While Major League Baseball suffers through a lockout that has the early part of the season in question, that's not the only storyline in the sport right now.
Increasing talks of expansion to 32 teams have put Nashville in the crosshairs of potentially adding a professional baseball franchise. A committee of Nashvillians has been active on social media, recruiting celebrities to help make their case to bring MLB to Music City. The "Nashville Stars," a name that nods to its Negro League heritage, seem to be closer and closer to reality.
MLB Reporter Bob Nightengale re-ignited the rumor with a tweet, based on information from anonymous sources within the league, that Nashville is basically ground zero for MLB's next expansion.
Other cities that have been rumored include Las Vegas, Portland, and Charlotte, but it seems that Nashville has always been the most likely scenario. After all, the southeast is largely devoid of major league teams. The Braves are the obvious "hometown choice," but it's over three hours away and not exactly an easy trek for most people in the city. After that, the closest franchises are in Cincinnati and St. Louis, both 5 hours from downtown.
So, geographically, it makes sense to bring baseball to Nashville, and would only add to the tourism appeal of the city and our growing reputation as a destination.
Not everybody is as on board with a Nashville MLB team. There are serious questions about stadium plans, increased taxes, and realistic demand for pro baseball in town. Personally? I'm super excited. I love football and, while I'm not all that knowledgeable about hockey I enjoy going to Preds games. But baseball is my first love. It's the first sport I played as a kid. My first professional sports game was an MLB game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis in 1991. I coach my kid's tee-ball team. I just really enjoy everything about baseball...especially in-person with a great atmosphere at the stadium. So, MLB in Music City? I might be a season ticket holder for that. Bring on the Stars!