An all-star cast of former players representing four decades joined family, friends and city dignitaries Sunday at H.T. Custer Park where the baseball diamond was officially named in memory of late longtime coach Jimmy Isaacson.
On May 6, the Galesburg City Council unanimously approved naming the baseball diamond at H.T. Custer Park, located on East Fifth Street, as “Coach Jimmy Isaacson Field.”
The official dedication ceremony was conducted prior to Sunday’s American Legion doubleheader between Galesburg and Oneida.
Representing the Isaacson family Sunday were Jimmy’s wife Pat; their son Jami and his wife Julie and their daughter Jillian; and one of their daughters Amy and her husband Jason. Their other daughter Jodi was not able to attend Sunday’s ceremony.
Former Legion coach and Seventh Ward Alderman Steve Cheesman, along with current Legion coach and former player Jeremy Kleine delivered remarks in the on-field ceremony held prior to the game. Jami Isaacson spoke on behalf of the family.
Jimmy a master at small ball, fundamentals
Jimmy Isaacson coached baseball for 48 years — all in Galesburg — with stints for the Galesburg Post 285 Legion program, Carl Sandburg College, the Galesburg Pioneers and Knox College. He was known as an inspiration and mentor to his players, both on and off the field. He specialized in teaching the fundamentals of the game. He died in December 2018.
A 1958 Galesburg High School graduate, Isaacson began his coaching career with Galesburg American Legion Post 285 in1964, making nine state tournament appearances and winning a state title in 1971. He continued to coach for Post 285 for 26 years.
Isaacson also coached for Carl Sandburg College for 15 years starting in 1969, and the Galesburg Pioneers in the Central Illinois Collegiate League from 1972 through 1975. He capped his career with a successful run as head coach a Knox College.
Summer moments turn into lifelong memories
More than 50 former players spanning the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s turned out for the ceremony on a picture perfect Sunday morning to honor their former coach.
Dave Peck was a pitcher on Isaacson’s first Legion team in the mid 1960s.
“Jimmy was a young, young coach who followed Sam Andre, and was just what we needed,” Peck said. “He talked to us, he listened to us and built great relationships.
“He coached a style of ball that was just fun to play. He was aggressive — we ran a lot, and we bunted. Everybody bunted.”
Peck added, “I just love American Legion baseball. It was probably the best three summers of my life. To be here today and see Jami and a whole lot of guys that either I coached or played with has been a lot of fun.”
In his remarks, Kleine said playing American Legion baseball under Issacson was “the ultimate honor.”
“I played six seasons for Jimmy — two with the Legion and four at Knox College,” Kleine said. “And I can tell you, those were the best six years of my life.”
‘A master communicator’
Cheesman remembers Isaacson as “a master communicator.”
“He could listen, take in what came his way, and then be able to give a very profound and easy to understand explanation. But he not only inspired you by his words, he inspired you through his inflection and his body language.
“He wanted you to succeed, not for himself, but for you. He truly was a selfless individual. All the people who turned out here today is just a testament to his legacy. The stories about this man will live forever in this town.”
Son: ‘We thank you so so much, Galesburg.’
Beyond being a fierce competitor and a master of teaching baseball fundamentals, Jami Isaacson said his father had a special knack of being able to relate to his players.
“He would always stress to his players the importance of understanding who you are, where you are and where you want to go,” Jami saId. “He always allowed you, to be you. And the moment you weren’t you, he would call you out.”
Fighting back tears, Isaacson wrapped up his remarks, by saying, “My family is humbled, we are gracious, and we thank you. Galesburg, thank you so, so much.”
