Previous minor-league teams based in Jackson had played downtown at a field on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, but the new park, which would be named Smith-Wills Stadium, was constructed on Lakeland Drive just east of Interstate 55 in the more suburban area of northeast Jackson.
The 1984 championship squad included Billy Beane, who hit 20 home runs, and Lenny Dykstra, who stole 53 bases.
The Mets pitching staff was anchored by Calvin Schiraldi, who went 14-3, and also featured Rick Aguilera, Roger McDowell, Jay Tibbs, and Floyd Youmans.
The 1985 team that repeated as champs was led by Dave Magadan, Randy Milligan, Mark Carreon, and Barry Lyons, all of whom hit over .300.
In addition, at various points the Mets fielded future major-leaguers Lee Mazzilli, Mike Scott, Jeff Reardon, Hubie Brooks, Jody Davis, Darryl Strawberry, Kevin Mitchell, Terry Blocker, John Gibbons and Kevin Elster.