Showtime Sports Academy recently hosted its 4th annual Pro-Players Night. The night was filled with entertainment. At  3p.m.,104.5 The Zone broadcasted live from one of the turf fields. All-pro Titan Blaine Bishop led his regular radio broadcast. By the time the broadcast ended, many of the players and lots of fans had arrived. The players included Ben Zobrist(Tampa Bay Rays), Joe Blanton(Philadelphia Phillies), Russell Branyan(Los Angeles Angels), Andy Simunic(Houston Astros), Matt Williams(St. Louis Cardinals), Corban Joseph(New York Yankees), Chris Jakubauskas(Baltimore Orioles), Tim Dillard(Milwaukee Brewers), Tim Smalling(Colorado Rockies), Joe Boever(St. Louis Cardinals), Caleb Joseph(Baltimore Orioles), Shay Crawford(Tampa Bay Rays), and Brandon Hynick(Cincinnati Reds). There were also multiple scouts and agents including Earl Wynn, Kevin Jarvis, and Ty York. There were also some former players including Jerry Bell(Milwaukee Brewers), John  Riedling(Cincinnati Reds), Tony Naile(St. Louis Cardinals), Erich Butler(Texas Rangers), Steve Hughes(Cincinnati Reds), Reggie Whittemore(Boston Red Sox), Tom Bolton(Boston Red Sox), and Franklin High School baseball coach Frank Glover. Door prizes were given away and some lucky kids got to ask questions. After all the prizes were given and questions were answered, the autographs started. There were  7 tables set up with  2 players at each ready to sign. The line of people wanting autographs wrapped almost all the way around the field. A big thanks to Sonic and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza for providing food. Everyone had a lot of fun and enjoyed meeting some of their favorite players. We hope all the players have a great season this year!

Tont Naile talking with Blaine Bishop Fans listening and watching

Ben Zobrist answering questions John Riedling sent in a replacement!

Tim Smalling and Andy Simunic signing autographs.   Joe Blanton signing autographs.

Some of the players signing.            

Middle Tennessee theatre company Studio Tenn kicks off its inaugural season at the legendary Franklin Theatre on August 18-28 with a production of the classic Broadway musical "Guys and Dolls." Featuring a score by Frank Loesser, "Guys and Dolls" tells the tale of two big-city gamblers and the women who love them. Leading the talented ensemble cast are Jared Bradshaw and John Hickman, of Broadway's "Jersey Boys." Individual tickets are on sale now at www.franklintheatre.com. Also online, Studio Tenn season tickets are available at 20% off the regular price through August 12.

Set for a 10-day run, "Guys and Dolls" is the first-ever professional live theatre production at the Franklin Theatre. Built in 1937, the historic facility reopened in June following a four-year restoration. As part of the restoration, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County — who owns the theater — added a $1.5-million sound and lighting system to support live entertainment in addition to traditional movie screenings.

"The Franklin Theatre is one of the last surviving movie houses in the South," said Heritage Foundation Executive Director Mary Pearce. "Now, we're proud to offer movies, music and more — including world-class live theatre with Studio Tenn."

Studio Tenn was founded in 2009 by nationally known director and artist Matt Logan, Emmy Award-winning producer Philip Hall, and Broadway and film actress Marguerite Lowell Hall. The company's mission is simple: "Use a rich combination of talent from Nashville and Broadway to bring classic works of drama and musical theatre to life in Middle Tennessee, and provide innovative educational programs designed to entertain, educate and inspire rising artists."

Jake Speck, Studio Tenn's managing director, said the company's goal is to bring Broadway-caliber theatre to Middle Tennessee." The history and vision of the Franklin Theatre brings an exciting new dimension to our work," Speck said. "We are delighted to partner with an organization that shares our passion for high-quality and exceptional entertainment."

In addition to "Guys and Dolls," Studio Tenn will present "A Christmas Carol" on December 8-18 in conjunction with downtown Franklin's "Dickens of a Christmas Festival." Studio Tenn's inaugural season at the Franklin Theatre concludes on February 23-March 4 with "The Miracle Worker."

Visitors heading to the Franklin Theatre for "Guys and Dolls" can find area information, including lodging, online at www.visitfranklin.com .