the start of something

We all know the old saying: It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. True, and yet, there was something special about the way the 1993 Jackson Generals started their season — and it seemed to pave the way for a special finish. Twenty years ago this month, the Generals, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, won their first five games. That had not been done in the franchise’s previous 18 seasons. The 1981 JaxMets — Davey Johnson’s club — had started 4-0 and went on to win the franchise’s first Texas League title. The ’93 Gens would pull off the same feat, winning the city’s first championship since 1985. It was also the first championship for Houston’s Double-A club since Columbus (Ga.) won the Southern League title in 1986; the franchise moved to Jackson in 1991. All five wins in the season-opening streak came at Smith-Wills Stadium, against Tulsa, which was managed by Jackson native Stan Cliburn. The Gens outscored the Drillers 41-5. It was impressive stuff. Managed by Sal Butera, the ’93 Generals roster included a wealth of good talent: Roberto Petagine won league MVP honors and the batting title; Brian Hunter led the league in steals; Jim Dougherty led in saves. Other memorable standouts included Lance “Bam-Bam” Madsen, Chris Hatcher, Dave Hajek, former Jackson Murrah star Fletcher Thompson, Jim Bruske, Mike Groppuso, Scott Makarewicz, Alvin Morman and Ray Montgomery, whose dramatic ninth-inning home run at Smith-Wills clinched the TL East first-half championship. The Gens also captured the league title at the old ballpark on Lakeland Drive.