One of the many local downtown gems of Johnson City is the Johnson City Doughboys, a member of the Appalachian League.

The franchise began as a Rookie development team as the Johnson City Cardinals, who were part of the St. Louis Cardinals organization. They saw generational success, capturing 10 league-championships from the extensive team history that began in 1910.

Despite the success, the team alongside the rest of the Appalachian League, would shutter in 2020.

After recovery from the pandemic began, the local community wanted baseball back in the Appalachian Highlands. Soon after, we saw the birth of the Doughboys. Beginning in Summer  2021, the  Appalachian League would give the citizens of our town baseball once again. The revived Appalachian League is summer collegiate baseball league, part of the Major-League Baseball USA Baseball Prospect Development Pipeline. The Doughboys would see almost instant success, as they would capture the league championship in 2023.

Photo of the Johnson City Doughboys field. (Alex Holbrooks/East Tennessean)

General Manager Patrick Ennis, a tried and true baseball fan at heart, said, “we want to give back to our community who supports us, we sponsor local Little Leagues, we’re involved with the Young Professionals of Johnson City among so many other community programs. We want to support our communities sports all the way around. Without the community, we wouldn’t be here.”

“Our overall goal is make sure everyone is having a great time,” Ennis said of the game atmosphere. “In saying that, we have planned new food trucks, some new themed jersey nights, not to mention the Appy League All-Star Game will be hosted here in Johnson City.” The All-Star Game is set June 23, preceded by the Home Run Derby on June 22.

The Johnson City Doughboys are expected to have a very exciting 2024. The downtown involvement promises to strive for greatness on the field, and provide career opportunities for students and the community.

The Doughboys begin their 2024 championship defense June 4 at TVA Credit Union Ballpark.

For more information and tickets, visit the Doughboys website, appyleague.com/johnson-city.