Jackson Rockabillys to begin season, first home game on Friday

Sarah Best, Jackson Sun
·2 min read

As spring comes to an end and the summer months commence, so does a new season for the Jackson Rockabillys baseball team.

The team hosted a "Greet the Goats" event at their open practice on Tuesday evening, giving players an opportunity to come off the field and introduce themselves to fans in the stands, getting them pumped up for the upcoming season.

Infielder Brandon Valdez talks with a fan during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Infielder Brandon Valdez talks with a fan during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

Former Major League Baseball player Matt Franco and first-year Rockabillys Manager Matt Franco shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

More: Jackson Rockabillys announce former MLB player as new manager

A young fan tries on a player's shades during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
A young fan tries on a player's shades during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

"We have a great team. We're going to be really competitive this year, and we're going to play some good baseball," Franco said. "I hope the product speaks for itself, and we can win some ball games and get the fans excited."

A part of the Prairie Land Division of the Prospect League's Western Conference, the Rockabillys team is comprised of collegiate players from across the southern, midwestern, and eastern U.S. — as far north as Rhode Island and as far south as Florida.

Rockabillys manager Matt Franco during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Rockabillys manager Matt Franco during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

More: Prospect League's Jackson baseball team to be called the Rockabillys

The team's first practice was Monday, followed by the second one on Tuesday, just before their first game on Wednesday evening when they will face off against the Thrillville Thrillbillies in Marion, Illinois. Though the time for practice was limited before the first game of the season, Franco isn't worried.

"It's kind of rushed, but we should be just fine," he said.

Catcher Dylan LaRue talks to a fan during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Catcher Dylan LaRue talks to a fan during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

With a 35-player roster, Franco noted that he anticipates challenges with allowing everyone ample playing time.

Infielder Brandon Valdez flashes a thumbs up to the camera during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Infielder Brandon Valdez flashes a thumbs up to the camera during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

"That's going to be one challenging thing is getting everyone their playing time because there's only nine spots out there," he said. "As long as everybody's okay with sharing a little bit of time, we'll be alright."

Infielder Tyler Macon laughs while talking to a fan during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Infielder Tyler Macon laughs while talking to a fan during the Jackson Rockabillys' "Greet the Goats" event inside The Ballpark in Jackson on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

The Rockabillys first home game will be on Friday, June 2 at 7 p.m. and the full game schedule can be found at www.rockabillysbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson Rockabillys to begin season, first home game on Friday