I selected the "Tri-Star Plate" alternate worn by the Nashville Sounds for the final Fresh Fitted Friday post of 2026 as a nod to my favorite write-up of the year which, was 1978 Nashville Sounds retro cap in which I discussed the logistics of Nashville being a front-runner in the contention for an MLB expansion team.
That post was perhaps my lengthiest one thus far however I felt compelled to carefully detail the steps involved in that effort while this week I am focusing on that potential team's name. If incorporating "Stars" in the moniker is a must, "Tri-Stars" would be a stellar choice as it properly pays tribute to their iconic state flag although I prefer the way "Nashville TriStars" reads.
There's a sports memorabilia company called TriStar Productions which could put a kink in my proposal but should there be no copyright issue there, calling themselves the TriStars would certainly avoid any legal entanglements with the Dallas Stars. Going this route also aligns with their original plan to honor the old Negro Leagues team called the Nashville Stars.
 |
| I have made no secret of my affinity for the Sounds logos designed by Brandiose however the 2018 rebrand by RARE Design brought this "Try-Star Plate" logo which signals the unity among the state's three Grand Divisions. |
 |
| I would have liked for this cap to have "Made in U.S.A." tags however that is not an option so this "Made in Bangladesh" banger will have to do! |
 |
| The star pattern on the MILB batterman here is worth highlighting as its the older but more symmetrical style and thus one you'll only see on older caps now. |
Just like Las Vegas cannot feasibly support a big league team and a Triple-A club simultaneously, the Nashville Sounds would have to find a new home if MLB comes to Nashville. As I have mentioned in the past, the most logical landing spot would be just a bit over a 500 mile drive south where they could become the New Orleans Sounds.
New Orleans has been without a team since the Baby Cakes moved to Wichita following the 2019 season so they are due. And a city proud of its rich musical contributions needs a team that reflects that legacy and I do hope this could be an example of a window opening as the door inevitably closes on minor league baseball in Nashville.
This week's Fresh Fitted Friday selection is not going on the Trading Block however please don't hesitate to reach out if you want any other cap from that list and you are willing to part with any of the hats on my Wish List.
As always, thanks for coming back to read about baseball hat geekery. If you'd like to discuss a trade or simply just chat about hats, please feel free to connect via the following social sites:
Instagram: @baseballmilquetoast
Twitter: @FittedFriday
Comments