04.21.21
Hank Aaron Sports Academy to host its official ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday April 30th at 4:00 (p.m.).
Since the announcement of the Hank Aaron Sports Academy at former Minor League Smith Wills Stadium in early March of this year, the Academy has served as the home field for Tougaloo College – HBCU (17 games), Belhaven Christian University (17 games), Millsaps College (3 games), Alcorn State University, Mississippi State University and Jackson Public Schools (27 games) notably, Jackson has 7 High Schools and not one of them has an on campus baseball field.
The Hank Aaron Sports Academy has also hosted its first of many youth baseball tournament on April 17th & 18th with 34 teams competing in the 4 – 14 year old age categories. This was a free entry tournament encouraging participation from local recreational teams mixed with travel teams, minorities and under-privileged. The current schedule calls for 24 more weekend tournaments in the 2021 year culminating with a championship tournament in October at the Hank Aaron Sports Academy.
The ribbon cutting will feature free food and drinks and tours of the newly renovated forty-five (45) year old facility. Improvements to field lighting, new IT network build-out for televised games, the playing surface, outfield wall, press box, support facilities and a fresh coat of paint have been performed while additional upgrades will take place following the conclusion of the High School and College seasons.
Public invited to attend this historic event at the iconic facility that hosted Mississippi’s first two Minor League baseball teams notably the New York Mets (AA) and the Houston Astros (AA).
““This is nothing more than a fulfillment of the dreams and hopes of Mr. Henry “Hank” Aaron, to bring baseball to youth in Jackson-Metro, throughout the Southeastern Region and nationally. Our team is honored to be a small part of such a great legacy” - Tim Bennet
Parking available via the second entrance at Smith Wills Stadium and between Michael D. Johnson field and Smith Wills Stadium.
For more information, visit www.hankaaronsports.com
Carrying the legacy of the most prolific baseball player in our generation to all deserving youth.