Baseball WA is pleased to share the induction of Greg Jelks into the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame for 2022.
The US import was a shining star in the Australian Baseball League throughout the 1990s, playing for the Perth HEAT. He was also a well-known player and manager at local clubs like Braves, South Perth, Morley, and Carine. Sadly, Jelks passed away suddenly in 2017 but will always be remembered for the talent and charisma he brought to the game during a period of unprecedented growth and development in Australia. “He was integral to the success of the Perth Heat and WA baseball over 23 years,” Baseball WA CEO Lachlan Dale said. “Many people will still remember the days of watching the famous 44 play at Parry Field during the 90s. A true gentleman of the game, Greg is sadly missed by the baseball community, but his legacy will forever live on.” “We were honoured to nominate Greg for the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame and we are so happy with his successful nomination. His contributions to the game certainly make him a worthy and deserving Hall of Fame inductee.” Greg Jelks Biography Jelks began his ABL career with the Perth Heat in 1993, bringing instant credibility to the league as a former major leaguer with the Philadelphia Phillies. His talent was undeniable, blasting 63 home runs across 282 ABL games while boasting a career batting average of .334. Following his illustrious playing career, Jelks continued his contributions to the game by coaching the Australian National team, including the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and managing at various levels including the Perth Heat, junior state and national teams, and club baseball. “It was obvious his baseball ability was unlike anything we had seen before. Greg adopted Australia as his second home and became part of the baseball family. As dominant as he was on the field, one of his major strengths was the impact he had through coaching at many levels, and his continued promotion of baseball.” Tony Adamson – Baseball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee 2005 “Just saying that name sends shivers down pitchers and third basemen spines everywhere! Greg was a great baseball player, the most feared hitter in the league swinging the black magic.” Graeme Lloyd – Baseball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee 2005 Greg Jelks Baseball History Player A.B.L. PERTH HEAT Team: 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 A.B.L. MELBOURNE Monarchs: 1996
Coach / Manager WA Claxton Shield Team Assistant Coach 2002-2005 Perth Heat Head Coach 2006 Perth Heat Assistant Coach 2007 – 2016 Australian Team Coach:
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