Smokies Baseball (Minor League)

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. Yadier Molina, who played for the Smokies in 2003, drove the first pitch he saw from Mets’ reliever Aaron Heilman over the left field wall to send the Cardinals to their second World Series in the past three years.

The Puerto Rican native has played in all eleven games for the St. Louis Cardinals this postseason and is batting .333, with two home runs and seven RBIs. Yadier was a fourth round selection of the 2000 First Year Amateur Player Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2005, at age 22, he became the second youngest catcher to start for a National League team on opening day since Jason Kendall did so for the Pirates at the age of 21 in 1996.

Molina played in 104 games for the Smokies in 2003 and helped the team to a second half divisional title and a playoff appearance. He batted .275 on the year with two homeruns and 51 RBIs and was a member of the 2003 Eastern Division all-star team.

He is one of eight former Smokies on the Cardinals active roster. The list also includes: Chris Carpenter, Tyler Johnson, Anthony Reyes, Brad Thompson, Josh Kinney, Chris Duncan, and manager Tony LaRussa.

Yadier is the younger brother of Anaheim Angels catcher Jose Molina and Bengie Molina of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Enjoy a nine-inning vacation in the newest AA ballpark in America. The Tennessee Smokies are a Minor League Baseball team based in the Knoxville, Tennessee, metropolitan area. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball as of the 2011 season.

Web: Smokies Baseball Minor League
Address: 3540 Line Dr, Kodak, TN
Phone: (865) 286-2300