In the early 1980s, the Tourists helped usher in a shift across Minor League Baseball with the introduction of one of the game’s first truly iconic character marks: Ted E. Tourist. Moving beyond the traditional lettering that defined team identities for decades, Asheville introduced a smiling bear outfitted in a Hawaiian shirt, camera slung at his side, suitcase in hand, and bat over his shoulder. While the concept initially met hesitation within the clubhouse, it was immediately embraced by fans. The design quickly gained national attention, helping spark a movement toward mascot-centric identities that would go on to define the modern sports landscape.

Professional baseball in Asheville dates back to 1897, with the “Tourists” moniker first adopted in 1915 as a reflection of the city’s emergence as a destination within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since 1924, the club has called McCormick Field home, making it one of the longest continuously operating ballparks in the country. Over the decades, Asheville has served as a proving ground for generations of talent, with names like Todd Helton, Craig Biggio, and Willie Stargell passing through on their way to the Major Leagues. 

Few identities have carried the same influence across the game as the Asheville Tourists, and this limited-edition release stands as a continuation of that story, preserving a moment when character, creativity, and culture came together to redefine what a team could be.