The Jackson Generals open the 2017 Southern League season April 6 in the first game of a five-game series against the Birmingham Barons.
NewsTalk 101.5 FM visited with Jason Compton, the general manager of the Generals, for a question and answer session to discuss the franchise, the upcoming season and a new affiliate.
Question: Your thoughts on the Southern League’s 20th season in Jackson?
Answer: It is hard to believe that we have been playing Double-A baseball in Jackson for 20 years. The Chicks were in Memphis for 20 years and we have now equaled their time in Jackson with no signs of stopping. We have the best 20 year old facility in the country and a great partnership with the City of Jackson, and I am excited to get season No. 20 under way.
Q: The Seattle Mariners ended a 10-year run in Jackson when they signed a working agreement with the Arkansas Travelers of the Texas League. What were your thoughts when you first learned our affiliation with the Mariners had ended?
A: We had a great relationship with the Mariners. I have made many friends over the years, but at the end of the day, it was a business decision that the Mariners had to make. We had a great run with a ton of talented players coming through Jackson ending with the 2016 Southern League Championship, but we are equally excited about our new affiliation with Arizona.
Q: The relationship with the Mariners seemed to work well. What can we expect with the working arrangement with the Arizona Diamondbacks?
A: We expect nothing but the best from Arizona. They are a great organization and the Generals are lucky to have the Diamondbacks as an affiliate for at least the next four seasons. It is nice to have a National League affiliate once again. I enjoy seeing pitchers hitting every now and again, plus the Dbacks will also be playing close to Jackson three times a season (St. Louis, Cincinnati, Atlanta) which will allow our fans more opportunities to see the Big Club play.
Q: This season, fans attending games at the Ballpark at Jackson will witness something they haven’t seen since 2006 – a pitcher will be in the batting order, which means the Jackson affiliate is in the National League. Do you see going from an American League affiliate (Mariners) to one in the National League will make a noticeable difference?
A: I enjoy seeing pitchers hitting every now and again, and when we play other National League affiliates, pitchers will hit in 35 of our 70 home games versus Tennessee, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Mississippi, and Biloxi. I consider West Tennessee to be National League territory with all of the Cardinals, Braves, Cubs, and Reds fans in the area, so I think it will be a positive to most.
(NOTE: Chattanooga, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile have American League affiliates)
Q: You mentioned the Diamondbacks signed a four-year working agreement with the Generals. This is somewhat unusual considering most agreements are for two-years. What does this say about the organization here, and its affiliate – the Diamondbacks?
A: It says that they see how great our facilities are and how happy they are to be in Jackson. We are committed to them and they are committed to us.
Q: Can you name a few of the promotions for the 2017 season?
A: Some of the highlights include 12 fireworks shows; Star Wars Night; Disney Night; Pirates & Princesses Night; Sarge’s Carnival; Music Fest Weekend; Shark Week; Big Bang Theory Night; Replica Championship Ring Giveaway; Generals Championship Blanket Giveaway; $2 Thrifty Thursday and Food Truck Friday presented by Leaders Credit Union.
Q: The Generals are the defending (and two-time) champion of the Southern League. Are you getting a feel for the talent that will begin the season in Jackson?
A: With the new affiliation, I have no idea. Mobile went 65-73 last season, and the Dbacks High-A team in Visalia, California went 81-59 and lost in the California League Championship Series. There is talent in the system and we hope to pick-up right where we left off last season.
(PHOTO: Jason Compton begins his sixth season as general manager of the Jackson Generals)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomas@WNWS
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