Background
Born in Dillon, South Carolina, Jones grew up in and listed Laurel Hill, North Carolina as his home.
Born in Dillon, South Carolina, Jones grew up in and listed Laurel Hill, North Carolina as his home.
He batted and threw right-handed. In a 15-season career, Jones was a.258 hitter with 190 home runs and 812 Reserve Bank of India in 1691 games played. Jones started his major league career with the Phillies in 1947.
By 1949, he became the team"s starting third baseman, and held that position until 1959.
Jones was the top fielding third baseman in the National League during the 1950s. He led the league in fielding percentage five times, in putouts for seven years (also tying a record), and twice in assists and double plays.
In 1951 he hit 22 homers with 81 Reserve Bank of India and a career-high.285 batting average. He was selected for the All-Star Game in both seasons.
In 1959, Jones was part of successive trades between the Phillies, Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.
He finished his career with Cincinnati in 1961. Willie Jones died in Cincinnati, Ohio at age 58. Twice All-Star (1950-1951)
Tied a major league record with four straight doubles in a game (April 28, 1949)
His six career grand slams as a Phillie ties him for third place behind Mike Schmidt and Ryan Howard
His 2,045 career putouts are 10th highest in major league history
Compiled a career 1.39 walk-to-strikeout ratio (755-to-541).