The City of Tullahoma announced yesterday that the Players League is expanding into Tennessee and will bring a new collegiate summer baseball team to Tullahoma.
Find more details in the press release published below.
The Players League is expanding into Tennessee, bringing collegiate summer baseball to fans and players through the newly formed Volunteer State League. The city of Tullahoma will be home to the league’s first team, the Tullahoma Test Pilots.
Founded in 2023, The Players League has grown into a respected organization in collegiate summer baseball. Its flagship league, the Old North State League, is based in North Carolina and features 24 teams across four divisions. The league has consistently attracted top collegiate talent from across the country, with more than ten former players advancing to professional baseball in 2025 alone.
“Tullahoma represents everything we look for in a market — strong community, great facilities, and a passion for baseball. We’re thrilled to bring the Volunteer State League to Tullahoma and look forward to many outstanding years of Test Pilot Baseball. We’re especially grateful to the City of Tullahoma for their support in helping make this partnership possible,” said Alec Allred, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Players League.
The Tullahoma Test Pilots will play their home games at historic Grider Stadium and are set to begin their inaugural season in June, with playoffs scheduled for late July and early August. As a collegiate summer wood-bat team, the Test Pilots will provide high-level competition while offering affordable, family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer.
“What makes this league different is that it’s built intentionally around our region — shorter travel, affordable family nights, and a genuine partnership with local businesses and youth programs. Every game will feel like a community event and a big night out for the whole town,” said Brett Thaler, Volunteer State League Commissioner.
“For just over a year, the City of Tullahoma and The Players League have been working diligently to make today’s announcement a reality. Historical Grider Stadium and the legacy of outstanding baseball talent produced in Tullahoma over the years were draws for The Players League to make the Test Pilots the inaugural team franchise for the Volunteer State League. We are excited to work alongside the Test Pilots in creating a summer full of exciting moments on and off the field.”
“The City of Tullahoma and Parks and Recreation are excited to welcome this opportunity for affordable family entertainment to our residents,” said J.P. Kraft, Director of Tullahoma Parks and Recreation. “Tullahoma has a rich baseball history, and William Northern Field carries a proud legacy of Army Air Corps pilot training, tying the team to a significant piece of Tullahoma history. We hope the Tullahoma Test Pilots grow to become a source of great pride for the entire region.”
The roster will feature top collegiate players from across the country, bringing an exciting brand of baseball to the Tullahoma community. The team will be coached by Bryan Morris, former Major League Baseball pitcher and coach of the Tullahoma High School Wildcats baseball team. In addition to on-field action, fans can look forward to themed game nights, community events, youth engagement initiatives, and local partnerships — making every Test Pilots game a complete entertainment experience.
For more information or to get involved with the Tullahoma Test Pilots, visit
www.tullahomabaseball.com.
