By Sam McClanahan
Throughout his decade long big league pitching career, Nate Jones never forgot a key piece of advice he had heard from the early days of his professional calling: the game will tell you when it’s time to step aside.
After his second release of the 2021 season in June following a brief stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jones returned home to Pendleton County and did some soul searching. He thought about everything he had accomplished to that point, and more importantly, the excitement of the unknown that lies ahead. The conclusion he came to was an easy one, it was now time to move into the next stage of his life...without the game that he loves.
On August 19, Jones wife, Lacy, as well as his longtime agent Joe Speed, went to social media to publically announce that Jones intended to retire from major league baseball. The small town boy with big league dreams was ready to trade in his glove and cleats for his fishing pole and hunting rifle. And above all else, dedicate himself to a new role: full time husband and father.
“Baseball is not who I am, it’s just a part of who I am,” the 35-year old now former relief pitcher says. “Since I came back home earlier this summer I haven’t had the urge to play. After the last release from the Dodgers, it became realistic that things just aren’t the way they used to be. And that’s ok,” Jones added.
Jones concludes his near 10-year playing career as a member of five organizations. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2007 and made a memorable debut in 2012, where he took the mound and famously struke out former American League MVP Josh Hamilton. His time with the White Sox saw numerous highs and lows that included going 8-0 with a 2.39 ERA in 2012, and a string of injuries that limited him over several seasons from 2014-19. He would be traded to the Texas Rangers in 2019 but never pitched for them and was released. In early 2020, Jones signed with the Cincinnati Reds and lasted until late September when he would be released. Earlier this year, he joined the Atlanta Braves and made the big league roster out of spring training. Jones pitched until May 10 when he was let go. His final stint would be with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he made eight appearances before being designated for assignment on June 16.
Jones appeared in 325 major league games where he pitched 329 total innings. He ends his career with a 22-16 record, 355 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.45 and nine saves. Beyond the numbers, Jones takes with him a lifetime’s worth of memories and experiences that few can ever share.
“It’s been an amazing ride. I’ve been blessed to be able to travel all over the country and play in the most famous ballparks in the world. I’m very grateful to every team that I had the opportunity to play for and I’ve met so many incredible people over the years.”
Jones says he walks away from the game with no regrets. He prided himself on giving everything he had during every appearance of his career, while also doing his best to be a good teammate and learning as much as he could about the various backgrounds of his colleagues.
“Baseball is full of so many people from different backgrounds, dynamics and cultures. Some of the guys
came up with in the early days, guys like Matt Thornton and Jesse Crain are so important to me. Then there’s Hector Santiago, he’s literally like a brother to me. That is what I’m going to miss the most about the game, the camaraderie and the relationships.”
Jones favorite playing memory dates back to his first season in 2012. His White Sox were taking on their division rival Detroit Tigers on September 18 and Jones turned in a huge outing for his club that helped them pull out a crucial win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Although they fell short of ultimately reaching the post-season, he fondly remembers the electricity in the ballpark that day as something he’ll never forget. He also noted that his two toughest opponents to face throughout his career were former Kansas City Royal Billy Butler and former Tiger Delmon Young. Jones admits that those guys “always seemed to have his number” when they faced off.
As he now reflects back on his career, Jones says he overwhelmed by the years of support shown to me by his community, family and friends. Wherever his baseball journey took him, he says there always seemed to be someone from Pendleton or Bracken County in attendance at his games regardless of where it was.
“There’s been so many people that have been able to experience this with me and I’m so lucky to have them. I want to thank my parents, siblings, friends and Lacy and our kids for their love and support.”
Jones success story has undoubtedly inspired many young boys and girls from this area who have watched his childhood dreams play out in real life. Jones says that there’s no reason why someone else from our small community can’t make it to the big leagues and have success just like he did.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from; you can find success if you are willing to work hard for it. If I can give any advice it’s this: you are in full control of your attitude and work ethic, and always focus on what you can control. Be willing to listen and learn from others and don’t be afraid to adapt and change. If you do those things, your future will be bright.”
As far as Jones future goes, he’s content right now on spending time with his family and helping get his kids ready for school each day. The transition from hopping onto planes and traveling to different cities to now being at home every day and sleeping in his bed appeals nicely to him.
“I haven’t thought too much about the future yet; I’m just taking it all in one day at a time. As far as my career, I hope I’m remembered as a good teammate and as a guy who was resilient and always bounced back from everything that came my way. But now, I want to be known as a husband and a dad.”