Buckley: What a shame if Memphis loses the Redbirds
The patriotic entrance to AutoZone Park before a July 2, 2026, game between the Memphis Redbirds and Charlotte Knights. (Tim Buckley/The Daily Memphian)
Tim Buckley
Tim is a veteran sportswriter who graduated from CBHS in Memphis and the University of Missouri. He previously covered LSU sports in Baton Rouge, and the University of Louisiana football and basketball for The Daily Advertiser/USA TODAY Network in Lafayette, the NBA’s Utah Jazz for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, and West Texas State basketball for the Amarillo Globe News in Texas.
Charlotte Knights No. 6 hitter Nolan Jones’ Independence Day homer to right field at AutoZone Park was a screamer, headed right for our picnic table.
The former Cleveland Guardians and Colorado Rockies outfielder’s shot left a mark — on the table, fortunately, not me or one of the half-dozen others in our party enjoying a wonderful evening of conversation, cold beverages, a few hot dogs and lots of laughs.
I also stayed seated, too mesmerized to move, and watched the home run ball land inches in front of me, near dead-center on the table, drinks flying everywhere, before bounding behind us.
What a 250th All-American birthday party.
It’s shared moments like this one that should make the City of Memphis and Memphis City Council’s willingness to fund major renovation at AutoZone Park a no-brainer.
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Memphis Redbirds AutoZone Park minor-league baseball Craig Unger Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
Did you know we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization? We rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and other earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).
Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today.
👉🏽 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.
👉🏽 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.
Related stories
Q&A: More from the Hydes on Downtown, the Grizzlies, AutoZone Park and the future of Memphis
The Daily Memphian’s Geoff Calkins sat down with Barbara and Pitt Hyde to talk about the new museum, their hands-on approach to civic projects and why Memphis continues to be — in their words — their “big bet.”
City Council questions need for AutoZone Park money
The council delayed a vote Tuesday on financing changes to AutoZone Park for two weeks. The new funding will help the park meet Major League Baseball’s minimum standards for its minor league ballparks.
AutoZone extends title-sponsorship agreement with the Liberty Bowl
AutoZone has renewed its title sponsorship of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl for six more years, including the upcoming 2026 season’s game and running through 2031.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.