Fresno State Athletics
Fomer Bulldog Bobby Jones Hired As Interim Assistant Baseball Coach
8/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Aug. 5, 2005
Fresno, Calif. - Fresno State announced today that former Major League All-Star and Bulldog All-American Bobby Jones has been chosen to join the baseball coaching staff for the 2006 season as an interim assistant coach. Jones will take over duties as pitching coach for the Bulldogs effective immediately.
"Bobby Jones is a great addition to our program," said head coach Mike Batesole. "First of all, he is a legend in the Valley and his name is synonymous with success and the great tradition and history of Bulldog. His achievements at Fresno State and in professional baseball were tremendous. Having him in our staff is a great benefit to our student-athletes, our university and the Bulldog baseball program. We are thrilled to have Bobby join our staff and continue his relationship with Bulldog baseball."
Jones was three-year star at Fresno State from 1989-1991. During that time, Jones collected 32 wins, third all-time among Fresno State pitchers as well as 16 saves, second among all Bulldog pitchers. He also ranks in the top 10 in many other Fresno State categories, including ERA, complete games, strikeouts, and innings pitched. A consensus first-team All-American in 1991, Jones was 16-2 with a 1.88 ERA and struck out 166 batters while leading the team to the NCAA College World Series.
Selected in the first round of the 1991 MLB draft by the New York Mets, Jones would join the major league roster just two years later in 1993. Over a ten year career with the Mets and the San Diego Padres, Jones had a .586 winning percentage, a 4.36 ERA and struck out 887 batters as a professional.
Among Jones' professional highlights are a 1997 selection to the National League All-Star team, a year when Jones went 15-9 with a 3.63 ERA, and a complete game shutout against the San Francisco Giants in the 2000 National League Division Series, limiting the Giants to one hit.
"I'm very excited to be working for our university, our athletic department and all that's involved with the baseball program at Fresno State," said Jones. "Because I've been through the Fresno State program and spent so many years in baseball, I've received lessons from some of the best teachers in baseball, and I hope to pass that along to these young men. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the field, and getting the most out of our players here."
Jones is a member of two area Halls of Fame (Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, Fresno State Baseball.) He retired from the Padres after the 2002 season and has been living in Clovis.
