SUMMER DEVELOPMENTAL BASEBALL
Summer developmental Leagues like the Cape Cod League, established in the early 1900s, the Northwoods League and its 23 teams operating in the Northeastern Region of the U.S., and the Coastal Plains League have and continue to develop thousands of players who have gone on to play professionally at the MiLB and MLB levels.
These Leagues draw millions of fans annually to their ballparks and millions of viewers via TV, the Internet, and live streaming. The Legacy League is the next baseball phase for Mississippi and the Southeastern Region of the U.S. with an International outreach. The Legacy League will bring players from all over the world to play here at Smith-Wills Stadium.
MISSISSIPPI
“GOOD & READY”
Mississippi has proven capable of producing top talent. There is Further proof in the N.C.A.A., where two of Mississippi’s Division I Teams were “back to back” College World Series Champions when Mississippi State took the title in 2021, followed by rival University of Mississippi answering in 2022. In 2024, the University of Southern Mississippi would clinch their 22nd consecutive 30-win season, giving them the longest current streak in Division I baseball, producing 30 or more victories in 37 of the last 38 seasons. Mississippi is home to three (3) Division I H.B.C.U.s (Jackson State, Alcorn State, and Mississippi State Universities).
MLB HISTORY
Mississippi has hosted 4 MLB affiliated teams. From 1975-1999 at Smith-Wills Stadium and from 2005-Current at Trustmark Park and MGM Park. The NY Mets, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Negro League Biloxi Dodgers have called Mississippi their home.
OPEN MARKET
After 20 seasons and 2 Southern League Championships, the Mississippi Braves will be relocated to Columbus, GA. The Legacy will step in to fill some big shoes, however, with names like Dusty Baker, Tracy McGrady, Andruw Jones, Ozzie Smith, Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Brian Jordan, Deuce McAllister, Ralph Garr, and Jair Jurrjens.
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Sports are typically centered around the athletes. We will focus on every facet of the game on and off the field. This idea gave birth to the Fellowship Program. This program has attracted College and High School students as paid interns from local, regional, and national institutions to serve as our General Managers and Front Office Administrators, learning what it takes to operate a professional sports organization.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Ten Percent (10%) of gate revenues at each team’s home game will go to that team’s city of origin’s designated charity.
Booster clubs from each High School in that team host city will be allowed to work concessions and keep a percentage of sales.
Parking fees will be collected and retained by each city’s law enforcement.
$2,500 will be awarded to the CiCityn each division with the best attendance for the season (based on per cap / population).
The Company and its Proposed Business
The Legacy League is a summer developmental baseball league that will operate in Jackson, Mississippi at The Hank Aaron Sports Academy. The location of play is a former Minor League Baseball Stadium that was home to the New York Mets and the Houston Astros (AA) MiLB Teams, now named the Hank Aaron Sports Academy after being selected by Henry “Hank” Aaron himself along with his partner Tim Bennett.
The purpose of The Legacy League is to provide Collegiate players a place to play during the summer months of June – July. These teams will play a 40-game schedule with teams comprised of players from all races and socio-economic backgrounds and will include players from other countries.
The goal is that each team will be diverse and will primarily include players from the SEC, SWAC, Sun Belt Conference, Conference USA, and the American Athletic Conference. By working with these conferences, among others, we feel we have the best chance to accomplish our goals mentioned above and objectives for equality in the sport of baseball.
Each Team Owner has a background in professional sports and has established a reputation that is above reproach and recognizes the importance of being a part of the community as well as our desire to include and answer the call of Major League Baseball to make the sport more diverse.
Leagues such as this one are normal functions of developmental and collegiate baseball and in many instances taking the place of Minor League Baseball in some of its former markets. The players are the same ages as many of the players that you would see at a Minor League Baseball game in any one of dozens of cities across the United States, with the only difference being that these are the players who have exercised the option to get their education while still playing baseball at the collegiate or university level, with the hopes of being drafted into the MLB system.
This is truly “A League of our Own” and will create local interest, support, and competition as it will not only bring communities together but will also be a source of fundraising for youth and recreation programs in each city via revenues generated from gate and concession sales. Every team will raise funds with every ticket sold and every hot dog purchased, with these funds going back into the city represented by that team.
Perhaps our greatest advantage is our location and our location. We are in the heart of the South which is widely known to produce the top talent in sports and with all teams playing at one location, it simply makes it easier for the parents, friends, fans, MLB Scouts, and the general public to come out and support the Legacy League.
