Clay Jones drafted by the Detroit Tigers Organization

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

Clay Jones, has been a source of community pride for citizens of Bibb County for a long time.  A High School athletic standout in more than one sport, Jones made his way to college by way of the baseball diamond.  This week, he made a step to play at the next level.  Clay was drafted by the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball organization in the 32^nd round, as the 93^rd selection overall. 

The year has been one of excitement and achievement for the former BCHS athlete, Shelton State Community College baseball star, and one among the University of Alabama’s offensive leaders.  Jones, who is the Tide’s first baseman, is batting .329 with 17 homeruns and 65 RBI.

Earlier this year Clay addressed the idea of playing baseball at the professional level. “If I get the opportunity to go to the next level then great if not I will have my degree and move on,” he expressed.  Following the draft, it is likely Clay won’t be moving on yet and if his work ethic and ability have anything to do with it, he may not be moving on any time soon.

“Clay is so mature, he is not like most 20-year-olds.  He can really put his finger on the pulse of the team.  He really helped us as a coaching staff to get the message we wanted to get to our players, especially the younger ones,” explained University of Alabama Head Baseball Coach, Mitch Gaspard.

Clay lost his father tragically in a helicopter accident on October 5, 1999.  At the time, Clay was only 12 years old.  In a recent interview with EPSN.com’s Mark Schlabach, Clay states that sports have always been a way to help him cope with the loss of his father.  Also Clay’s mother, Vickie helped support the athletic efforts of Clay and his younger brother, Ben (currently the starting center for the University of Georgia’s football program). 

Clay who sports his late father’s initials under the bill of his hat, as well as on a tattoo, has been driven by the many people in his life that have stepped up to support he and his brother.  “I have a lot of support,” Clay stated.  “My brother, uncles and grandfather are at a lot of my games.  They have all assumed that father role in some way.”

While being drafted is certainly a huge step for Clay and his family, don’t expect him to take time to relish in the moment, right now.  The University of Alabama was in dead heat of a NCAA Super Regional Tournament game with Clemson on press day.  If the Tide win they will go on to play in the college World Series.