Bobby Jones (left-handed pitcher) facts for kids

Robert Mitchell Jones (born April 11, 1972) is a former American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for six seasons, from 1997 to 2004. Bobby Jones first played in the MLB on May 18, 1997, with the Colorado Rockies.

Bobby Jones' Baseball Journey

Starting in the Minor Leagues

Bobby Jones moved to Rutherford, New Jersey in 1981. He played in the Rutherford Little League from 1982 to 1984. In 1991, the Milwaukee Brewers chose him in the baseball draft. This was a special type of draft called "draft-and-follow."

He officially signed with the Brewers before the 1992 draft. He then joined the Helena team in the Pioneer Baseball League. This was a rookie league, where he won 5 games and lost 4.

Jones continued to move up through the Brewers' system. He played for the Beloit team in 1993. In 1994, he played for the Stockton team. After the 1994 season, the Colorado Rockies picked him in a special minor league draft.

In 1995, Jones spent most of his time with the New Haven Ravens. This was a Double-A team. They made it to the league championship but lost. For about a month that year, he also played for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, a Triple-A team. He returned to the Sky Sox in 1996 and 1997. He had a great record of 5 wins and 1 loss when the Rockies called him up to the major leagues.

Playing in Major League Baseball

Bobby Jones made his first big league appearance at Shea Stadium. He played against the New York Mets, which was his favorite team growing up. He didn't get a win or loss in that game, but he earned his first victory in his next game against the Houston Astros.

Jones played for the Colorado Rockies throughout 1998 and most of 1999. He worked as both a starter and a relief pitcher. In early 2000, the Rockies traded Jones to the New York Mets. This meant he became teammates with another pitcher named Bobby J. Jones, who threw with his right hand. The two had even pitched against each other in a game in 1999!

In 2001, the left-handed Jones was unable to play due to an injury. He returned to the Mets in 2002. Later that year, he was traded to the San Diego Padres. Coincidentally, he was reunited with the other Bobby J. Jones there.

In 2003, he played in Triple-A again. He started with the Richmond Braves and finished with the Omaha Royals. In 2004, he joined the Boston Red Sox for spring training. He made the main team but then had to go through rehabilitation. After a short time with the Newark Bears in 2005, the Chicago White Sox signed him. They sent him to their Triple-A team, the Charlotte. In 2006, the Detroit Tigers signed Jones. He pitched for their Double-A team, the Erie.

Coaching and Leadership Roles

After his playing career, Bobby Jones became a coach and leader in baseball. From 2016 to 2022, he was the manager for the Sussex County Miners. This team plays in the Frontier League.

Currently, he holds two important positions. He is the Vice President and Chief Baseball Officer for the New Jersey Jackals, also in the Frontier League. He is also the pitching coach for the Trenton Thunder in the MLB Draft League. Jones also used to run his own baseball academy called Bobby Jones Sports. He also spent time as a pitching coach for high school baseball teams, including Don Bosco Prep and Montclair Mounties. He also helped teach pitching at the Academy of Pro Players.