Ruppert Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruppert Jones |
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Jones in 1978
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| Center fielder | |||
| Born: March 12, 1955 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: August 1, 1976, for the Kansas City Royals | |||
| NPB: July 29, 1988, for the Hanshin Tigers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: October 4, 1987, for the California Angels | |||
| NPB: October 13, 1988, for the Hanshin Tigers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .250 | ||
| Home runs | 147 | ||
| Runs batted in | 579 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .254 | ||
| Home runs | 8 | ||
| Runs batted in | 27 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Ruppert Sanderson Jones (born March 12, 1955) is a former American professional baseball player. He played as a center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Ruppert made history as the very first player chosen in the 1976 Major League Baseball expansion draft by the Seattle Mariners.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Start
Ruppert Jones was born in Dallas, Texas. He moved to California when he was a pre-teen. At Berkeley High School, he was a talented athlete. He played baseball, basketball, and football. He was even recognized as one of the best players in the East Bay area for all three sports.
Ruppert received offers to play football in college. However, he chose to focus on baseball. He felt he was a better outfielder in baseball than a wide receiver in football.
Joining the Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals drafted Ruppert in 1973. He was picked in the third round of the 1973 Major League Baseball draft. For three seasons, he played in the Royals' minor league teams. He did very well, hitting many home runs and getting many runs batted in (RBIs).
In 1976, Ruppert tried out for a spot on the Royals' main team. He played well in Spring training. But he was sent to their Triple-A team, the Omaha Royals, before the season started. After playing half a season in Omaha, he was called up to the major leagues. He joined the Royals for the second half of the 1976 season. In his second major league game, he helped the Royals win. He got two hits and drove in three runs.
Becoming a Seattle Mariner
The Royals' manager, Whitey Herzog, thought Ruppert was one of their best young players. But the team had many talented young players. So, Ruppert was left unprotected in the 1976 expansion draft. This meant new teams could pick him.
The Seattle Mariners were one of the new teams. Actor Danny Kaye, who was a part-owner of the Mariners, announced Ruppert's name. Ruppert Jones became the very first player ever chosen in the expansion draft.
A Star in Seattle
Ruppert quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle. Fans loved his powerful hitting and great defense in center field. In 1977, he was chosen for the All-Star Game. He was the first All-Star player ever from the Seattle Mariners team. He finished the 1977 season with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs. He was named the Topps Rookie All-Star center fielder.
In 1978, Ruppert had an injury. He had to have surgery for his appendix. He came back later in the season, but his hitting was not as strong. In 1979, he was healthy again. He had his best season yet, playing all 162 games. He set career highs in runs scored, hits, triples, RBIs, and stolen bases. He was the first Mariner to hit at least 15 home runs and steal 15 bases before the All-Star break.
After the 1979 season, Ruppert was traded to the New York Yankees.
Playing for the New York Yankees
In 1980, Ruppert was playing center field and batting second for the Yankees. On August 25, he crashed into the outfield wall while chasing a ball. He separated his shoulder, which ended his season. The Yankees won their division that year. But Ruppert could not play in the playoffs because of his injury.
After the season, Ruppert was traded again. He went to the San Diego Padres in a trade that involved several players.
Time with the San Diego Padres
Ruppert joined the San Diego Padres in 1981. In 1982, he had a great first half of the season. He was hitting well and had many home runs and RBIs. This earned him his second All-Star selection. He was the only Padres player chosen for the All-Star Game that year. In the game, he hit a triple and scored a run.
Ruppert was very popular with Padres fans. They even made yellow T-shirts that said "Rupe's Troops." He played 133 games for the Padres in 1983. After that season, he became a free agent.
Joining the Detroit Tigers
In 1984, Ruppert signed with the Detroit Tigers. He started the season in Triple-A. But he played so well that he was called up to the Tigers in June. He often shared playing time with another player in left field. He also sometimes filled in for the center fielder.
One of his most famous moments with the Tigers was on June 24. He hit a home run that cleared the right field roof of Tiger Stadium. This earned him the nickname "Rooftop" Ruppert. He hit nine home runs that season.
World Series Champion
The 1984 Tigers were a very strong team. They won 104 games and made it to the playoffs easily. Ruppert played in the American League Championship Series and the World Series. The Tigers won the World Series, beating his old team, the San Diego Padres. This made Ruppert a World Series champion!
After the season, Ruppert became a free agent again. He then signed with the California Angels.
Years with the California Angels
Ruppert played for the California Angels from 1985 to 1987. In his first year, he was a fourth outfielder and a designated hitter. He hit 21 home runs, which was second only to Reggie Jackson on the team.
In 1986, the Angels won their division. This sent Ruppert to the playoffs for the second time. However, they lost the 1986 American League Championship Series to the Boston Red Sox. Ruppert had three hits in that series. His playing time became less in 1987.
Playing in Japan and Retirement
In 1988, Ruppert tried out for the Milwaukee Brewers but did not make the team. He then signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. After playing 50 games, he left to play baseball in Japan. He signed with the Hanshin Tigers.
In 1989, he returned to the minor leagues in the U.S. But he had serious shoulder injuries. Because of these injuries, he decided to stop playing baseball after 27 games.
Personal Life
Ruppert Jones is married to his second wife, Betty. He lives in Rancho Bernardo, California, which is a suburb of San Diego, California. He works for a company that helps government contractors with employee benefits.
Ruppert also coaches a youth baseball team. He coaches the Easton As, a travel ball team for 13 and 14-year-olds. He coaches alongside former major league pitcher Dave Stewart.
Images for kids
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Jones in 1978
