The Knoxville Smokies are halfway through their inaugural season at Covenant Health Park after moving from the seclusion of Smokies Stadium in Kodak to an energetic downtown environment packed with fans new and old who are experiencing the Double-A Chicago Cubs affiliate through a fresh lens.
The expectation to win is a constant pressure, just as it was for 25 years in Sevier County. But the new environment comes with new tools for success, from team amenities elevated to Major League Baseball standards to the central location of the stadium, which led to a 15% increase in attendance during the first 30 games compared to last season.
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Second-year manager Lance Rymel sat down with Knox News to reflect on the big move and the team’s first-half performance as the Smokies look to finish the season strong in the Southern League.
Covenant Health Park comes with new energy for Lancy Rymel
The move to Covenant Health Park represents opportunity across multiple levels of the organization. While Rymel and the Smokies appreciated their time in Kodak, the move to downtown offers players and staff exponentially more things to do outside of games and practices.
The new ballpark has been met with enthusiasm from the fan base, as well, and not just on weekends. Rymel has noticed bigger crowds for Tuesday and Wednesday games, creating a vibrant atmosphere he said boosts the team’s morale.
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The 15% increase in attendance represented an average of 590 more fans attending each game through the first 30 in Knoxville compared to the same period in 2024 when the team played in Kodak.
The Kodak stadium had a slightly larger capacity of 6,412 compared to 6,355 at Covenant Health Park but fewer places for people to gather outside the stadium bowl compared to the social design of the new Knoxville stadium.
Smokies win 14 games at home during first half at new stadium
Higher morale often translates to better results, and the Smokies demonstrated a strong collective effort through the first half.
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“They get along well, they like to play hard, and that’s all you can ask for,” Rymel said.
This cohesion has translated into competitive baseball, consistently giving fans a chance to see a win. The Smokies finished the first half of the season in third place in the Southern League North with a 32-36 record, going 14-16 at home.
Development in Cubs organization on display at Smokies games
Player development remains a first-and-foremost priority for Rymel, who last played for a baseball team 11 years ago.
Tangible results came early in the season as the Smokies advanced four players to higher levels within the Cubs organization. Shortstop Hayden Cantrelle, outfielder Darius Hill and starting pitcher Will Sanders were promoted to the Iowa Cubs and have remained at the Triple-A level, signaling effective development strategies by the Knoxville coaching staff. Pitcher Frankie Scalzo Jr. was promoted April 22 but was reassigned to the Smokies on June 15.
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Rymel specifically highlighted the solid contributions of pitching coach Jamie Vermilyea and bullpen coach Mario Fernandez. On the hitting side, coach Guillermo Martinez and his seven years of Major League experience has been instrumental.
Knoxville Smokies infielder Pedro Ramirez (2) and a line of teammates congratulate each other on a win over the Birmingham Barons in the first game of a May 29 doubleheader. A handful of Smokies players graduated to Triple-A during the first half of the inaugural season at Covenant Health Park, and manger Lance Rymel believes Ramirez could be one of the next players to get the call up.
Five players on the Smokies roster are ranked within the Cubs’ top 30 prospects list: Jaxon Wiggins (8), Pedro Ramirez (16), Brett Bateman (21), Brody McCullough (23) and Pablo Aliendo (28).
At just 21 years old, Ramirez has grown a lot since the Cubs signed him in 2021. His recent offensive tear includes a .366 batting average over the final 10 games of June while also leading the team in hits (14) and runs (15) in that time.
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Rymel describes Ramirez as a natural hitter and expects him to be one of the next players called up.
‘Day at a time’ approach for Rymel in Smokies’ second half
The first half of the season presented its share of challenges, particularly the persistent inclement weather. The team experienced rainouts nearly every week, both at home and on the road.
Despite the disruptions, Rymel lauded players’ mental fortitude and preparation. They remained ready to play, even through delays and doubleheaders.
The Smokies tied the Birmingham Barons, a direct competitor for a playoff berth, in the first series of the season’s second half. This ties them for first place with the Barons in the Southern League North Division.
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Rymel stressed a “day at a time” approach for the upcoming stretch. While acknowledging potential roster changes, particularly with the upcoming draft and trade deadline, the focus remains on leveraging every opportunity to compete for the top spot.
Rymel said he thinks the team has done everything to position itself for a competitive run in the second half of the season.
Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes contributed to this report.
Knox News reporter Gabriel Jackson covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC. Email: gabriel.jackson@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville Smokies eye Southern League title after first half of season