Friday, February 8, 2008

Phorgotten Phillie Phile - Ron Jones


Ron Jones - 1992 Donruss Card

Ron Jones was signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1984. He made his major league debut in August 1988 and looked like the real deal. In 33 games he batted 0.290 with 8 home runs and 26 rbis. His next three seasons however were plagued with injuries. In 1989 he went on the disabled list for the season on April 19. He tore his patella tendon in his right knee running into the outfield wall at Shea Stadium. In 1990 he lasted until July 1st before re-injuring his knee and DL'ed for the season. He spend 2 months on the DL in 1991 (knee again). Then the Phillies released him. After playing 33 games in 1989, he appeared in only 64 games after that.

He signed on with the Padres in the 1991 season but didn't play for them. He spent 1992 in the Giants farm system and 1993 in the Braves system.

And as if all this wasn't sad enough, he died in 2006 in Houston at the age of 42. He had been operating "The Big League Baseball Academy" in Houston with another former Phillie, Charlie Hayes. According to the Academy web site he died from natural causes.

No comments: