Jones, Denver

As the 1970’s approached, Denver Jones was just beginning to lay down a strong foundation for the future of ASA softball in Kentucky, especially in London at the Laurel County Fairgrounds. He started women’s slow pitch for Laurel County in 1974 playing on a grade school field. He graduated his women’s and men’s teams to the Laurel County Fairgrounds in 1979 where they played on one field and where Denver’s second home was to become. After 8 years with one diamond, the fairgrounds expanded to four fields allowing church and industrial teams an opportunity to participate. Currently, in 2003, with two fields at 320 feet around and two others backed up from their original distances, the Fairgrounds is one of the premier stops for ASA weekend tournaments in the Bluegrass. The Scott Rose Games played every Kentucky Derby weekend has fielded 20 upper teams for years and is just one of many well-known events resulting from Denver Jones efforts. As a district commissioner for 14 years, he increased registration from 100 to 200 teams, and he was Kentucky tournament director for 28 separate weekends including the Kentucky Fall State Championships, Industrial, and Church. Besides his expertise running his complex, Mr. Jones was also an ASA umpire, player, and coach. He made a cameo appearance behind the plate this past summer at the ASA Kentucky Super Slam that was held in late June and was as sharp as ever. His record, playing and coaching, was 622 wins versus 82 losses; and among his triumphs, are two Kentucky state titles in 1985 and 1986, as a coach for his T&W girl’s team.