Hunt Field

My grandfather, Wade Headrick, was part owner of the Maryville-Alcoa Twins, a Class C Mountain States League team that won their division championship in 1953. Hunt Field was the Maryville-Alcoa Twins home field. My father, Pete Headrick, would walk from his house in Alcoa, along Pistol Creek, to watch ballgames. He remembers these events being racially integrated: the team was composed of Black and White players and Black and White spectators attended.

From the Daily Times: “During the era of segregation, the Twins had two African-American players, infielder George Giles and outfielder Willie Kirkland. They helped Blount County begin the process of dismantling racial barriers before desegregation court orders and civil right legislation of the 1960s. The Mountain States League disbanded in 1954" (May 8, 2014).

The team relocated to Morristown, TN in 1954. Willie Kirkland went on to play in the Majors.

Gilbert, Bob. Maryville-Alcoa Twins: 1953. 2013.

Headrick, Pete. Interview. 2019.