Willie Jones (third baseman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willie Jones |
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Jones' 1950 baseball card from Bowman Gum
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| Third baseman | |||
| Born: August 16, 1925 Dillon, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Died: October 18, 1983 (aged 58) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 10, 1947, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| May 7, 1961, for the Cincinnati Reds | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .258 | ||
| Home runs | 190 | ||
| Runs batted in | 812 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Willie Edward Jones (born August 16, 1925 – died October 18, 1983) was a talented American professional baseball player. He was known by the nickname "Puddin' Head". Willie Jones played as a third baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB).
He played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1947 to 1959. Later, he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1959 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1959 to 1961. Willie Jones batted and threw with his right hand. During his 15 years in MLB, he had a batting average of .258. He also hit 190 home runs and brought in 812 runs batted in (RBI).
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Willie Jones' Early Life
Willie Jones was born in Dillon, South Carolina. He grew up and considered Laurel Hill, North Carolina, his hometown. Before becoming a baseball star, Jones served his country. He was a member of the United States Navy during World War II.
Willie Jones in Major League Baseball
Willie Jones began his career in Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1947. By 1949, he became the main third baseman for the team. He kept this important position until 1959. Jones was known as one of the best defensive third basemen in the National League (NL) during the 1950s.
He was excellent at fielding, leading the league in fielding percentage five times. He also led the league in putouts for seven years. This tied a record for most putouts. He led the league in assists and double plays twice each.
Willie Jones' Best Seasons
Willie Jones had his most successful season in 1950. He was part of the amazing 1950 "Whiz Kids" team. This team won the National League championship. In 1950, he achieved his highest numbers for home runs (25) and RBI (88). He also scored 100 runs and made 163 hits. He played in 157 games, which was the most in the league that year.
He started the 1950 season with a 16-game hitting streak. This was a team record for the Phillies for 73 years. It was finally broken by Bryson Stott in 2023. In 1951, Jones hit 22 home runs and had 81 RBI. He also achieved his highest batting average of .285. Because of his great play, he was chosen for the All-Star Game in both 1950 and 1951.
Willie Jones' Later Career
In 1959, Willie Jones was traded between different teams. He moved from the Phillies to the Cleveland Indians. After that, he joined the Cincinnati Reds. He played his final baseball games with the Cincinnati Reds in 1961.
Willie Jones got his nickname "Puddin' Head" from a popular song from the 1930s. The song was called "Woodenhead, Puddin' head Jones."
Willie Jones' Personal Life
Willie Jones was married to Carolyn. They had three children together: Eddie, Kathie, and Bradley.
Willie Jones' Passing
Willie Jones passed away on October 18, 1983. He was 58 years old. He died from cancer in Cincinnati, Ohio. He had lived in Cincinnati after his baseball career ended.
Willie Jones' Career Highlights
- He was chosen as an All-Star twice (1950 and 1951).
- On April 28, 1949, he tied a major league record. He hit four doubles in a single game.
- He hit six grand slams while playing for the Phillies. This ties him for third place in Phillies history. Only Mike Schmidt and Ryan Howard have more.
- His 2,045 career putouts are the 10th highest in major league history for a third baseman.
