Cookeville is getting a new baseball team, the Cookeville Flyin’ Frogs will play their inaugural season in a new collegiate summer ball league.
Flyin’ Frogs General Manager Phil Hopewell said the Volunteer State League showcases collegiate talent and help prepare prospects for the majors. Hopewell said the wooden bet league will give young ball players valuable experience.
“These are college players whose college season has ended and want to continue developing themselves, developing their game, playing baseball,” Hopewell said. “And we offer a wooden bat league. Of course, you know, anybody who follows baseball knows that that’s what they’re going to be playing with at the next level.”
Hopewell said the Flyin’ Frogs will use Cookeville High School as their home field. Hopewell said the city offered the perfect blend of a hometown atmosphere with a substantial population.
“We’re looking for the small-town feel that’s still big enough to get excited about it and be at the stadium and bring their friends, bring their girlfriends, bring their wives, whatever it is, and great ballpark,” Hopewell said.
By recruiting local talent from Tennessee Tech’s baseball program, Hopewell said that he feels that is the first step towards linking the team with the community.
“I think that brings a part, brings about a natural connection there when you’ve got local players like we do,” Hopewell said. “That was a big goal of ours when we went about making the roster. Try to get as many guys from Middle Tennessee and Upper Cumberland area as we could to have that be a natural way to spread the word.”
With $10 tickets, new merchandise and free streaming of all live games, Hopewell said he hopes to get fans excited about the viewing experience, while still keeping the focus on the game.
“We want it to be something exciting to do and we want people to come and have a great time with each other during the summer,” Hopewell said. “Enjoy the game of the baseball. I mean, this is America’s pastime.”
The VSL is a branch of the Player’s League, a player-owned baseball league based in North Carolina. The Flyin’ Frogs’ home opener is June 2 against the Columbia Jumpin’ Jacks at CHS. Tickets go on sale May 1.