Jack O'Keefe

Babe Ruth League President/CEO Steven Tellefsen said, "Jack O' Keefe has been involved with our program for over 18 years.  He is a very dedicated volunteer and plays a major role in the success the organization enjoys today.  It is a proud moment to have a person of his caliber inducted into the Hall of Fame."

Jack O'Keefe obtained the first charter for Stockton, California in 1954. He served Babe Ruth National till 1969, and served the "Jack O'Keefe" Babe Ruth League until 1972, one of the oldest chartered leagues nationally.

Jack's dedication spread to many other organizations than Babe Ruth. He belonged to twelve youth activity boards including CYO, Pee Wee Basketball, YMCA and YWCA, Legion Baseball, Stockton Aquatics and Babe Ruth Baseball. Plus youth self help groups in conjunction with his job as Police Chief of Stockton.

O'Keefe was a very noble character. Jack served graciously and without rancor. He taught the youth of Stockton self reliance, sportsmanship and being competitive meant NOT always winning. To him, all kids were equal, and all played. Even those players who could not afford to pay, would seek donations found by Mr. O'Keefe.  The greatest comment attributed to him was "I never met a kid I didn't like."

Jack received multiple Man of the Year awards from Stockton. He served on the Babe Ruth National Board from 1954 thru 1962. He was National Vice President 1962 thru 1964, then National President in 1965-66.

Jack is no longer with us, but was known as a man for all kids. His deeds forgotten by adults, but not the kids he served and loved.

1993