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To Coach Robert Hall, golf is more than just a sport - it’s a tool he uses to build strong foundations for life in Nashville’s youth through the First Tee program.
Hall, a Nashville native, grew up just down the road from the Ted Rhodes Golf Course where he has worked and volunteered for over two decades. Growing up in a big family, money was tight, he said, so on Sundays after church, he would head down to the course to caddie and make some extra money.
Hall credits his time spent on the course with keeping him out of trouble as a young man. Now, he uses his time to provide the same opportunities for other young people as a coach for First Tee, a nonprofit organization in North Nashville.
“I wanted to find a way to keep them out of trouble, that's the whole key to me becoming a coach,” he said.
The course on which Hall spends many days is named in honor of Theodore “Ted” Rhodes, a renowned Black golf professional from Nashville, who paved the way for other Black golfers, just as Hall is paving the way for others. Sometimes, he said, kids just need an extra hand and someone to guide them in the right direction.
As kids progress through the program, starting at age 7 until they graduate at 18, they learn to become skilled players, but the focus for Coach Hall is to teach them life skills. Using what he calls the “wheelbarrow experience,” which is the idea that you can’t ride in a wheelbarrow by yourself, he tells his students that if they trust him to guide them, he’ll take them wherever they want to go.
“We’re giving them tools, core values, responsibility, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, courage…” he said. “Even though we're teaching you golf, we’re trying to teach you how to live.”
After many years of working with youth, Hall has remained a steadfast role model in the community for many young people and is not afraid to go out of his way for what matters.
“I never know who I've got my hands on,” he said. “They say that if you have 99 sheep and one strays away, you go get that one. I've got the opportunity to help a young man get in the right direction to go where he needs to go.”
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The effort to bring Major League Baseball to Nashville is more than just bringing a baseball team to a growing city. It is about partnering with the community as a whole to build an organization together that embodies its residents and the surrounding region.
The Stars family is happy to announce the addition of our newest team member, Mia Vickers, who will lead community engagement efforts and operations as we move forward in our mission.
Vickers spent over 10 years with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), where she founded the statewide Teen Driver’s Safety program and worked with leaders to implement statewide initiatives. She also spent three years with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy focusing on ethics, diversity, and branding.
“When you’re used to doing work that directly impacts people’s lives, it’s an easy decision to join an organization like this," she said. “Human connection is integral for me, and this job afforded me that opportunity.”
After hearing about an opening at the Stars through board member Danielle Whitworth Barnes, Vickers said it was exactly what she’s been looking for.
“To personally connect with the Nashville community and have the ability to touch lives in a positive way, that’s a dream job for me," said Vickers. "Who wouldn’t want a job like that?"
Moving forward, Vickers will represent our team at local board meetings and help facilitate community initiatives. She will play a vital role in further strengthening the Stars’ community engagement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.
“To be a part of making this historic move for Nashville and have it tied to the former Nashville Stars Negro Leagues team of the '40’s and '50’s is huge for me,” Vickers said. "Having the first Major League Baseball team that’s owned by people of color, it’s something that’s long overdue. To be a part of that is amazing.”
Vickers received her bachelor's degree from the University of Memphis and a master's degree from Tennessee State University. She is a former President of the Nashville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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NASHVILLE STARS GOLF TOURNAMENT
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We hosted our Nashville Stars Golf Tournament on October 7 benefiting the Nashville Stars Youth Foundation and TSU's Athletic Fund. We had a great turnout at Ted Rhodes Golf Course, with more than 120 golfers playing. Music City Baseball and the Nashville Stars thank our Presenting Sponsor, Goldman Sachs; our Platinum Sponsor, FinTop Capital; our Gold Sponsors, Nancy and Walter Shultz; and everyone who supported this event.
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On October 6, the Music City Center was filled to capacity with Nashville political, business, and social leaders to celebrate the annual Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee Impact Awards. Music City Baseball’s Executive Board Chair Alberto Gonzales was the featured speaker at the event that was hosted by NewsChannel 5’s Rhori Johnston. The event features clients and employees who have broken barriers and excelled against staggering odds - thus supporting Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through education, training and employment.
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MITCHELL TENPENNY CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
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Our team proudly supported Music Advisor Mitchell Tenpenny during his cornhole fundraising tournament on October 11. The event raised over $50K for the 10Penny Fund to help fight cancer.
(Pictured L-R: Lauren Whatley, John Loar, Mitchell Tenpenny, Connor Loar, and Matt Barrett).
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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY GARDEN
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The Brooklyn Heights Community Garden hosted a “Healing the Block Party & Fundraiser” on October 28. The event included an evening of drinks, food, music, and dance to celebrate its founder, Ms. Pearl.
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MEHARRY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
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Meharry Medical College held its Circle of Friends 25th Anniversary Gala on October 27 at the school’s Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education. Our team was invited by Dr. Rahwa Mehari, who serves as the Interim Executive Director of Alumni Affairs for the college. The event recognized alumni, community friends, and corporate partners who have graciously donated to Meharry Medical College.
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