Fighting Turnips Softball has been one of the longest running Fellowship activities at FPC. Get in touch and join the Fighting Turnips today!

Join us at Rocky Hill ballfields to cheer on the Turnips. Fields are located at 7633 Alki Lane, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Fall 2024 Schedule
Game 1, September 8th – 1 pm
Game 2, September 15th – 6 pm
Game 3, September 22nd – 5 pm
Game 4, September 29th – 4 pm
Game 5, October 6th – 2 pm
Game 6, October 13th – 1 pm

In 2008, after a hiatus of several years, First Presbyterian restarted the Fighting Turnips softball team. The original team had roots in the 1970s and played through the 1990s. This restart was initially possible with support from Holly Watts, through the Hollingsworth Fund. This fund honored her father, Bonnie Hollingsworth, a professional baseball player.

Preston Smith has been coaching the softball team since 2008, and helps keep the spirit of the Fighting Turnips alive. With games played in the Fall and Spring, Fighting Turnips Softball has been one of the largest and longest running fellowship activities at the church. The team proudly represents Christ in the Heart of Knoxville when they take the field. They may not win all their games, but ask any of them…they have the most fun of any team out there.

In the words of their coach:

“We are loud, we are proud, we are purple, we don’t always win, but we are the Fighting Turnips.”

There are more than 50 active members of First Presbyterian Church who have played softball at one point or another, along with several players whose main connection to the church is the softball team. They have also had many loyal spectators over the last 14 years. If anyone is interested, the team would love to have new players. If playing softball isn't your thing, please come root for the team at Caswell Park and join them after the game for food and drinks.

A Fightin’ Turnips Testimonial:

Although I consider myself in decent physical condition, I had never played softball or baseball before.  Despite my complete lack of experience, the Fighting Turnips welcomed me with open arms.  I have now played with the Fighting Turnips for over 10 years, and I'm no longer REALLY bad at softball, I'm just bad at softball, yet they continue to ask for my return each season.  I love this team, and have continued to play because we are not about winning (although we try), it's about comradery, having fun and encouraging each other: if there were a trophy for these things, we would win it every time!"
- Charlie Cwiek