Longtime Niles resident Jacob Edward Bays dies at 95

Bays was a talented baseball player who played in the Berrien-Cass League and was briefly drafted by the Chicago Cubs

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Jacob E. Bays, a longtime resident of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026 at the age of 95. Bays was born in South Bend, Indiana in 1931 and later moved to Niles, where he grew up loving the game of baseball and played on the Niles Viking baseball team until graduating high school in 1949. He then played on the Niles Independent baseball team and the Berrien-Cass League with his brothers, and was even briefly drafted by the Chicago Cubs Minor League system in 1950.

Why it matters

Bays' life and legacy highlight the rich baseball history of the Niles community, as well as the importance of family and community involvement. His passion for the sport and dedication to his family and hometown make him a beloved figure in the area.

The details

After his brief stint with the Cubs, Bays worked for many years at Nibco in Elkhart, Indiana before retiring in 1992. In retirement, he enjoyed fishing, carpentry, and spending time with his family, including his three children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bays will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery alongside his wife Barbara, whom he married in 1950.

  • Jacob Bays was born on January 24, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana.
  • Bays graduated from Niles High School in 1949.
  • Bays was drafted by the Chicago Cubs Minor League system in 1950.
  • Bays worked at Nibco in Elkhart, Indiana until retiring in 1992.
  • Bays passed away on February 6, 2026 at the age of 95.

The players

Jacob Edward Bays

A longtime resident of Niles, Michigan who was a talented baseball player, playing on the Niles Viking baseball team, the Niles Independent baseball team, and the Berrien-Cass League. He was briefly drafted by the Chicago Cubs Minor League system in 1950.

Barbara Pingel

Bays' wife of many years, with whom he lovingly raised three children.

James Bays Jr.

Bays' brother, who also played baseball with him on the Berrien-Cass League team.

David Bays

Bays' brother, who also played baseball with him on the Berrien-Cass League team.

Donald Bays

Bays' son, who passed away before him.

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What’s next

A celebration of life for Jacob Bays will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the Niles F.O.P., 531 N. State Street, Niles, Michigan.

The takeaway

Jacob Bays' life and legacy highlight the enduring importance of community, family, and passion for one's hometown. His dedication to baseball and his loved ones made him a beloved figure in Niles, and his story serves as a testament to the power of living a life rooted in local traditions and values.