Birmingham Honors Baseball Legend Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson

The city paid tribute to the former major leaguer and longtime coach at the Negro Southern League Museum.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Baseball

Birmingham Honors Baseball Legend Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson

Birmingham honored baseball legend Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson with a tribute titled "A Salute to an Unsung Legend" at the Negro Southern League Museum on Thursday. Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson joined the city, the museum, and local baseball organizations in the celebration.

Why it matters

The tribute recognizes a Birmingham native who played professionally and spent decades developing players, drawing attention to his local roots and mentorship work with young athletes.

Jackson played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball for four teams and spent more than 20 years coaching at the major and minor league levels. The extraction does not specify any additional honors planned following the tribute.

The players

Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson

Jackson is a former Major League Baseball player and longtime coach who has supported young athletes through the Papa Jack Baseball Foundation and Major League Baseball youth programs.

Sheila Tyson

Tyson is a Jefferson County Commissioner who participated in the tribute honoring Jackson.

The details

The event ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and was titled "A Salute to an Unsung Legend." Jackson, a Wenonah High School graduate, played for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, and Baltimore Orioles, and was on the Boston Red Sox coaching staff when the team won the 2004 World Series.

Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Tribute held at the Negro Southern League Museum.

Legacy

Jackson's recognition places a Negro Southern League Museum honor alongside his career that spanned four Major League clubs and a championship coaching staff. The tribute reflects how local institutions in Birmingham preserve the history of Black baseball figures from the region.

Jackson's mentorship work through the Papa Jack Baseball Foundation and Nike RBI gives local young players a direct pathway into organized baseball programs. Families in the Birmingham area can look to these programs for youth development opportunities.

The takeaway

Local mentors who spent careers in professional baseball continue to shape youth development in the community. Recognizing figures like Jackson highlights the value of supporting programs that connect young athletes with experienced coaches.