The rest of the Cubs full-season farm teams start play on Friday, so it’s time to look at the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs since 2007.
The Smokies are the defending Southern League champions, having claimed their first outright title since 1978. The Smokies were also co-champions in 2004 when the Finals were cancelled because of Hurricane Ivan. Because the Cubs system is so deep and the Triple-A Iowa roster is stacked as well, most of the players who finished the season in Tennessee are back this year.
Here’s a look at the Championship rings.