Buzz-worthy
Marvin “Buzz” Jackson inducted into Hall of Fame
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By Katherine Cobb
For The Spirit of Jefferson December 2014 Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Pete Rose, and Jefferson County’s own Marvin “Buzz” Jackson were all inducted into the National Amateur Baseball Federation’s first class of the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. Jackson and his family were part of over 370 people in attendance at the first annual National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on November 29 in Evansville, Ind., where 75 members were officially honored and inducted. The National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame is currently being built and will house artifacts from inducted players. Jackson will be contributing a jersey, hat and glove, which will be on display when the Hall of Fame opens its doors in 2015. The National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) was established in Louisville, Ky., in 1914, and is the oldest continually operated national baseball organization in the country. It currently has eight divisions from 10 and under to unlimited age. Due to its longevity and history, its member list reads like a who’s who of baseball. Jackson currently plays for the Brunswick Orioles (part of the Blue Ridge League), where he and his team won the World Series title in 2004. He is primarily a pitcher but has served as a utility player throughout his career. His tenure with the NABF began in 1985 with Martinsburg Blue Sox, and he’s also played form the Hagerstown Braves and Charles Town Phillies. He has a slew of national and state titles to his name and has won over 200 games as a pitcher. “It was a tremendous honor to be inducted into the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame and placed with some of the elite players across the country,” said Jackson. “That I’ve played the game so long and on so many great teams was, I believe, a contributing factor to why I was selected. I am humbled and honored they recognized my accomplishments in the sport of baseball.” Jackson has an impressive baseball pedigree. After graduating from Jefferson High in 1985, he attended Francis Marion University, graduating in 1990 as a four-year letterman in baseball. He also earned a Maryland Olympic gold medal. Jackson was offered a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990 and a professional contract to play in a European professional league in 1993 but declined all offers to begin a family and coach baseball. Last year, Jackson was the head junior varsity coach at Washington High School, where he’ll be returning this year. He also coaches the Brunswick Express, an elite 22 and under summer team in the NABF. He is well known for coaching baseball at Jefferson High from 1993 to 2009, where they won six state titles and three state runner-up titles. He coached American Legion baseball from 2009 to 2013. At age 47, Jackson is considerably older than his teammates, but well respected. He has no plans to retire from the game. “I don’t anticipate playing a lot this summer, but I look at it like this: as long as I’m healthy enough and have the opportunity, I’ll keep playing. I love the game,” said Jackson. “I love coaching too — it’s how I give back to the game for all it’s given me,” he added. “I look forward to winning a state title at Washington this spring and I am looking forward to coaching my Brunswick Express in the summer. I think we’re going to have a good young college team.” Jackson — known by many as “Buzz” or “Buzzy,” a nickname he’s had since birth — was clear about baseball’s greatest gift. “Baseball has given me an opportunity to meet a lot of people, make many friendships and share a part of my life with young players. That’s probably the greatest thing it’s given me.” |
“Baseball has given me an opportunity to meet a lot of people, make many friendships and share a part of my life with young players. I love coaching too — it’s how I give back to the game for all it’s given me.” “Enjoying every minute this great life gives me. I never take anything for granted. Always work hard at everything you do.” (From his Instagram page) |
Buzz Jackson died in April 2024. The outpouring of love and thanks he received shows the impact he had on players throughout his life. He coached baseball at three area high schools in addition to summer baseball leagues for varying ages.
