Jackson Generals

The Jackson Generals are a Minor League Baseball team of the Southern League (SL) and the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. They are located in Jackson, Tennessee, and play their home games at The Ballpark at Jackson, which opened in 1998. Known as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx from 1998 to 2010, the team borrowed its current moniker from the original Jackson Generals in 2011.

Jackson Generals
Founded in 1998
Jackson, Tennessee
Team logoCap insignia
Minor league affiliations
ClassDouble-A (1998–present)
LeagueSouthern League (1998–present)
DivisionNorthern Division
Major league affiliations
TeamArizona Diamondbacks (2017–present)
Previous teams
Minor league titles
League titles (4)
  • 2000
  • 2016
  • 2018
  • 2019
Division titles (7)
  • 1999
  • 2000
  • 2005
  • 2012
  • 2016
  • 2018
  • 2019
First half titles (6)
  • 1999
  • 2005
  • 2008
  • 2012
  • 2016
  • 2018
Second half titles (4)
  • 1999
  • 2000
  • 2002
  • 2005
Team data
NicknameJackson Generals (2011–present)
Previous names
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (1998–2010)
ColorsGreen, black, white, tan
                   
MascotSarge the Bulldog[1]
BallparkThe Ballpark at Jackson (1998–present)
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
Jackson Baseball Club LP
ManagerBlake Lalli
General ManagerMarcus Sabata[2]
MediaMiLB.TV
Jackson Generals Baseball Network

Jackson has served as a farm club for three Major League Baseball franchises. Over 22 years of competition, the Generals have played in 3,053 regular season games and compiled a 1,553–1,500 win–loss record. They have qualified for the postseason on 10 occasions, winning 7 division titles and 4 Southern League championships. The team's first came in 2000 as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They won a second in 2016 while affiliated with the Seattle Mariners. Their two most-recent titles were won back-to-back in 2018 and 2019 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jackson has a postseason record of 39–31. Combining all 3,123 regular season and postseason games, the Generals have an all-time record of 1,592–1,531.

History

Prior professional baseball in Jackson

Professional baseball was first played in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1903 by the Jackson Railroaders of the Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League.[3] They were followed in the KITTY League by the Jackson Climbers in 1911 and the Jackson Blue Jays in 1924.[3][4] The Blue Jays moved to the Tri-State League in 1925 as the Jackson Giants and became the Jackson Jays in 1926.[3] The original Jackson Generals played in the KITTY League from 1935 to 1942 and 1950 to 1954.[3] Jackson went without a team for the next 42 years.[3]

Chicago Cubs (1998–2006)

The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx' logo (2002–2010)

Following the 1997 season, the Southern League's Memphis Chicks relocated from nearby Memphis, to Jackson as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.[5] The team's nickname was selected from over 1,500 suggestions submitted to The Jackson Sun in a name-the-team contest.[6] The winning entry, "Diamond Jacks", was inspired by a diamond shape on the contest entry blank.[6] This was modified to "Diamond Jaxx" and paired with "West Tenn", short for "West Tennessee" in which Jackson is located. The Diamond Jaxx became the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.[7] The team would play their home games at the newly-constructed 6,000-seat Pringles Park, which cost approximately US$8 million.[8][9]

The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx opened their inaugural season on the road against the Jacksonville Suns on April 2, 1998, at Wolfson Park in Jacksonville, Florida, winning 6–4.[10] They played their home opener on April 16 before a sellout crowd of 6,054 people at Pringles Park.[11] Tied 4–4 in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded, Jackson's Terry Joseph was hit by a pitch forcing in the winning run in the 5–4 victory.[11] Managed by Dave Trembley, the Diamond Jaxx ended their first season in fourth place in the Western Division with a 66–74 record.[12]

Jackson hosted the 1999 Southern League All-Star Game on June 23. In the midsummer contest, the Western Division All-Stars defeated the Eastern Division, 5–2, with 4,169 in attendance.[13][14] On July 22, David Manning pitched a no-hitter against Jacksonville at Pringles Park, a 1–0 win.[15] The Diamond Jaxx won both the First and Second Half Western Division titles that season, with a league-leading 84–57 record, qualifying for the postseason playoffs.[16] They won the division title by defeating the Chattanooga Lookouts, 3–1, in a best-of-five series.[16] They were, however, defeated in finals by the Orlando Rays, 3–1.[16] Trembley was selected for the Southern League Manager of the Year Award.[17]

The Diamond Jaxx returned to the postseason in 2000 under the leadership of Manager of the Year Dave Bialas after winning the second half and posting a league-best 80–58 mark.[17][16] They won the Western Division title versus the Birmingham Barons, 3–2, then won their first Southern League championship by defeating Jacksonville, 3–2.[16]

A Diamond Jaxx game at Pringles Park in 2005

They won another second half title in 2002, but were eliminated in the Western Division series by Birmingham, 3–2.[16] Jackson missed the playoffs for the next two seasons, including the 2004 campaign in which second baseman Richard Lewis won the Southern League Most Valuable Player Award.[17] They won both halves of the 2005 season and won the Northern Division title versus the Carolina Mudcats, 3–0, but lost the championship to Jacksonville, 3–1.[18] Jackson led the league with an 83–56 record.[18] Ricky Nolasco was selected for the 2005 Southern League Most Outstanding Pitcher Award.[17]

At the 2006 Southern League All-Star Game, Jackson third baseman Scott Moore was selected as the game's MVP.[19] Following the 2006 season, the Chicago Cubs ended their nine-year affiliation with the Diamond Jaxx, citing poor attendance and a desire for their Double-A players to compete before larger audiences.[20] Jackson had a composite record of 655–598 through nine seasons with the Cubs.

Seattle Mariners (2007–2016)

The Diamond Jaxx entered into an affiliation with the Seattle Mariners in 2007.[21] The finished that season with a 60–79 record.[22] In October 2007, team owners Lozinak Baseball Properties entered into an agreement to sell the Diamond Jaxx to a group of Middle Tennessee-based investors headed by Reese Smith III and David Freeman.[23][24] The new owners planned to keep the team in Jackson and sought to improve attendance.[25] The sale was approved at the Winter Meetings that December.[24]

Daren Brown led the Generals to win the 2016 Southern League championship.

Jackson won the First Half Northern Division title in 2008, but lost the division series to Carolina, 3–0.[18] The 2010 team, lost the Northern Division title to the Tennessee Smokies, winners of both halves, 3–1.[26]

During the 2010 playoffs, the team announced plans to rebrand for the 2011 season by becoming the Jackson Generals.[27] The moniker was previously used by the original Jackson Generals, who represented the city in the Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League from 1935 to 1942 and 1950 to 1954.[3] The Generals hosted their second Southern League All-Star Game on June 21, 2011. The North Division All-Stars defeated the South Division, 6–3, before a crowd of 5,516 at Pringles Park.[28]

After missing the playoffs in 2011, the 2012 Generals won the First Half Northern Division title and posted a league-leading 79–61 record.[26] They then defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts, 3–1, to advance to their first league championship series since 2005.[26] They lost the finals to the Mobile BayBears, 3–1.[26] Brandon Maurer was selected as the season's Most Outstanding Pitcher.[17] Losing campaigns from 2013 to 2015, including a franchise-low 53–84 (.387) record in 2015, kept the Generals from the playoffs for three consecutive years, the longest postseason drought in franchise history.[29]

The 2016 Generals, managed by Daren Brown, led the league with a franchise-best 84–55 (.604) mark, winning the first half title.[30] They won the Northern Division title against the Montgomery Biscuits, 3–1, before winning their second Southern League crown over the Mississippi Braves, 3–0.[31] Jackson swept the Southern League awards with outfielder Tyler O'Neill winning the MVP Award, Ryan Yarbrough as the Most Outstanding Pitcher, and Brown winning the Manager of the Year Award.[17]

The Generals ended their affiliation with the Seattle Mariners after the playoffs, intending to partner with a new major league team.[32] Over 10 years as a Mariners affiliate, the Diamond Jaxx/Generals accumulated a record of 674–712. Over all 19 years in Jackson, the team had an all-time record of 1,329–1,310.

Arizona Diamondbacks (2017–present)

Kevin Cron won the 2017 Southern League MVP Award.

The Generals next affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks in a player development contract that began with the 2017 season.[32] They missed the playoffs in their first season with Arizona, but first baseman Kevin Cron won the league's Most Valuable Player Award.[17] On June 14, 2018, five Generals combined to pitch a no-hitter against Jacksonville on the road. Justin Donatella (3 innings pitched), Daniel Gibson (2 IP), Kirby Bellow (1 IP), Kevin Ginkel (2 IP), and Brad Goldberg (1 IP) held the Suns hitless for nine innings in the 6–0 win.[33] The team went on to win back-to-back Southern League championships in 2018 and 2019. Jackson won the 2018 first half, defeated Montgomery, 3–2, for the Northern Division title, then won the franchise's third league title with a 3–1 series win over the Biloxi Shuckers.[31]

The 2019 team did not win either half of the season, but received a postseason berth with the Northern Division's second-best overall record.[34] Similar to the previous year, the Generals bested the Biscuits, 3–1 in the division series, then won their fourth Southern League championship versus the Shuckers, 3–2.[35]

The start of the 2020 season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic before ultimately being cancelled on June 30.[36][37] Jackson was scheduled to host the 2020 Southern League All-Star Game at The Ballpark at Jackson, but it was cancelled earlier on May 19.[38][39]

Through three years of affiliation with Arizona, the Generals' record has been 224–190. Over all 22 years of competition, they have an all-time record of 1,553–1,500.

Season-by-season results

Jackson's best season record occurred in 2016, when they finished 84–55 (.604) as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Their lowest season record has been 53–84 (.387) in 2015, also as a Mariners affiliate. Of the three Major League Baseball teams with which Jackson has been affiliated, they have experienced their best record with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2017 to 2019. The team has a composite regular season record of 224–190 (.541). They have reached the postseason on two occasions, winning two division titles and two Southern League championships. Their postseason record has been 12–6 (.667). Conversely, the team's lowest record has been with the Mariners from 2007 to 2016. They compiled a 674–712 (.486) record and reached the postseason on four occasions, winning two division titles and one league championship. Their postseason record was 11–11 (.500).

Table key
League The team's final position in the league standings
Division The team's final position in the divisional standings
GB Games behind the team that finished in first place in the division that season
League champions
Division champions
* Postseason berth
Season-by-season results
Season Regular season Postseason MLB affiliate Ref.
Record Win % League Division GB Record Win % Result
1998 66–74 .471 7th (tie) 4th (tie) 20 Chicago Cubs [12]
1999
*
84–57 .596 1st 1st 4–4 .500 Won First and Second Half Western Division titles
Won Western Division title vs. Chattanooga Lookouts, 3–1
Lost SL championship vs. Orlando Rays, 3–1[16]
Chicago Cubs [40]
2000
*
80–58 .580 1st 1st 6–4 .600 Won Second Half Western Division title
Won Western Division title vs. Birmingham Barons, 3–2
Won SL championship vs. Jacksonville Suns, 3–2[16]
Chicago Cubs [41]
2001 59–80 .424 9th 5th 20 12 Chicago Cubs [42]
2002
*
73–67 .521 4th 3rd 6 2–3 .400 Won Second Half Western Division title
Lost Western Division title vs. Birmingham Barons, 3–2[16]
Chicago Cubs [43]
2003 65–63 .471 8th (tie) 3rd (tie) 10 Chicago Cubs [44]
2004 70–68 .507 5th 3rd 2 12 Chicago Cubs [45]
2005
*
83–56 .597 1st 1st 4–3 .571 Won First and Second Half Northern Division titles
Won Northern Division title vs. Carolina Mudcats, 3–0
Lost SL championship vs. Jacksonville Suns, 3–1[18]
Chicago Cubs [46]
2006 75–65 .536 4th 2nd 6 Chicago Cubs [47]
2007 60–79 .432 9th 4th 16 Seattle Mariners [22]
2008
*
70–68 .507 5th 3rd 9 0–3 .000 Won First Half Northern Division title
Lost Northern Division title vs. Carolina Mudcats, 3–0[18]
Seattle Mariners [48]
2009 62–78 .443 5th 10th 9 Seattle Mariners [49]
2010
*
72–66 .525 4th 2nd 13 1–3 .250 Lost Northern Division title vs. Tennessee Smokies, 3–1[26] Seattle Mariners [50]
2011 68–72 .486 6th 3rd 15 Seattle Mariners [51]
2012
*
79–61 .564 1st 1st 4–4 .500 Won First Half Northern Division title
Won Northern Division title vs. Chattanooga Lookouts, 3–1
Lost SL championship vs. Mobile BayBears, 3–1[26]
Seattle Mariners [52]
2013 62–73 .459 7th 3rd 12 12 Seattle Mariners [53]
2014 63–76 .453 7th 3rd 13 12 Seattle Mariners [54]
2015 53–84 .387 10th 5th 23 12 Seattle Mariners [29]
2016
*
84–55 .604 1st 1st 6–1 .857 Won First Half Northern Division title
Won Northern Division title vs. Montgomery Biscuits, 3–1
Won SL championship vs. Mississippi Braves, 3–0[31]
Seattle Mariners [30]
2017 71–69 .507 5th 3rd 20 Arizona Diamondbacks [55]
2018
*
75–64 .540 3rd 2nd 3 12 6–3 .667 Won First Half Northern Division title
Won Northern Division title vs. Montgomery Biscuits, 3–2
Won SL championship vs. Biloxi Shuckers, 3–1[31]
Arizona Diamondbacks [56]
2019
*
78–57 .578 3rd 2nd 8 12 6–3 .667 Won Northern Division title vs. Montgomery Biscuits, 3–1
Won SL championship vs. Biloxi Shuckers, 3–2[35]
Arizona Diamondbacks [34]
2020 Season cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic)[37] Arizona Diamondbacks [57]
Totals 1,553–1,500 .509 39–31 .557
Franchise totals by affiliation
Affiliation Regular season Postseason
Record Win % Appearances Record Win %
Chicago Cubs (1998–2006) 655–598.523416–14.533
Seattle Mariners (2007–2016) 674–712.486411–11.500
Arizona Diamondbacks (2017–present) 224–190.541212–6.667
Totals 1,553–1,500.5091039–31.557

Television and radio

All Jackson Generals games are shown on MiLB.TV. All games are also broadcast on radio by Radio Willie 94.1 FM and 1390 AM with sportscaster Tyler Springs handling the play-by-play since 2017.[58]

Roster

Jackson Generals roster
Players Coaches/Other

Pitchers

  • 31 Miguel Aguilar
  • 24 Ryan Atkinson
  • 41 Jeff Bain
  • 36 Matt Brill
  • -- J. B. Bukauskas
  • 46 Junior Garcia
  • 18 Josh Green
  • 40 Kevin McCanna
  • 28 Jayson McKinley
  • 43 Matt Peacock
  • 38 Cole Stapler
  • 30 West Tunnell

Catchers

Infielders

  •  2 Galli Cribbs Jr.
  •  3 Camden Duzenack
  • 29 Drew Ellis
  • 12 Ramon Hernandez
  • 13 Pavin Smith
  •  8 L.T. Tolbert

Outfielders

  • 16 Seth Beer
  • 24 Ben DeLuzio
  • 54 Ryan Grotjohn
  • 50 Mark Karaviotis

Manager

Coaches


7-day injured list
* On Arizona Diamondbacks 40-man roster
# Rehab assignment
∞ Reserve list
‡ Restricted list
§ Suspended list
† Temporary inactive list
Roster updated November 9, 2019
Transactions
→ More rosters: MiLB  Southern League
Arizona Diamondbacks minor league players

Awards

Six players have won Southern League awards in recognition for their performance with Jackson. Three have won Most Valuable Player Awards, while three have won the Most Outstanding Pitcher Award. Three managers have won the Manager of the Year Award. The team has also won one Executive of the Year Award. Altogether, the Generals have won 10 Southern League awards.

Southern League Award Winners
Award Recipient Season Ref.
Most Valuable Player Award Richard Lewis 2004 [17]
Most Valuable Player Award Tyler O'Neill 2016 [17]
Most Valuable Player Award Kevin Cron 2017 [17]
Most Outstanding Pitcher Award Ricky Nolasco 2005 [17]
Most Outstanding Pitcher Award Brandon Maurer 2012 [17]
Most Outstanding Pitcher Award Ryan Yarbrough 2016 [17]
Manager of the Year Award Dave Trembley 1999 [17]
Manager of the Year Award Dave Bialas 2000 [17]
Manager of the Year Award Daren Brown 2016 [17]
Executive of the Year Award David Hersh 1999 [17]

Notable players

Many current and former major leaguers have played for the Diamond Jaxx/Generals. A list of notable players includes:

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gollark: And should need a safe nuclear submarine to store it in.
gollark: Yes, recreational nuke owners should have to pass a nuclear weapons safety and operation test.
gollark: Recreational orbital bombardment satellites?
gollark: * state mandated recreational nuclear weapons

References

Specific
  1. "Sarge the Bulldog". Jackson Generals. Minor League baseball. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  2. "Front Office". Jackson Generals. Minor League baseball. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  3. "Jackson, Tennessee Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. "Sports in Jackson, Tennessee". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  5. "Memphis Wins Season Finale". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. September 2, 1997. p. 2C via Newspapers.com.
  6. Morris, Dan (April 13, 1997). "First Around the Bases". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1C via Newspapers.com.
  7. Morris, Dan (October 8, 1997). "Holy Cow! Jaxx Sign with Cubs". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1C via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Diamond Jaxx Stadium Named". The Tennessean. Nashville. December 24, 1997. p. 6C via Newspapers.com.
  9. Morris, Dan (December 24, 1997). "Jaxx to Play in Pringles Park". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1A via Newspapers.com.
  10. Reily, Ross W (April 3, 1998). "Diamond Jaxx Christen First Season with Victory". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1C via Newspapers.com.
  11. Morris, Dan (April 17, 1998). "Victory Caps Historic Evening". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1C via Newspapers.com.
  12. "1998 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  13. Loup, Rich (June 24, 1999). "Simply the West". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1C via Newspapers.com.
  14. Morris, Dan (June 24, 1999). "Fans Thrilled With Best of League". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 3C via Newspapers.com.
  15. Loup, Rich (July 22, 1999). "No-Hitter". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1C via Newspapers.com.
  16. Southern League Media Guide 2019, p. 137.
  17. "League Award Winners". Southern League. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  18. Southern League Media Guide 2019, p. 138.
  19. "Monday's All-Star Box Score". The Montgomery Advertiser. Montgomery. July 11, 2006. p. 2D via Newspapers.com.
  20. "Jaxx Lose Cubs Affiliation". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. September 21, 2006. p. 1A via Newspapers.com.
  21. Bevitz, Ryan (September 29, 2006). "Mariners and Jaxx Agree On Affiliation". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1A via Newspapers.com.
  22. "2007 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  23. Hunter, Ned B. (October 2, 2007). "Deal in Works to Buy Jaxx". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1A via Newspapers.com.
  24. "Marlins to Deal Willis, Cabrera to Tigers". The Tennessean. Nashville. December 3, 2007. p. C3 via Newspapers.com.
  25. Hunter, Ned B. (October 2, 2007). "Jaxx". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 2A via Newspapers.com.
  26. Southern League Media Guide 2019, p. 139.
  27. Shields, Brandon (September 7, 2010). "Jaxx Changing Name to Jackson Generals". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. 1A via Newspapers.com.
  28. "SOU South All-Stars vs. SOU North All-Stars Wrapup - 06/21/11". Minor League Baseball. June 19, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  29. "2015 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  30. "2016 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  31. Southern League Media Guide 2019, p. 140.
  32. Thomas, David (September 20, 2016). "Generals Have New Affiliate". The Jackson Sun. Jackson. p. B3 via Newspapers.com.
  33. "Jackson vs. Jacksonville - June 14, 2018". Minor League Baseball. June 14, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  34. "2019 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  35. "2019 Southern League Playoffs". Southern league. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  36. "A Message From Pat O'Conner". Minor League Baseball. March 13, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  37. "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  38. Springs, Tyler (July 20, 2019). "Jackson Generals to Host 2020 Southern League All-Star Game". Jackson Generals. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  39. "Southern League Announces Cancelation of All-Star Events in Jackson". Jackson Generals. Minor League Baseball. May 18, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  40. "1999 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  41. "2000 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  42. "2001 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  43. "2002 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  44. "2003 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  45. "2004 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  46. "2005 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  47. "2006 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  48. "2008 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  49. "2009 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  50. "2010 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  51. "2011 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  52. "2012 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  53. "2013 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  54. "2014 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  55. "2017 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  56. "2018 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  57. "2020 Southern League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  58. "Jackson Generals Front Office". Jackson Generals. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
General
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