logo courtesy of Play Ball Jackson
The Jackson Rockabillys today announced and introduced their inaugural field manager, former MLB player Matt Franco. A native of Southern California, the 53-year-old Franco played eight seasons in the Major Leagues. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 1987 June draft by the Chicago Cubs as a seventeen-year-old, advancing through the Cubs system to the major league team in 1995, before being traded to the New York Mets in early 1996. He played for the Mets from 1996-2001 before moving over to the Atlanta Braves in 2002 and 2003, having his best MLB season in 2002, where he batted .317 with 6 home runs and 30 RBI. Matt finished out his professional career in Japan with Chiba Lotte from 2004-2006, highlighted by a 21-HR season in 2005.
“In 1989, a fuzz-faced young third baseman was our only representative of the Charleston Wheelers in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game”, announced Rockabillys President, Dennis Bastien. “That young man was and is Matt Franco, whom we introduce today. We are very proud to welcome and introduce him as the first skipper, the inaugural manager of your Jackson Rockabillys.”
” I am proud to be here today and be given the opportunity to lead this first Rockabillys team in our first season. Having known Dennis and Lisa for many years, I want to be a part of what I see and know will be an amazing year here in Jackson. Just know that the team we put on the field each night will be a hard- working, hustling, never-give-up group of young men that will represent our fans and followers well. We will have them in the community and become an invested part of the area”, noted Franco.
The Rockabillys will complete their field staff by announcing their Pitching coach and Assistant Coach next week, both current college coaches.
The Jackson Rockabillys are a proud member of the elite summer collegiate Prospect League and will begin play for the 2023 season. The Rockabillys are building family fun opportunities and working to make the Jackson Baseball Stadium an entertainment destination for all.