Welcome to First Horizon Park for another exciting season of Sounds baseball!
A lot has changed since this wonderful facility opened. Among the most exciting changes is the growth and development of the neighborhood around the park. Today, the options for living, working and dining in Germantown are among the most attractive in Middle Tennessee. This year we hope more Middle Tennesseans can experience all that First Horizon Park has to offer.
In the 2023 season, 556,960 fans entered the gate for Sounds baseball, there were 15 sellouts. The Sounds also ranked 3rd overall in MiLB. What an accomplishment!
So, grab your favorite snack, a cold drink, and enjoy the game! We’re so happy to have you here for what we know will be the best season ever at First Horizon Park.
Let’s play ball!
Carol Yochem President, First Horizon Bank, Middle Tennessee
Sounds Fans –
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 46th season of Nashville Sounds baseball. This season also brings a significant milestone, as it’s the 10th year of baseball at First Horizon Park. Whether it’s your first Sounds game or your 1,000th, we’re excited to have you back at the park.
We would not be where we are today without the support of our partners, season ticket members, group leaders and single-game buyers. Thank you for making Nashville Sounds baseball a fun experience. Because of your enthusiasm, First Horizon Park was named one of the top 10 Minor League ballparks in the game by 10Best and USA Today. Being named to this prestigious list is a testament to the support of our fans, and we share this recognition with all of Sounds nation.
As you settle in for a day at the park, I invite you to experience and explore everything First Horizon Park has to offer. We’re on pace for a record smashing season, with 31 giveaway dates planned and 15 firework shows. From The Band Box to the all-inclusive ticket options, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Hit City.
We’re always looking for ways to improve the experience for the best fans in baseball, and this season brings some of the biggest upgrades to First Horizon Park in the stadium’s history. The lighting system has been transformed from halogen bulbs to LED lights, providing better visibility of the playing surface for players and fans. The lights will also allow for spectacular light shows following Sounds home runs and victories, during the Country Music Legends Race, as well as other breaks in the action. Also, the protective netting has been extended further down the line to increase fan safety.
This year marks our fourth consecutive season as the Triple-A affiliate of the reigning National League Central Division champions, the Milwaukee Brewers. On the field, Nashville was a crucial part of the Brewers team that made the MLB Postseason, with over half of the 2023 Sounds players getting called up to the big leagues. Fans will see the same talent here that will be in Major League Baseball. I cannot wait to see how successful this 2024 season will be.
Thank you for the support and go Sounds!
Frank Ward Executive Director, MFP Baseball
JUNE
FASTBALL, FLY BALL,
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Sounds players balance becoming fathers with baseball
Professional baseball players often go extended periods of time away from their families and loved ones, especially from April through September. For those who become parents during the season, this balancing act becomes even more complex and demanding. The 2024 Sounds have seen several players welcome children either before or during the season, each instance presenting unique challenges.
One of the Sounds’ top power hitters, Wes Clarke, became a father with his son Trey arriving on August 7. Clarke, who began the season with Double-A Biloxi but has been with the Sounds since mid-May, was fortunate enough to spend a whole week in Nashville caring for his newborn. Despite his baseball routine remaining largely unchanged, Clarke finds himself waking up earlier and staying
by Chase Meili and Collin Perry
up later to support his wife Mariah with the newborn. He credits Mariah, his wife, with managing much of the daily responsibilities while he is occupied with baseball commitments, affectionately referring to her as ‘super mom’.
In Triple-A, teams play six days a week, alternating between home and road series. The only day off is Monday, which is primarily used for travel between cities. With a demanding 150-game schedule stretching from March 29 to September 22, players like Clarke have limited time to spend with their families.
“It was an adjustment,” Wes said. “I’m glad I got a decent bit of time off for paternity leave to be there for him.”
With his wife and son both in Nashville, Clarke leaned on additional help from Mariah’s family to help add support while he was on the road. Despite the inherent challenges of being away from his family, Clarke remains deeply grateful for the support system around him.
“She’ll always have some sort of family or someone with her there while I’m gone,” said Wes. “So that helps out a ton.”
Mariah notes that it’s been a challenge for their growing family and understands the demands that a baseball career puts on Wes.
“It’s a little sad just because he does miss certain milestones and bonding time,” said Mariah. “He makes sure to FaceTime us a lot on the road which has definitely helped. It’s been the sweetest thing to watch (Wes) really step into the new role.”
Clarke’s brief absence from the field did not impact his performance; in fact, he hit home runs in three consecutive games during his first series back at Gwinnett.
“Since he’s been born, I’ve been hitting really well. So, I guess dad strength is real,” Wes remarked with a smile.
“I think dad strength is a real thing because he’s doing it for his family and baby, and not just for himself anymore,” Mariah added.
Six days after Clarke’s wife gave birth, reliever Craig Yoho’s family also welcomed a new member. Yoho’s situation was particularly complicated due to his promotion from Biloxi to Nashville which occurred as his wife Sydni was on the verge of giving birth. Sydni was unable to travel due to her pregnancy, so she stayed with her family in San Antonio, making the situation even more challenging. Although the timing of the move to Triple-A was far from ideal, Yoho approached the adjustments with grace.
“I’m excited to be here but at the same time, not the best (timing). I always like to think those are those problems are good problems to have, so you just deal with them the best you can.” Yoho said.
Yoho made his Sounds debut on August 9, staying on high alert in case his wife went into labor during a game. He maintained close contact by providing Sydni with the Sounds trainer’s contact information so he could keep in touch in case he needed to leave. After pitching for Nashville on Sunday, Yoho flew to San Antonio that night to be with his wife, who delivered their baby girl Daisy on Tuesday morning. He spent a few precious days with his new daughter and wife before rejoining the team in Durham, where he pitched again on Saturday. Despite the whirlwind of events, Yoho found the experience chaotic yet rewarding.
Since he’s been born, I’ve been hitting really well. So, I guess the DAD STRENGTH is real.
- Wes Clarke after hitting three HRs shortly after his child was born
“I think it worked out perfectly; mama and the baby are healthy, and that’s truly awesome,” Yoho said.
Much like Clarke, Yoho has benefited significantly from family support during the season.
“Knowing that she’s not doing it all by herself has been a huge relief for me,” Yoho remarked.
Unable to be with his family for the time being, Yoho starts his mornings with FaceTime calls to connect with Sydni and Daisy, providing some comfort despite the distance.
“I’m sure my wife would love me being there to help, and I miss them a bunch,” he said.
With additional players in the clubhouse welcoming children before or during the current season such as Brewer Hicklen, Kevin Herget, and Christian Arroyo, Yoho has learned that everyone handles their situations differently. Some families travel with the players more than others depending on a variety of factors such as age and school schedule. With the unpredictability of the city Yoho will be pitching in, he stated the importance of having a home base that won’t move around.
“You never know where you might be one day, and then the next day you might be somewhere else. So just kind of having that stability is always good to have,” Yoho said.
Yoho has excelled in the minor leagues this season, tossing 14 consecutive scoreless outings at Double-A Biloxi with a superb strikeout rate that led to his promotion to Nashville. Since the birth of his daughter, he has continued to perform exceptionally well, making hitters look foolish on the mound. He aspires to have a long and healthy career and is looking forward to spending quality time with his newborn when the season wraps up.
“Seeing my daughter laugh for the first time, smile for the first time, soon to crawl for the first time; Those are all going to be amazing things to witness.”
Yoho is grateful for every step he has taken to get closer to the big leagues. But now married with a newborn daughter, he feels motivated by more than just baseball and his career.
“It means a little bit more now, everything I do, it’s that much more amplified,” Yoho explained. “I want to be in my kids lives as long as possible and give them the life that I want them to have.”
COACHING STAFF
16 Rick Sweet MANAGER
55 Patrick McGuff ACTING PITCHING COACH
20 Al LeBoeuf HITTING COACH
27 Eric Theisen ASST HITTING COACH
4 Ned Yost IV COACH
24 David Tufo BENCH COACH
Jeff Paxson ATHLETIC TRAINER
Benny Arroyo ASST ATHLETIC TRAINER
Andrew Emmick S&C SPECIALIST
Luis Rios ASST S&C SPECIALIST
PITCHERS
# NAME B/T HT
40 Clarke, Taylor Right 6' 4" 210 31 05/13/1993 Phoenix, AZ Trade (KC) 2023 11 Henderson, Logan Right 6' 0" 197 22 03/02/2002 Katy, TX 4th Round 2021
56 Herget, Kevin Right 5’ 10” 186 33 04/03/1991 Murrells Inlet, SC Free Agent 2024
46 Jay, Tyler Left 6’ 1” 185 30 04/19/1994 Lemont, IL Trade (NYM) 2024
33 McGee, Easton Right 6' 6" 216 26 12/28/1997 Hopkinsville, KY Free Agent 2023
Matthew Sears Stadium Operations Seasonal Assistant
Thomas Trotter Head Groundskeeper
Shay Adams Assistant Groundskeeper
Kris Burke Assistant Groundskeeper
Matt Gallant Clubhouse & Equipment Manager
Patrick King Visiting Clubhouse Manager
Griffin McIlwee Clubhouse Assistant
SODEXO LIVE! (FOOD SERVICE)
Buddy Richardson General Manager
David Vigliotta Executive Chef
Chad Beard Warehouse Manager
Pete Sarantakos Concessions Manager
Stacey Peterson Accounting Manager
Alley Benefield Office Manager
Nikyra Beasley Staffing Manager
Renita Fuqua Specialty Concessions Manager
WATCHING MADE FOR BASEBALL
SOUND
OFFICIAL SOFT DRINK OF THE NASHVILLE
PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc.”
CLEAR BAGS ONLY
Clear bags under 12x12x6 will be the only bags allowed in the ballpark. Diaper bags and purchases under 5x9 are excluded & subject to search.
CLEANING PRACTICES
Frequently touches areas will be regularly sanitized prior to, during, and after all events. Hand sanitizer stations will be posted inside each suite, as well as throughout the venue.
POLICIES DOCTORS Ballpark Team
FOOD & DRINK PURCHASES
All transactions are cashless and purchases at the concessions and merchandise points-of-sale must be made with a credit or debit card only. Apple and Google Pay are also accepted.
MOBILE TICKETING
Tickets for your events are 100% mobile entry to ensure contactless entry. To login and access your tickets, visit NashvilleSounds.com.
Amber Mounday, MD
Theodora Swenson, MD
Alexander Sin, MD
Patrick Luchini, MD
Thomas Spears, MD
Anant Shukla, MD
Wikien Hung Pinto, MD
Theodora Swenson, MD
Candler Matthews, MD
Christopher Frey, MD
ERIC BOWMAN, MD
LEAGUE
IL - EAST
ABB TEAM NAME
MLB AFFILIATE
BUF Buffalo Bison Toronto Blue Jays
CLT Charlotte Knights Chicago White Sox
DUR Durham Bulls Tampa Bay Rays
JAX Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Miami Marlins
LHV Lehigh Valley IronPigs Philadelphia Phillies
NOR Norfolk Tides
Baltimore Orioles
ROC Rochester Red Wings Washington Nationals
SWB Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders New York Yankees
SYR Syracuse Mets New York Mets
WOR Worcester Red Sox Boston Red Sox
IL - WEST
ABB TEAM NAME
MLB AFFILIATE
COL Columbus Clippers Cleveland Guardians
IND Indianapolis Indians Pittsburgh Pirates
GWN Gwinnett Stripers
Atlanta Braves
MEM Memphis Redbirds St. Louis Cardinals
IOW Iowa Cubs Chicago Cubs
NAS Nashville Sounds Milwaukee Brewers
LOU Louisville Bats
Cincinnati Reds
OMA Omaha Storm Chasers Kansas City Royals
STP St. Paul Saints Minnesota Twins
TOL Toledo Mud Hens Detroit Tigers
Sounds PxP Broadcaster
JEFF HEM International
TUNE IN ON
Jeff Hem continues to serve as the “Voice of the Sounds” for the 2024 season. He enters his 13th year in Music City and his 21st overall season behind the microphone.
In 2012, Hem arrived in Nashville with eight seasons and over 1,100 games professional baseball experience under his belt. He spent the previous seven season with the Single-A Kane County Cougars of the Midwest League, including 2009 when the Cougars, then an A’s affiliate, were managed by former Sounds skipper Steve Scarsone.
Career highlights for the 42-year-old include making his regular season Major League broadcast debut in June 2018 with the Oakland A’s for a doubleheader at the Chicago White Sox, being part of the radio broadcast team for the Triple-A All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, in July 2018, and calling the inaugural game at First Horizon Park on April 17, 2015. While with the Cougars, he also enjoyed the opportunity to call two minor league games at Wrigley Field in Chicago and Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
SCHEDULE 2024
WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A WINNING TEAM
By joining the U.S. Air Force, you instantly become part of a team with over 300,000 Airmen. You also get the choice to serve full time, part time or volunteer. No matter which path you choose, you’ll play a critical role in helping us achieve mission success.
MEMBERSHIPS Fan Club
BOOSTER’S BUDDIES
This season-long fan club, presented by First Horizon, offers kids 12 years and younger unique benefits, exclusive Sounds gear, vouchers to local family friendly attractions and tickets. Make sure you sign up early to take advantage of all the great benefits.
2024 Booster’s Kids Club Membership Includes:
» (6) General Admission vouchers for any 2024 Sunday-Wednesday game (redeemable online here)
» Ticket to Booster’s Birthday party, presented by Nothing Bundt Cakes, on Sunday, May 5 (redeem your invitation at the Ticket Office)
» Color Your Own Sounds Cap (markers included!)
» Sunglasses from First Horizon
» Ticket Voucher for the Nashville Zoo
» Ticket Voucher for Nashville Shores
» Clear Bag
» Membership card that allows front of line access for Kids Run the Bases every Sunday & 10% Discount at the Sounds Pro Shop
$40
SILVER SOUNDS
The Silver Sounds Club is the perfect fan club for adults ages 55 and older. The season-long membership includes unique benefits, exclusive Sounds gear and tickets to games.
The Silver Sounds Membership includes:
» (6) Select vouchers for any 2024 Sunday-Wednesday game (redeemable online here)
» Invitation for Silver Sounds Night on April 16 (redeem your invitation at the Ticket Office)
» Hit City Apron
» Sounds Neck Fan
» Scented Candle
» Clear Bag
» Membership Card for 10% Discount at the Sounds Pro Shop
$40
CHEERIO’S CLUB
Make plans to attend Tito’s Tail Waggin’ Tuesdays at First Horizon Park with your pup for two games (or more!) this season. Fetch yours today!
Cheerio’s Club Membership includes:
» Two (2) ticket vouchers for human and dog for any Tito’s Tail Waggin’ Tuesday during the season
» $5 from each redeemed voucher will be donated to the nonprofit partner for the night’s game
» Sounds Portable Pet Water Bottle & Collapsible Dog Bowl
» Lick Pad
» Rope Toy
» Clear Sounds bag
» Membership card for 10% off in the Sounds Pro Shop & fast entry into any Tito’s Tail Waggin’ Tuesday
