Cleon Jones

Cleon Jones was a prominent American baseball player, born in 1942, who played primarily as a position player in Major League Baseball from 1963 until his retirement in 1976. Known for his smooth left-handed swing and solid defensive skills, Jones spent the majority of his career with the New York Mets, where he became a key contributor during the franchise's early years. Over the course of 1,213 games, he recorded 1,196 hits and amassed a career batting average of .281. His offensive prowess included 93 home runs and 524 runs batted in, along with 91 stolen bases, showcasing his ability to impact the game both with power and speed. Jones is perhaps best remembered for his performance during the Mets' miraculous 1969 season, which culminated in the team's first World Series championship. He was named to the All-Star team once during his career, reflecting his status as one of the notable players of his era. Jones's contributions to the game extended beyond statistics; he represented a significant figure in the integration of baseball, as he emerged during a time when the sport was slowly but steadily moving towards inclusivity. His legacy remains intertwined with the history of the Mets, as he played a vital role in their rise to prominence in the late 1960s.