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sports:
baseball
Jones excels all-around
By Ben Dimapindan
On-line Forty-Niner
The skills necessary
to be a key contributor in baseball and a big-time competitor
in the game include a strong swing from behind the plate and
solid defense in right field.
Long Beach State
senior right fielder Jeff Jones possesses these traits.
Jones, who played
baseball at nearby Marina High School in Huntington Beach,
is in his third year as a Dirtbag. After transferring
from Golden West Junior College, he joined LBSU to be part
of what he called a "great baseball program."
His level of play
has propelled to new heights thus far in the young season.
His astronomical offensive statistics in only nine games
a batting average of .355, 11 total hits, two homeruns, eight
RBIs and 10 runs scored speak volumes about his outstanding
performance. In addition, Jones is consistently a tenacious
defender out in right field.
"He brings
the kind of attitude you love to see as a coach," LBSU
baseball Head Coach Dave Snow said. "He works hard."
Not only has Jones'
exceptional play been appreciated from his coaches and teammates,
but he has also been recognized nationally. Jones was this
season's first recipient of the National Player of the Week
award by the National Baseball Writer's Association. This
accolade was given after a prosperous weekend against the
University of Arizona Wildcats. In the last game of that series,
Jones went 4-for-5 with two homeruns, three RBIs, and five
runs scored.
"It was a
real honor," Jones said. "I was surprised to get
it. I had a great weekend, it just fell into place."
The success Jones
has seen is the infusion of skill and hard, diligent work.
He continually and frequently works on improving his game,
which progresses as he participates in more collegiate games.
"The work
has been put in from year to year," Jones said. "The
work has always been there. I put a lot of expectations on
my shoulders to get things done."
"Experience
is a big part of it. You can never stop learning about the
game. You learn something new every day that helps you get
better."
Although this season
has shed positive light on Jones' performance, he chooses
not to dwell on the awards or recognition received. The outfielder
looks forward optimistically, but focuses mainly on the road
of work and improvement that is ahead.
"I don't feel
that I've gotten into a real groove yet," Jones said.
"And if that comes look out."
"I can do
better. I expect more out of myself than anybody else on the
team, than any coaches could."
Jones, in the eyes
of his coaches, teammates and National Baseball Writer's Association,
is the consummate team player. He considers himself a "player
that's gonna leave everything out there mentally and physically."
His fellow Dirtbags would be the first to attest to Jones'
competitive work ethic on the field.
"He's just
a player that plays 100 percent all the time," teammate
catcher Bryan Kennedy said. "He's a guy that you want
to go to battle with no matter what. When the game is on the
line you want him up to bat."
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