This week we are catching up with former Waterloo Bucks outfielder James Jones. The Seattle Mariners drafted the Brooklyn, New York native in the 4th round of the 2009 amateur entry draft. Since being drafted, Jones has started working his way up the Mariners farm system, starting at Single-A ball.
After being drafted 113th overall in ‘09, Jones played for the Mainers’ Short-Season Northwest League team, the Everett AquaSox. Jones batted a .311, and hit 12 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 24 RBIs.
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Jones played his collegiate ball at Long Island University, where in his freshman season he played 50 games. He was used as a pitcher and went 2-6 with a 7.25 ERA in 12 games, and had eight starts. During the season Jones hit .299, with 10 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 32 RBIs. He also had eight stolen bases.
In his sophomore year, Jones started all 67 games, pitching in 14 of them. He batted a .309, and hit eight doubles, two triples, five home runs and 28 RBIs. His 41 runs and 19 stolen bases were team highs. Jones earned a spot on the First Team All-Northeast Conference, he was also selected NEC Player of the Week on March 24. Jones was ranked 30th on Baseball America’s Top 100 College Prospects List and was named top prospect in New York State by Perfect Game Crosschecker.
Jones was a member of the Waterloo Bucks in the ‘08 season. The Long Island alumnus pitched 2.45 ERA, went 5-2, started one game, and two saves. Jones batted a .296, hit one homer, 15 RBI, had nine stolen bases, and played in 42 games during his ’08 season with the Bucks.