Corpus Christi native Kenny Jackson will embark on his first season as an Assistant Coach for the Islanders Baseball team. After helping out with the team last season, he will fill the void left by Brett Gips, who was promoted to recruiting coordinator for the 2014 season.
In his new role, Jackson will act as the third base coach, as well as assisting Coach Malone with the hitters. Defensively, Jackson will act as the main coach for outfielders.
Jackson was drafted in the 31st round by the Miami Marlins in 2011. He spent one season playing in the Gulf Coast League for the Marlins before focusing on a coaching career.
During his collegiate career, Jackson spent his final two seasons at Texas A&M where he started in each of the Aggies 69 games that season — a season in which A&M reached the College World Series. That year Jackson hit .278 while driving in 28 runs. He was a sure-handed shortstop as well, committing just 10 errors on 319 chances and turning 35 double plays. During his junior year Jackson played in 55 games, while getting the start in 31 of them, hitting at a .263 clip.
Prior to his time with the Aggies, Jackson played his first two college seasons at Alvin Community College where he was a two-year starter. In his sophomore year he was named first-team all-conference shortstop while hitting six home runs and driving in 41 RBI with a .376 batting average. In 2008, he helped the Dolphins to the Region XIV conference title and a fifth-place finish at the JUCO World Series.