FRIDAY NIGHT BBQ
FUN STARTS AT 7:00pm
Grand Junction High Desert Classic teams and families are invited to the Friday Night BBQ. What better way to celebrate the first day of the tournament than a barbeque with your teammates, family and competition. The fun will take place on CMU’s Bus Bergman Field, which just underwent a major improvement project. Players will also receive a tourney memento and the tournament coordinators will go over some key info about the weekend. Make plans to join us!
Dinner will be provided by The Ribber Catering!
2024 Key Note Speaker Jamie Hamilton
2023 – Jeff Niemann (Former Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher)
2022 – Colorado Mesa University Head Coach – Chris Hanks
Jamie Hamilton’s journey in the realm of baseball began at Regis High School in Denver, Colorado, where he showcased his talent on the field, earning All-Conference honors in 1974. His passion for the game led him to Mesa College, where he continued to excel both academically and athletically. Graduating in 1978 with a teaching degree, Hamilton left an indelible mark on Mesa’s baseball team, garnering accolades such as Academic All-American and Honorable Mention All-American.
Post-graduation, Hamilton pursued a professional baseball career, signing with the Golden West Baseball Club, California Angels organization. His dedication and skill propelled him to the AA level by 1981. However, his contributions to baseball extended far beyond his playing days.
Transitioning seamlessly into community leadership roles, Hamilton became a cornerstone in various ventures. His commitment to service earned him recognition as the State of Colorado Volunteer of the Year in 1995 and the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year in 1999. Additionally, he served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Community Hospital’s Board of Directors and the Governor of Colorado’s Commission on Science and Technology.
Hamilton’s passion for baseball and community converged in his involvement with the NJCAA JUCO World Series. From 1986 to 2003, he served as the Co-Director of Tournament Play, ensuring the success and growth of the prestigious event. His leadership didn’t stop there; he also held the position of Tournament Chairman from 2003 onward, solidifying his dedication to the tournament’s continued excellence.
Beyond his administrative roles, Hamilton remained actively engaged in the baseball community, serving as an infield instructor for various Major League Baseball organizations and participating in the American Baseball Coaches Association as a member and convention clinician for over three decades.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Hamilton has received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Mesa State College Hall of Honor in 1997 and the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2011. His impact extends far beyond the baseball diamond, as evidenced by the dedication of the Hamilton Recreation Center at Mesa State College in 2010 and the Hamilton Family Tower at Stocker Stadium in 2017.
In 2024, Jamie Hamilton’s legacy of leadership and economic prosperity was honored with the GJCP Joe Prinster Leadership Award, a testament to his enduring impact on both the baseball community and the broader society. His story epitomizes the transformative power of passion, dedication, and service in shaping communities and enriching lives. In addition to his remarkable contributions to baseball and community service, Hamilton’s impact extends into the world of finance and entrepreneurship. As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Home Loan & Investment Company, he oversees a thriving banking and insurance operation, guiding the company with the same dedication and vision that he brings to the baseball field. Under his leadership, Home Loan has become a beacon of stability and innovation in the financial sector of the Western Slope, providing essential services to individuals and businesses alike. Through his continued leadership at Home Loan and his unwavering dedication to community service, Jamie Hamilton continues to leave an indelible mark on both the financial landscape and the broader community, embodying the spirit of excellence and integrity in all his endeavors.
Awards & Achievements:
1974 All Conference, Regis High School
1975 All Conference, Mesa Junior College
1976 Leading Hitter, Mesa Junior College
1977 All Conference RMAC, Mesa State College
1978 All Conference RMAC; All Region NAIA; Academic All American NAIA;
MVP, Mesa State College
1978 Signed as Free Agent, California Angels Baseball Club
1978-1982 Golden West Baseball Club, California Angels; Finishing in All American
1982-1985 Assistant Baseball Coach, Mesa State College
1986-2003 Co-Director, Tournament Play, NJCAA JUCO World Series
1988-1993 Infield Instructor, Milwaukee Brewers Minor League Organization
1990-Present 34yr Member/Convention Clinician, American Baseball Coaches Association
1995 Infield Instructor, Chicago Cubs Minor League Organization
1997 Inducted into the Hall of Honor, Mesa State College
2002 Meritorious Service Award, American Baseball Coaches Association
2003 Selected to the All-Time All-Regis Baseball Team
2003-Present Tournament Chairman, NJCAA JUCO World Series
2006-2008 Athletic Director, Mesa State College
2010 Hamilton Recreation Center, Mesa State College (Dedication Jan. 2010)
2011 Colorado Dugout Hall of Fame
2011 NJCAA Hall of Fame
Community Awards:
2011 GJ Lion of the Year
2013 The West Leadership Conference Award
2017 Hamilton Family Tower at Stocker Stadium
2019 Community Impact Council Living Legacy Award
2024 GJCP Joe Prinster Leadership Award for Economic Prosperity