On any given night of the season, you can walk through the gates of McCormick Field and find yourself surrounded by infectious energy, raucous cheering, and good food. But once you take your seat, you’ll be met by some real baseball talent — which is nothing new. Over the team’s 100 years of existence, the Asheville Tourists have helped a number of athletes hit their careers out of the park.
So, prompted by a recent question from reader Carole C., we’re stepping up to the plate to introduce you to the six former Asheville Tourists in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Todd Helton, inducted January 2024
After being chosen by the Colorado Rockies in the 1995 MLB Draft, the first baseman played for several minor league teams — including the Tourists — for two years, before making his big league debut in 1997. Among his many awards and record-breaking stats, Helton was a five time All-Star.
Craig Biggio, inducted July 2015
The catcher took to the Asheville field in 1987, after being a first-round pick of the Houston Astros, which he would join in 1988. Biggio is the only player in history with at least 3,000 hits, 400 stolen bases, 600 doubles, and 250 home runs.
Billy Southworth, inducted 2008
Southworth began his professional baseball career way back in 1912, but he wouldn’t make his way to Asheville until many years later — to manage the team for the 1935 season. The team would finish first under his guidance, which is unsurprising given his Major League management record — four National League pennants and nine winning records over nine seasons.
Eddie Murray, inducted 2003
Joining the Tourists at the end of the 1974 season, Murray hit .264 with 17 home runs and was named a Southern League All-Star during his time in Asheville. The eight-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and three-time Silver Slugger hit 504 home runs during his 21 years in the major leagues.
Sparky Anderson, inducted 2000
George Lee Anderson only played in the big leagues for one season, but it’s when he started managing that his career hit its stride. Anderson, the first manager to win both American and National League World Series, managed the team in Asheville in 1968.
Willie Stargell, inducted 1988
Debuting in 1962, the left fielder and first baseman spent all 21 seasons of his Major League career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but before that storied career, he would lead the Tourists to finish first in the South Atlantic League in 1961, with an 87-50 record. By the time he retired in 1982, he had 475 home runs and was a seven-time All-Star.
If these baseball greats have you ready to cheer, check out our guide to local sports to see what other Asheville teams you can support.
