Jackson baseball has no shortage of knowledge within its dugout

There are several reasons as to why the Jackson High School baseball program has been simply tremendous over the past couple of springs (and prior to that, as well).

The Class 6 No. 4-ranked Indians certainly have great talent and second-year coach Josh Roach has done a great job of guiding the program. However, lost in the shadows – but not to Roach – has been the value brought by his coaching staff.

“I think about that every day,” Roach said of how good his assistant coaches are.

Jackson enjoyed its most successful season in program history last spring, as Roach’s team finished third in the MSHSAA Class 6 State Finals and won 34 games. This season, that positive mojo has continued, despite having graduated eight players who are competing at the collegiate level.

The Indians head into Wednesday’s home game (4:30 p.m.) with Farmington (6-1) having won five of their opening six games, and Roach credits his assistants with playing a huge role in that success.

“To have good people around you,” Roach said, “is invaluable. My coaching staff is tremendous, and we all work together really, really well.”

Jackson has a plethora of coaches on its staff, who bring knowledge and experience to the dugout.

Former Major League Baseball draft selection Jason Chavez handles the Indian pitchers and outfielders while former Kelly High School head coach Jeremy Smith works with the hitters and infielders.

“Myself,” Roach explained, “I kind of have my hand in all of it. I do a little bit of everything.”

As Roach handled the media duties following a recent road win at Dexter, Jackson junior varsity head coach Jon Schumer was hitting balls to the younger Indians in preparation for a junior varsity game with the Bearcats.

“Jon is a Jackson alum,” Roach said, “I actually coached him (here).”

Roach said that Drew Brown serves as Schumer’s assistant coach while Corey Adkisson is the Indian freshman coach and Josh Eftink assists Adkisson.

“This is a passion of ours,” Roach said. “Every single one of these guys absolutely loves to coach baseball. That passion translates into we love to interact with the kids.”

Jackson has nearly 60 athletes within its program, and each of the coaches devotes meticulous detail to instructing every player from the senior starter to the freshman utility player.

“This is more than just a hobby for us,” Roach said. “We love to do it. It’s a huge part of our lives.”