History of the Nashville Sounds

File:1901NashvilleVols.jpg of the Southern Association]]

Nashville has been home to Minor League Baseball teams since the late 19th century. The city's professional baseball history dates back to 1884 with the formation of the Nashville Americans, who were charter members of the original Southern League from 1885 to 1886 and played their home games at Sulphur Spring Park, later renamed Athletic Park and Sulphur Dell.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Nashville&state=TN&country=US|title=Nashville, Tennessee Encyclopedia|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211034611/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Nashville&state=TN&country=US|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Traughber|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-18235116|title=Looking Back: The 1885 Nashville Americans|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=April 25, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143127/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/looking-back-the-1885-nashville-americans/c-18235116|archive-date=June 12, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2020}} This ballpark was the home of Nashville's minor league teams through 1963.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Traughber|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-58475524|title=Looking Back: Sulphur Dell Demolished in 1969|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=August 26, 2013|access-date=February 6, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003825/http://www.milb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20130826&content_id=58475524&vkey=news_t556&fext=.jsp&sid=t556|archive-date=March 4, 2016}} In 1887, Nashville's Southern League team was called the Nashville Blues.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Traughber|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-9553068|title=Looking Back: The 1887 Nashville Blues|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=April 26, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143313/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/looking-back-the-1887-nashville-blues/c-9553068|archive-date=June 12, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2020}} The Nashville Tigers competed in the same league from 1893 to 1894. In 1895, the Nashville Seraphs won the city's first professional championship in the Southern League. The Nashville Centennials played in the Central League in 1897 but relocated to Henderson, Kentucky, during the season before the league's collapse.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46371725/southern-boys-in-base-ball-those-who/ |via=Newspapers.com |title=Southern Boys in Base Ball |work=The Nashville American |location=Nashville |date=December 19, 1897 |page=25 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714111747/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46371725/southern-boys-in-base-ball-those-who/ |url-status=live }}

The city's longest-operating baseball team, first known only as the Nashville Baseball Club and later renamed the Nashville Vols (short for Volunteers, the state nickname), was formed in 1901 as a charter member of the Southern Association.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Traughber|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-19448142|title=Looking Back: The 1901 Nashville Vols|website=Minor League Baseball|date=May 23, 2011|access-date=May 5, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224204705/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/looking-back-the-1901-nashville-vols/c-19448142|archive-date=February 24, 2019}} They remained in the league through 1961, winning eight pennants, nine playoff championships, and four Dixie Series titles.{{sfn|O'Neal|1994|p=306–308}}{{sfn|Nipper|2007|p=117–120}} The Southern Association disbanded after the 1961 season, and no team was fielded in 1962, but the Vols played one final season in the South Atlantic League in 1963.{{sfn|Traughber|2017|p=125}} Sulphur Dell was demolished in 1969, and the city went without a professional baseball team for 14 years until 1978.

File:1984 Nashville Larry Schmittou.jpg led the group that purchased a Southern League expansion franchise and financed the construction of its ballpark.]]

Larry Schmittou, head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores baseball team from 1968 to 1978,{{cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/vand/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/History1.pdf|title=2009 Vanderbilt Commodores Media Guide|page=72|publisher=Vanderbilt University|date=2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224204717/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/vand/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/History1.pdf|archive-date=February 24, 2019|access-date=February 15, 2020}} was instrumental in bringing professional baseball back to Nashville. He was inspired to get involved with Minor League Baseball when he observed the large crowds the Chattanooga Lookouts drew after owner Walter Reed acquired the Birmingham Barons and relocated the team to Chattanooga in 1976.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=60–63}}{{sfn|O'Neal|1994|p=157}} Schmittou was told by multiple Major League Baseball (MLB) teams that they would be willing to put a minor league affiliate in Nashville if he provided a suitable ballpark.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=60–63}}

Schmittou learned from a member of the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation that neither the Parks Board or the city of Nashville would be willing to pay for such a park.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=60–63}} So, along with help from country musician Conway Twitty, he put together a group of investors including other country artists Cal Smith and Jerry Reed, as well as other Nashvillians, to finance a stadium and a minor league team.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=64–65}}{{sfn|Nipper|2007|p=101}} Twenty shares valued at US$15,000 each were issued; Schmittou purchased 2 shares, or 10 percent of the team,{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=190}} and Twitty purchased 4 shares for a 20 percent stake.{{cite news|first=Bob|last=Chick|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19800617&id=XQAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6904,451711&hl=en|title=Top of the Chart|work=The Evening Independent|location=St. Petersburg|date=June 17, 1980|page=2–C|access-date=October 6, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414022603/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19800617&id=XQAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6904%2C451711&hl=en|url-status=live}} The Metro Parks Board agreed to lease to Schmittou the site of Nashville's former softball fields on the grounds of Fort Negley, a Civil War fortification, approximately {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} south of downtown, for a period of 20 years as long as he built a stadium with a minimum capacity of 6,500 people at a cost of at least $400,000 within 10 years.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=66}} In the second ten years, he would be required to pay the city seven percent of the team's total revenue.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=66}}

File:GreerStadium1stBaseLine.jpg, home of the Sounds for 37 years from 1978 to 2014]]

Stoll-Reed Architects estimated that construction of a suitable stadium would cost between $300,000 and $500,000,{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=66}}{{cite web |title=Commodore History Corner: Q&A with Larry Schmittou|first=Bill|last=Traughber|url=http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/040908aar.html|website=College Sports Television|date=April 8, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413052946/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/040908aar.html|archive-date=April 13, 2008|access-date=February 15, 2020}} but bids for the project ranged from $980,000 to $1.2 million.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=66}} Schmittou looked to local suppliers to donate construction materials, took out a $30,000 loan from a bank, sold season tickets in advance of having a team, and even mortgaged his own home to help pay for the facility. The actual cost totaled $1.5 million. The ballpark would be named Herschel Greer Stadium in posthumous honor of Herschel Lynn Greer, a prominent Nashville businessman and president of the Nashville Vols, whose family donated $25,000 for stadium construction.{{sfn|Nipper|2007|p=103}}

Having secured a stadium, Schmittou and general manager Farrell Owens attended the 1976 Winter Meetings in hopes of landing a major league affiliate. After sending letters to all 26 farm team directors, the pair received a response from Sheldon "Chief" Bender of the Cincinnati Reds. Bender met with them and agreed to put a team in Nashville provided a stadium was built.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=71–72}} Schmittou was then granted a franchise in the Southern League, a class Double-A circuit, at an enfranchisement cost of $7,500.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=195}}

Fans were invited to submit suggestions for the team's name which would be voted on by a group that included local sportswriters and country musicians.{{sfn|Traughber|2017|p=xv}} Among the finalists were "Stars", "Notes", "Hits", "Strings", "Kats", "Pickers", and "Vols".{{sfn|Traughber|2017|p=xv}}{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=90}} The chosen name, "Sounds", was a play on the term "Nashville sound", a subgenre of American country music that traces its roots to the area in the late 1950s.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=90}}{{cite web |last=Cusic |first=Don |url=https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/nashville-recording-industry/ |title=Nashville Recording Industry |website=Tennessee Encyclopedia |publisher=Tennessee Historical Society |date=October 8, 2017 |access-date=November 9, 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109235308/https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/nashville-recording-industry/ |url-status=live }} The team's wordmark and color scheme were lifted from the Memphis Sounds of the American Basketball Association (ABA), who used them from 1974 to 1975. When the ABA merged with the National Basketball Association in 1976, some of the copyrights were allowed to lapse, and Nashville's baseball team adopted the abandoned scheme.{{cite web |last=Ruble |first=Drew |url=http://businesstn.com/content/vestige-empire |title=Vestige of Empire |website=Nashville Post |date=July 2006 |access-date=August 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204010942/http://businesstn.com/content/vestige-empire |archive-date=February 4, 2012}} The color blue was added to Memphis' red and white palette. Nashville's original logo, which was used from 1978 into 1998, and was initially sketched by Schmittou, reflected the city's association with the country music industry.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=90}} It depicted a mustachioed baseball player, nicknamed "Slugger", who has hit a baseball with an acoustic guitar, a staple of country music, in place of a bat.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=90}} Further illustrating the city's musical ties was the typeface, with letters that resembled G-clefs, used to display the team name and the cap logo which resembled an eighth note.{{sfn|Traughber|2017|p=126}}

With a team in place and a stadium under construction, the Nashville Sounds were set to begin play in 1978 as an expansion team of the Southern League.{{cite web |last1=Weiss |first1=Bill |last2=Wright |first2=Marshall |url=http://www.milb.com/milb/history/top100.jsp?idx=69 |title=69. 1980 Nashville Sounds |website=Minor League Baseball |date=2001 |url-status=dead|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113080957/http://www.milb.com/milb/history/top100.jsp?idx=69|access-date=March 8, 2022}} As the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the Sounds played their first game on April 15, 1978, against the Memphis Chicks at Memphis' Tim McCarver Stadium, which they lost, 4–2.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=170}} After falling behind in the first inning, 1–0, Nashville tied the game in the third and went ahead, 2–1, in the top of the sixth on first baseman George Weicker's single which scored center fielder Mickey Duval. In the bottom of the inning, however, Memphis answered with three unearned runs off of Sounds starting pitcher Bill Dawley and reliever Larry Rothschild, sealing the Nashville loss.{{cite news|last=Hanna|first=Jeff|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30790594/sounds_silenced_42/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Silenced, 4–2|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 16, 1978|page=1-D|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430041738/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30790594/sounds_silenced_42/|url-status=live}} The Sounds recorded their first win the next evening, defeating Memphis, 3–0.{{sfn|Traughber|2017|p=127}} Pitchers Bruce Berenyi and Doug Corbett limited the Chicks to just three hits while catcher Mark Miller drove in a run with a third-inning double and later scored on second baseman Randy Davidson's sacrifice fly. The Sounds padded their lead in the fifth inning on outfielder Tony Moretto's RBI double.{{cite news|last=Hanna|first=Jeff|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30880471/sounds_win_ctd/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Win|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 17, 1978|page=18|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423180843/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30880471/sounds_win_ctd/|url-status=live}}

Meanwhile, construction on Greer Stadium continued in order to be ready for the home opener. The Sounds had requested to begin the season on the road and had to swap a series with the Chattanooga Lookouts to have enough time to complete the stadium. Much of the sod that had been installed that winter died, and the replacement sod, which arrived late, had to be laid the day before the planned opening game.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=87}}

File:Herschel Greer Stadium 1978.jpg in attendance when 380,000 people attended games at Greer Stadium|alt=A black and white photograph of a baseball game in progress with fans looking on and few empty seats in sight]]

The Greer home opener was scheduled to take place the evening of April 25, but was rained out and rescheduled for the next night.{{cite news|last=Hanna|first=Jeff|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30885394/sounds_try_to_open_up/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Try to Open Up|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 26, 1978|page=20|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423202057/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30885394/sounds_try_to_open_up/|url-status=live}} On April 26, the Sounds played their first home game, a 12–4 victory against the Savannah Braves in front of a sellout crowd of 8,156 fans.{{cite web|last=Traughber|first=Bill|url=http://www.nashvillesounds.com/news/newsarchive.asp?newsId=1691 |title=Looking Back: Sounds' First Game |website=Minor League Baseball |date=August 7, 2006 |access-date=March 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021100538/http://www.nashvillesounds.com/news/newsarchive.asp?newsId=1691 |archive-date=October 21, 2008}} Tractors and grading machines were still preparing the field on game day, the electricity was turned on only 5 minutes before the gates opened, and the game's start was delayed 30 minutes because of traffic problems around the stadium. On the field, Sounds catcher Joe Griffin led the 16-hit Nashville offense with 4 hits of his own and 5 runs batted in while starter Bruce Berenyi got the win and closer Doug Corbett earned a save after he retired the last 11 batters in a row.{{cite news|last=Hanna|first=Jeff|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30883934/sounds_win_home_debut/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Win Home Debut|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 27, 1978|page=29|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423194313/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30883934/sounds_win_home_debut/|url-status=live}}

The Southern League used a split-season schedule wherein the division winners from each half qualified for the postseason championship playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/southern/events/playoff-procedures|title=Playoff Procedures|work=Southern League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205110220/https://www.milb.com/southern/events/playoff-procedures}} The Sounds, under manager Chuck Goggin, finished the first half of their inaugural season with a 28–36 record in fourth place out of five teams.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30847307/1978_southern_league_first_half_final/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Southern League|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 24, 1978|page=22|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430063431/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30847307/1978_southern_league_first_half_final/|url-status=live}} This and another fourth-place finish at 36–41 in the second half kept Nashville out of the playoffs.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97207965/southern-league/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Southern League|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 4, 1978|page=15|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308214132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97207965/southern-league/|url-status=live}} Combining both halves of the season, the Sounds' composite record stood at 64–77 for their first season of play.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=85334f4d|title=1978 Southern League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731004809/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=85334f4d|url-status=live}} All-Star pitcher Bruce Berenyi was selected for the league's Most Outstanding Pitcher Award.{{cite news|last=Hannah|first=Jeff|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878674/time_plagues_sounds_hurler/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Time Plagues Sounds Hurler|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 13, 1978|page=27|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423170852/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878674/time_plagues_sounds_hurler/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-41270986|title=Most Outstanding Pitchers|website=Southern League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=February 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224204816/http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20070221&content_id=41270986&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_l111&sid=l111}}

The team had more success at the turnstiles than on the field. The Sounds led all of Minor League Baseball in attendance by drawing 380,000 fans to Greer Stadium in their first season.{{sfn|Nipper|2007|p=101}} Nashville went on to lead the Southern League in attendance in each of their seven seasons of membership.{{sfn|Nipper|2007|p=101}} Schmittou's business philosophy revolved around earning profits not from ticket sales, but from the sale of souvenirs and concessions.{{cite web|first=Kristin|last=Pratt|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/anniversary/25-years/261960.html#lschmittou|title=25 for 25: Stars in the Baseball America Universe|work=Baseball America|date=July 20, 2006|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415211403/https://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/anniversary/25-years/261960.html|archive-date=April 15, 2016}} This approach also involved promoting family-friendly entertainment rather than baseball games.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30936857/revitalized_schmittou_apologizes/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Revitalized Schmittou Apologizes|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 22, 1988|page=1-C|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425141605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30936857/revitalized_schmittou_apologizes/|url-status=live}} Through the mid-1980s, the Sounds offered nightly promotions and treated fans to a carnival-like atmosphere between innings.{{cite news|last=Beck|first=Ken|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30936933/theres_more_than_baseball_going_on_at/|via=Newspapers.com|title=There's More Than Baseball Going On at Greer Stadium|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=January 11, 1981|page=5|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425141836/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30936933/theres_more_than_baseball_going_on_at/|url-status=live}} Schmittou and his team developed a promotional calendar that regularly featured giveaways ranging from T-shirts and trading cards to youth baseball equipment and even a player's used 1969 Buick Electra.{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31296714/sound_extend_ctd/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Extend|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=August 27, 1978|page=2-D|archive-date=May 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506173347/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31296714/sound_extend_ctd/|url-status=live}} Other promotions varied from discount ticket nights and buyout nights, where local businesses gave away tickets, to the more unusual "Tight Fittin' Jeans" Contest in which a woman judged to be wearing the tightest blue jeans would win a pair.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30937015/the_nashville_sounds_nashville_vs/|via=Newspapers.com|title=The Nashville Sounds: Nashville vs. Charlotte|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=August 23, 1981|page=4-C|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425142206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30937015/the_nashville_sounds_nashville_vs/|url-status=live}} The franchise was recognized for its promotion efforts when it won the Larry MacPhail Award for outstanding minor league promotions in 1978, 1980, and 1981.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/about/awards#macphail|title=Major Award Winners: Larry MacPhail Award|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219004443/https://www.milb.com/about/awards#macphail|url-status=live}} Schmittou was chosen for the Southern League Executive of the Year Award and Sporting News Double-A Executive of the Year Award in 1978.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30938040/sounds_schmittou_selected_top_southern/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds' Schmittou Selected Top Southern League Executive|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=December 2, 1978|page=25|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425151615/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30938040/sounds_schmittou_selected_top_southern/|url-status=live}}

File:1979 Nashville Dave Van Gorder.jpg's three-RBI triple propelled the Sounds to win the 1979 Southern League championship.|alt=A man wearing a red baseball jersey with blue and white trim and a white "20" on the back with a blue cap poses holding a baseball bat with both hands as if ready to swing.]]

Under manager George Scherger, the Sounds started the 1979 season poorly before rallying to win 20 of 30 games in late May and June. They entered the last day of the first half in first place, but lost their game to their cross-state rivals, the Chicks, and finished in second at 35–34, a mere half game from winning the first-half title.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30884170/sounds_surge_falls_short/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds' Surge Falls Short|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 25, 1979|page=2|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423194858/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30884170/sounds_surge_falls_short/|url-status=live}} The Sounds and Chicks met again on the last day of the second half in a split doubleheader; both games were won by Nashville to give them a 48–27 second-half record and the second-half title.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30851106/sounds_gain_playoff/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Gain Playoff|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 3, 1979|page=2|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422192003/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30851106/sounds_gain_playoff/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30884468/sounds_gain_playoff_ctd/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 3, 1979|page=13|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430061229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30884468/sounds_gain_playoff_ctd/|url-status=live}} The two teams then faced off in a best-of-three series to determine the Western Division champion. The Sounds won the series, two games to one, before advancing to the league championship series against the Columbus Astros.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=172}} Nashville entered Game Four one win away from capturing their first Southern League championship. In the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 2–2 and the bases loaded, Sounds catcher Dave Van Gorder hit a bases-clearing triple giving his team the lead.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30884568/nashville_claims_championship/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Nashville Claims Championship|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 11, 1979|page=23|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423195829/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30884568/nashville_claims_championship/|url-status=live}} Reliever Geoff Combe struck out the last two batters in the bottom half of the inning on the way to a 6–2 Sounds win, a three-games-to-one series victory, and the Southern League title.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-41270988|title=Southern League Past Champions|work=Southern League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141909/http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20070221&content_id=41270988&fext=.jsp&sid=l111&vkey}} Schmittou wanted to give each player a $1,000 bonus for winning the pennant, but as that would have been against the National Association's rules, he settled for buying them championship rings instead. Combe, with a league-leading 27 saves,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=5d3ad339|title=1979 Southern League Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081354/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=5d3ad339|url-status=live}} won the league's Most Outstanding Pitcher Award. The Sounds compiled an 83–61 composite record in their sophomore season.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=5d3ad339|title=1979 Southern League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602022858/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=5d3ad339|url-status=live}}

Earlier in the year, Nashville played host to the 1979 Southern League All-Star Game. The July 12 contest pitted a team of the league's All-Stars against the major league Atlanta Braves. The All-Stars, coached by Nashville's Scherger, defeated the Braves, 5–2, before a crowd of 11,079 fans.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30879520/atlanta_yields_to_allstars_52/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Atlanta Yields to All-Stars 5–2|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 13, 1979|page=41|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423173839/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30879520/atlanta_yields_to_allstars_52/|url-status=live}} Nashville was further represented by All-Stars Geoff Combe, Paul Householder, Dave Van Gorder, and Duane Walker. Walker, who hit an RBI single, drew a walk, stole two bases, and initiated a double play from center field by snagging a low line drive and throwing out a runner at home plate, was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30885163/nashvilles_walker_is_mvp_in_allstar/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Nashville's Walker is MVP in All-Star Game|work=Alabama Journal|location=Montgomery|date=July 13, 1979|page=16|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423201515/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30885163/nashvilles_walker_is_mvp_in_allstar/|url-status=live}}

The Reds originally allowed Nashville to use a designated hitter (DH) in their lineup. This allowance was later revoked, as the Reds were a part of the National League in which pitchers bat instead of using a DH. Schmittou felt this put the Sounds at a disadvantage against other teams that utilized the designated hitter,{{cite news|last=Bibb|first=John|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/58101012/the-risk-at-greer/|via=Newspapers.com|title=The Risk at Greer|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 4, 1979|page=19|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305223515/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/58101012/the-risk-at-greer/|url-status=live}} so he issued an ultimatum: if Cincinnati would not let the Sounds use a DH, they would not renew their contract and would look for a new major league affiliate. The Reds did not budge on their decision to prohibit the DH, so the Sounds looked for a new parent club for 1980. Schmittou was then approached by five or six clubs looking to enter the Southern League as a Sounds affiliate. After two seasons at Double-A for the Reds, Nashville had a 152–140 win–loss record encompassing all regular-season and postseason games.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/team/yearlyresults|title=Nashville Sounds Yearly Results|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427193146/https://www.milb.com/nashville/team/yearlyresults|url-status=live}}

File:1980 Nashville Sounds.jpg awards with Steve Balboni as the MVP, Andy McGaffigan as the ace pitcher, and Stump Merrill as the top manager.|alt=A black and white photograph of baseball players in uniforms and caps posed in three rows standing, sitting, and kneeing on a baseball field]]

Schmittou had originally been encouraged by the New York Yankees organization to establish the Sounds as a Triple-A team, but he refused to go back on his previous promise to partner with the Reds at Double-A. After the split with Cincinnati, the Sounds made their first affiliation switch in 1980, becoming the Double-A affiliate of the Yankees. Under Manager of the Year Stump Merrill,{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-41270984|title=Manager of the Year|website=Southern League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030713/http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20070221&content_id=41270984&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_l111&sid=l111}} the 1980 Sounds finished the first half of the season one-and-a-half games behind the Memphis Chicks with a 46–25 record in second place.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30904599/balboni_takes_a_break_from_sounds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Win|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 22, 1980|page=2-D|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424130416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30904599/balboni_takes_a_break_from_sounds/|url-status=live}} In the second half, they finished atop the division, 15 games ahead of the second-place Montgomery Rebels, at 51–21.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30849238/1980_southern_league_final_secondhalf/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Southern League Final Second-Half Standings|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 2, 1980|page=21|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422183214/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30849238/1980_southern_league_final_secondhalf/|url-status=live}} In the Western Division championship series, Nashville lost to Memphis, three games to one.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=172}} The team's pitching staff led the league in earned run average (ERA) and strikeouts, and Steve Balboni, All-Star outfielder and league MVP,{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878985/showalter_sees_room_to_improve/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Showalter Sees Room to Improve|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 23, 1980|page=13|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423171926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878985/showalter_sees_room_to_improve/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-41270994|title=Most Valuable Players|website=Southern League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143311/http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20071016&content_id=41270994&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_l111&sid=l111}} led the league with 101 runs, 34 home runs, 122 RBI, and 288 total bases.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=e36ee4d7|title=1980 Southern League Batting Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081616/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=e36ee4d7|url-status=live}} Andy McGaffigan was selected as the circuit's top pitcher after he led the league with a 2.38 ERA.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=e36ee4d7|title=1980 Southern League Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 11, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212140819/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=e36ee4d7|url-status=live}} Their 97–46 record is the franchise-best.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e36ee4d7|title=1980 Southern League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508003914/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e36ee4d7|url-status=live}} The 1980 Sounds were ranked as the sixty-ninth greatest minor league baseball team of all-time by baseball historians in 2001. Nashville set the Southern League season attendance record that season when a total of 575,676 fans attended games at Greer Stadium.{{cite book |last1=Webb |first1=Lori M. |last2=Musterer |first2=Donna J. |url=https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/g3apehlfpnsji55jxp3q.pdf |title=2020 Southern League Media Guide and Record Book |via=Minor League Baseball |date=2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519202920/https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/g3apehlfpnsji55jxp3q.pdf |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |access-date= May 19, 2021 |page=81}}

On April 16, 1981, the Yankees made a stop in Nashville to play an exhibition game against the Sounds. The 10–1 Yankees victory was played in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 17,318 people.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30904856/reggie_leads_yanks_in_win_over_sounds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Reggie Leads Yanks in Win Over Sounds|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 17, 1981|page=19|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424131651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30904856/reggie_leads_yanks_in_win_over_sounds/|url-status=live}} Those on hand for the game included Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, coach Yogi Berra, and players Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, Lou Piniella, Willie Randolph, and Bobby Murcer.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30915132/yankeessounds_exhibition_box_score/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Exhibition: New York, Nashville|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 17, 1981|page=22|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424192159/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30915132/yankeessounds_exhibition_box_score/|url-status=live}} The Sounds ended the first half of the season at 38–32 in second place behind Memphis.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30915429/sounds_on_the_road/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds on the Road|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 22, 1981|page=18|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424193005/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30915429/sounds_on_the_road/|url-status=live}} They won the second half with a 43–30 record and went on to win the Western Division championship by defeating the Chicks in three straight games.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=172}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30915522/sounds_finale_gets_rained_out/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds' Finale Gets Rained Out|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 2, 1981|page=28|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424193228/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30915522/sounds_finale_gets_rained_out/|url-status=live}} Ultimately, Nashville suffered defeat in the league championship series, falling to the Orlando Twins, 3–1.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=172}} Nashville compiled an 81–62 record during the season under Merrill.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=85470506|title=1981 Southern League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424103455/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=85470506|url-status=live}} All-Star right-hander Jamie Werly won the Southern League Most Outstanding Pitcher Award after leading the circuit with 18 complete games and 193 strikeouts.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878914/allstars_fix_the_chicks_103/|via=Newspapers.com|title=All-Stars Fix the Chicks, 10–3|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 7, 1981|page=13|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423171705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878914/allstars_fix_the_chicks_103/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=85470506|title=1981 Southern League Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012700/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=85470506|url-status=live}}

File:1981 Nashville Brian Dayett.jpg hit a walk-off home run to win the 1982 Southern League title and was selected as the league MVP.|alt=A man in a white baseball uniform with "Sounds" in blue and red across the front of the jersey and a blue cap with a white "N" on the center smiles with his hands together in his glove as if preparing to throw a ball.]]

The 1982 Sounds, led by manager Johnny Oates, ended the first half in fourth place at 32–38,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30917751/2nd_half_opens_sounds_on_road/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Second Half Opens; Sounds on Road|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 21, 1982|page=17|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424203132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30917751/2nd_half_opens_sounds_on_road/|url-status=live}} but won the second half, 45–29.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30849847/1982_southern_league_second_half_final/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Southern League|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 2, 1982|page=54|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422184738/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30849847/1982_southern_league_second_half_final/|url-status=live}} After defeating the Knoxville Blue Jays, 3–1, in the Western Division playoffs, the Sounds advanced to the league championship series against the Jacksonville Suns.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=172}} With a 2–1 series lead, Nashville entered Game Four with a chance to win their second Southern League championship in front of a home crowd at Greer. The Sounds led 3–1 after eight innings, but the Suns tied things up in the ninth sending the game to extra innings.{{cite news|last=Morrow|first=Mike|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30917912/sounds_great_nashville_wins/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Great! Nashville Wins!|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 12, 1982|page=1-C|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424203558/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30917912/sounds_great_nashville_wins/|url-status=live}} With two outs in the bottom of the thirteenth inning, outfielder Brian Dayett hit a walk-off home run scoring Buck Showalter and giving the Sounds a 5–3 win. Nashville had won the series, 3–1, and won the franchise's second league title. Their season record was 77–67.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=ae856bee|title=1982 Nashville Sounds Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=July 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707042700/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=ae856bee|url-status=live}} Dayett, an All-Star, was selected as the Southern League MVP.{{cite news|last=Morrow|first=Mike|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878785/reynolds_allstars_defeat_braves_74/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Reynolds, All-Stars Defeat Braves 7–4|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 23, 1982|page=23|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423171236/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878785/reynolds_allstars_defeat_braves_74/|url-status=live}} Stefan Wever, who was also voted onto the All-Star team and paced the league with 191 strikeouts and a 2.78 ERA,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=49ce829d|title=1982 Southern League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012653/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=49ce829d|url-status=live}} was the league's Most Outstanding Pitcher. Wever was the fifth Sounds hurler in five years to win the award. Otis Nixon stole 133 bases during the 1981 and 1982 seasons, setting the franchise career record.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/team/careerleaders|title=Nashville Sounds Career Leaders|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=April 24, 2019|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425060256/https://www.milb.com/nashville/team/careerleaders|url-status=live}} The Sounds set the club, Greer Stadium, and Southern League single-game attendance record on August 18, 1982, when 22,315 people watched the Sounds defeat the Columbus Astros, 3–0.{{sfn|Traughber|2017|p=182}} Portions of the outfield had to be roped off to accommodate the crowd, which was far in excess of Greer's seating capacity.{{cite news|last=Woody|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30918306/sounds_trim_astros_before_22315_fans/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Trim Astros Before 22,315 Fans|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=August 19, 1982|page=51|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424204809/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30918306/sounds_trim_astros_before_22315_fans/|url-status=live}}

The Yankees returned for another exhibition game against the Sounds on April 28, 1983. New York had a 4–0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth inning, but a five-run rally with two outs propelled the Sounds to a 5–4 win in front of 13,641 fans.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30939563/sounds_rally_past_yankees_54/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Rally Past Yankees 5–4|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 29, 1983|pages=1-C–2-C|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425155322/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30939563/sounds_rally_past_yankees_54/|url-status=live}} The tying and winning runs came off the bat of catcher Frank Kneuer who doubled down the left-field line, bringing home Matt Gallegos and Derwin McNealy from second and first. Among the Yankees in attendance for the game were owner George Steinbrenner, manager Billy Martin, coach Yogi Berra, and players Goose Gossage, Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Winfield, Willie Randolph, Bobby Murcer, and former Sound Don Mattingly. After the season's first half, Nashville held a 40–32 record, but that was only good enough for second place.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30940066/sounds_rip_chick_63_on_mata_grand_slam/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Rip Chicks 6–3 On Mata Grand Slam|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 19, 1983|page=3-C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430043736/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30940066/sounds_rip_chick_63_on_mata_grand_slam/|url-status=live}} Manager Doug Holmquist, frustrated with the team's disappointing first half, instituted a system of fines for player infractions or poor performance on the field. The program ranged from a $10 fine for a pitcher walking a batter with one on and two outs to a $100 fine for missing curfew.{{cite book |date=1984 |chapter=1983 Review |title=The Nashville Sounds 1984 Official Souvenir Program |publisher=Nashville Sounds |pages=10–11}} Rebounding, Nashville won the second-half pennant, 48–26, earning a shot at the Western Division championship. The Sounds, however, lost the decisive fifth game of the series to the Birmingham Barons, 7–5, ending their season.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=172}} Nashville finished 30 games over .500, with an 88–58 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6cd9463e|title=1983 Southern League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624012410/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6cd9463e|url-status=live}}

Also in the 1983 season, the Southern League All-Star Game returned to Nashville on June 19. As the reigning league champions, the Sounds were enlisted to serve as the All-Stars' competition. Consequently, no Sounds could be voted onto the All-Star team. In lieu of this, the league chose to recognize all Sounds players as All-Stars.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30879061/sounds_host_kuhn_allstar_contest_at/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Host Kuhn, All-Star Contest at Greer|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 19, 1983|page=1-C|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423172130/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30879061/sounds_host_kuhn_allstar_contest_at/|url-status=live}} The league's team bested Nashville, 3–2, before an audience of 1,221 people who waited out nearly an hour's rain delay.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30940201/sounds_fall_to_allstars_at_greer/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Fall to All Stars at Greer|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 20, 1983|page=1-C|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425161330/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30940201/sounds_fall_to_allstars_at_greer/|url-status=live}} Nashville's Erik Peterson struck out with both the tying and winning runs on base to end the game.

The Sounds were three games shy of winning the first-half pennant in 1984, with a second-place 38–33 record.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30950186/chicks_fall_to_sounds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Chicks Fall to Sounds|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 21, 1984|page=1-E|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425211641/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30950186/chicks_fall_to_sounds/|url-status=live}} Winning the first-half title is something that eluded the team during its entire seven-year span in the Southern League.{{cite book |last=Squires |first=Tom |date=1985 |chapter=1984 Review |title=The Nashville Sounds 1985 Official Souvenir Program |publisher=Nashville Sounds |pages=10–11}} One highlight of the first half took place on May 4, when Jim Deshaies pitched the club's first no-hitter against the Columbus Astros in the second game of a seven-inning doubleheader. The Astros' lone run was scored following three walks and a batter being hit by a pitch, advancing a runner home.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30854962/deshaies_hurls_first_nohitter_for/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Deshaies Hurls First No-Hitter for Nashville|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=May 5, 1984|page=1-C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430063453/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30854962/deshaies_hurls_first_nohitter_for/|url-status=live}} Nashville finished the second half tied for first place with the Birmingham Barons with identical 35–40 records.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30850549/still_alive/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Still Alive|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 5, 1984|page=1-C|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422190551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30850549/still_alive/|url-status=live}} On September 4, the Sounds defeated the Barons in a one-game tiebreaker, 3–2 in 10 innings, to win the second-half title for the sixth consecutive season. The Sounds met the Knoxville Blue Jays in the Western Division finals, but Knoxville emerged the victor, winning three games to one.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=172}} Skipper Jim Marshall led his Sounds to a 74–73 record for the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=4c0b5c52|title=1984 Southern League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508014453/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=4c0b5c52|url-status=live}} Nashville accumulated a 431–320 record during their five-year affiliation with the Yankees, their best record among all affiliations. They had a 583–460 record over seven years in the Southern League at Double-A.

In 1983, Sounds president Larry Schmittou noticed a 5 percent drop in season ticket sales, a higher ratio of no-shows from season ticket holders, and a slight decline in overall attendance.{{cite book |last=Schmittou |first=Larry |date=1985 |chapter=Message from the President |title=The Nashville Sounds 1985 Official Souvenir Program |publisher=Nashville Sounds |page=8}} These issues with spectator turnout were accompanied by a decline in local media coverage, particularly in regard to road games. Schmittou sought to boost interest in the team through an elevation to the Triple-A classification. He attempted to purchase and relocate one of two available Triple-A franchises, the Evansville Triplets and Wichita Aeros, late in the 1983 season, but each chose to continue in their markets for 1984.{{cite news|last=Squires|first=Tom|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30851583/winning_sounds_take_title/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Nashville to Stay in AA Baseball|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 1, 1983|page=1-F|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422193237/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30851583/winning_sounds_take_title/|url-status=live}} His desire to land a Triple-A team was part of a larger plan to put Nashville in a position to contend for a Major League Baseball franchise in the future.{{cite news|last=Bibb|first=John|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30950801/big_leagues_next_schmittou/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Big Leagues Next: Schmittou|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 12, 1984|page=1-F|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425213359/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30950801/big_leagues_next_schmittou/|url-status=live}} Attendance continued to drop in 1984, as season ticket sales were down 12 percent and overall attendance was down almost 20 percent.

Schmittou arrived at terms in July 1984 to purchase the Triple-A Evansville Triplets of the American Association for a reported sum of $780,000, with plans to move the franchise from Evansville, Indiana, to Nashville for the 1985 season. To prove to the team's Nashville banks, which would back the purchase, that the move was financially viable, Schmittou commissioned a survey to evaluate the potential turnout for a Triple-A team versus a Double-A team. Though the research proved to team owners that the move was a sensible decision, the banks were not impressed. As a result, the team switched banks and went ahead with the purchase and relocation. The Southern League wanted Schmittou to surrender his franchise to the league, but he had plans to relocate the team to Evansville to continue as the Triplets at Double-A.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=101–102}} However, a combination of the league's disapproval of the move and the City of Evansville being unwilling to upgrade Bosse Field resulted in a move to Huntsville, Alabama, where the team became the Huntsville Stars.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=101–102}} The Triple-A Sounds carried on the history of the Double-A team that preceded them. The Triplets' legacy was retired, and the Stars were established as an entirely new franchise.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=101–102}}

The Sounds entered the Triple-A playing level in 1985 as a member of the American Association affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, continuing the major league affiliation that was in place with the Evansville franchise. They played their first Triple-A game on April 11, a 3–1 win, against the Buffalo Bisons at Greer Stadium.{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953628/only_4730_see_sounds_31_victory/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Only 4,730 See Sounds' 3–1 Victory|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 12, 1985|page=1-A|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425231539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953628/only_4730_see_sounds_31_victory/|url-status=live}} The home team scored the winning run in the first inning. With the bases loaded following a walk, an error, and a batter being hit by a pitch, outfielder Bobby Mitchell scored on a passed ball with a head-first slide, and designated hitter Ron Johnson drove in shortstop Pedro Chavez from third on an infield out.{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953737/sounds_win_class_aaa_opener_ctd/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Win Class AAA Opener|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 12, 1985|page=6-C|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425231915/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953737/sounds_win_class_aaa_opener_ctd/|url-status=live}} The Triple-A opener was attended by a sparse crowd of only 4,730.

File:1986 Nashville Bruce Fields.jpg drove in the winning run as the Sounds defeated the 1986 Southern League All-Star team.|alt=A man wearing a blue baseball jersey with red and white trim, a blue cap with a white "N" on the center, and white pants stands on a baseball field posed with bat, ready to swing.]]

The next day, April 12, Nashville competed in an exhibition game against their parent team. Manager Sparky Anderson's Detroit club included Kirk Gibson, Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Rusty Kuntz, and Larry Herndon of the 1984 World Series champion Tigers.{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953905/tigers_10th_tops_sounds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Tigers' 10th Tops Sounds|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 13, 1985|page=1-C|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425232507/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953905/tigers_10th_tops_sounds/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953986/tigers_win_in_10/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Tigers Win in 10|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 13, 1985|page=4-C|access-date=April 26, 2019|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425232727/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30953986/tigers_win_in_10/|url-status=live}} The Sounds opened the game with back-to-back base hits and went ahead 2–0 on Mike Laga's RBI double. The game was tied 3–3 after five innings, but the Tigers outlasted the Sounds, scoring six runs in the tenth to win, 9–3, before a crowd of 16,182. Seven games into the season, manager Lee Walls was hospitalized with internal bleeding in his stomach.{{cite news|last=Woody|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30956396/sliding_sounds_lose_4th_in_row/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Walls 'Serious' After Surgery|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 22, 1985|page=1-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426004322/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30956396/sliding_sounds_lose_4th_in_row/|url-status=live}} Outfielder Leon Roberts became the acting manager for seven games until Gordon Mackenzie was brought on to lead the club for the rest of the year.{{cite book |date=1986 |title=The Nashville Sounds 1986 Official Souvenir Program |publisher=Nashville Sounds |page=13}} On July 17, Bryan Kelly pitched the club's second no-hitter against the Oklahoma City 89ers, as the Sounds won, 6–0.{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30855049/kelly_fires_nohitter_for_sounds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Kelly Fires No-Hitter for Sounds|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 18, 1985|page=1-E|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422210618/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30855049/kelly_fires_nohitter_for_sounds/|url-status=live}} Unlike the Southern League, only the club with the best overall record in each of the American Association's two divisions qualified for the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-AA2/y-1985|title=1985 American Association Standings|website=Stats Crew|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417200843/https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-AA2/y-1985|url-status=live}} Nashville ended the season in second place in the Eastern Division, two-and-a-half games out of first, with a 71–70–1 record that excluded them from the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7ad0b520|title=1985 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 20, 2024|archive-date=June 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601143519/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7ad0b520|url-status=live}}

The 1986 team, managed by former Sounds player Leon Roberts, was enlisted to serve as the competition in the Southern League All-Star Game, held at Huntsville's Joe W. Davis Stadium on July 23. Nashville defeated the All-Stars, 4–2.{{cite news|last=Woody|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30954750/sounds_top_aas_southern_league_all/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Top AA's Southern League All-Stars 4–2|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 24, 1986|page=3-E|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425235258/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30954750/sounds_top_aas_southern_league_all/|url-status=live}} The winning run came in the fourth inning when outfielder Bruce Fields singled home catcher Matt Nokes. Starter Brian Kelly earned the win. The Sounds finished the season third in their division with a 68–74–1 regular-season record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6d931637|title=1986 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 20, 2024|archive-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526235911/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6d931637|url-status=live}} Nashville ended its affiliation with Detroit after two seasons of poor attendance and the lackluster 1986 campaign.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=119}} Over two years with the Tigers, they had a 139–144 record. Their all-time record stood at 722–604–2 after nine years of play.

The Sounds rejoined the Cincinnati Reds farm system as their Triple-A affiliate in 1987 in a bid to increase attendance. Schmittou indicated that their market surveys had consistently shown the Reds to be the most popular MLB team in the area.{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30967385/red_officially_sign_with_sounds_for_year/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Reds Officially Sign with Sounds for Year|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 12, 1986|page=3-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426133757/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30967385/red_officially_sign_with_sounds_for_year/|url-status=live}} Spending the beginning of the 1987 season around the top of the standings, the team hit a slump after losing a few key players midseason. The result was a 64–76 record and a last-place finish under skipper Jack Lind.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e3dc3a25|title=1987 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601143534/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e3dc3a25|url-status=live}} One player lost due to injuries was third baseman Chris Sabo. He was promoted to Cincinnati in 1988 and was named the National League Rookie of the Year, a first for any former Sounds player.{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/awards/history-winners/?award_id=NLROY|title=Rookie of the Year Winners|website=Major League Baseball|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906140801/http://m.mlb.com/awards/history-winners/?award_id=NLROY|url-status=dead}}

File:1988 Nashville Jack Armstrong.jpg pitched a no-hitter against the Indianapolis Indians on August 7, 1988, one night after the Indians no-hit the Sounds.|alt=A man wearing a white baseball uniform with "Sounds" on the chest in blue and red and a blue cap with a white "N" on the center stands on a baseball field with his hands together in his brown leather glove.]]

The 1988 Sounds were in last place and had a 38–39 record until making numerous management changes midseason, going through five different managers in less than a month's time.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=149}} Jack Lind was fired on June 27.{{cite news|last1=Burris|first1=Joe|last2=Taft|first2=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30967740/fired_lind_gone_but_15128_fans_see/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Fired Lind Gone, but 15,128 Fans See Sounds Win|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 28, 1988|page=1-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426135437/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30967740/fired_lind_gone_but_15128_fans_see/|url-status=live}} His position was filled on an interim basis by pitching coach Wayne Garland for one game and by Jim Hoff, Cincinnati's minor league field coordinator, for five games.{{cite news|last=Burris|first=Joe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30967915/schergers_debut_spoiled_31/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Scherger's Debut Spoiled 3–1|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 4, 1988|page=5-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426140220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30967915/schergers_debut_spoiled_31/|url-status=live}} George Scherger, manager of the 1979 Southern League championship Sounds, was brought in next, but he chose to retire after one game.{{cite news|last=Burris|first=Joe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30969532/scherger_quits_after_one_game/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Scherger Quits After One Game|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 5, 1988|page=1-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426150525/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30969532/scherger_quits_after_one_game/|url-status=live}} Garland managed two more games before Hoff returned for seventeen.{{cite news|last=Burns|first=Bud|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30969057/sounds_newest_manager_vows_no_hangups/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds' Newest Manager Vows No Hangups|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 22, 1988|page=1-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426144745/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30969057/sounds_newest_manager_vows_no_hangups/|url-status=live}} Finally, former big league skipper Frank Lucchesi was hired on July 25 to manage the Sounds for the last 39 games of the season, leading them to a second-place finish, 16 games out of first, with a final record of 73–69.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2c07cf35|title=1988 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623225910/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2c07cf35|url-status=live}}

Greer Stadium was home to a rare baseball occurrence on August 6 and 7, 1988, when Nashville and the Indianapolis Indians exchanged no-hitters on back-to-back nights. First, Indianapolis' Randy Johnson and Pat Pacillo combined for a no-hit loss against the Sounds, a 1–0 Nashville win.{{cite news|last=Burris|first=Joe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30854901/sounds_nohit_but_win_in_strange_night/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds No-Hit, but Win in Strange Night at Greer|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=August 7, 1988|page=1-C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430063452/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30854901/sounds_nohit_but_win_in_strange_night/|url-status=live}} That game was won by Nashville when Lenny Harris walked to first base, stole second base and third base, and then came home, scoring on a groundout. The next night, Nashville's Jack Armstrong pitched the third no-hit game in franchise history, a 4–0 Sounds victory against the Indians in which he allowed only one base runner (a walk).{{cite news|last=Burris|first=Joe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30855323/2_nights_2_nohitters_sounds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=2 Nights, 2 No-Hitters: Sounds' Armstrong Hurls Win|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=August 8, 1988|page=1-C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430063457/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30855323/2_nights_2_nohitters_sounds/|url-status=live}}

Lucchesi continued to manage the Sounds in 1989, leading the team to a third-place finish with a 74–72 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=816ad81a|title=1989 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603140037/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=816ad81a|url-status=live}} Pitcher Hugh Kemp started a franchise career-record 73 games from 1987 to 1989. On April 23, 1990, 14,012 fans attended an exhibition game at Greer between Nashville and Cincinnati.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30971531/reds_arms_ctd/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Reds' Call to Arms Disarms Sounds 3–0|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 24, 1990|page=5-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426161448/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30971531/reds_arms_ctd/|url-status=live}} Lou Piniella's Reds shut out the Sounds, 3–0. Cincinnati pitchers Danny Jackson and Ron Robinson held Nashville to just five hits, three by Terry McGriff and two by Keith Lockhart. Luis Quiñones scored the winning run in the first when he came home on a misplayed ball hit on the ground by Paul O'Neill.

File:1988 Nashville Skeeter Barnes.jpg, a Sound in 1979 and from 1988 to 1990, is the team career leader in games played (514), at bats (1,848), and hits (517).|alt=A man wearing a white baseball uniform with "Sounds" on the chest in blue and red and a blue cap with a white "N" on the center poses holding a baseball bat with both hands.]]

Despite being blanked by their major league affiliate, the Sounds experienced their most successful campaign in the American Association in 1990, when they compiled an 86–61 record under manager Pete Mackanin.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=62765524|title=1990 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608092620/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=62765524|url-status=live}} Ending the season in a tie for first place with the Buffalo Bisons, each with 85–61 records, the Sounds won the Eastern Division title in a one-game tiebreaker on September 4 by a score of 4–3.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30851643/sounds_win_it_in_18th/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Win It in 18th|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 5, 1990|page=1-A|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430063447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30851643/sounds_win_it_in_18th/|url-status=live}} The extra-inning affair was ended by Chris Jones' RBI double in the top of the eighteenth inning. The Sounds advanced to their first American Association championship playoffs, but they lost the best-of-five series to the Omaha Royals, three games to two.{{cite web|url=http://www.tripleabaseball.com/PostSeasonAA.jsp|title=American Association Playoff Results|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081805/http://www.tripleabaseball.com/PostSeasonAA.jsp|url-status=live}} In a decisive Game Five, Omaha got out to a 5–0 lead in the first inning,{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30971904/sounds_run_out_of_time_miracles/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Run Out of Time, Miracles|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 10, 1990|page=1-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426162707/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30971904/sounds_run_out_of_time_miracles/|url-status=live}} but a sixth-inning grand slam by second baseman Keith Lockhart tied the game.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30971971/sounds_run_out_of_time_ctd/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Run Out of Time|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 10, 1990|page=7-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426162907/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30971971/sounds_run_out_of_time_ctd/|url-status=live}} Both teams scored again, but the Royals came out on top, 8–7. Left-hander Chris Hammond, who led the circuit with 15 wins, 149 strikeouts, and a 2.17 ERA,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=62765524|title=1990 American Association Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513151849/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=62765524|url-status=live}} won the league's Most Valuable Pitcher Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/AAAwards.jsp|title=American Association Special Award Winners|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=August 22, 2014|archive-date=June 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629025053/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/AAAwards.jsp|url-status=live}} Nashville set their all-time attendance record that year when 605,122 fans came out to Greer Stadium.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=150}} Skeeter Barnes, who had previously played with Nashville in 1979, set the franchise career records for games played (514), at bats (1,848), and hits (517) during his second stint from 1988 to 1990.

Cincinnati returned for a second exhibition with Nashville on April 29, 1991. With light rain falling throughout the evening, the game was called after seven innings when the field became unplayable.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31595648/pitching_rain_dominate_visit_by_reds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Pitching, Rain Dominate Visit by Reds|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 30, 1991|page=1-C|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515173812/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31595648/pitching_rain_dominate_visit_by_reds/|url-status=live}} Though 13 of the 16 Reds appearing in the game were 1990 World Series champions, including Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Paul O'Neill, and Randy Myers, the Sounds limited the visitors to just 5 hits and 2 runs while scoring a pair of runs of their own to make the score 2–2 when the game was ended.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31595679/reds_2_sounds_2_boxscore/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Reds 2, Sounds 2|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 30, 1991|page=2-C|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515173927/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31595679/reds_2_sounds_2_boxscore/|url-status=live}} By May 1, Nashville had fallen into third place in the Eastern Division, where they remained for the rest of the season. Mackanin's Sounds posted a losing record every month during the campaign and finished the year 16 games behind first-place Buffalo with a 65–78 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2ad3e1a3|title=1991 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604162823/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2ad3e1a3|url-status=live}}

From 1988 to 1991, American Association teams participated in interleague play with teams from the Triple-A International League in a partnership called the Triple-A Alliance. The Sounds had an interleague record of 90–78 over this four-year period.{{cite book |date=1992 |chapter=Triple-A Alliance |title=The Nashville Sounds 1992 Official Souvenir Program |publisher=Nashville Sounds |page=38}} Mackanin was dismissed from his managerial duties on June 28, 1992, and replaced by Dave Miley, who was managing the Reds' Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878060/miley_known_as_a_players_manager/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Miley Known as a Player's Manager|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 29, 1992|page=2-C|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051746/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878060/miley_known_as_a_players_manager/|url-status=live}} The 1992 Sounds posted a 67–77 record, winding up in fourth place.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7e453000|title=1992 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=August 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808041527/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7e453000|url-status=live}}

Greer Stadium, once one of the best stadiums in Triple-A baseball in terms of player and fan amenities,{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=127}} began to be outshined by newer ballparks being built in the late 1980s.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=131}} The Reds let their player development contract with the Sounds expire so they could place their Triple-A team in Indianapolis, which was closer to Cincinnati and planning to build a new stadium.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=131}} Nashville entered the offseason unsure of their next major league affiliate. Their final record after six years with the Reds at Triple-A was 431–436. Through 15 total years of competition, their all-time record stood at 1,207–1,040–2.

At the recommendation of the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball and with few options available,{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30972839/sounds_try_to_make_a_deal_with_white_sox/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Try to Make a Deal with White Sox|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 15, 1992|page=2-C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426165711/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30972839/sounds_try_to_make_a_deal_with_white_sox/|url-status=live}} the Sounds signed a new player development contract with the Chicago White Sox, who wanted to move their Triple-A farm club closer to home than its previous location in Vancouver.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=131}} The White Sox then presented a list of complaints about the relatively poor condition of Greer Stadium. Schmittou was unable to convince Mayor Phil Bredesen or the Metro Council to fund a new stadium to replace Greer.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=132–34}} He considered moving the team to a surrounding county, and explored sites in La Vergne, Cool Springs, and Mount Juliet.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=132–33}} He even tried, unsuccessfully, to get the Metro Council to pass a referendum to let taxpayers vote on a temporary tax increase to pay off a proposed $40 million stadium in three years.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=132–34}} In the end, Schmittou elected to keep the Sounds at Greer but make significant improvements to the player dressing room and field.{{cite news|last=Davy|first=Jimmy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31136120/sounds_plan_improvements_to_help_hold/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Plan Improvements to Hold White Sox|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=August 17, 1994|page=6C|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501161807/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31136120/sounds_plan_improvements_to_help_hold/|url-status=live}} Another upgrade was the addition of Greer's signature guitar-shaped scoreboard, which was installed in 1993.{{cite news|title=7 Facts About Greer Stadium's Original Guitar Scoreboard|first=Katie|last=Straughn|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/06/20/facts-about-greer-stadiums-guitar-scoreboard/11084843/|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 20, 2014|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150404121453/http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/06/20/facts-about-greer-stadiums-guitar-scoreboard/11084843/|url-status=live}}

File:GreerStadiumScoreboard2.jpg's guitar scoreboard was installed prior to the 1993 season.|alt=A view of the giant blue guitar-shaped scoreboard beyond the left-center field wall. Advertisements for local businesses adorn the guitar and the green outfield wall below.]]

In their first year with the White Sox, the Sounds clinched the Eastern Division title with an 81–62 record, earning them an opportunity to play for the American Association championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=30dcf9c4|title=1993 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706133726/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=30dcf9c4|url-status=live}} Down 3–1 in the best-of-seven series versus the Iowa Cubs, the Sounds won two elimination games to force a Game Seven.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30976608/iowa_ends_sounds_championship_charge/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Iowa Ends Sounds' Championship Charge|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 16, 1993|page=1C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430065400/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30976608/iowa_ends_sounds_championship_charge/|url-status=live}} In the final game, Nashville held a 2–1 lead from the third inning to the seventh before the Cubs tied the game, necessitating extra innings. An eleventh-inning walk-off home run by Iowa's Tuffy Rhodes ended the game and Nashville's title run in a four-games-to-three series loss. Nashville's Rick Renick was named the American Association Manager of the Year.

The Sounds shared Greer Stadium with the Southern League's Nashville Xpress, previously known as the Charlotte Knights, during the 1993 and 1994 seasons.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30977676/nashville_baseball/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Nashville Baseball|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=December 12, 2002|page=6C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426192044/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30977676/nashville_baseball/|url-status=live}} This came about when Charlotte acquired a Triple-A expansion franchise in 1993, leaving the city's Double-A team without a home. Schmittou offered Greer as a temporary home ballpark for the team. To accommodate an additional club at Greer, the Xpress' home games were scheduled for during the Sounds' road trips.{{sfn|O'Neal|1994|p=287}} In 1995, the Xpress relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, and became the Port City Roosters.{{sfn|Woody|1996|p=105}}

An exhibition game against the White Sox was planned for April 3, 1994, but was cancelled due to wet grounds and the possibility of player injury.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30976859/white_soxsounds_rained_out_as_injury/|via=Newspapers.com|title=White Sox–Sounds Rained Out as Injury Fears Reign|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 4, 1994|page=1C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426185736/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30976859/white_soxsounds_rained_out_as_injury/|url-status=live}} The Sounds were able to host the 1994 Triple-A All-Star Game at Greer on July 13 with 11,601 people in attendance.{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/1994box.pdf|title=1994 Triple-A All-Star Game|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421085918/https://www.triple-abaseball.com/1994box.pdf|url-status=live}} Nashville's Rick Renick managed the team of American League affiliated All-Stars which included Sounds Ray Durham, Drew Denson, Scott Ruffcorn, and Steve Schrenk. The team of National League affiliated All-Stars defeated the Americans, 8–5. Durham, who had three hits in three at bats and scored the game's first run,{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30976918/stars_shine_brightly/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Stars Shine Brightly|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 14, 1994|page=1C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430061515/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30976918/stars_shine_brightly/|url-status=live}} was selected as the game's MVP from the American Association.{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGRecords.pdf|title=Triple-A All-Star Game Records|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=July 14, 2017|page=5|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081449/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGRecords.pdf|url-status=dead}} Denson participated in the previous day's Home Run Derby, but was defeated in the final round by Scott Coolbaugh of the Louisville Redbirds, six home runs to two.{{cite news|last1=Patton|first1=Maurice|last2=Taft|first2=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30977158/coolbaugh_class_aaa_sultan_of_swat/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Coolbaugh Class AAA 'Sultan of Swat|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 13, 1994|page=3C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426190547/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30977158/coolbaugh_class_aaa_sultan_of_swat/|url-status=live}}

The Sounds completed the 1994 season under Renick with an 83–61 record, placing them in second.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=77231f84|title=1994 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=April 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422213701/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=77231f84|url-status=live}} The American Association had moved away from a divisional alignment to one wherein the top four teams qualified for the championship playoffs that season. In the first round, Nashville swept the New Orleans Zephyrs in three games to advance to the league finals. In the best-of-five championship series, the Indianapolis Indians defeated the Sounds, 3–1. Scott Ruffcorn, who led the American Association with 15 wins,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=77231f84|title=1994 American Association Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513083304/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=77231f84|url-status=live}} was selected as its Most Valuable Pitcher for 1994.

Nashville compiled a 68–76 record, 20 games out of first place, in 1995.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1d6b6874|title=1995 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601151104/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1d6b6874|url-status=live}} Originally, Michael Jordan, who played for the White Sox at Double-A Birmingham in 1994, was slotted to play the 1995 season for the Sounds. However, with the ongoing MLB strike, Jordan decided to quit the sport rather than become a replacement player and risk being labeled a strikebreaker.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/jordan/timeline.html|title=Timeline: MJ Through the Years|work=The Sporting News|date=June 11, 1998|access-date=April 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020808040957/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/jordan/timeline.html|archive-date=August 8, 2002}} The Sounds improved their record in 1996, ending up in third place at 77–67.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=9905f07d|title=1996 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623142136/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=9905f07d|url-status=live}} All-Star outfielder Jeff Abbott won the Rookie of the Year Award, and Rick Renick earned his second Manager of the Year Award.

With Greer Stadium still falling below Triple-A standards, Schmittou proposed dropping the Sounds back to Double-A in 1996 via a trade with the Southern League's Memphis Chicks.{{cite news|last=Woody|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79624450/nashville-sounds-moving-back-to/|title=Nashville Sounds Moving Back to Double-A Future|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 11, 1995|page=1C|access-date=August 8, 2021|archive-date=August 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808184653/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79624450/nashville-sounds-moving-back-to/|url-status=live}} The White Sox did not see Memphis' Tim McCarver Stadium as an improvement over Greer and convinced Schmittou to delay the swap by at least a year.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83045270/stay-in-triple-a-probable/|title=Stay in Triple-A Probable|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=August 23, 1995|page=1C|access-date=August 8, 2021|archive-date=August 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808184651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83045270/stay-in-triple-a-probable/|url-status=live}} Schmittou instead made improvements to Greer to keep it a viable location for Triple-A baseball through 1997.{{cite news|last=Woody|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83044010/more-work-set-for-greer/|title=More Work Set for Greer|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=February 2, 1996a|page=3C|access-date=August 8, 2021|archive-date=August 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808184649/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83044010/more-work-set-for-greer/|url-status=live}} The 1996 season, however, marked the last that Schmittou was the team's president and part owner. With the city prepared to welcome a National Football League franchise, the Tennessee Titans, he felt that revenue would be drawn away from the baseball team, so he and businessman Walter Nipper sold their 59 percent stake in the Sounds to Chicago-based businessmen Al Gordon, Mike Murtaugh, and Mike Woleben for an estimated $4 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/83331f6c36e6acb8b48b495ca05e613e |title=Chicago Men Reach Agreement To Buy 60 Percent of Franchise |website=Associated Press |date=November 7, 1996 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033621/https://www.apnews.com/83331f6c36e6acb8b48b495ca05e613e |url-status=live }}

In 1997, under the guidance of manager Tom Spencer, Nashville put together a 74–68 campaign, but a third-place finish excluded them from the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=8cdf6a67|title=1997 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904060651/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=8cdf6a67|url-status=live}} In addition to being selected for both the midseason and postseason All-Star teams, outfielder Magglio Ordóñez won the Triple-A All-Star Game MVP Award and garnered the league's Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Awards. Ordóñez had led the league with 172 hits and tied for first with a .329 batting average and 249 total bases.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=8cdf6a67|title=1997 American Association Batting Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513083243/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=8cdf6a67|url-status=live}} The five-year White Sox affiliation ended after the 1997 season with the Sounds having a 390–342 record over that period. Their final American Association record stood at 960–922–2 after 13 years in the league, and their all-time 20-year record was 1,543–1,382–2.

The American Association, of which the Sounds had been members since 1985, disbanded after the 1997 season. Its teams were absorbed by the two remaining Triple-A leagues—the International League and Pacific Coast League (PCL). Nashville joined the PCL, making it the easternmost team in the league.{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/AATimeline.jsp|title=Notable Events in American Association History|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=May 26, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414185147/https://www.triple-abaseball.com/AATimeline.jsp|archive-date=April 14, 2021}} The franchise also picked up a new major league affiliation, becoming the top farm club of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who sought to escape the chilly climate and lengthy travel associated with their previous affiliate in Calgary.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30977971/baseball_notebook/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Baseball Notebook|work=The Jackson Sun|location=Jackson|date=November 1, 1997|page=4C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430041212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30977971/baseball_notebook/|url-status=live}} For the first time since the team's foundation in 1978, the Sounds began to adopt a new logo and color scheme over the course of the 1998 and 1999 seasons.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978068/sounds_recast_logo_into_musical_note/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Recast Logo into Musical Note|website=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 8, 1998|page=5C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426193209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978068/sounds_recast_logo_into_musical_note/|url-status=live}} The original red, white, and blue colors were replaced by red, black, white, and silver. The new team logo, replacing the original "Slugger", consisted of a black, red, and white eighth note with a baseball at the top set against a circle of the same colors, plus silver, bearing the team name in white around the sides.

File:SL-John-Wasdin.jpg pitched a perfect game for the Sounds on April 7, 2003.|alt=A man wearing a white baseball uniform with a navy blue "L" on the chest, a navy blue cap with a white "L" on the center, and a black glove on his left hand in the midst of pitching a ball]]

Nashville entered the PCL with a 7–2 loss to the Iowa Cubs at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 7, 1998.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978197/sounds_shut_down_by_iowa_pitcer/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Shut Down by Iowa Pitcher|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 8, 1998|page=5C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426193601/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978197/sounds_shut_down_by_iowa_pitcer/|url-status=live}} They lost the next five games before earning their first PCL victory on April 13 in a 12–3 rout against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Greer Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/scores98/98103/98103391.htm|title=Pacific Coast League Baseball - Colorado Springs vs. Nashville|work=USA Today|date=April 13, 1998|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508132816/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/scores98/98103/98103391.htm|url-status=live}} The Sounds, led by manager Trent Jewett, finished their first season as a Pirates affiliate last of four teams in the American Conference Eastern Division with a 67–76 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0ee275f6|title=1998 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628231328/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0ee275f6|url-status=live}} The team played an exhibition game against Pittsburgh on June 3, 1999, attended by 5,720 fans.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978315/sveum_gets_2_homers_in_5th/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sveum Gets 2 Homers in 5th|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 4, 1999|page=5C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426193854/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978315/sveum_gets_2_homers_in_5th/|url-status=live}} The teams combined for 33 hits, including 9 home runs, in a game dominated by offense. The Pirates, whose roster included Jason Kendall, Emil Brown, and Dale Sveum, plated 13 runs in the fifth inning on the way to 16–15 win. The Sounds set the franchise record for consecutive wins when they won 15 games in a row from June 2 to 20, 1999; the record was later tied in 2018 and 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-match-franchise-record-win-15th-straight|title=Sounds Match Franchise Record, Win 15th Straight|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=June 3, 2021|access-date=June 4, 2021|archive-date=June 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604033124/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-match-franchise-record-win-15th-straight|url-status=live}} Overall, Jewett's 1999 team improved from the previous year, putting together an 80–60 record,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c7436748|title=1999 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514141606/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c7436748|url-status=live}} but a second-place finish left them out of the PCL playoffs, where only division winners advanced to the postseason.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/events/playoff-procedures|title=Playoff Procedures|website=Pacific Coast League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630005655/https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/events/playoff-procedures}}

Richie Hebner, the Sounds' pitching coach, replaced Jewett as manager when he became the Pirates' third base coach on June 6, 2000.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878318/hebner_named_sounds_manager/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Hebner Named Sounds' Manager|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 7, 2000|page=5C|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423165530/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30878318/hebner_named_sounds_manager/|url-status=live}} Nashville placed last that season with a 63–79 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=a071b8fc|title=2000 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607174106/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=a071b8fc|url-status=live}} Former All-Star Sounds third baseman Marty Brown returned to the club as its manager in 2001. On June 30, Tike Redman became the first Sound to hit for the cycle.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978810/redmans_cycle_fails_to_get_win/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Redman's Cycle Fails to Get Win|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=July 2, 2001|page=3C|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426195316/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30978810/redmans_cycle_fails_to_get_win/|url-status=live}} Redman collected a franchise career-record 32 triples from 2000 to 2003. The 2001 Sounds compiled a 64–77 record, leaving them in third place.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=35dd6814|title=2001 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604044843/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=35dd6814|url-status=live}} Despite finishing the 2002 season with an improved 72–71 record under Brown, it was only good enough for a third-place finish, two-and-a-half games out of first.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f88d2df8|title=2002 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611174410/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f88d2df8|url-status=live}} Chad Hermansen, who played for the Sounds from 1998 to 2002, holds the franchise career records for runs (303), home runs (92), and runs batted in (286).

Right-hander John Wasdin pitched the first perfect game in Sounds history in his first start of the 2003 season against the Albuquerque Isotopes on April 7.{{cite web|url=http://baseballamerica.com/today/minors/wasdin040703.html |title=Wasdin Tosses Perfect Game |website=Baseball America |date=April 7, 2003 |access-date=April 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409221221/http://baseballamerica.com/today/minors/wasdin040703.html |archive-date=April 9, 2015 }} Wasdin threw 100 pitches, striking out 15 batters. The 4–0 Sounds win was the second nine-inning perfect game in the PCL's 101-year history.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/history/no-hitters |title=Pacific Coast League No-hit Games |website=Pacific Coast League |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=March 8, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629173237/https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/history/no-hitters}} That year, Trent Jewett returned to lead the team to an 81–62 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=aa2858dc|title=2003 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611174345/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=aa2858dc|url-status=live}} The Sounds clinched the American Eastern Division title, giving them their first playoff berth in the PCL and first postseason appearance since 1994.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=173}} Nashville defeated Albuquerque in the conference series, three games to one, but then lost the best-of-five league championship series to the Sacramento River Cats in three straight games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-148679|title=Past Champions|website=Pacific Coast League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142706/http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=l112&ymd=20061214&content_id=148679&vkey=league3}}

On May 21, 2004, catcher J. R. House became the second Sound to hit for the cycle.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30990781/nashville_8_sacramento_7/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Nashville 8, Sacramento 7|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=May 22, 2004|page=3C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427020440/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30990781/nashville_8_sacramento_7/|url-status=live}} The team completed the 2004 season with a 63–79 record, finishing last in the division under Jewett.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c08f9965|title=2004 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520084114/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c08f9965|url-status=live}} Jason Bay played four games in Nashville early in the year before being promoted to Pittsburgh to make his major league debut. Following the season, he became the second former Sound to win a major league Rookie of the Year Award. Closer Mark Corey saved 46 games during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, setting a franchise career record. Seeking to place their Triple-A club at a newer, more desirable stadium and to escape the high travel costs associated with playing in the PCL, Pittsburgh ended their affiliation with the Sounds after the 2004 campaign.{{cite news|last=Callow|first=John|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30990964/now_pirates_sounds_going_separate_ways/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Now, Pirates, Sounds Going Separate Ways|work=The Daily News-Journal|location=Murfreesboro|date=September 18, 2004|page=C1|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427020843/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30990964/now_pirates_sounds_going_separate_ways/|url-status=live}} Over seven years as a Pirates affiliate, Nashville had a 493–508 record. Through 27 years of competition, the Sounds' all-time record stood at 2,036–1,890–2.

File:Nelson Cruz on May 19, 2015.jpg hit a three-run home run with two outs in the top of the 13th inning to help Nashville win the 2005 PCL championship.|alt=A man wearing a navy blue baseball jersey and batting helmet stands with his bat held back, awaiting a pitch.]]

The Sounds became the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005. One factor in the Brewers' choice to partner with Nashville was the hope that the Sounds would soon get a new stadium to replace the then-27-year-old Greer.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30991576/brewers_on_tap_for_sounds/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Brewers on Tap for Sounds|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 23, 2004|page=1C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427022930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30991576/brewers_on_tap_for_sounds/|url-status=live}} Along with a new affiliate, Nashville debuted a new oval-shaped logo with a baseball player silhouetted against a yellow background hitting a ball toward the Nashville skyline, with the city's name written above in white within a red border and the team nickname written in red and black script below.{{cite book |date=2005 |title=Nashville Sounds 2005 Souvenir Program |publisher=Nashville Sounds |page=cover}}

The 2005 club, managed by Frank Kremblas, led the American Conference Northern Division for most of the year but only clinched on the penultimate day of the season, having lost 16 of 19 games in late August and September.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30992153/sounds_beat_oklahoma_will_play_for_pcl/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Beat Oklahoma, Will Play For PCL Title|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 12, 2005|page=1C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427025226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30992153/sounds_beat_oklahoma_will_play_for_pcl/|url-status=live}} Their final season record stood at 75–69.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7cf2c40c|title=2005 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607072846/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7cf2c40c|url-status=live}} Nashville defeated the Oklahoma RedHawks with a 7–3 win in Game Five of the conference series to advance to the league championship series.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31006418/bennetts_early_exit_caused_by_elbow/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Bennett's Early Exit Caused by Elbow Pain|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 12, 2005|page=5C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427173321/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31006418/bennetts_early_exit_caused_by_elbow/|url-status=live}} They went on to sweep the Tacoma Rainiers in three straight games to win the 2005 Pacific Coast League championship. Outfielder Nelson Cruz hit a three-run home run with two outs in the top of the 13th inning, and reliever Brett Evert closed out the game to give the Sounds their first championship at the Triple-A level since moving to the classification in 1985 and their first since the 1982 Southern League crown.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-27826 |title=Sounds Capture PCL Championship |last1=Leonard |first1=Tim |date=September 17, 2005 |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145355/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-27826 |url-status=live }}

On May 5–6, 2006, the Sounds participated in a 24-inning game against the New Orleans Zephyrs. Lasting a total of eight hours and seven minutes, the first 18 innings were played the first night and the other 6 the next evening.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/zephyrs-vs-sounds/2006/05/05/46364#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=46364 |title=Zephyrs vs. Sounds Box Score 05/05/06 |date=May 6, 2006 |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=February 15, 2020 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926120026/https://www.milb.com/gameday/zephyrs-vs-sounds/2006/05/05/46364#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=46364 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Maurice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31005070/sounds_records_fall_in_lengthy_game/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds: Records Fall in Lengthy Game|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=May 7, 2006|page=7C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427164353/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31005070/sounds_records_fall_in_lengthy_game/|url-status=live}} The game matched the longest game, in terms of innings played, in PCL history. Several team and league records were broken by both clubs. On July 15, Carlos Villanueva, Mike Meyers, and Alec Zumwalt combined to pitch the fifth no-hitter in team history, a 2–0 win over the Memphis Redbirds.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-106055 |title=Nashville Trio Combines on No-hitter |last1=Rega |first1=Marissa |website=Minor League Baseball |date=July 15, 2006 |access-date=June 18, 2022}} The Sounds finished the season with a 76–68 record under Kremblas, tied with the Iowa Cubs for first place.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=4de400ea|title=2006 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603152006/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=4de400ea|url-status=live}} Nashville won the division title and advanced to the postseason by means of a tiebreaker (winning the regular-season series versus Iowa, nine games to seven).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110512894/sounds-waste-chance-to-clinch-division/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Waste Chance to Clinch Division|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 1, 2006|page=3C|archive-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001140211/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110512894/sounds-waste-chance-to-clinch-division/|url-status=live}} In the conference championship series, Nashville lost to the Round Rock Express, three games to two, after being shutout in Game Five, 8–0.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31005899/sounds_season_ends_vs_express/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds' Season Ends vs. Express|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 11, 2006|page=1C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427171605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31005899/sounds_season_ends_vs_express/|url-status=live}}

File:Ryan Braun.jpg, who played third base in 2007, won the National League Rookie of the Year Award that same season with the Brewers.|alt=A man wearing a navy blue jersey with "Brewers" on the front in white, gray pants, navy blue cap with a white "M", and outfielder's glove on his left hand walking on a grassy field]]

The 2007 team included Brewers third base prospect Ryan Braun, who made his major league debut on May 25 and was named National League Rookie of the Year following the season, becoming the third former Sound to win this award. On June 25, Manny Parra pitched the club's second perfect game, the third nine-inning perfect game in PCL history, against Round Rock.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-265085 |title=Sounds' Parra Perfect in His Second PCL Start |first=Ryan |last=McConnell |website=Minor League Baseball |date=June 25, 2007 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145344/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-265085 |url-status=live }} Parra threw 107 pitches, striking out 11 batters. Led by PCL Manager of the Year Frank Kremblas,{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/PCLAwards.jsp|title=Pacific Coast League Special Award Winners|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=August 22, 2014|archive-date=September 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906112638/http://triple-abaseball.com/PCLAwards.jsp|url-status=live}} the team won the American Northern Division title for the third straight year and posted a league-best 89–55 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=9bb85c40|title=2007 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604012525/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=9bb85c40|url-status=live}} Ultimately, they were defeated by New Orleans, three games to one, in the conference series.{{cite news|last=Hopp|first=Jessica|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31006807/sounds_year_ends_at_hands_of_heavy/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds' Year Ends at Hands of Heavy Hitting Zephyrs|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 9, 2007|page=12C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427174631/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31006807/sounds_year_ends_at_hands_of_heavy/|url-status=live}} Nashville-native knuckleball pitcher and 13-game winner R. A. Dickey won the PCL Pitcher of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=9bb85c40|title=2007 Pacific Coast League Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513085946/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=9bb85c40|url-status=live}}

Massive flooding in the Midwest resulted in the Sounds and Iowa Cubs playing a game with an official attendance of zero on June 14, 2008.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31007091/only_sounds_of_silence_play_at_empty/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Only Sounds of Silence Play at Empty Park|first=Randy|last=Peterson|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 15, 2008|page=1C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427175501/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31007091/only_sounds_of_silence_play_at_empty/|url-status=live}} Though downtown Des Moines was under a mandatory evacuation, team officials received permission from the city to play the game as long as no fans were allowed into Principal Park.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31007138/sounds_city_lets_teams_play_ball_if_no/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds: City Lets Teams Play Ball If No Fans Show|first=Randy|last=Peterson|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=June 15, 2008|page=5C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430043955/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31007138/sounds_city_lets_teams_play_ball_if_no/|url-status=live}} To keep fans away, the lights and scoreboard were not turned on, the game was not broadcast in the local market, and a message on the team's website announced that the game was postponed. PCL commissioner Branch Rickey III believed that this was the first time such actions were taken out of necessity. Kremblas' Sounds placed fourth with a 59–81 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0c7928c7|title=2008 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603143315/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0c7928c7|url-status=live}}

The Sounds had planned to leave Greer Stadium in the mid-2000s for a new ballpark to be called First Tennessee Field,{{cite news |title=First Tennessee to Put Name on Proposed Sounds Stadium |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2003/11/17/daily42.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421201534/http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2003/11/17/daily42.html |newspaper=Nashville Business Journal |date=November 21, 2003 |archive-date=April 21, 2015}} but the project was abandoned after the city, developers, and team could not come to terms on a plan to finance its construction.{{cite news |title=Purcell Firm on City, Sounds Stadium Agreement |url=http://www.wsmv.com/news/9823273/detail.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021101152/http://www.wsmv.com/news/9823273/detail.html |work=WSMV |location=Nashville |date=September 11, 2006 |archive-date=October 21, 2008}}{{cite news |title=Deadline For Sounds Stadium Proposal Passes |url=http://www.wsmv.com/sports/12150828/detail.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524050305/http://www.wsmv.com/sports/12150828/detail.html |work=WSMV |location=Nashville |date=April 16, 2007 |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |url-status=dead}} On October 30, 2008, following this failure to secure a new ballpark, Al Gordon's Amerisports Companies agreed to sell the Sounds to MFP Baseball, a New York-based group of investors consisting of Masahiro Honzawa, Steve Posner, and Frank Ward for an estimated $20 million.{{cite web |last=Rau |first=Nate |url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/development/sounds-sale-announced/article_435c399a-5c70-5235-abb6-09f75714ee94.html |title=Sounds Sale Announced |website=Nashville Post |date=October 30, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308214451/https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/development/sounds-sale-announced/article_435c399a-5c70-5235-abb6-09f75714ee94.html |url-status=live }} Keeping the team in Nashville was one of the PCL's top criteria for approval of the sale. The transaction received final approval from Major League Baseball and the PCL on February 26, 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-515811 |title=Sounds Makeover Begins with New Owners, GM |last1=Wild |first1=Danny |website=Minor League Baseball |date=February 26, 2009 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145349/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-515811 |url-status=live }} MFP made significant renovations to Greer while it continued to explore options for building a new downtown ballpark.

Don Money managed the 2009 Sounds to achieve a 75–69 record, an improvement over the previous season, but still two games behind their cross-state rival Memphis.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=5f155166|title=2009 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603152021/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=5f155166|url-status=live}} They improved further in 2010 under Money but placed last at 77–67.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=b6ca3ab2|title=2010 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603131802/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=b6ca3ab2|url-status=live}} Caleb Gindl became the third Sound to hit for the cycle when he accomplished the feat on July 10, 2011.{{cite web |last=Pentis |first=Andrew |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-21729396 |title=Sounds' Gindl Hits for the Cycle |website=Minor League Baseball |date=July 11, 2011 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145347/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/gcs-21729396 |url-status=live }} With Money at the helm, his team placed third with a 71–73 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2b849127|title=2011 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603143325/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2b849127|url-status=live}} Led by Mike Guerrero, the 2012 Sounds placed second at 67–77, a distant 16 games out of first.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0dccdf2c|title=2012 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603131717/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0dccdf2c|url-status=live}} Nashville set a franchise-low win–loss record in 2013 with a 57–87 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=3219ab1a|title=2013 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526012703/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=3219ab1a|url-status=live}} Despite the team's performance, Johnny Hellweg won the PCL Pitcher of the Year Award with a league-best .706 (12–5) winning percentage,{{cite web |last=Emrich |first=Robert |url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-58761756 |title=Johnny Hellweg Named PCL Pitcher of the Year |website=Nashville Sounds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 28, 2013 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145348/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-58761756 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=3219ab1a|title=2013 Pacific Coast League Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 11, 2019|archive-date=February 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213021416/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=3219ab1a|url-status=live}} and Guerrero was selected for the Mike Coolbaugh Award in recognition for his contributions to the game of baseball.{{cite web|title=Major Award Winners: Mike Coolbaugh Award|website=Minor League Baseball|url=https://www.milb.com/about/awards#coolbaugh|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219004443/https://www.milb.com/about/awards#coolbaugh|url-status=live}}

Before the 2014 season, the Sounds, Metro Nashville, and the State of Tennessee finalized a plan to build a new ballpark to replace Greer Stadium at the beginning of the 2015 season.{{cite news|last=Organ|first=Mike|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31009199/first_sounds_owner_struck_out_with/|via=Newspapers.com|title=First Sounds Owner Stuck Out With Greer Stadium Financing|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=January 19, 2014|page=2C|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427185938/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31009199/first_sounds_owner_struck_out_with/|url-status=live}} On August 27, 2014, the Sounds hosted the final game at Greer, an 8–5 loss to the Sacramento River Cats. In his only plate appearance, Nashville catcher Lucas May struck out swinging with a full count and the bases loaded to end the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/river-cats-vs-sounds/2014/08/27/398220#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=398220|title=River Cats vs. Sounds Box Score 08/27/14|website=Minor League Baseball|date=August 27, 2014|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926111012/https://www.milb.com/gameday/river-cats-vs-sounds/2014/08/27/398220#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=398220|url-status=live}} The attendance was a standing-room-only crowd of 11,067, the first sellout since 2010, and the largest crowd since 2007.{{cite news|title=Greer Goodbye Gets Emotional|first=Mike|last=Organ|work=The Tennessean|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/08/27/nashville-sounds-greer-stadium-closing/14721693/|date=August 28, 2014|access-date=August 28, 2014|archive-date=August 28, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140828181100/http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/08/27/nashville-sounds-greer-stadium-closing/14721693/|url-status=live}} The team, led by veteran minor league manager Rick Sweet, finished the season with a 76–67 record, in second place, two-and-a-half games behind Memphis.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1b5c335f|title=2014 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524204735/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1b5c335f|url-status=live}} Jimmy Nelson, the Brewers' top prospect at the start of the season, was elected PCL Pitcher of the Year; he received all but one of the votes after posting a league-leading 1.46 ERA.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/news/nelson-elected-pcl-pitcher-of-the-year/c-91699622 |title=Nelson Elected PCL Pitcher of the Year |website=Pacific Coast League |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701193921/https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/news/nelson-elected-pcl-pitcher-of-the-year/c-91699622}} The Sounds severed ties with the Brewers, with whom they had had the longest affiliation in franchise history, after the 2014 season citing poor on-field performance from recent Brewers Triple-A teams.{{cite web |last=McCalvy |first=Adam |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/95157658/brewers-general-manager-doug-melvin-miffed-by-breakup-with-triple-a-affiliate/ |title=Melvin Irked over Breakup with Triple-A Affiliate |website=Major League Baseball |date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813011946/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/95157658/brewers-general-manager-doug-melvin-miffed-by-breakup-with-triple-a-affiliate/ |archive-date=August 13, 2017}} They had a 732–721 record in their ten years as a Brewers affiliate. Overall, the Sounds' 37-year record stood at 2,768–2,611–2.

Nashville affiliated with the Oakland Athletics in 2015 due in part to the organization's commitment to fielding competitive teams at the Triple-A level, an area in which co-owner Frank Ward felt Milwaukee lacked.{{cite news|last=Mike|first=Organ|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31022673/sounds_pick_as_for_commitment_to/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds Pick A's for 'Commitment to Winning'|date=September 24, 2014|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|page=C4|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428013641/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31022673/sounds_pick_as_for_commitment_to/|url-status=live}} The Sounds also introduced a new set of logos that incorporated elements that reflected Nashville's "Music City" nickname, such as guitars, picks, and sound holes, as well as neon signs such as those in the city's Broadway entertainment district.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-107018058|title=Sounds Unveil New Logos, Uniforms|date=January 21, 2015|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145345/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-107018058|url-status=live}} The team hired sports design firm Brandiose to create their new visual identity. At one point, the firm was asked to explore new team nicknames which included "Platinums", "Picks", "DrumSticks", and "Roosters".{{cite web|last=Holman|first=Abby|url=https://soundbytes.mlblogs.com/a-look-at-what-the-nashville-sounds-could-have-been-f0c664f4bbfa|title=A Look at What the Nashville Sounds Could Have Been|date=November 6, 2018|website=Sound Bytes|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=November 9, 2018|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414022619/https://soundbytes.mlblogs.com/a-look-at-what-the-nashville-sounds-could-have-been-f0c664f4bbfa?gi=5ed15a8be0fd|url-status=live}} Nashville chose to stick with the Sounds moniker, but initially elected to embrace a new color scheme that included Broadway Burnt Orange, Sunburst Tan, Neon Orange, and Cash Black.{{cite news|last=Ammenheuser|first=David|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31022981/new_sounds_logo_receives_mixed_reviews/|via=Newspapers.com|title=New Sounds' Logo Receives Mixed Reviews|date=October 10, 2014|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|page=2C|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428014602/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31022981/new_sounds_logo_receives_mixed_reviews/|url-status=live}} However, the team returned to the previous red and black palette, with the addition of platinum silver as an accent color, before the season began after receiving mixed feedback from team fans. The new primary logo was a red "N" set against a silver guitar pick, both with black borders.

File:First Tennessee Park, April 20, 2015 - 2.jpg, then known as First Tennessee Park, opened in 2015 at the site of the historic Sulphur Dell ballpark.]]

The start of the 2015 season marked the first time that the Sounds played at the new $91 million First Horizon Park, then known as First Tennessee Park,{{cite web |title=Audit of the First Tennessee Ballpark Construction Project|url=http://www.nashville.gov/Portals/0/SiteContent/InternalAudit/docs/FY2017/20170424GeneralServicesFirstTennesseeParkConstructionProject.pdf|publisher=Metropolitan Nashville Office of Internal Audit|date=April 24, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018032522/https://www.nashville.gov/Portals/0/SiteContent/InternalAudit/docs/FY2017/20170424GeneralServicesFirstTennesseeParkConstructionProject.pdf|access-date=March 8, 2022}} which is located at the site of the historic Sulphur Dell ballpark just north of the Tennessee State Capitol and east of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville.{{cite news|first=Garrison|last=Joey|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31023196/like_old_times_at_new_park/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Like Old Times at New Park|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=April 18, 2015|page=1A|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428015239/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31023196/like_old_times_at_new_park/|url-status=live}} The Sounds defeated the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, 3–2 in 10 innings, in the inaugural home opener on April 17 in front of 10,459 people.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-118987216|title=Sounds Walk-Off in Home Opener|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=April 18, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145357/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-118987216|url-status=live}} Max Muncy secured the win with a walk-off RBI double, scoring Billy Burns from first base, before being mobbed by his Sounds teammates on the field. Under manager Steve Scarsone, Nashville ended their first season as an A's affiliate in third place with a 66–78 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=b685db87|title=2015 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607162258/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=b685db87|url-status=live}}

In 2016, Scarsone led the Sounds to a league-best 83–59 record and the American Conference Southern Division title, sending the team to the postseason for the first time since 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=33b6dd69|title=2016 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511211258/http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=33b6dd69|url-status=live}} In a dramatic back-and-forth game five of the conference series at First Tennessee Park, the Sounds were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Dodgers, three games to two.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-200885372|title=Sounds Drop Heart-Breaker to End Season|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=September 11, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145342/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/gcs-200885372|url-status=live}} Scarsone was honored with the PCL Manager of the Year Award.

Pitchers Chris Smith, Sean Doolittle, Tucker Healy, and Simón Castro combined to pitch the Sounds' seventh no-hitter on June 7, 2017, against the Omaha Storm Chasers, a 4–0 road win.{{cite web |last=Heneghan |first=Kelsie |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/oakland-athletics-chris-smith-leads-way-in-nashville-sounds-no-hitter-235060734 |title=Smith Leads Way for Sounds in No-Hitter |website=Minor League Baseball |date=June 8, 2017 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145350/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/oakland-athletics-chris-smith-leads-way-in-nashville-sounds-no-hitter-235060734 |url-status=live }} At the 2017 Triple-A All-Star Game, left fielder and eventual All-Star MVP Award winner Renato Núñez hit a three-run home run to propel the PCL past the IL for a 4–3 victory.{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGSummaries6.jsp|title=Triple-A All-Star Game Results (2013–present)|publisher=Triple-A Baseball|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423141214/https://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGSummaries6.jsp|archive-date=April 23, 2021|access-date=June 4, 2021}} Joey Wendle hit a franchise career-record 102 doubles from 2015 to 2017. Nashville finished the 2017 season in second place with a 68–71 record under manager Ryan Christenson.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=a81c8ceb|title=2017 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 4, 2017|archive-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901171620/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=a81c8ceb|url-status=live}} The 2018 team, led by Fran Riordan, tied the 1999 franchise-high 15-game winning streak from July 29 to August 14; this was later tied again in 2021. The Sounds posted another second-place finish in 2018 with a 72–68 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2e132070|title=2018 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 3, 2018|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829035018/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2e132070|url-status=live}}

Nashville declined to renew their contract with Oakland for 2019, choosing instead to seek a new major league affiliate.{{cite web|last=Slusser|first=Susan|url=https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/Sources-A-s-told-they-won-t-be-back-at-13232600.php|title=Sources: A's Told They Won't Be Back at Triple-A Nashville|work=SFGate|date=September 16, 2018|access-date=September 16, 2018|archive-date=September 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916001359/https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/Sources-A-s-told-they-won-t-be-back-at-13232600.php|url-status=live}} Through four seasons of competition as the top farm club of the Athletics, the Sounds had a 291–279 record. Through 41 total seasons of play, their all-time record stood at 3,059–2,890–2.

File:Tim Dillard Nashville 2019 crop.jpg set the career record for wins (48), games pitched (242), innings pitched (710), and strikeouts (437) from 2007 to 2014 and in 2019.|alt=A man in a navy blue baseball jersey, gray pants, and a navy cap with hands held together in his black glove]]

Nashville became the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://ballparkdigest.com/2018/09/20/sounds-rangers-announce-affiliation-through-2022/|title=Sounds, Rangers Announce Affiliation Through 2022|work=Ballpark Digest|date=September 20, 2018|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=September 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920232930/https://ballparkdigest.com/2018/09/20/sounds-rangers-announce-affiliation-through-2022/|url-status=live}} The Sounds sought out the Rangers after identifying them as one of the most popular MLB teams among local baseball fans—behind the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals—and for their geographical proximity.{{cite news|last=Organ|first=Mike|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31023868/sounds_ctd/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Sounds, Rangers Will Play Exhibition in 2019 or 2020|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 21, 2018|page=2C|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430065528/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31023868/sounds_ctd/|url-status=live}} Also in 2019, just four years after their previous rebranding, the team debuted new colors and logos which pull together elements from their original visual identity and the musical imagery present throughout their franchise history.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-reveal-new-logos-marks-and-uniforms-300789120|title=Sounds Reveal New Logos, Marks and Uniforms|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=November 15, 2018|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145352/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-reveal-new-logos-marks-and-uniforms-300789120|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/ballpark/opentable4|title=Team Uniform Sets|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116150200/https://www.milb.com/nashville/ballpark/opentable4|url-status=live}} The new colors, navy blue, red, and white, are modernized versions of their first colors.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/ballpark/opentable3|title=Team Color|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116085744/https://www.milb.com/nashville/ballpark/opentable3|url-status=live}} The primary logo is a pair of concentric red rings with the team name in navy between the two divided horizontally at its center by twin red and blue stripes; a navy "N" resembling the F-hole of a guitar or violin is in the inner ring, which is styled like a baseball. The Sounds also began participation in Copa de la Diversión ("Fun Cup"), an initiative by Minor League Baseball to connect teams with their local Hispanic communities.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/minor-league-baseballs-copa-de-la-diversi243n-hispanic-fan-engagement-initiative-expands-to-72-teams-for-2019/c-295478712|title=Minor League Baseball's 'Copa De La Diversión' Hispanic Fan Engagement Initiative Expands to 72 Teams for 2019|website=Minor League Baseball|date=September 24, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420130503/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/minor-league-baseballs-copa-de-la-diversi243n-hispanic-fan-engagement-initiative-expands-to-72-teams-for-2019/c-295478712|access-date=March 8, 2022}} For Copa games, the Sounds play as the Vihuelas de Nashville. The vihuela, a high-pitched Mexican guitar popular with mariachi groups, reflected the city's musical ties.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/fans/copa|title=Copa Nashville|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 18, 2019|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423105306/https://www.milb.com/nashville/fans/copa|url-status=live}}

The Sounds hosted the Rangers at First Tennessee Park for an exhibition game on March 24, 2019. Managed by former Sound Chris Woodward, the Texas squad included players Delino DeShields Jr., Nomar Mazara, Hunter Pence, Ronald Guzmán, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and José Leclerc. Nashville's Preston Beck scored the decisive run in the bottom of the sixth inning with a two-run homer to give the Sounds a 4–3 victory with 11,824 people in attendance.{{cite news|title=Sounds Edge Rangers in Front of Record-Breaking Crowd at First Tennessee Park|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-edge-rangers-in-first-tennessee-park-exhibition-game-305659978|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=March 24, 2019|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145346/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-edge-rangers-in-first-tennessee-park-exhibition-game-305659978|url-status=live}} Nashville ended the season in third place with a 66–72 record under manager and former Sound Jason Wood.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d9339ccc|title=2019 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 2, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427212733/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d9339ccc|url-status=live}} Veteran sidearm pitcher Tim Dillard, previously with the Sounds from 2007 to 2014, returned to the club in 2019. In his second stretch, he set the franchise career records for games pitched (242) and strikeouts (437) while adding to his existing marks for wins (48) and innings pitched (710).{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dillar001tim|title=Tim Dillard Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703232314/http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dillar001tim|url-status=live}}

The start of the 2020 season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic before being cancelled on June 30.{{cite news|title=A Message From Pat O'Conner|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/message-from-minor-league-baseball-president-ceo-pat-o-conner-313052288|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102184027/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/message-from-minor-league-baseball-president-ceo-pat-o-conner-313052288|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved|url=https://www.milb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-shelved|website=Minor League Baseball|date=June 30, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112074110/https://www.milb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-shelved|url-status=live}} In light of the cancellation, the Sounds planned to host a series of games between two teams of professional free agents that would have coincided with the condensed 2020 MLB season and served as an emergency player pool for major league clubs.{{cite news|last=Norris|first=Josh|title=Nashville Sounds To Host Games for MLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/nashville-sounds-to-host-games-for-mlb-free-agents/|website=Baseball America|date=June 24, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702223628/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/nashville-sounds-to-host-games-for-mlb-free-agents/|url-status=live}} This, too, was cancelled following a spike in local COVID-19 cases and the city reverting to an earlier phase of its reopening plan.{{cite web|last=Gallagher|first=Mike|title=Nashville Sounds Scrap Plans for Alternative Season|url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/nashville-sounds/article/21141692/nashville-sounds-scrap-plans-for-alternative-season|website=Nashville Post|date=July 29, 2020|access-date=July 29, 2020|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731033121/https://www.nashvillepost.com/nashville-sounds/article/21141692/nashville-sounds-scrap-plans-for-alternative-season|url-status=live}}

Following the 2020 season, Major League Baseball assumed control of Minor League Baseball in a move to increase player salaries, modernize facility standards, and reduce travel. Affiliations were rearranged to situate Triple-A teams closer to their major league parent clubs.{{cite web|last=Mayo|first=Jonathan|title=MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/new-minor-league-baseball-structure|website=Major League Baseball|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2021|archive-date=March 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306212148/https://www.mlb.com/news/new-minor-league-baseball-structure|url-status=live}} The Texas Rangers chose to move their Triple-A affiliation back to Round Rock, Texas, where it had been prior to partnering with Nashville.{{cite web|last=Reichard|first=Kevin|title=Rangers Return to Round Rock for 2021|url=https://ballparkdigest.com/2020/12/09/rangers-return-to-round-rock-for-2021/|website=Ballpark Digest|date=November 9, 2020|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210024852/https://ballparkdigest.com/2020/12/09/rangers-return-to-round-rock-for-2021/|url-status=live}} As a Rangers farm club, the Sounds had a 66–72 record, their lowest record among all affiliations. Nashville held a 1,582–1,580 record over 23 years in the Pacific Coast League, while their all-time record stood at {{nowrap|3,125–2,962–2}} after 42 seasons played over the course of 43 years.

The Sounds became the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers for a second time in 2021 upon signing a 10-year Professional Development License that runs through 2030.{{cite web|title=Nashville Sounds Announce Affiliation with the Milwaukee Brewers|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/nashville-sounds-announce-affiliation-with-the-milwaukee-brewers|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2021|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212161352/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/nashville-sounds-announce-affiliation-with-the-milwaukee-brewers|url-status=live}} The Brewers desired reuniting with Nashville because of the quality of the player facilities at First Horizon Park and convenient travel options to and from the city.{{cite web|last=McCalvy|first=Adam|title=Brewers Invite Nashville to Minor League Fold|url=https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/brewers-extend-invite-to-triple-a-nashville|website=Milwaukee Brewers|publisher=Major League Baseball|date=November 9, 2020|access-date=November 9, 2020|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209172345/https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/brewers-extend-invite-to-triple-a-nashville|url-status=live}} Along with Major League Baseball's restructuring of the minors, the Pacific Coast League disbanded, and the Sounds were placed in the Triple-A East.

File:First Horizon Park, April 5, 2022 - 2.jpg on April 5, 2022, at First Horizon Park]]

Opening Day for the 2021 season was postponed for nearly a month to temporarily eliminate commercial air travel and give players the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before the season started.{{cite web|last=Harrigan|first=Thomas|title=Triple-A Start Delayed; Alternate Sites to Return|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/start-of-2021-triple-a-season-delayed|website=Major League Baseball|date=March 2, 2021|access-date=April 4, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505053523/https://www.mlb.com/news/start-of-2021-triple-a-season-delayed|url-status=live}} Nashville eventually began competition in the new league on May 4 with an 8–6 loss to the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/sounds-vs-mud-hens/2021/05/04/646191#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=646191|title=Sounds vs. Mud Hens Wrapup 05/04/21|website=Minor League Baseball|date=May 4, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505022311/https://www.milb.com/gameday/sounds-vs-mud-hens/2021/05/04/646191#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=646191|url-status=live}} Following another loss and a rainout, they won both games of a seven-inning doubleheader on May 7 against Toledo, 5–0 and 5–4, for their first league wins.{{cite web|title=Sounds Sweep Doubleheader in Toledo|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-sweep-doubleheader-in-toledo|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=May 8, 2021|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508043421/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-sweep-doubleheader-in-toledo|url-status=live}} The Sounds won 15 consecutive games from May 18 to June 3, matching the franchise record set in 1999 and tied in 2018. Under Rick Sweet, who previously managed the team in the last season of their former affiliation with Milwaukee, Nashville ended the season in fourth place in the Southeastern Division with a 63–56 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2021?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=division|title=2021 Triple-A East Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 3, 2021|archive-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003183739/https://www.milb.com/standings/2021?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=division|url-status=live}} No playoffs were held to determine a league champion; instead, the team with the best regular-season record was declared the winner.{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/triple-a-classification-to-add-10-games-to-2021-schedule |title=MiLB Announces 'Triple-A Final Stretch' for 2021 |website=Minor League Baseball |date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 16, 2021 |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716205138/https://www.milb.com/milb/news/triple-a-classification-to-add-10-games-to-2021-schedule |url-status=live }} Nashville placed ninth in the league standings. However, 10 games that had been postponed from the start of the season were reinserted into the schedule as a postseason tournament called the Triple-A Final Stretch in which all 30 Triple-A clubs competed for the highest winning percentage. Nashville finished the tournament tied for fourth place with a 7–2 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2021?standingsType=secondHalf&standingsView=sport|title=2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 3, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001132019/https://www.milb.com/standings/2021?standingsType=secondHalf&standingsView=sport|url-status=live}} Overall, they went 70–58.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d615ccef|title=2021 Triple-A East|website=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=March 15, 2025|archive-date=December 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216063207/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d615ccef|url-status=live}}

In 2022, the Triple-A East became known as the International League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-historical-league-names-to-return-in-2022|title=Historical League Names to Return in 2022|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325180745/https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-historical-league-names-to-return-in-2022|url-status=live}} Nashville began play in the renamed league with a 5–4 win against the Durham Bulls at First Horizon Park on April 5.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/bulls-vs-sounds/2022/04/05/665487#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=665487|title=Bulls 4, Sounds 5 (Final Score)|website=Minor League Baseball|date=April 5, 2022|access-date=April 6, 2022|archive-date=April 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406131347/https://www.milb.com/gameday/bulls-vs-sounds/2022/04/05/665487#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=665487|url-status=live}} The ballpark's single-game attendance record was set later that season when 12,409 people watched a game between Nashville and Memphis on July 16, a 10–0 loss.{{cite news |title=Sounds Break First Horizon Park Attendance Record |url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-break-first-horizon-park-attendance-record |website=Nashville Sounds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=July 16, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717124602/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/sounds-break-first-horizon-park-attendance-record |url-status=live}} Sweet led the 2022 Sounds to win the Western Division title with a league-best 91–58 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e42854f1|title=2022 International League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 28, 2022}} In a single playoff game to determine the International League championship, Nashville was shutout, 13–0, by Durham, winners of the Eastern Division.{{cite web|last=Heneghan|first=Kelsie|url=https://www.milb.com/news/durham-bulls-win-2022-international-league-championship|title=Bulls Parade Way to Eighth Triple-A Title|website=Minor League Baseball|date=October 2, 2022|access-date=October 2, 2022|archive-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002123017/https://www.milb.com/news/durham-bulls-win-2022-international-league-championship|url-status=live}} Sweet was chosen for the International League Manager of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/rick-sweet-named-international-league-manager-of-the-year|title=Rick Sweet Named International League Manager of the Year|website=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=November 7, 2022|access-date=November 7, 2022|archive-date=November 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107201710/https://www.milb.com/nashville/news/rick-sweet-named-international-league-manager-of-the-year|url-status=live}} He also received the Mike Coolbaugh Award in honor of his work ethic, baseball knowledge, and player mentoring.{{cite news|url=https://www.milb.com/news/sweet-wins-mike-coolbaugh-award-laroque-wins-chief-bender-award|title=Sweet, LaRocque Win Coolbaugh, Bender Awards|website=Minor League Baseball|date=December 6, 2022|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207015808/https://www.milb.com/news/sweet-wins-mike-coolbaugh-award-laroque-wins-chief-bender-award|archive-date=December 7, 2022|url-status=live}} The franchise was recognized with the Minor League Baseball Organization of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-announces-2022-award-winners|title=MiLB Announces 2022 Award Winners|website=Minor League Baseball|date=December 5, 2022|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206142607/https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-announces-2022-award-winners|url-status=live}}

The International League began using a split-season format in 2023 in which the teams with the best league-wide records at the end of each half have qualified for the playoffs.{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/news/triple-a-national-championship-game-2023 |title=2023 Triple-A National Championship Game Set for Sept. 30 in Las Vegas |website=Minor League Baseball |date=March 28, 2023 |accessdate=March 28, 2023}} Nashville missed the first-half title by eight games, placing fifth at 40–34.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 16, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916135403/https://www.milb.com/standings/?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|url-status=live}} Though posting the best second-half record in their division, the Sounds placed third in the league at 43–31, four-and-a-half games back.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2023?standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 25, 2023|archive-date=September 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925125627/https://www.milb.com/standings/2023?standingsView=league|url-status=live}} Overall, the team went 83–65.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e94f4b04|title=2023 International League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 25, 2023|archive-date=September 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925124946/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e94f4b04|url-status=live}} Robert Gasser won the International League Pitcher of the Year Award after pacing the league with 166 strikeouts and posting its second-lowest ERA (2.85).{{cite web|last=Terranova|first=Rob|url=https://www.milb.com/news/milb-reveals-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-for-2023|title=The 2023 Triple-A All-Stars and Award Winners|website=Minor League Baseball|date=October 4, 2023|access-date=October 4, 2023|archive-date=October 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004195952/https://www.milb.com/news/milb-reveals-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-for-2023|url-status=live}} In 2024, Nashville tied for seventh place in the first-half with a 38–37 mark, 12 games out of first.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2024?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=August 20, 2024|archive-date=August 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820192018/https://www.milb.com/standings/2024?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|url-status=live}} They improved in the second-half but finished in third at 40–31, six-and-a-half games back.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/international/2024?standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923131803/https://www.milb.com/standings/international/2024?standingsView=league|url-status=live}} Their full season record was 78–68.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1bc2d5aa|title=2024 International League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923131145/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1bc2d5aa|url-status=live}} Over five seasons as manager (2014, 2021–2024), Sweet has won 392 games, placing him first on the all-time wins list for Sounds managers.{{sfn|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021|p=14}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=sweet-001ric|title=Rick Sweet Minor Leagues Statistics & History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 7, 2024|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921132802/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=sweet-001ric|url-status=live}} Chad Patrick, winner of the IL Pitcher of the Year Award, led the circuit with 14 wins, a 2.90 ERA, and 145 strikeouts.{{cite web|last=Avallone|first=Michael|url=https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/minor-league-baseball-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-2024|title=Here are the 2024 Triple-A All-Stars and Award Winners|website=Major League Baseball|date=October 2, 2024|access-date=October 2, 2024|archive-date=October 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002183839/https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/minor-league-baseball-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-2024|url-status=live}}

Over four seasons of the current Brewers affiliation, Nashville has a 322–250 record. Through 46 completed seasons of play, the Sounds have an all-time record of 3,447–3,212–2 encompassing all regular and postseason games over 47 years in Nashville.

• History of professional baseball in Nashville, Tennessee

Specific

{{Reflist|colwidth=33em}}

General

• {{cite book |last=Nipper |first=Skip |date=2007 |title=Baseball in Nashville |location=Charleston |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0-7385-4391-8}}
• {{cite book |last=O'Neal |first=Bill |date=1994 |title=The Southern League: Baseball in Dixie, 1885–1994 |publisher=Eakin Press |isbn=978-0-89015-952-1}}
• {{cite book |last1=Seely |first1=Chad |last2=Brooks |first2=Peter |last3=Scopel |first3=Doug|url=https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/esswrd4odl5lwlmm7968.pdf |title=2021 Nashville Sounds Media Guide |via=Minor League Baseball |date=2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505203153/https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/esswrd4odl5lwlmm7968.pdf |archive-date=May 5, 2021|ref={{harvid|Nashville Sounds Media Guide|2021}} }}
• {{cite book |last=Traughber |first=Bill |date=2017 |title=Nashville Baseball History: From Sulphur Dell to the Sounds |location=South Orange |publisher=Summer Games Books|isbn=978-1-938545-83-2}}
• {{cite book |last=Woody |first=Larry |date=1996 |title=Schmittou: A Grand Slam in Baseball, Business, and Life |location=Nashville |publisher=Eggmann Publishing Company |isbn=978-1-886371-33-0}}

{{Commons category|Nashville Sounds}}

• {{Official website|https://www.milb.com/nashville}}
• [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Nashville&state=TN&country=US Statistics] from Baseball-Reference.com

{{Nashville Sounds}}

Category:Nashville Sounds

Nashville Sounds