* Former Tennessee manager Rocket Wheeler was recently hired to manage the Rome Braves in Rome, Georgia. The Braves are an Atlanta farm team that play in the Class-A South Atlantic League.

*The Tennessee Smokies would like to remind you that the Toys for Tots donation box has been set up in the Clubhouse, hours are 9:00am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday.  Any unwrapped toy or cash will be accepted for donation. Upon donation, you will receive a 10% discount on any Smokies merchandise in the store.  The last day to drop off a toy is December 22nd.

* While you are doing your holiday shopping this season, come stop by the Smokies Clubhouse and pick up all the things for that special baseball fan on your shopping list.  If he or she is a Cardinals fan, officially licensed Cardinal merchandise could be the perfect gift.  With the Cardinals as our new affiliation, you can find Cardinal hats and t-shirts among the number of gifts we have to offer.  If you can’t stop by, just visit us online at www.smokiesbaseball.com  and place your order.

*When was the last time the Smokies won a Southern League Title?  Can you name the manager who is currently in the Majors? The last time the Smokies won a Southern League Title was 1978.  At the time the team was called the Knoxville Sox, an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.  The manager of the Sox at the time was none other than, Tony LaRussa.  Ironically, LaRussa is the current manager of the Cardinals, our new affiliate.  If there is any information you would like to know about the Smokies, or you know something interesting about us that other Smokies fans would like to know, please feel free to email us at www.smokiesbaseball.com , and your suggestion may be included in the next Bear Claw News.

... read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.