The Dugout MLB: Former iconic Cleveland closer, Doug Jones, who saved 303 games, dies
Former major leaguers continue to die this month: Now it’s up to Doug Jones, who at the time was a tremendous closer for Cleveland and others
Former Major League Baseball reliever Doug Jones has passed away from complications from COVID. He was 64 years old. Jones, a right-hander, first broke into the majors in 1982 with eventual American League champion Milwaukee Brewers. That was just a four-game cameo, though, and he didn’t return to the majors until 1986 with the Indians, now Cleveland Guardians.
Despite not having an extended appearance in the majors until his 30-year season, Jones emerged as a fixture in the bullpen in 1987. He worked 91 1/3 frames of 3.15 ERA that year before starting a streak of three. Wonder Years from 1988 to 1990 (-2.60 ERA, more than 30 saves per season).
Jones was selected for the All-Star Game every year from 1988 through 1990, earning MVP endorsement on the ballot in two of those seasons. After some unusual fights in 1991, he achieved arguably his best season the following year. Jones worked 111 2/3 innings in 80 relief starts with the Astros in 1992, earning his fourth All-Star break and his highest MVP finish (14th).
He would continue to be an effective bullpen workhorse into his 40s, winning his fifth and final All-Star pick in 1994 and reappearing on the MVP ballots in 1997 before retiring in 2000.
Jones led the MLB twice in games finished. , finishing 70 games with the ’92 Astros and 73 games with the ’97 Brewers. He appeared in parts of sixteen major league seasons and worked 1,188 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA in 846 starts. Jones recorded 303 career saves for him and struck out 909 batters:
Sad to tweet, that a long time friend, teammate, husband father grandfather and one hell of a pitcher Doug Jones has passed from complications from COVID.
RIP JONSEY. Please keep the family in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/4hoWRjYt0e— greg swindell (@GregSwindell) November 22, 2021
His 129 saves with Cleveland rank third in franchise history, and he ranks seventh in that category in the rankings. Houston race. Jones also pitched for the Athletics, Pirates, Phillies, Cubs, and Orioles over the course of his impressive career.
It may interest you: MLB Former Twins and Orioles manager and pitching coach passes away During his post-game career, he served as coach in the Colorado Rockies agricultural system. Al Bat joins others around the game in sending our condolences to Jones’ family, friends, teammates, and loved ones. Rest In Peace Douglas Reid Jones ‘Mild Thing’
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
