Waterloo, IA – Former Waterloo Bucks utility man James Jones was called up to the big leagues Wednesday by the Seattle Mariners.  Jones becomes the 12th former Buck to make it to the show, joining Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Clint Barmes, Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ryan Goins, Miami Marlins pitcher Dan Jennings, and Detroit Tigers pitcher Evan Reed as former Bucks who are active Major Leaguers.

Jones, who played with Waterloo in 2008, was hitting .265 in in the minors this season with one home run and six RBI in 15 games.  In 2013, the Brooklyn, New York native was named a Mid-Season All-Star in the Southern League while with the Jackson Generals.

While with the Bucks, Jones was a two-way player, seeing action on both the mound and in the outfield for the team.  The Long Island University-Brooklyn product was named the Waterloo Bucks Roth Jewelers Player of the Year in 2008.  Jones finished the ’08 Northwoods League season with a 5-2 record, a 2.45 ERA, and 58 strikeouts.  At the plate, Jones hit .296 with eight doubles and 15 RBI.  For his efforts, Jones was honored as one of Baseball America’s Top 10 MLB prospects in the NWL.

Jones is the first former Buck to be called up to the Majors this season and first since former Bucks teammate Ryan Goins was brought up by the Blue Jays last August.  Below is a list of former Bucks who have made it to the Majors.

                                                                *denotes active MLB player, **denotes call-up to Majors, but did not play

The Bucks will open the 2014 season on the road versus the Rochester Honkers on May 27, but return to Waterloo for their home opener versus Rochester on May 28.  Season tickets and group outings are currently on sale.  For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633.  Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

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The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.