What’s in a name? Plenty, when considering the new name of Jackson’s entry into baseball’s Prospect League.
The Jackson Rockabillys feature a Billy Goat in the primary logo with colors that include ‘No-Hitter Navy,’ ‘Perfect Game Purple,’ ‘Full Count Copper,’ Shutout Silver,’ Grand Slam Gray,’ and ‘Home Plate White.’
Team owners Dennis and Lisa Bastien introduced the ‘Rockabillys’ to the Jackson and West Tennessee area during a press conference at The Ballpark at Jackson, Tuesday.
The Rockabillys begin playing baseball in the Prospect League in May 2023.
The Prospect League is a top summer collegiate wood bat baseball league. The purpose of the league is to provide family friendly, affordable baseball entertainment in the communities where teams are located while providing a summer baseball program for eligible college players to give them experience using a wood bat in a competitive atmosphere.
The league also provides a venue to allow MLB Scouts to watch collegiate prospects using wood bats against live pitching in competition.
“We hope West Tennessee, Madison County, and of course, the Jackson region embrace and take pride in the Rockabilly name,” Dennis Bastien said, “Although it has been around this area for many years, this can create a memorable image and look.
“We hope to showcase the name over many states to make Jackson even more recognizable.”
After kicking off its ‘Name Your Team Contest’ in early March, followed by 913 submissions, operators of the Jackson Baseball Stadium, In The Big Inning, LLC, whittled the submitted names to its Jackson 5 finalists.
Besides the Rockabillys, the other four names that made the final cut were the Jackson Locomotives, Hub City Heroes, Jackson Blue Suedes and the Hub City Hub Caps.
Patrick Larson, the winner of the ‘Name Your Team Contest,’ will receive two seasons ticket for life. If he is in the area, he will be picked up in a limo, throw out the first pitch and be presented team merchandise.
The Prospect League begins its season in May of each year with a schedule of approximately 60 games.
The postseason offers the Prospect League Championship Series during the second week of August.
(PHOTO: Lisa Bastien and husband Dennis own the Jackson Rockabillys of the Prospect League)
