By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Baseball Association and the Junior Baseball League of Nassau will not be the same without its long-time Commissioner Jeff Albury.

Albury, owner of Island Wholesale, died on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13 after celebrating his 73rd birthday on February 7. He is survived by his wife Margo, son Christopher, a grandson and a host of persons, whom he called his family in baseball.

The BBA, in its tribute to Albury, described how he helped to pioneer JBLN when it was officially established in 1989.

From then to now, Albury has been a big supporter of youth baseball and the BBA.

“Jeff’s love for the game and the youth was evident by the countless hours and treasure he gave to the overall development of young people through baseball and softball,” said BBA secretary general Teddy Sweeting.

“His presence, commitment and leadership will be sorely missed by family, friends and countless persons that he mentored as the ultimate father figure.”

Albury, known as a die-hard and he constantly exclaimed “All Rise” after a homer by Aaron Judge, was also a pivotal member of the formation of the Bahamas Baseball Federation in 2003.

As one of the persons responsible for the resurgence of baseball to what is happening today with so many young players earning professional contracts, the BBF honoured Albury with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

“The BBA and the entire baseball community is saddened at the loss of a Bahamian icon,” Sweeting said.

“One thing about Jeff, he never desired the limelight and preferred to remain behind the scenes. However, today in honour of Jeff Albury we say ‘all rise’”.

May his soul rest in peace.