Eugene Heyward is the father of Major League Baseball player Jason Heyward. He is also the father of Jacob Heyward, a professionally playing baseball player. Eugene is not only a parent of sports players—he is the major reason why they succeeded. He did not just teach his sons to play sports—Eugene taught them hard work, respect, and staying focused.
Quick Facts About Eugene Heyward
| Full Name | Eugene Heyward |
| Birthdate | 1960 |
| Age | 65 years and 7 months old |
| Occupation | Electrical Engineer (retired or formerly at Warner Robins Air Force Base) |
| Husband/Wife | Laura Heyward |
| Education | Dartmouth College (Engineering, Basketball player) |
| Parents | Not known |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Children | Sons: Jason Heyward, Jacob Heyward |
| Grandchildren | Messi Heyward (grandson), Slaš Heyward (granddaughter) |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
Eugene Heyward was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. His family relocated to Los Angeles, California, when he was a teenager. That’s where he graduated from high school. His family is sportive. His uncle, Kenny Washington, played college basketball at UCLA. Kenny was a member of UCLA’s 1964 and 1965 championship teams.
Education and Sports
Eugene attended Dartmouth College, which is an Ivy League institution. He majored in engineering there. He also played college basketball for the team. During his time at Dartmouth, Eugene married his wife, Laura Heyward. She was a French major and a native of New York City.
Eugene’s Family Life
Laura and Eugene married and produced two sons:
- Jason Heyward – World Series champion and MLB superstar
- Jacob Heyward – Ex-pro baseball player and current coach
They brought up their sons in the Atlanta area. Eugene served as an electrical engineer with Warner Robins Air Force Base. Although he had a full-time job, he still found time for his boys.
A Supportive Father
Eugene used to drive Jason and Jacob to baseball tournaments a lot. He spent hours in a car and weekends at ballfields. He didn’t merely enable their aspirations—he helped construct them. He taught them hard work but also how to have fun with the game.
He was there all the time but never intrusive. Eugene thought that sports should not only be enjoyable but also have substance. He had rules, promoted concentration, and remained engaged without being controlling.
Big Decisions
When Jason was at school, he wanted to play football. Eugene said no. He felt that football was too physical and did not appreciate the way some coaches pushed children too hard. Instead, he steered Jason into baseball. That decision resulted in a long and prosperous MLB career.
Family Values
Eugene’s house was filled with learning, discipline, and love. He didn’t just want his kids to be good athletes, he wanted them to be good people. Jason consistently states that his dad kept him humble and made him the person he is today.
Even after Jason became a standout player, Eugene remained the same. He continued to offer advice and cheer from the stands as always.
READ ALSO: Jason Heyward Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Now a Grandfather
Eugene is also a proud grandfather now. Jason is wedded to Vedrana Heyward. The pair has two children:
- Messi Heyward (son)
- Slaš Heyward (daughter)
The family of Heyward continues growing, and Eugene remains a big part of it.
