Jeff Jones
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- Induction Year:
- 2021
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- Sport:
- Baseball
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- Year(s):
- 1975-76
Jeff Jones was an outstanding pitcher for the Skippers, posting a 9-3 record with a 2.16 ERA during the 1976 season as the Skippers finished second in America. The 6’3” powerful right-hander received 1st team All-Conference and All-District honors before continuing his playing career at Bowling Green State University.
Following his time at Bowling Green, Jones was selected by the Oakland A’s in the 1977 MLB draft. He played in the Major Leagues from 1980-1984, where he posted a record of 9-9 with a 3.95 ERA.
Jones became a coach in the Detroit Tigers organization in 1989 and was named the pitching coach for his hometown Tigers in 2011, where he worked alongside Jim Leyland in guiding the Tigers to the World Series in 2012. Jones coached Cy Young award winners Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer during his time with the Tigers.
He was also named the pitching coach for Team USA during the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Jones helped lead a team filled with Major League All-stars, including right-hander Marcus Stroman who took a no-hitter into the 7th inning of the final game, as the US beat Puerto Rico 8-0 for the first title in Team USA history.
Jones retired from the MLB in 2015, enjoying great success during his 38-year baseball career.
