NEWS

Eric Jones Jr., a player for the Banana Ball Firefighters team, with a Davidson Fire Department shirt. (News of Davidson photo)

Eric Jones Jr. graduated from Davidson College in May 2019. He played on the Wildcats baseball team all four years, including the 2017 team that won the A10 Championship and the NCAA Regional Tournament – defeating UNC Chapel Hill in the Tarheels home stadium.

Eric Jones Jr. behind the plate at Wilson Field. (News of Davidson field)

Just a couple months after graduating, Eric signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins in August 2019. The Charlotte native was called up to the Major League in 2022 and was a bullpen catcher for the Seattle Mariners. He also played independent professional baseball in several different leagues.

When the opportunity to make the unique transition to Banana Ball arose in 2022, Eric made the leap. The founder of the league, Jesse Cole, created The Savannah Bananas in 2016. It was in 2022 that the team started exclusively playing exhibition ball, and their fan base grew exponentially.

After playing four years with the Savannah Bananas, Eric is now playing for the Firefighters, one of the six teams in the wildly successful Banana Ball league.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Eric in the Firefighters’ dugout before the final game of their 3-game sold-out series against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field. [See our very large album of photos and videos here.]

What is it like to play here at Truist Field in Charlotte?

It has been great. I have had a ton of family and friends here for the games. I have some of my old Davidson teammates coming to the game tonight. It’s really special. We got to play here on this field in college, and now to be back in front of a sold-out crowd for Banana Ball – it’s even more sweet.

For a reader who might not know about Banana Ball, what is it?

Banana Ball is great. What makes Banana Ball unique is the entertainment aspect. While we are competing out there, we are also putting on a show. We are doing things to keep the fans engaged and want to come back for more. For the Firefighters, we put fire on the field. We have people walking around spraying water guns. The players are dancing and having a good time. We celebrate out accomplishments. We are just trying to have a good time and make sure the fans want to come back.

Eric Jones Jr. on senior day with his parents and younger brother. (News of Davidson photo)

What should I be looking for during tonight’s game?

We are actively shooting fire during the game. It makes all the great moments even better. Look for all the side things going on. There are all sorts of pieces of entertainment going on all over the field, and there are a lot of moving pieces that come together for one big show.

What does it mean to you to be able to play here in front of family?

Getting to play in front of family is one of the best things about playing. They mean so much to you. They have supported you throughout your entire journey. They got to support me while I was at Davidson. That was one of the big reasons that Davidson was the right fit for me, because it was close to home and I got to spend a lot of time with family. Now to have them see me on the professional level, to see the whole community come together here in Charlotte – it’s really special. It makes for an awesome weekend. They have already had a great time and looking forward to the game tonight. I’m grateful to have this opportunity and soak in the moment.  

During one of your games at Davidson, your younger brother celebrated his birthday at the game, and he was the crowd favorite after he sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” You have had the opportunity to coach his team. What does it mean to you to be involved with teaching and coaching the next generation of baseball and Banana Ball players?

I love trying to give back to the next generation of ball players. I coached my little brother’s team and that was really rewarding. I got to mentor some younger kids growing up. I’m still looking to be involved in some coaching and online lessons and mentorships to some degree. I think it is our responsibility to give back to the next generation. I have learned a lot of things over the years that I want to pass along to kids to help them in their journey, and it is rewarding for me as well. I love getting to help out with younger players, and getting to work with my younger brother was really special.

Eric’s website main page sums things up: “A lifelong dream made reality.”

Having watched Eric play ball for more than a decade, it is a real joy to see him turning his dreams into reality.

Editor’s Note: When the opportunity to speak with Eric before the Firefighters’ game was approved, the Davidson Fire Department sent a t-shirt. After our interview Eric put the shirt on and wore it for the on-field autograph session and the pre-game block party outside Truist Field.