Multi-platinum country star Joe Nichols brought music, community, and purpose together on Sunday, September 28, as he hosted Home Run for Hope in Nashville. The event was designed to raise awareness and funds for the city’s first ADA-compliant baseball field, ensuring accessibility for athletes with disabilities.
The project, estimated to cost $1.5 million, would transform one of the five existing fields at Edwin Warner Park into a “flexible field.” With support from Academy Sports + Outdoors, Nichols also surprised local organizations, including Special Olympics of Tennessee Youth Athletes, West Nashville Sports League, The King’s Daughters’ School, and Mt. Juliet Challenger League, by donating sporting equipment.
Community and Sponsors Join the Cause
The event brought together a wide network of community partners and sponsors. Attendees enjoyed giveaways, auction items, free food, and more, courtesy of supporters such as West Nashville Sports League, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Vanderbilt Athletics, Mason’s Hotdogs, Good Scentiments, Mt. Juliet Challenger League, National Bobblehead Hall of Fame, Roper, Legends Bank, Sinkers Beverages, Taylor Guitars, and Backstage Pass Powered by The Sports Guys Podcast.
Taylor Guitars furthered their support by auctioning a guitar signed by Nichols, with proceeds benefiting the field project. The winner will be announced the week of October 26.
A Field Built for Everyone
Nichols spent time on the field playing catch with athletes from the West Nashville Sports League, Special Olympics, Mt. Juliet Challenger League, and The King’s Daughters’ School. Drawing inspiration from his anthem “Home Run,” the event highlighted the importance of inclusivity, mentorship, advocacy, and the joy of outdoor play.
To make the field ADA-compliant, upgrades would include new turf with flat features, accessible dugouts and bases, lighting improvements, mobility cart access, and updated fencing. Originally built in 1961, the field’s transformation would ensure no athlete is left on the sidelines.
Voices of Support
The event featured remarks from Scott Tygard (West Nashville Sports League), Brian Wood (Mt. Juliet Challenger Baseball), Kassie King and Shannon Neff (Special Olympics), Kevin Ingram (Vanderbilt Athletics), JC Bowman (Professional Educators of Tennessee), Sandy Ewing (District 34 Council), and Nichols himself.
“Some of my most cherished memories have come from time spent on ball fields—both as a lifelong baseball fan and as a father, especially now that my daughter plays softball,” said Nichols. “So I’m proud to stand behind a project that provides that opportunity for all to play and experience the unifying and transformative power of the game. I believe every kid—no matter their ability—deserves the chance to step up to the plate.”
Scott Tygard of the West Nashville Sports League added, “For these kids, this field will become a place where they can truly belong—a place where every child, including those in wheelchairs and children with disabilities, has a chance to hit it out of the park and where no one is left on the sidelines. I want to thank Joe and all of our sponsors for coming together to help uplift this community and spark inspiration and encouragement for the next generation of dreamers and doers.”
How to Get Involved
Supporters are encouraged to sign the official petition to back the new field and learn more about the project at www.wnsl.org
