Tyler Jones wants to study a profession in college which allows him to work with his hands. Makes sense.
After all, the former Victory Academy standout excelled in outdoor settings, especially on the mound.
It”s that success that led to Jones signing a baseball scholarship Tuesday, joining a growing number of locals heading to East Mississippi Community College in the fall.
“This was my dream to play in college,” Jones said. “I wanted to play (after) high school. I”m ready.”
Jones will compete for playing time at center field and pitcher, where his main
pitches are a curveball and knuckleball. In preparation for the 2012 season, Jones wants to improve his knuckleball location and his velocity – right now he”s throwing around 85 mph.
Last season, Jones hit .485 with four home runs and 21 RBI. Overall, he had 10 extra-base hits. On the mound, he was 6-1 with a 1.94 ERA.
He will join an EMCC program coming off a successful season under first-year baseball coach Chris Rose. The Lions rebounded from a 1-18 start last season to earn their first baseball playoff appearance since 2004. “It”s going to be faster, the pitching is going to be better, the hitting is going to be better,” Jones said. “You just have to work harder than than what you”re doing and try to get better. I”m lifting weights, running, trying to build up a little more muscle.”
Jones will join a number of locals who will play for EMCC baseball in 2012: Heritage Academy”s Austin Braddock, Camp Pittman, Tyler Farnham, New Hope”s Dillon Hawkins, Nick Durrah of Columbus High, Shaquille Hill of Starkville High and Parker Rye of Hamilton.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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