SPORTS

Recent Davidson graduate Eric Jones signing a contract with the Minnesota Twins organization. (photo courtesy of the Jones family)

Eric Jones signed a pro contract with the Minnesota Twins on Monday.

Eric Jones celebrating a solo homer in game during the 2019 season.

Jones, who graduated from Davidson in May, reported to Ft. Myers, Fla., Monday and will join the Gulf Coast League Twins after spending the summer playing for the Utica Unicorns of the independent United Shore Professional Baseball League. He jumped at the chance to play in Utica, Mich., with the hopes it would lead to the kind of pro opportunity that just came along.

“It’s been awesome,” said Jones, who split time at third base and catcher during his Davidson career. “I was hoping something like this would happen. I just went there and tried to work as hard as I could and fortunately, I played well.”

As part of the 2019 class that won a program-best 125 games, Jones finished his Davidson career as a .332 hitter and ranks among the program’s career leaders in numerous offensive categories, including hits (247, 3rd), extra base hits (86, 4th) and total bases (387, 4th). He drove in 142 runs (8th) and hit 31 home runs (9th), and in 2018, he had 60 RBIs (3rd). A two-time team MVP, he was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Championship team in May after hitting the first two home runs of the postseason tournament held at Fordham. He also earned all-championship honors in 2017, as the Wildcats won the league title en route to the NCAA Super Regionals, and he was named all-conference in 2018.

Eric Jones put the bat on the ball consistently during his collegiate career.

In 2019, Jones led Davidson with a .351 average, 71 hits, 17 doubles and 42 runs scored and in on-base (.432) and slugging percentages (.579). He also hit nine home runs.

 “We’re very happy for Eric and this well-earned opportunity,” said head coach Rucker Taylor. “He graduated from Davidson as one of the most accomplished hitters in program history. He helped us win a lot of games over the last four years. Eric played through some injuries last season and still had a tremendous year. I hope he continues to have that level of success on the professional level.” 

Jones hit a team-best .390 for Utica while splitting time between third base, catcher and the outfield. Jones hit four doubles and four home runs, including a three-run walk-off shot to left Aug. 11 to defeat the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers 7-6.

Jones is one of three Davidson players currently in the pros, joining classmate Casey Sutherland and former teammate Will Robertson (’17), who play in the Boston and Baltimore organizations, respectively.

He’s the second Wildcat in recent years to join the Twins organization, following 2016 graduate Clark Beeker, who pitched three pro seasons.