The Ballpark at Jackson to Host High School Baseball Tournaments

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JACKSON, TN – Baseball is set to make its return to The Ballpark at Jackson, as the Jackson Generals announced Monday a partnership with Net Elite Baseball and Pastime Tournaments, which will bring high school tournaments to town over the summer. Tournament dates range from June 11th through August 2nd, and team registration is now available.

“The Generals are pleased to enter into a partnership with Net Elite Baseball and Pastime Tournaments and host baseball tournaments at The Ballpark at Jackson,” said Jackson Generals GM Marcus Sabata. “With the Minor League Baseball season in doubt, we were not going to let this beautiful ballpark sit idle this summer. If things change and we do play Minor League Baseball, then we will adjust, but until then, we look forward to hosting some of the best high school teams the region has to offer.”

In lieu of the temporarily suspended minor league season, the Generals recently repurposed to The Ballpark for outside community events, including Madison Academic and Liberty Tech High School graduations on May 21st. The Ballpark is scheduled to host a Father’s Day movie event on June 20th, plus the much-anticipated Snoop Dogg Concert on July 20th. The ball club hopes that the influx of hundreds of high school games between the Ballpark and the neighboring Sportsplex will provide the area with an entertainment resurgence.

“We believe that the ballpark is a great community asset and we will continue to be creative in providing entertainment events that appeal to Jackson and West Tennessee,” said Sabata.

Tournament dates and corresponding registration links are below:

– June 11th-14th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-1/

– June 18th-21st (Pastime HS Tournament): https://pastimetournaments.com/team-event/?eid=2260

– June 25th-28th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-2/

– July 2nd-5th (Pastime HS Tournament): https://pastimetournaments.com/team-event/?eid=2261

– July 9th-12th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-3/

– July 16th-19th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-4/

– July 23rd- 26th (Pastime HS Tournament): https://pastimetournaments.com/team-event/?eid=2262

– July 31st-Aug. 2nd (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-5/

For more information on Net Elite and Pastime Tournaments visit https://netelitesports.com/ & https://pastimetournaments.com/.

ABOUT THE GENERALS

The Jackson Generals, a West Tennessee franchise since 1998, are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Generals play at The Ballpark at Jackson, Tennessee’s 2017 & 2018 Pro Sports Field of the Year. For more information, call 731-988-5299 or visit JacksonGeneralsBaseball.com.

Generals Open Gates For Local Graduation Ceremonies 

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As the public health risk escalated through March and April, thousands of Tennessee seniors nearing the finish line of their high school journey were left in limbo. After four laborious years, the chances of a traditional graduation were slim, and school officials were left seeking alternatives.

“We started tossing ideas around to see what other places were doing, like virtual, and things of that nature,” said JMCSS Superintendent Ray Washington. “Then my wife and I were talking, and she said, ‘what about Generals park? You should have plenty of room to space out,’ and I said, ‘Ya, I’ll float that passed the mayor.’”

“The Mayor and the Health Department said ‘yes,’ and we started formulating the plans about two weeks ago.”

The plans consisted of limiting tickets to six per student, placing spectators in alternating rows, and limiting the 6,500-seat stadium to roughly 20% capacity. Many wore masks, student chairs would be spaced out six-feet apart across the Ballpark’s infield, and staff members would maintain distance while handing out diplomas. Madison Academic Magnet High School Principal Chad Guthrie was mapping the ceremony with fellow staffers 24 hours before Pomp and Circumstance echoed through the stadium speakers.

“I’m usually shaking their hands and we are pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder for the photo,” said Guthrie. “When we have it in our auditorium at Madison they are probably about a foot or two apart, and here they are going to be six feet apart, all the way around. So that is different. It doesn’t have the feeling of closeness, but they all know that we care about them and that we are going to give them something for graduation this year.”

Walking down the third base line to home plate and receiving honors offers quite a unique landscape to that of a school auditorium, but it’s a scene that many students won’t soon forget.

“This will be an event that these kids will have that other generations of Madison academic students won’t have,” said Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris. “The School system has done and excellent job in trying to get everything arranged, and we appreciate the Generals allowing us to use this stadium out here. It’s going to be a great event.”

Liberty Tech Magnet High School Principal Brad Barnett stood near the railing of the home dugout prior to his school’s ceremony. A former college baseball player himself, Barnett chuckled and shook his head when asked if he pictured graduating students on a professional baseball diamond.

“I didn’t even know if we would be able to have any kind of a ceremony,” Barnett acknowledged. “I didn’t dream about this, but I’m really happy to have it and we’re really thankful to be here tonight. [The students] wanted to have something as close to what a traditional graduation ceremony is, that every other kid has had for the last 50 or 75 years. This is a real once-in-a-century kind of deal.”

The Ballpark of Jackson hosted Madison and Liberty graduations on Thursday night, and was also scheduled to host Jackson Central-Merry Early College High and North Side High School on Friday. Due to impending rain, those graduation events were moved indoors to Oman Arena.

Generals and RIFA Pack Meals For Jackson Community

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The Jackson Generals spent the week teaming up with the Regional Inter-Faith Association, helping pack snack backpacks and provide meals to the Jackson community. RIFA is a local faith-based organization that has been helping curb hunger throughout the city since its founding in 1976.

Volunteer Coordinator Dan Ward says that RIFA’s combined ministries were able to provide 518,000 meals to those in need in 2019. The organization hopes to reach equal numbers this year, but like many, is also feeling the strain of the coronavirus pandemic.

“All of our ministries are dependent upon volunteers,” explained Ward. “Last year there were 25,216 volunteer hours. Since Covid-19, I have been limited to eight or ten in a group. So with more demand than ever for our services and with fewer volunteer hands to do it, our staff is very overworked.”

According to the RIFA official website, one out of every five people living in Jackson are unsure where their next meal will come from, and 18.9% of people in Madison County live below the poverty line. Those are pre-pandemic numbers, and as Ward references, meal demand continues to grow.

“The Generals staff have made it a top priority to repurpose our time by getting out into the Jackson community and surrounding cities as much as possible,” said Generals Entertainment Director Vincent Zielen. “We want to help wherever and however we can for the fans who have supported the Generals throughout the years.

“Groups such as [the Generals] are the lifeblood of RIFA,” Ward said.

The Generals front office will continue to band with RIFA during the summer months and encourages other local charities to request the team’s help whenever needed. If you need an extra set of hands, please reach out to Vincent Zielen by email at [email protected] or call the Generals office at (731) 988-5299.

Outside organizations also looking to join RIFA’s cause are encouraged to contact Ward at [email protected] or by phone at (731) 427-7963.

The Generals Are Hiring For The 2020 Season!

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JACKSON, TN – The Jackson Generals are in search of seasonal employs for the 2020 season and are hosting a pair of job fairs on Saturday, February 22nd and Saturday, March 7th at The Ballpark at Jackson from 10 am -3 pm. We are looking for hardworking individuals that love spending time at a ball game while providing exceptional customer service and family entertainment.

Positions in all departments of the Generals operation are available, including box office staff, concessions, promotions and more. Candidates should be open to working the majority of the Generals 70 regular season home games, in addition to concert events held at The Ballpark, running from mid-April to early September. A full list of Generals 2020 home games is available HERE.

Those interested in working for the Generals are encouraged to fill out the Game Day Employment Application prior to attending one of the job fairs, however applications will also be available at the event. Interviews will be scheduled in advance and also upon request at the job fairs, so dress to impress.

For additional questions regarding employment with the Generals, job fairs, and scheduling, call our front offices at 731-988-5299.

ABOUT THE JACKSON GENERALS

The Jackson Generals, a West Tennessee franchise since 1998, are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Generals play at The Ballpark at Jackson, Tennessee’s 2017 & 2018 Pro Sports Field of the Year. The Ballpark at Jackson will host the 2020 Southern League All-Star Game and Home-Run Derby on June 22nd and 23rd. For more information or to purchase 2020 season tickets, call 731-988-5299 or visit JacksonGeneralsBaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Generals announce 2018 Baseball Skills Camps

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JACKSON, TENN. – The Jackson Generals will hold their annual Baseball Skills Camps for Jackson-area youth baseball players on Friday, July 13, and Thursday, July 26, 2018.

The two one-day camps, which will feature instruction in hitting, pitching, and defense from current Jackson Generals players, will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Ballpark at Jackson for kids ages 9 to 14 years old.

Parents and coaches who are interested in signing up their children for Baseball Skills Camps can register by filling out the attached flyer and returning it with payment to Promotions Manager Robbie Perry at 4 Fun Place, Jackson TN, 38305. The cost to attend a one-day skills camp is $50 per child, plus tax. Campers who participate in both one-day skills camps will be charged a discounted rate of $45 plus tax for each day.

2018 Generals Baseball Skills Camps Flyer

In addition to receiving instruction from current professional baseball players, campers will be given an exclusive Baseball Skills Camp t-shirt, as well as a private autograph session. Sack lunches will be provided to campers, and each camper will also receive a ticket and food passport to the Generals’ game occurring on either July 13 or July 26.

Feedback and questions about the Jackson Generals Baseball Skills Camps can be directed to Robbie Perry by email at rperry@jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or by phone at 731.988.5299.

UPCOMING GENERALS HOMESTAND

June 21-26 vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos

…featuring Sarge’s Carnival Weekend (June 22-23)

and a Sarge Doll Giveaway on Saturday, June 23rd!

Dial 731-988-5299 for tickets to see Jackson Generals Baseball,

OR log on to JacksonGeneralsBaseball.com!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Generals To Host Two Baseball Camps

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Jackson, Tenn. – Once again, the Jackson Generals are proud to host a pair of summer baseball camps for children throughout West Tennessee to learn from the pros! Players will serve as instructors both for the one-day Baseball Camp June 23 and for the two-day Skills Camp July 27 and 28!

Both camps will offer the opportunity to learn the game from the best, with the two-day Skills Camp giving kids more time to hone their skills! The first camp will be the morning of Thursday, June 23 from 9:00 am to noon just after the All-Star Break. For just $55, children can participate in the three-hour camp with Generals players. Also included is a sack lunch, a camp t-shirt, an autograph session and a free general admission ticket to that night’s game versus Jacksonville!

The two-day Skills Camp will take place Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28 at The Ballpark! Children ages 9 to 14 will take part in more advanced drills over two days, with the sessions going from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Included in the experience is an exclusive camp t-shirt, an autograph session, a sack lunch both days along with both a ticket and food passport for the July 28 game versus Mobile! Skills Camp is just $130 for the first child, and $120 for any additional camper. Teams of nine or more can get the group rate of only $60 per camper!

Registration for both camps is open now. Fill out forms for the one-day Baseball Camp or the two-day Skills Camp and return them to The Ballpark at Jackson. For more information, contact Kate Lentz with the Generals at klentz@jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or by calling the team at (731) 988.5299.

Make sure to get your tickets now to see the 20th season of professional baseball in Jackson, and the first for the team as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks! Call the team at (731) 988.5299, stop by The Ballpark or go online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com to secure your seats now!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Easter at the Ballpark

Generals to host concert, Easter service with Englewood Baptist

GeneralsFlier2

Jackson-Generals-2014The Jackson Generals are proud to partner with Englewood Baptist Church on Easter Weekend festivities at the Ballpark in Jackson. The church will a concert and fireworks show on Saturday, April 4 and a service and egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Admission to all events is free of charge.

The weekend will begin on Saturday night with a concert headlined by contemporary Christian music artist Travis Cottrell at 7 pm. Cottrell has been nominated for 16 GMA Dove Awards in his musical career, winning two times. His 2011 single “When the Stars Burn Down” debuted atop the Billboard Praise and Worship Chart. He currently serves as the Worship Pastor at Englewood Baptist Church.

Christian hip-hop and spoken word artist Propaganda will also perform at the Ballpark on Saturday night. Fireworks provided by the City of Jackson will follow the show at approximately 9 pm. Gates open on Saturday at 5:30 pm.

Englewood Baptist Church, one of the largest religious institutions in Jackson, will hold their Easter service at the Ballpark at 10 am on Easter Sunday, April 5 with gates opening at 8 am. The service will include music from the Englewood choir and a message from Senior Pastor Jordan Easley. An Easter Egg Hunt will follow the service at 11 am in the outfield.

“We are extremely excited to host Englewood Baptist Church at our ballpark Easter weekend,” Generals’ General Manager Jason Compton said. “This a fantastic opportunity for the Generals. We hope that the Ballpark at Jackson can be a venue for more events like this in the future.”

The Jackson Generals will be providing buffets for both breakfast and brunch on Easter Sunday. Tickets must be purchased from the Generals in advance for both. Breakfast will begin when gates open at 8 am for $10 per person, and brunch will follow the service at 11:30 am for $12 per person. A menu for both meals can be found on the attached flyer.

Additionally, concession stands at the stadium will be open and serving breakfast food for purchase for those who did not buy a buffet ticket in advance.

This is the first time the Generals have hosted Englewood’s Easter Services. For more information on the weekend’s events, visit englewoodeaster.com.

For more information or to buy your buffet tickets, call the Jackson Generals at (731) 988.5299 or visit the Ballpark at Jackson.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Jackson Generals. Click here to view the original story.

GM Jason Compton honored by local Chamber, Jackson Sun

Compton named to top 40 under 40 in West Tennessee for contributions

JacksonGenerals_2014-10-20

Jackson-Generals-2014On Sunday, the Jackson Sun and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce recognized 40 people under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to their industries, their companies or who are active in the community and have a heart and drive to make West Tennessee a better place. The Generals congratulate each award winner and are excited that Generals’ GM Jason Compton was named to the exclusive list.

“We are so proud of Jason being honored in this manner,” added team President Reese Smith III. “His ability to rise from an Intern to General Manager of a multi-million dollar organization is evident. His management enabled the Generals to have one of their most successful seasons on record, in 2014.”

Compton began as an intern with the then West Tenn Diamond Jaxx during the 2000 Southern Championship Season and was hired full-time in 2001 as Box Office Manager. He did various jobs within the organization until promoted to Assistant GM in 2008, and then to GM in 2012.

“I have been a part of professional baseball in Jackson for 15 seasons and this past season the Generals saw a 13.5 percent increase in attendance over 2013,” said Compton. “It was the highest attendance since 2008 and had more crowds over 5,000 (six times) people since 2004.”

Compton is a 2013 Leadership Jackson graduate and member of the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association. He is also a member of the Jackson Old Hickory Rotary Club.

Compton, 35, has a B.S. in Education with his major in Sport Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He resides in Jackson with his wife of nine years, Autumn, son Carter (5 years old) and daughter Chloe (2 years old).

Season ticket packages for the 2015 Jackson Generals season are currently on sale for just $300. For more information, call (731) 988-5299 or visit the website at jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Jackson Generals. Click here to view the original story.

Generals Take On Childhood Cancer on Friday, August 22

Jackson Raises Awareness with Special Night

JacksonGenerals_2014-08-14

Jackson-Generals-2014The Jackson Generals have teamed up with Ellie’s Hats and the Vs Cancer Foundation to take a swing against childhood cancer.

On August 22nd at 7:05, the Generals will be taking on the Chattanooga Lookouts in the hunt for a playoff spot. But, the battle on the field will be in support of those children who are entrenched in a battle of their own – one against cancer.

Ellie's-HatsThe Generals have spent months collecting hundreds hats from teams and individuals across the country. These hats will be donated on the field that night to the charity, “Ellie’s Hats,” who will give them to children receiving cancer treatments. These kids often lose hair from harsh treatments and the hats often become an extension of themselves, almost like a badge of courage.

But, the donation isn’t all that’s going on. Some of the Generals players have volunteered to have their heads shaved that night to help raise money with the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Any individual attending the game will also have the opportunity to shave their heads in support.

Vs-Cancer-logoThe Vs. Cancer Foundation has set up a website here to help the Generals raise even more for the cause. These donations will be split between Ellie’s Hats and a local Jackson cancer treatment center, meaning every penny is used to fight childhood cancer.

Fans are encouraged to bring a new hat to the game to donate to the cause, and if they do they’ll receive free admission.

The Generals have been recognized for their efforts by Minor League Baseball. They have been named one of five finalists for the top charity event/program in all of Minor League Baseball. MiLB gives a number of “Golden Bobblehead Awards” out every season to recognize the best of the best from around the country. This is the first time the Generals have been a finalist in any category.

Jackson Generals GM, Jason Compton said the support for night has been overwhelming. “We’ve had teams from all over the country send in hats. We’ve had individuals sending along hats or making a donation to the Vs. Cancer web page,” Compton said. “It just goes to show how when it comes to a cause like this, we’re all on the same team. The response for this has been nothing short of inspiring. The recognition from MiLB is just icing on the cake. Any added exposure and awareness that comes from our efforts will just get everyone behind these children who are fighting for their lives.”

For more information, or to get your ticket to help end childhood cancer, call 988-5299 or click here. The Jackson Generals are the Double-A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit jacksongeneralsbaseball.com, like the Generals on Facebook (Facebook.com/jacksongenerals) or follow us on twitter (@jacksongenerals).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Jackson Generals. Click here to view the original story.