Donald Valesky
Donald Valesky is the age-less wonder from the little town of Jamestown who made a name for himself on baseball diamonds for decades.
He graduated in 1953 from Jamestown High School where he starred in basketball and baseball. Upon graduation, he played baseball in the Ashtabula County Independent League in Dorset, Ohio, and with the Jamestown Redbirds in the Pymatuning League.
It was there that “Big D” established himself as an outstanding hitter and a dominating pitcher. Before radar guns, it was believed that he could throw over 100 mph and back it up with a devastating curveball.
Don caught the attention of the Cleveland Indians who signed him in 1956. He played 56 games with the Vidalia Indians in the Georgia State League and 30 games with the Pensacola Dons in Florida-Alabama League before his pro career was cut short by injury.
Returning to Jamestown, he would play independent baseball for the next 50 years, becoming legendary. He was a member of 15 league championship teams, including 10 with the Jamestown Redbirds. He was the Pymatuning League MVP in 1961, 1969 and 1971.
In 1973, he pitched in the Youngstown AA League. He played in the Over 50 Roy Hobbs World Series in Florida from the late 1990s through 2011.
Retiring to Florida, he played with the Orlando Yankees from 1996 to 2012 before hanging up his glove at age 77.
He coached Jamestown Little League for many years.
As Mercer County Hall of Famer Rod Wilt stated, “Wherever Don Valesky lived, he has been Mr. Baseball. … He has influenced a number of young people over the years who have gone on to successful high school, college and professional careers. Without a doubt, he has been one of the most influential baseball people in Mercer County.”