James (Jim) Roy Eaton, Jr.
9/11/1949 - 9/11/1998

Who is Jim Eaton and why is he so important to Berry’s Baseball?

Jim was a member of the Berry’s Baseball organization as a friend and coach who loved the game of baseball. During his distinguished military career in the Navy, Jim always found time for his wife and family as he continued to meet his professional obligations. Jim never turned down a challenge and constantly showed integrity, commitment and strong character as his life’s priorities.

On the field, Jim was a competitor, dedicated to making the Berry’s Baseball Club a success and a fun environment for the players. Jim was firm and forthright in making the necessary on-field decisions required as a coach, but fair and compassionate in working with his players.

In 1998, after months of battling with health issues and treatments, Jim succumbed to cancer. This memorial award is in his honor. Each year, past Jim Eaton Award recipients review all candidates, caucus and determine a new winner from within the combined 48 and 58 teams representing Berry’s, to receive the distinguished Jim Eaton Award.

All candidates for the Award must emulate numerous characteristics that best represent Jim Eaton’s priorities in life. These characteristics include, but are not limited to the following: 

      1. Devoted Husband. 
      2. Dedicated Father 
      3. Integrity, to include high moral and ethical values 
      4. Commitment to life, military and especially baseball 
      5. A class individual, who exhibits strength and leadership 
      6. A showman and practical joker 
      7. Above all, the love of the game of baseball. 

               1999      Fred Hammond
            2000      Steve Bisbikis
            2001      Dave Schneider
            2002      Harold (Doc) Shively
            2003      Ed Newman
            2004      Tom Benedickt
            2005      Buddy Edwards
            2006      Ken McAtee