Bobby Jones got off to a markedly slow start at single-A Quad City in 1990 - 1 for 14, The Quad-City Times wrote.
But then came Angels roving hitting instructor Joe Maddon and Jones turned things around, The Times wrote.
"Joe came in and calmed me down a little bit," Jones told The Times late that May. "He told me not to worry about anything and just go out and play the game and things would take care of themselves."
Jones got that advice early in his second pro career. He took it to two more campaigns, both at AA, the highest level he reached.
Jones' career began in 1989, taken by the Angels in the 23rd round of the draft out of Cal State Fullerton. He also played at Sacramento City College.
Jones started with the Angels at short-season Bend. He got into 66 games and hit .249, with seven home runs. His seventh homer came in a late-August win.
He moved to single-A Quad City. He hit .237 in 108 games on the year. That July, he hit a ninth-inning double to knock in two in a come-from-behind win, after grounding out in the seventh, The Times wrote.
"When I grounded out in the seventh I knew we had six more outs and I'd be the seventh man up so I figured if I got up again, we'd have a chance to win the game," Jones told The Times. "I'm glad I got that chance."
Jones moved to AA Midland for 1991. He hit .221 in 82 games. He then returned there for 1992. That May, he spoke to The Sacramento Bee about his progress, and he liked his progress that year.
"It's been the most consistent year I've had," Jones told The Bee. "It's taken time, but I've learned to know how to handle minor-league life and in doing so I've taken the pressure off. I used to be real hard on myself."
Jones ended that year with a .231 average in 100 games, his last full year as a pro. He's credited as briefly returning for independent Sonoma County in 1995 to end his career.
- Quad-City Times, May 26, 1990: Coach's advice is a hit
- Quad-City Times, July 3, 1990: Angels wait, but down Timbers
- Sacramento Bee, May 24, 1992: Jones has arm, will travel anywhere in the outfield
Made the Majors:1,339-33.3%
Never Made Majors:2,688-66.7%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:547
10+ Seasons in the Minors:332
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