Brownwood native and former Major League Baseball relief pitcher Jerry Don Gleaton was honored Thursday night at the Massey Sports Complex for 25 years of service as president of the Brownwood Freshman Baseball League.

Gleaton has announced this summer will be his last with the association, and teams from the league lined up to pay tribute as Gleaton was presented a plaque for his years of service prior to Thursday’s action.

“We’ve been trying to process getting someone to take over and I didn’t want to spring this on them at the last moment, but I was definitely surprised by this,” Gleaton said.

Gleaton recalled his start as president of the league.

“Actually I happened to be standing by one night when all this took place 20-plus years ago and the president resigned. Next thing you know they were saying, ‘Hey JD can do this. He doesn’t have a job. And he’s not married, he’s single. He’ll have a great time,’” Gleaton said with a laugh. “But it’s been good. I grew up doing this. I go way back when back to Mayes Park and Pepper Field at Camp Bowie. I love baseball, I love the kids. It’s been a blessing and I’m just trying to do what God wants me to do.”

Gleaton added he’s had plenty of help along the way in running the program.

“Ryan Reagan’s my mentor and my helper and he’s a behind the scenes guy and I could never do this without him and his wife, Marci,” Gleaton said. “There’s been a lot of helpers but those are the main two. But this has been great. I love it.”