Jacoby Ellsbury, a two-time World Series champion and one of Madras's most celebrated alumni, was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening at the 2026 Oregon Sports Awards ceremony in Beaverton — completing a journey from a small Central Oregon town to one of the most storied baseball careers the state has ever produced.
From Madras High to the Majors
Ellsbury graduated from Madras High School before attending Oregon State University, where he developed into one of the top outfield prospects in the country. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft, and he went on to win World Series titles with Boston in 2007 and again in 2013 — a career arc that made him a household name in New England and a source of deep pride across Jefferson County.
He also played for the New York Yankees and spent parts of 14 MLB seasons in the big leagues, posting a career .289 batting average and earning a reputation as one of the fastest players of his era. His connection to Native American heritage — Ellsbury is of Navajo descent on his father's side — added another dimension to his story and made him an inspiration for Indigenous youth across Central Oregon, including on the Warm Springs Reservation.
A Distinguished Induction Class
Ellsbury joined a star-studded 2026 induction class at the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. The class is headlined by soccer legend Christine Sinclair — Canada's all-time leading international goal scorer — and two-time Olympic fencing gold medalist Mariel Zagunis. The ceremony was held at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton.
Ellsbury was honored in the baseball category, with organizers noting his Oregon roots at Madras High School and Oregon State as central to his legacy.
Pride in Jefferson County
For Jefferson County, the induction is a moment of genuine celebration. Ellsbury grew up in a community where opportunities for young athletes can be limited by geography and resources. His path from Madras to two championship rings has long served as motivation for student athletes across the region.
Ellsbury, who last played in the majors in 2017 before injuries curtailed his career, has largely remained out of the spotlight in recent years. His return to public recognition Tuesday night was widely welcomed by those who followed his career from its Central Oregon beginnings.
"Jacoby never forgot where he came from," said one longtime Madras community member. "Seeing him get this honor — with all of Oregon watching — means a lot to everyone here."
Madras High School athletic staff and local residents expressed pride in seeing one of their own officially enshrined among Oregon's greatest sports figures. Ellsbury joins a short list of Jefferson County natives to earn statewide sports recognition at the highest level.