(Above: Smith-Wills Stadium’s field as it looks today)
You can’t talk about baseball in Mississippi without mentioning Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson.  The blue tin and brick stadium on Lakeland Drive has witnessed decades of baseball history. From hosting minor league teams to witnessing unforgettable moments, the stadium has been a cornerstone of the local sports scene. Though its prominence has faded in recent years, its legacy remains deeply ingrained in the fabric of Jackson’s baseball culture.
At the time Jackson had not fielded a professional baseball team since the Jackson Senators of the Class C Cotton States League moved away in 1953. So, the New York Mets moved their Double A Texas League affiliate the Victoria (TX) Toros to Jackson to play at the brand-new Smith-Wills Stadium, which was barely constructed at the time of the first game in April 1975.  There were no lights, no press box, and the parking was unpaved.
J. Con Maloney was instrumental in bringing professional baseball to Jackson. A businessman and sports enthusiast, Maloney played a significant role in securing the Mets’ affiliation and ensuring the success of the franchise. He was best known in the area as the owner of Cowboy Maloney’s Electric City, a local appliance chain.
(The San Diego Chicken during a 1980 Jackson Mets game at Smith-Wills Stadium)
(“Cowboy” Maloney’s office has been preserved and is next door at the Mississippi Sports Hall of FameÂ
Nevertheless, the J Mets were a huge success and for 16 seasons the Jackson Mets provided thrilling baseball action, fostering a strong connection between the city and the sport. Among the notable players who donned the Jackson Mets uniform were Darryl Strawberry, Lenny Dykstra, and Billy Beane, all of whom went on to have significant careers in the MLB. The team remained in Jackson until 1990, when the J Mets moved to Binghamton, NY to be closer to their parent club. In its place the Astros would place their Double-A Texas League team here and re-brand as the Senators.
(Darryl Strawberry during his time with the Jackson Mets)
The Jackson Generals, affiliated with the Houston Astros, carried the torch of professional baseball in Jackson throughout the 1990s. The name “Generals” paid homage to Andrew Jackson, the city’s namesake, reinforcing the team’s connection to the local community. The team continued to develop future MLB talent, with players such as Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio and Mississippi native Roy Oswalt making their way through the ranks. Despite the excitement surrounding the Generals, the franchise struggled with attendance and financial sustainability. The Generals were competitive throughout their tenure in the Texas League, though they did not achieve the same level of championship success as their predecessor.
By the late 1990s, the stadium’s limitations and the growing demand for modern facilities led to discussions about relocating the team. In 1999, the Jackson Generals played their final season at Smith-Wills Stadium before being purchased by Nolan Ryan moving to Round Rock, Texas, where they became the Round Rock Express. This departure marked the end of affiliated minor league baseball in Jackson for several years.
One of the stadium’s most unique moments occurred in 1978 when J Met outfielder Mookie Wilson, got married at home plate. His teammates were his groomsmen and they held up bats and he and his wife walked down the aisle, which in this case was the third base path on the way to home plate.  The couple remain married to this day and reside in New Jersey.
Additionally, the stadium has been the site of the always anticipated annual Mayor’s Cup, game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss.  Stars like Rafael Palmeiro, Will Clark, Jay Powell and Jonathan Papelbon made their way through the ballpark playing in Mayor’s Cup games.  High school baseball has also thrived at Smith-Wills, with numerous championship games and showcase events taking place on its field. If you were a decent player in the state of Mississippi, then there is a good chance you played at Smith-Wills.
Following the departure of the Jackson Generals, Jackson was left without an affiliated minor league team. Although it did host several short lived independent teams. In 2005, baseball returned to the Jackson area with the arrival of the Mississippi Braves, the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The team established itself in Trustmark Park, a modern stadium located in nearby Pearl.
(Smith-Wills Stadium grandstand in 2025)
Today, efforts such as the Hank Aaron Sports Academy continue to honor the legacy of baseball in the city. The stadium was recently painted and walking around the stadium you will find murals on the wall of past moments and players. It is great that they preserved the ballpark in such a way.  But recently the future of Smith-Wills Stadium remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about its ownership and potential redevelopment. Recently, there have been efforts by the state of Mississippi to take control of the stadium from the city of Jackson, leading to legal disputes over the property
While the stadium has continued to host events such as college and high school baseball games, its long-term viability as a sports venue is in question. It was the longtime home for Belhaven until the 2024 when the Blazers moved to Trustmark Park. Smith-Wills also serves as a neutral site for Jackson State and hosts multiple small college games throughout the years.
While the stadium may no longer host affiliated minor league baseball, its impact on Jackson’s sports history remains undeniable. Whether through the memories of past players, the excitement of high school championships, or the ongoing efforts to keep baseball alive in Jackson, Smith-Wills Stadium continues to be a cherished part of Mississippi’s baseball heritage, but could be a faded memory soon.
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