Naming the 1909 Knoxville team

Knoxville Sentinel - July 5, 1909

In July of 1909, professional baseball returned to Knoxville.  The Charleston Seagulls, of the Class C South Atlantic League, folded and Knoxville picked up the team.  But what to name them?

The Knoxville Sentinel asked fans for their suggestions.  Following are the names submitted as of July 5, 1909.

• Reds 
• Cherokees 
• Mountaineers 
• Colonels 
• Moonshiners 
• Gray Eagles 
• White Caps 
• Red Sox 
• Billikens 
• Exiles 
• Orphans 
• Pioneers 
• Skyscrapers 
• Moguls 
• Knoxville Knockers 
• Smokies 
• Kildees 
• Gila Monsters 
• Boosters 
• Chilhowees 
• Sentinels 
• Marble City 
• Knoxville Reds 
• Knoxall 
• Marbleites 
• Hillbillies 
• Hoosiers 
• Volunteers 
• Marbles 
• Greater Knoxvilles 
• League Savers 
• Bootleggers 
• Crackerjacks 
• Carpet Baggers 
• The Highlanders 
• The Haymakers 
• Imperials 
• Boosters 
• Marble Hearts

The team took the name Pioneers, although they were often called Orphans in the press.