Smith-Willis Stadium
Jackson, MS
Review by Mike
Smith-Willis Stadium opened in 1975 and hosted minor league baseball until 1999. For most of that time, the resident team was the Jackson Mets of the AA Texas League. The Jackson Generals followed and then a couple of independent league teams before pro ball finally departed the state capital after the 2005 season. Since then, the stadium has been used for high school ball, as well as soccer and football, and it serves as the home field for the D3 Blazers baseball team of Belhaven University.
Sadly, Gary and I were not able to get inside during our 2026 visit, but from everything we could see, this is a nicely maintained facility, well cared for as it enters the 2nd half of its first century of use. The stadium is brightly painted in vivid red and blue and there are nods to history all around, with logos of past affiliates, signs celebrating great players to pass thru, such as Darryl Strawberry, and nods to greats of the past like Mississippi native Cool Papa Bell.
The ballpark features a concrete main grandstand of fixed-back seating, covered by a cantilevered roof that extends to shade the entire seating area. Large, sturdy bleachers extend down each foul line, with the dugouts set into the base of each. A classic scoreboard, complete with analog clock and line score overlooks proceedings from beyond the left-centerfield fence.
The light towers are of the erector set variety and add to the classic look and feel of this venerable ballpark. A dedicated concession building sits on the concourse behind home plate. We were both disappointed not to get inside for a proper look around, because from what we could see through the fences, Smith-Willis Stadium is a colorful, energetic ballpark that celebrates its long history while providing an excellent venue for the future stars of Mississippi.
2026
2026
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