Ruben Jones facts for kids

Ruben Jones (born February 5, 1894 – died February 14, 1970) was an American baseball player. He was also known as "Reuben." He played as an outfielder and later became a manager in the Negro leagues.

Who Was Ruben Jones?

Ruben Jones was born in Austin, Texas. He became a professional baseball player in 1923. He played in the Negro leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African American players. These leagues existed when Black players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball.

Playing Career

Ruben Jones started his baseball journey with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1923. He played for this team for five seasons. An outfielder is a player who fields in the outfield, which is the grassy area beyond the infield. Their job is to catch fly balls and throw the ball back to the infield.

During his time with the Black Barons, he also took on the role of a player-manager in 1927. This meant he played on the team while also leading it as the manager. After leaving Birmingham, he played for other teams like the Indianapolis ABCs, Chicago American Giants, and Cleveland Red Sox.

Becoming a Manager

After his playing days, Ruben Jones continued to be involved in baseball as a manager. A manager is like the head coach of a baseball team. They make decisions about the players, strategies, and how the team plays.

He managed the Memphis Red Sox in the 1940s. He also managed the Houston Eagles in 1949. Ruben Jones helped guide these teams, sharing his knowledge and experience from his many years in baseball.

Ruben Jones passed away in Big Spring, Texas in 1970. He was 76 years old. He is remembered for his contributions as both a player and a manager in the Negro leagues.