Jerry Windell

Career Overview

Jerry Lee Windell competed in the NBBA from 1982 through 2016, building one of the most versatile and accomplished careers in league history. Over more than three decades, he played for numerous teams including the Indianapolis Bats, Indianapolis Rebels, Albuquerque Tru Sight, Indianapolis Eagles, Windy City Hoosiers, Rocky Mountain Eagles, Chicago Bluffs, Oklahoma City Bombers, Indy Thunder, RHI Indianapolis Xtreme, and the Indy Edge.

From his earliest seasons, Jerry demonstrated rapid development and competitive drive. After beginning in 1982, he earned National All-Tournament recognition by 1983, signaling the start of a long and impactful career.

Championship Impact

Jerry was a member of five NBBA World Series Championship teams. He won four titles with Albuquerque Tru Sight from 1985 through 1988 and added another championship in 1990 with the Indianapolis Eagles. The Eagles also finished second in 1991.

As a pitcher, Jerry made history in 1990 by helping lead the Eagles to a championship. He joined Rey Serna as one of only two legally blind pitchers to win a World Series title. His pitching contributions remain one of the most distinctive aspects of his career.

He often recalls pitching to Ron Brown during the 1990 championship run, when Brown earned Offensive All-Star honors. He also remembers defeating his former Albuquerque teammates in 1989 and competing alongside many of the greatest players in league history.

World Series Honors

Jerry earned World Series All-Star recognition three times:

• 1983 at St. Louis Park, MN
• 1984 at Albuquerque, NM
• 1986 at Palo Alto, CA

His later-career World Series statistics from available records reflect:

66 games

220 at-bats

92 runs

88 putouts

.418 batting average

These numbers represent seasons well beyond his prime years and demonstrate his sustained competitiveness into later stages of his career.

Tournament Recognition

Beyond the World Series, Jerry earned additional honors including:

• 1983 and 1984 All-Star recognition at Kalamazoo, MI
• 1984 Indiana State Tournament recognition
• 2009 Defensive recognition with 16 putouts at Bolingbrook, IL
• 2013 MVP Offense with a .750 batting average at Bolingbrook, IL

His ability to remain productive across decades highlights his durability and adaptability.

Leadership and Service

In the later stages of his career, Jerry transitioned into expanded leadership roles. Since 2016, he has focused on coaching, spotting, and pitching. In 2019, he pitched three games for the Indy Edge putting up 12 runs, demonstrating that his skill remained sharp.

Jerry also served as NBBA President from 2022 through 2024, further cementing his legacy as a leader within the organization.

Legacy

Known affectionately as “J-Dog,” Jerry Windell has been described as invaluable on both sides of the ball. Whether batting, fielding, pitching, coaching, or leading at the national level, he has consistently elevated the teams and players around him.

His championships, All-Star honors, historic pitching achievements, and decades of service make him a deserving member of the NBBA Hall of Fame.