(born May 27, 1966) Another Portland kid made good on the diamond. John Jaha went from East County to a 10-year major league career. The road was long and winding, but the rewards were very sweet.
John’s path began as a lanky shortstop in the David Douglas Babe Ruth league, playing for Matt Niebergall.
In high school, he was a 3-sport standout at David Douglas playing 4 years for Oregon HS HOF Coach, Pete Ness. Those teams all advanced to post-season in his senior year. That 1984 baseball squad reached the state semifinals and Jaha departed with most of the school’s batting records.
The Brewers drafted John in the 14th round that year and made it worth his while with a $25,000 bonus. Good money in those days.
Without any wood bat experience, his progress through the minor leagues was slow but steady. His power at the plate and glove skills made him a key asset. Working out in the weight room added to his physicality as he gravitated to first base and DH duties.
After 8 years in minors, including a key winter in Australian ball, John made the show. He played 7 seasons in Milwaukee, his best was 1996 batting .300 with 34HR, 118 RBI and the most AB on the club.
A series of injuries ended his time with the Brewers but the A’s offered him a minor league contract in 1999. When Jaha showed up in Arizona, he was not even mentioned in the Oakland media guide. Determined to give it one more shot, John delivered big time. 35 home runs, 111 runs batted in. He was selected as an American League All-Star Comeback player of year.
John Jaha retired 2 years later. He is now a proud baseball father and coach in Clackamas. Youngest son Jackson will now be playing 3B for the Oregon Ducks.
We welcome John Jaha to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.
