The memories in Jason Compton’s office at The Ballpark at Jackson are being boxed up and heading 400 yards down the road to The West Tennessee Healthcare SportsPlex, where he becomes director of operations, April 1.

“I wasn’t looking to leave,” said Compton, president/general manager of the Jackson Generals, “But if there was one position, one job I would leave for … it was director of operations at the SportsPlex.

“Yes, it was a difficult decision, but it’s also a new challenge.”

He replaces Ricky Yates, who has served as director of operations at the complex since its inception in 2006.

Yates retires June 30.

The West Tennessee Healthcare SportsPlex is home to 17 athletic fields at 250 BancorpSouth Parkway.

Compton, 39, has been the one constant at the park that serves as at the home of the Southern League’s Double A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He began working at the stadium as an intern in 2000, and during his time, Jackson has claimed three Southern League Championships – 2000, 2016 and 2018.

Compton has worked under three ownership groups and three affiliates – Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

With a move only days away and the Generals beginning the 2019 season April 10, Compton said it has been business as usual at The Ballpark at Jackson.

“We have a great staff here, and I’ve done everything (preparing for) this year, just like I have the last 19,” Compton said, “This is my second family, and I want (Generals) to be successful.”

When the move is made to the SportsPlex, Compton is set to become best friends with Ricky Yates.

“I’m going to worry the mess out of him,” Compton said, laughing, “But I’m not going to fix anything that’s not broke. It’s going to be fun … it’s youth baseball.

“What we’ve done here, we can do there, but right now, no specifics.”

(PHOTO: Jason Compton)
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