Birmingham to Honor Baseball Figure Ron Jackson With Legacy Award

Birmingham officials will recognize former Major League Baseball player Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson for his contributions to the sport and the community. The Center for Negro League Baseball Research, in partnership with the Negro Southern League Museum and Jefferson County District 2 Commissioner Sheila Tyson, will present Jackson with the Enduring Legacy Award on Thursday, November 5. The ceremony is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the museum located at 126 16th Street South.

Jackson grew up in the Powderly neighborhood of Birmingham. His career in professional baseball spanned 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. He played for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, and Baltimore Orioles. After his playing career ended, he moved into coaching roles at both the major and minor league levels. He served as the hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox during their 2004 World Series championship season.

Since returning to the Birmingham area in the early 2000s, Jackson has focused on youth development and community service. He coached the Willie Mays Youth Baseball team to a championship at the 2014 RBI Classic. Through the Papa Jack Youth Baseball Foundation, he works to expand baseball opportunities for young players in Jefferson County. He also travels across the country each year to coach and mentor athletes through programs such as the Hank Aaron Invitational, which is held at Rickwood Field and supported by Major League Baseball.

Dr. Layton Revel, Executive Director of the Center for Negro League Baseball Research, will present the award alongside Commissioner Sheila Tyson. Revel is a researcher who has traditionally focused on forgotten figures from baseball history. For this event, he is releasing a commemorative booklet that details Jackson's life, career, and legacy. The publication serves as a record of a living figure rather than a historical one. Commissioner Tyson, a former softball player and lifelong baseball enthusiast, has supported local baseball initiatives, including the upcoming HBCU Invitational Tournament.

The event will include the award presentation, the release of the booklet, and a reception with a luncheon. It is part of the Iron City Legends series, which honors individuals who have contributed to Birmingham's baseball history. The gathering is expected to include former Negro League and Industrial League players, members of the museum's research team, and supporters of Black baseball.

Jackson emphasized the value of baseball beyond professional achievement. He noted that players do not need to reach the major leagues or secure college scholarships to succeed in the sport. He aims to teach young athletes discipline, adaptability, and a positive attitude. He stated, "Teach them the right way." The program seeks to connect the city's past baseball achievements with its current development of young talent.

RSVPs for the event are available by contacting Tisha Andry, the museum's administrator, at 205-581-3040. The Negro Southern League Museum and the Center for Negro League Baseball Research are co-presenting the event. The organization highlights the ongoing work to preserve and promote the sport in the region.