Marcus Watson works against Morristown East in District Tournament.

All District Charlie Gavaghan blast one of his three RBI's.

Coach Lance Traywick and and his 3 base runners watch a new pitcher warm up.

Kyle Pope re-hydrates after an RBI late in the game.

Coach Conner collects the game balls and the Smoky Bears celebrate their win.

 

This past Tuesday night was the Smoky Bears Baseball Club's last regular season game. The Bears won over Morristown East in a shortened 5 inning affair 11-1.

This was the last home game for the Bears three senior players. All three played a great game and all left the field with RBI's and memories. The photos below are of the three seniors in action and a special presentation for the families. The three seniors are Charlie Gavaghan, Parker Hinckley and Kelby Carr.

 

The three seniors, ( standing left to right) Parker Hinckley, Charlie Gavaghan and Kelby Carr with Coach Lance Traywick.

Charlie Gavaghan pitched a complete game for the 11-1 win.

Parker Hinckley scores.

Kelby Carr bunts for a hit.

Seniors with the rest of their team.

It was perfect weather for baseball Tuesday night and the Seymour Eagles played a near perfect game beating the Sevier County Smoky Bears 6-2.

The game started as another intense rival game between the two IMAC Conference power houses. The first inning saw  the Eagles leave two runners in scoring position as Sevier County starter Dillion Cate worked a strike out , fly out and ground ball to first to end the first half. In the bottom of the inning the Bears left  three runners on base.  Seymour pitcher Chris McCarter gave up two singles and hit a batter before ending the inning with two strike outs and fly ball out.

In the second inning Seymour left one on base. The Bear's catcher Kyle Pope took the first pitch from McCarter over the left field fence for his third homer of the season and the Bears led 1-0.

The third inning was quick for both teams and the highlight was a well turned double play by the Eagles.

The fourth was a blow out inning for the Eagles as they put up six runs. The inning started with a hard hit single by Seymour's Ben Whistler followed by a walk of Tyler Crawford. Chris McCarter laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners to second and third. The Bears recorded the second out of the inning as Chase Turner popped up to first base. With two outs the Eagles then scored 6 runs. Cory Todd's hard hit single scored 2, Logan Jenkins walked, Todd scored from third on a passed ball, Corey Clark doubled, and the Bears gave Cody Fox a free walk to load the bases, Logan Sawyer hit for a single and an RBI, Ben Whistler came back to the plate and hit another single for an RBI and the inning ended with the Eagles leading 6-1.

In the bottom the Bears put up one more on a bunt single by Trevor Harsson to make the score 6-2 where it stayed for the rest of the game.

Seymour's pitcher Chris McCarter worked the entire seven innings and did a great job keeping the normal strong hitting Bears off balance all night. He kept his composure and competed on every pitch. The Bears' coach Lance Traywick commented " McCarter deserved the win and was very impressive, our team showed inexperience but we were beaten by the Eagles. We will get better."

Monday night's game that was rained out has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 30th in Seymour. Mark your calendar as this could be the game of the season. Both teams should be in the thick of the conference title race and the game could be and important district game.

 

The Sevier County High School baseball Bears continue their winning ways with a 7-2 victory over Cocke County. For the second night in a row the Bears handled the FIghthing Cocks on their home field. It was a good night for Sr. Charlie Gavaghan who went 6 innings with no walks, 6 hits and two strikeouts to earn the win. Gavaghan also blasted a home run in the 3rd to pick up 2 RBIs.

Cocke County scored in the first inning but Jr. Marcus Watson sent one over the wall in the bottom of the inning scoring 3 RBIs and the Bears kept the lead the rest of the night.

The Bears expanded their lead over the next 3 innings to 7-2 and Marcus Watson came in at the top of the 7th and closed out the Red team while facing only 3 hitters and striking out 2.

Sr. Kilby Carr went four for four at the plate for the Bears.

The Bears are now 7-2 for the year and 3-1 in the IMAC conference.

The Bears will travel to Karns on Friday night and to Clinton on Saturday at noon. Monday night at Seymour will be the first in a two game series with the Eagles and the second game will be the next home game for the Bears. Monday's game will be at 5:30 p.m. and the Tuesday night home game is at 6:00 p.m. These two inter county rival games will be quite exciting and great entertainment for the fans.

The Sevier County High School baseball team returns to play at home tonight with another quality win against Cocke County High School. The Bears won last night at Cocke County 9-1.

The game saw Dillon Cate take the mound with Cocke County pitching a lefty, Tanner Strange. The Bears were able to score 1 in the first inning as Trevor Harsson reached on an error by the Cocke County's left fielder and Austin Sisk got the RBI with a double to center field. Cocke County also scored in the first with an RBI by their clean up hitter Josh Williford. Bears were three up and three down in the 2nd and the Fighting Cocks also zeroed out after loading the bases and Dillon Cate worked out of the jam. In the 3rd the Bears left two on base and the Cocks left one on. The game turned into a pitching duel similar to the first South Doyle game. Cate did not have his A game but worked hard all night to finished with the win. The Bears scored again in the 4th with an RBI by lead off hitter Trevor Harsson and the Bears went up 2-1. Finally in the 6th Elliot Mcgaha walked and Ivan Silva reached on a error by the first baseman, again Trevor Harsson got a bunt single and another RBI and a second run scored on an error. Bears 4-1. In the 7th inning the Bears finally put the game in the book by plating 5 runs with RBI's by Trevor Harsson, Kilby Carr and Elliot McGaha. Drew Correll went to the mound in the bottom of the 7th to close the game. The first batter reached on a walk and the 2nd batter hit a shot to right field where Ivan Silva made his second outstanding catch of the game and threw out the runner on first who had started to 2nd for a double play and Correll struck out the last hitter.

The Bears play in front of the home fans tonight at 6 p.m. This should be an exciting game with the Fighting Cocks seeking their revenge.

Sevier County's Kyle Pope handles the catching against Cocke County.

Marcus Watson holds a Cocke County runner at second.

 

The Sevier County High School baseball team returns to play at home tonight with another quality win against Cocke County High School. The Bears won last night at Cocke County 9-1.

The game saw Dillon Cate take the mound with Cocke County pitching a lefty, Tanner Strange. The Bears were able to score 1 in the first inning as Trevor Harsson reached on an error by the Cocke County's left fielder and Austin Sisk got the RBI with a double to center field. Cocke County also scored in the first with an RBI by their clean up hitter Josh Williford. Bears were three up and three down in the 2nd and the Fighting Cocks also zeroed out after loading the bases and Dillon Cate worked out of the jam. In the 3rd the Bears left two on base and the Cocks left one on. The game turned to a pitching duel similar to the first South Doyle game. Cate did not have his A game but worked hard all night. The Bears scored again in the 4th with an RBI by lead off hitter Trevor Harsson and the Bears went up 2-1. Finally in the 6th Elliot Mcgaha walked and Ivan Silva reached on a error by the first baseman again Trevor Harsson got a bunt single and another RBI and a second run scored on an error. Bears 4-1. In the 7th inning the Bears finally put the game in the book by plating 5 runs with RBI's by Trevor Harsson, Kilby Carr and Elliot McGaha. Drew Correll went to the mound in the bottom of the 7th to close the game. The first batter reached on a walk and the 2nd batter hit a shot to right field were Ivan Silva made his second outstanding catch of the game and threw out the runner on first who had started to 2nd for a double play and Correll struck out the last hitter.

Sevier County's Kyle Pope handles the catching against Cocke County.

Marcus Watson holds a Cocke County runner at second.

After the rebound win over the South Doyle Cherokees on Tuesday night, the Bears Baseball Club spent Thursday night and all day Saturday playing in the annual spring Nike/Kessler Baseball Tournament in Oak RIdge.

The Bears were matched up with some of the power house teams in this year's tournament and sixth year Coach Lance Traywick commented,"  If we could finish the weekend 50/50 I would be proud of this year's Bears." Instead the Bears finished with a tie for first place in the tournament.

The action started Thursday night with an opening game against Powell High School from Knoxville. Powell was listed as number two or three in pre-season picks in the Knoxville News-Sentinels Prep Extra. They have a great group of talented players with some that will most likely play NCAA Division 1 next year. The game started with the visiting Bears giving up 8 runs in the first two innings to start the third 8-0. The third inning produced an outstanding amount of hitting by the Bears and at the end the score was tied 8-8. The Bears scored 2 in the 4th and 2 in the 5th to lead in the top of the 6th 12-8. Due to time played rules the 6th was to be the last inning. The Bears did not score in the top frame and Powell came charging back in the bottom. Powell scored two runs to bring the score to 12-10. With the bases loaded and the Bears still lacking two outs to end the game Powell's clean up hitter, Colby Skeen, came to the plate. Coach Traywick made a gutsy call and walked Skeen which walked in a run and the score went to 12-11. The next hitter hit a hard shot to shortstop Dillon Cate who started the process of a clean 6-4-3 double play to end the game at 12-11 in favor of the Bears.

The Bears immediately started a second game of the night against the Oak Ridge Wildcats. The Bears won 12-5. There is always the danger of a team letting down after an emotional win but these Bears kept pounding the baseball led by a two run homer in the third by Sr. Kyle Pope. 

The players returned to classes on Friday. Saturday's play begin by leaving Sevierville at 7:45 a.m. and traveling to Anderson County High School to face the Anderson County Mavericks. This is a real baseball school. They have just completed a brick backstop with new netting and their field was in excellent shape. Before the game an Anderson County supporter played the National Anthem while the colors were displayed by the Anderson County High School Naval ROTC Color Guard. It was a moving ceremony on a nice spring morning in East Tennessee.

The Bears made short work of the Mavericks winning 13-1 in a shortened run rule game of 5 innings. The highlight of the game was stellar pitching by Drew Correll of the Bears and a grand slam home run by the deep hitting catcher for the Bears, Kyle Pope.

Kyle Pope launches a grand slam shot against Anderson County Mavericks.

The Bears then traveled to Oak Ridge. After a lunch stop at Big Ed's Pizza the Bears took the field at the Oak Ridge Baseball Complex against Maryville High School. In a hard fought contest the Bears prevailed to win 7-4. Soph. Left Hander Colby King started the game for the Bears and gave a solid effort for two innings. Ivan Silva and Drew Correll came on in relief and Marcus Watson closed for the Bears on the mound. After the dust settled the Bears were 4-0 in tournament play.

 

More reports and photos after the break.

The Smoky Mountain Showdown returns to Smokies Park for a fifth consecutive year as the Tennessee Smokies, Class AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will welcome the Senators from Walters State Community College for a 7-inning pre-season exhibition game next Tuesday, April 5.  First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. General admission tickets for the April 5 exhibition will be going on sale Thursday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m. and can be purchased online at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling the Smokies ticket office at (865) 286-2300.  Tickets will be $7 for adults, and $5 for children (12-and-under) and seniors (55+).  Walters State faculty and students can purchase tickets to the game for $3 each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The game started with blue skies that turned cloudy for South Doyle as the Bears won tonight 17-6. The Cherokees attempt to throw out Trevor Harsson of the Bears but he steals second on a wild throw in the second inning.

Sevier County Baseball came storming back in tonight's game on their home field and took out South Doyle 17-6.

Things started out bleak as Senior pitcher Charlie Gavaghan took an inning to find his control. The second hitter for South Doyle put one in the wind that went over the left field wall for a home run. South Doyle scored 3 runs in the first and the Bears 0. In the second the Bears came storming back and put up 8 runs on 7 hits and were in control the rest of the game.

Jr. Marcus Watson took the mound in the fourth and after a nervous start settled down and took care of business. Every player that entered the game for the Bears scored at least one run.

" I was proud of the way our team came back after another nervous start and focused on their jobs. This was another step in the process of maturing as a team." said Coach Lance Traywick.

Kilby Carr waits at the plate after scoring to congratulate Austin " Bulldog" Sisk after a homerun blast in the 2nd inning.

Marcus Watson works on the mound as Ivan Silva watches on 3rd.

 

The Sevier County High School Smoky Bears Baseball team fell in it's season opener to the South Doyle Cherokees tonight. The game was an intense pitching duel that set the tone for area baseball this season. Senior Clifton Cane for the Cherokees faced off against Soph. Dillon Cate for the Bears. The two had opposite pitching styles with Cate being a hard thrower with precise location and Cane a crafty change- up pitcher. Coach Lance Traywick commented that Dillon Cate was on fire tonight and he was very impressed with his effort. 

"He did not deserve tonight's outcome. Our team is young and displayed some jitters for this first game. They did not play within themselves and tried to do too much. We have lost first games before and come away with a good learning experience. I expect a totally different team  tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. at our home field. I take the blame for this loss. Our team was too excited and I did not have them prepared for a first game," said Cate. 

The first 5 innings were fast paced with the Bears only obtaining one hit and leaving only one runner on base. Cane worked his change- ups and had the Bears hitting fly ball after fly ball for easy outs. Dillion Cate struck out 7 Cherokees in the first 3 innings and obtained ground ball outs and easy fly balls the other two. All the action was by the Cherokees in the bottom of the 6th inning. They scored 2 with 3 hits. Sterling Hickey their lead- off batter started the inning with a double to center field. He stole 3rd on a passed ball and then was thrown out at the plate on a comebacker to Cate by Evan Rogers. Moore blasted another double to center scoring Rogers. Moore went on to score plating the second run. The Bears put together a short rally in the 7th. The first batter, Austin Sisk, was hit by a pitch to take 1st. Senior team leader Charlie Gavaghan reached 1st on an error by the Cherokee's Moore on 3rd base. The next three batters were popped up leaving the two Bears stranded to end the game.

 

The Sevier County High School Smoky Bears Baseball team fell in it's season opener to the South Doyle Cherokees tonight. The game was an intense pitching duel that set the tone for area baseball this season. Senior Clifton Cane for the Cherokees faced off against Soph. Dillon Cate for the Bears. The two had opposite pitching styles with Cate being a hard thrower with precise location and Cane a crafty change- up pitcher. Coach Lance Traywick commented that Dillon Cate was on fire tonight and he was very impressed with his effort.  "He did not deserve tonight's outcome. Our team is young and displayed some jitters for this first game. They did not play within themselves and tried to do too much. We have lost first games before and come away with a good learning experience. I expect a totally different team  tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. at our home field. I take the blame for this loss. Our team was too excited and I did not have them prepared for a first game."

The first 5 innings were fast paced with the Bears only obtaining one hit and leaving only one runner on base. Cane worked his change- ups and had the Bears hitting fly ball after fly ball for easy outs. Dillion Cate struck out 7 Cherokees in the first 3 innings and obtained ground ball outs and easy fly balls the other two. All the action was by the Cherokees in the bottom of the 6th inning. They scored 2 with 3 hits. Sterling Hickey their lead- off batter started the inning with a double to center field. He stole 3rd on a passed ball and then was thrown out at the plate on a comebacker to Cate by Evan Rogers. Moore blasted another double to center scoring Rogers. Moore went on to score plating the second run. The Bears put together a short rally in the 7th. The first batter, Austin Sisk, was hit by a pitch to take 1st. Senior team leader Charlie Gavaghan reached 1st on an error by the Cherokee's Moore on 3rd base. The next three batters were popped up leaving the two Bears stranded to end the game.

 

(Submitted) SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, conclude the unveiling of the team’s 2011 season promotional schedule with a preview of the individual theme nights including giveaways and appearances. With something lined up different every day of the season, the 2011 Smokies experience will bring you a “Century of Memories!”

Giveaways: Giveaway nights are a staple within the Minor League Baseball experience all around the country, and the Smokies are no different.  Kicking off the season, the first 2,000 fans through the gates on April 30 will receive a Starlin Castro Bobblehead.  This Bobblehead will be the same one the Chicago Cubs are giving away at Wrigley Field on April 5.  The excitement continues all the way to the end of the season with nine total giveaways throughout the year.   Here’s a look at all of the 2011 giveaways at Smokies Park:

April 16: Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Pilot Food Marts & Citizens National Bank (First 2,500 fans)

April 30: Starlin Castro Bobblehead (First 2,000 fans)May 1: Smokies 2011 Poster Schedule Giveaway presented by PaeTec, VictorPrint & Fairfield Inn & Suites – Sevierville/Kodak (First 2,500 fans)

May 20: T-Shirt and Rally Towel Giveaway presented by Bizsolutions (First 1,000 fans)

May 21: Webkinz Giveaway (First 1,000 fans 12 & under)

June 18: Smokies Cap Giveaway presented by Hardee’s & Fairfield Inn – Sevierville/Kodak (First 2,500 fans)

July 23: Smokies Cap Giveaway presented by US Cellular (First 2,500 fans)

August 13: Smokies Cap Giveaway presented by Food City & Peter Pan Peanut Butter (First 2,500 fans)

August 27: Dog Calendar Giveaway presented by Frontline/Heartgard (First 2,000 fans)

Special Appearances:  This season, Smokies Park will play host to a plethora guests throughout the 2011 season.  Take a look at the 2011 appearance line-up:

June 5: Post-game Concert featuring Key West Presented by All Occasions Party Rentals

June 18: Myron Noodleman Appearance

July 23: Myron Noodleman Appearance

July 31: Post-game Christian Concert featuring Sidewalk Prophets & Chris August presented by LifeWay Christian Stores & B97.5 FM

August 13: ZOOperstars Appearance

August 14: Post-game Concert featuring Bueller

August 21: Post-game Concert featuring Homemade Wine

Theme Nights:  The 2011 season is filled with different themes meant to entertain and engage Smokies fans.  Here’s a glimpse at some of 2011’s theme nights:

April 13: Buck Night

April 15: Star Wars Night

April 30: Prom Night

May 12: Health Care Appreciation Night

May 13: Halloween Night

May 25: Buck Night

May 26: Teacher Appreciation Night

May 28: Salute to Heroes Night (5:00 p.m. Pre-game Memorial ceremony)

June 5: Jimmy Buffett Night

June 15: Buck Night

June 18: Pink Ribbon Night

June 19: Superhero Night (Pre-game play catch with dad)

July 1-3: Independence Day celebration (Post-game fireworks every night)

July 9: Knoxville Harley-Davidson Night

July 20: Buck Night

July 21: Guns & Hoses Night

July 24: 100 years celebration

August 4: All Things Chicago Night

August 14: 80s Night

August 24: Buck Night

August 28: Circus Night

For a complete list of our promotional schedule, log on to the Smokies website at www.smokiesbaseball.com

Individual game tickets for the Tennessee Smokies 2011 season will go on sale on line Wednesday, March 2, at 10:00 a.m.  The Smokies kick off the 2011 home season against the Montgomery Biscuits on April 13.  Ticket packages are currently on sale including season tickets, ticket mini-plans, as well as suites and group outings.  For more information on tickets, games and events call the Smokies Front Office at 865-286-2300 or visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.