Joliet's City Of Champions Motto Comes Alive As Baseball Legend Jesse Barfield Returns To Hometown

JOLIET, IL — On Friday, the Joliet Slammers and the city of Joliet welcomed hometown baseball legend Jesse Barfield back to the city where his baseball journey began for a celebration honoring his remarkable career and impact on the Joliet community.

Prior to the evening's game, The Slammers and The City of Joliet hosted a special ceremony to unveil a new plaque rededicating the Jesse Barfield statue located outside Slammers Stadium, further recognizing his contributions to the community and the game of baseball.

A Joliet native, Barfield began his baseball journey with Joliet’s own Belmont Little League before going on to enjoy a distinguished 12-year Major League career.

A two-time Gold Glove Award winner, he established himself as one of baseball’s premier right fielders, and his return to Joliet provides a special opportunity for fans of all generations to celebrate one of the city's most accomplished athletes while inspiring the next generation of local ballplayers. His statue has stood outside Slammers Stadium as a tribute to his accomplishments and connection to the Joliet community.

Friday's festivities included the song "Jesse's Thang" a tribute written several years ago about Barfield by Joliet native Steve Broadway, featuring Trista Graves Brown and produced by Marcus Smith, all from Joliet. The song was played inside Joliet Slammers during the celebration to honor Barfield.