SPORTS

 

Davidson baseball standout Eric Jones has joined the Utica Unicorns of the independent United Shore Professional Baseball League, based in Michigan.

Jones, who graduated in May, ended his Wildcats career in the top 10 of many of the program’s statistical rankings.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue my career,” said Jones. “I’m going to continue proving that I can play and going to make the most out of any opportunity that I get.”

Jones led Davidson in 2019 with a .351 batting average while splitting time at catcher and third base. He also led the team in hits (71), doubles (17) and total bases (117), as well as on-base (.432) and slugging percentages (.579). At Fordham in May, he hit the first two home runs of the Atlantic 10 Tournament — his eighth and ninth of the year — and earned all-championship honors.

In Utica, he has made starts at third and designated hitter. He has also worked out in left field and at second base.

“I’m really happy for Eric to have this opportunity,” said Davidson coach Rucker Taylor. “He did an excellent job this year as a senior captain. Over his career, he was one of our most consistent players and has his name throughout the Davidson record books. Hopefully he can play well this summer and parlay it into another opportunity next season.”

Jones ranks third in Davidson history with 247 hits and fourth in extra base hits (86), total bases (387) and games played (198). His 142 RBI and 745 at-bats rank eighth, and he is ninth in home runs (31) and runs scored (140). Jones was a career .332 (10th) hitter.

Through three games with Utica, Jones has hit .417 (5-for-12) with a home run and seven RBI.