Henderson, Texas – Black’s history is not only about celebrating breakthroughs, but also about spotlighting consistency and black excellence.
Gary Jones is an East Texas icon, but likes to keep things modest, as he says.
Over 40 years as a professional baseball coach and as a World Series Championship with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, Jones returns to East Texas every offseason, reminiscing fondly about his roots.
“I’ve always played baseball. Like I said here at Henderson at this ballpark, I had my teeth cut. It’s Yates Park. It’s more important than that. “You’re the youngest. And in many cases you have to be pretty good, or you will have to keep yours.
Jones points to his humble upbringing at Henderson as the driving force behind his ability to navigate the unconventional path to major league baseball.
“I don’t get a scholarship right from high school so I have to go to Paris Junior College to prove myself and win a scholarship,” Jones said. “(i) I had to go to Arkansas and not receive a scholarship, I had to prove myself again and win a scholarship, if I had to not be drafted and sign after draft again, and then sign after draft again. I had to prove myself because there wasn’t.”
And that’s what Jones did over and over again, prove himself. That was the coach that he had to do as a black player and then came in the ’80s. He said that although he doesn’t always have the same opportunity as all his peers, he’s broken and not looking back, based on the merits and knowledge of the game.
“I was black so I didn’t want to give you a job. I always wanted to be given that job because the people I hired thought I was the best guy for the job. “So. , all of these situations made me who I am today, and I am proud of it.”
From athletics to the Cubs and now the Detroit Tigers’ first bass coach, Jones has seen it all as a major league coach. However, he still enjoys his most joy in helping him master this beautiful game.
“The biggest thrill I get is seeing everyone improve every day,” he said.
