Justin Jackson (right) and teammate Brian Van Kirk (#12) keeping warm in the dugout.
With the wide-eyes of a child on Christmas morning and an ear-to-ear grin splayed across his face, Justin Jackson lights up a room the instant he walks in it.
You can see the excitement in his demeanor and instantly you know that this is a guy who relishes the opportunity he has in front of him and is going to enjoy it every step of the way.
Jackson grew up in Ashville, North Carolina and he’s quick to boast that it was voted the “number one most beautiful city by Good Morning America.”
It’s that kind of pride and enthusiasm that he brings into everything he does, something instilled in him from a very early age thanks to his father.
Chuck Jackson was a standout at the University of Hawaii who played professionally for 12 seasons. He still holds the records for most doubles in a season at Hawaii when he hit 25 in 1984.
Chuck had three stints in the majors with Houston and Texas, but played the majority of his days in the minors, where a young Justin learned to love the game.
“I was so young, so I was traveling, getting to see some of the ballparks,” said Justin in reflecting back on his dad’s playing days. “I remember some of the AAA ballparks from traveling around and moving around.”
Chuck’s last season of ball was in 1996 with the St. Paul Saints of the Independent Northern League and by then an 8-year-old Justin was coming into his own.
“By the time I started school he was coming out of the game,” said Jackson, “So he was focusing on me.”
His dad helped guide his game along during the formative years and as with any youngster, there were many other influences that spurred his love of the game.
“I always played infield so Derek Jeter has always been my favorite,” said Justin instantly when asked who his favorite player was growing up. “Right when I started playing he was starting in the big leagues, so he’s a big influence.”
Justin would hone his skills at T.C. Roberson High School in Ashville, where he played alongside San Diego Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin. Jackson was also part of Team U.S.A.’s U-20 National Team and was an Aflac All-American.
By his senior season in 2007 – when his powerhouse Rams reached No. 2 in the Baseball America high school rankings – he was on everyone’s radar and with the 45th overall pick in the Major League amateur entry draft, the Toronto Blue Jays drafted Jackson at the age of 18.
He rescinded his letter of intent to play at Arizona State and was suited up for the Rookie League, Gulf Coast Blue Jays by mid-summer.
After working his way through the Blue Jays system over the last few years, Jackson made his AA debut with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats last season where he saw action in 28 games.
Heading into the 2012 season, Jackson broke camp with New Hampshire and won the starting gig at center field, a position he had played only 23 times prior.
A middle infielder by nature, most of Jackson’s outfield experience had come at the corner positions, but he has taken to the challenge with his normal zeal.
He is learning that center field is a different beast and he is far from a finished product, but Jackson has shown early signs that he can handle things out there and his speed should help him in the range department.
“Center field is a really difficult position to play if you’ve never been there before,” said Fisher Cats manager Sal Fasano. “We’ve got a ton of work to do with his jumps and understanding how to catch the ball differently, but he’s making good strides and he’s comfortable in the batter’s box which is the most important thing to me.”
That comfort in the box has helped Jackson jump out to one of his best starts at the plate. Mainly hitting near the bottom of the order, with minimal pressure, he has put up a team-best .333 batting average over 14 games with 3 doubles, 5 runs, 3 RBIs and 5 stolen bases, despite having to acclimate himself to the region.
“In high school I had some fall-ball games that were cold and I played in Lansing for a little bit,” said Jackson on adjusting to the early season cold of the Northeast. “But it’s been three years since I’ve been in the cold. It took a little time to get used to, but just bundle up and keep moving.”
With his versatility across the field and a bat that has improved with each jump up the ladder, Jackson could keep moving himself towards being a very valuable asset for the Blue Jays organization.
FOR THE LOVE OF TWITTER
Another place that has allowed Jackson to gain a greater following is his Twitter feed, which exudes that same enthusiasm that he shows on the field and in the clubhouse.
Jackson, aka @JaxChillinONE, has cranked out well over 6,500 tweets, many as he is in the midst of his daily prep for a game, virtually bringing his 2,500 followers with him wherever he goes.
“It’s a good way to interact with the fans,” said Jackson of what he enjoys about it. “I originally started Twitter as a fan myself, following people like musicians, actors and a lot of baseball guys that I liked.”
At this point it’s almost impossible to find a player without a feed, adding Jackson, “Most of our guys are on it.”
Of course it’s tough to delineate the good from the bad, but Jackson keeps things fresh and interesting, challenging followers on Xbox, giving out personal memorabilia when he hits a milestone for followers and just showing a general interest in the power of being able to reach out to a community of others through such means.
He’s also quick to offer suggestions for those new to the game.
“I follow my buddy Cameron Maybin (@spidermayb24), he is one of the good guys,” said Jackson about his former high school teammate. “Logan Morrison is big and Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP). There’s also a bunch of guys sports-wise and musicians. I get a lot of new music and some websites on there too.”
He must be referring to BeyondFenway.com.
Regarding the feeds to stay away from, a grinning Jackson was quick throw a teammate to the fire, “I just like to get on him, but Deck McGuire’s [feed] (@deckmcguire) is a terrible one.”
– Craig Forde
Beyond Fenway 
