03.03.21
Hank Aaron Sports Academy opening at former Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson, MS
KSG in association with Overtime Sports announced today the opening of the first Hank Aaron Sports Academy (“HASA”) in Jackson, MS, converting and re-purposing the 45 year old former Minor League ballpark for such effort. HASA will be a tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Henry Aaron and will be the central location for education, training, practice and play for under-privileged and less fortunate youth in both recreational and travel baseball. HASA will also directly benefit the Jackson Public School (“JPS”) district in providing safe and up to standard baseball fields. Jackson Public School District has 7 High Schools yet not one of them has an on campus baseball field.
Providing fields of play for JPS, due to the non-existence of on campus baseball fields and facilities at its seven (7) High Schools.
Providing instructional camps for youth by current and former Major League Baseball players along with other local and qualified instructors.
Cooperative play between recreational and travel ball at one central location for weekend tournaments.
Creating and advancing symbiolic relationships between inner city youth and MiLB teams and players during the summer baseball season.
Repurposing a former Minor League stadium - New York Mets (AA), Houston Astros (AA), Smith-Wills Stadium built in 1975.
MISSISSIPPI MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL HISTORY
1975 New York Mets move into Smith Wills Stadium in Jackson, MS. (Jackson Mets)
1998-99 Nolan Ryan purchases team and relocates to Round Rock, TX. (Round Rock Express)
2005* Atlanta Braves Minor League team relocates to Pearl, MS. (Mississippi Braves)
2015* Milwaukee Brewers Minor League team relocates to Biloxi MS. (Biloxi Shuckers)
2021* Hank Aaron Sports Academy announced, making its home in Jackson, MS.
*Efforts led by Tim Bennett. Bennett is also one of the owners of the Biloxi Shuckers and Mississippi’s first minority owner.
For more information, visit www.hankaaronsports.com
Carrying the legacy of the most prolific baseball player in our generation to all deserving youth.