Generals, D-Backs Announce Four-Year PDC
Jackson, Tenn. - 2017 will mark the beginning of a new era for minor league baseball in West Tennessee, as the Generals and Arizona Diamondbacks announced a four-year player development contract Monday. With the agreement in place, the Jackson Generals will be Arizona's Double-A affiliate through at least 2020.
"We are very excited about this partnership with the Diamondbacks and what the future has in store for baseball in Jackson," General Manager Jason Compton said. "Arizona has consistently brought some of baseball's top prospects through the Southern League, and the organization is also committed to being a staple in the community. Our fans have a lot to look forward to."
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been in the National League West since their inception, winning five division titles and a World Series in 2001. Arizona's title came one year after the franchise in Jackson won its first championship as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx in 2000. A number of current Major League stars have come through the Southern League as Diamondbacks' prospects, headlined by slugger Paul Goldschmidt and Nationals' ace Max Scherzer.
"I speak on behalf of the entire Diamondbacks organization when I say we are ecstatic for our new partnership with the Jackson Generals. It did not take long to figure out we were a perfect match," Diamondbacks Director of Player Development Mike Bell said. "We have the same priorities: community, character in people and players, and, of course, winning. We are excited to continue the Generals' winning tradition and look forward to immersing ourselves in the great Jackson community."
2017 will mark the 20th season of Double-A Southern League baseball in Jackson after the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx moved to the Hub City in 1998. The team's first nine years were spent as the Cubs' Double-A affiliate before a decade with the Seattle Mariners. The Generals will be affiliated with the Diamondbacks for at least four seasons.
The Jackson Generals would like to thank the fantastic fans in West Tennessee for making 2016 an incredible year at The Ballpark at Jackson and for being an integral part of the team winning its second-ever Southern League Championship. For more information about the Generals, to purchase Championship merchandise, or to inquire about the new era of baseball in West Tennessee, call the team at (731) 988.5299, stop by the park or go online to www.jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.