Our Organization & Mission

The Grove Park Youth Sports Association, aka Boys Baseball Association (BBA), was established in 1956 on a Sunday afternoon at the Farish Street YMCA in Jackson, MS.  The YMCA was a place where a group of young men, community leaders, gathered to organize baseball for African American boys.  The targeted areas included boys from the following Jackson communities: Shady Oaks, Georgetown, Bel Air, Virden Addition, and surrounding communities.  After a successful start, the BBA was finally incorporated in 1981.  At that time there were only six (6) teams in BBA. Today, BBA has grown to over 20 teams made up of boys and girls ranging from ages 3 - 18 years of age. The season is played mid-April through the end of May.  Girls and boys from the city of Jackson and surrounding areas are welcome.

In March 2021 the Grove Park Youth Sports Association Board voted to join the first and only in the US Hank Aaron Sports Academy (HASA).  HASA is  located in the old Smith-Wills Stadium on Cool Papa Bell Drive in Jackson.  After the Grove Park regular season ends in June each year, BBA players have the opportunity to participate in HASA Recreational League tournaments.  They will also have an opportunity to participate in baseball clinics, field trips, career seminars, and travel on local and out of state field trips. The purpose of HASA, founded by CEO Tim Bennett, is to provide a place where Jackson and surrounding area youths can practice, participate in baseball games, clinics, and receive individual & team skill development training year-round.  The HASA also focuses on strategies and activities that help increase interest and skills in baseball among inner-city African-American youths.  

The Mission of BBA is to provide boys and girls with safe, fun and rewarding experiences and activities through the game of baseball and softball.  Our hope is that all participating youths will gain and develop life skills that will benefit them through their adulthood.