The nickname of WWI heroes now shared with Johnson City’s Appalachian League franchise

A historic landmark inside Johnson City’s Memorial Park will share its namesake with the Appalachian League’s newest reboot.

The second day of mascot unveiling for the 2021 season brought news of the Doughboys—the nickname given to US troops in WWI and a statue constructed by historic sculptor E.M. Visquesney that now stands across from City Hall. According to researchers, the Visquesney monument is the only one of its kind in the state of Tennessee.

Boyd Sports, one of the companies operated by UT President and entrepreneur Randy Boyd, operates the team as well as three other Appy League teams including Elizabethton which will unveil their new name on Wednesday.

(LOGO: Courtesy of Appalachian League / Boyd Sports)