St. Rita catcher Sir Jamison Jones takes over

Having been invited to numerous high-profile national events over the past few months, St. Rita’s Sir Jamison Jones He played major league pitches, did interviews on the MLB Network, and met many former and current pros.

One of the moments that stood out above all else was the veteran catcher’s interaction with someone who also played his position in Chicago.

“A.J. PierzynskiIt was really special to meet him as one of the best catchers for the White Sox,” Jones said of the MLB High School All-American Game. “I studied his mind a lot about baseball and some of the moments he had, especially being a part of the 2005 World Series team.

“It was a lot of fun listening to some of the crazy stories he told, and I said, ‘Man, I want to go there someday.'”

Jones has shown the potential to make that goal a reality.

He’s coming off a big season in the minors, where he hit .396 with a .515 on-base percentage, three home runs and 45 RBIs. He also struck out 13 runners on stolen base attempts.

In November, he was assigned to Oklahoma State after previously serving a long stint at Illinois State.

“This was definitely a developmental and academic thing,” Jones said. “Illinois State didn’t have my major, so that was a big no-no. Sports media. If baseball doesn’t work out, I want to stick around it and possibly start broadcasting.

“Then you look at Oklahoma State and what they’ve done the last few years, it’s crazy. “They produce boys every year and the elite background they have is something I want to be a part of.”

Jones could make another big decision in July if he hears his name called in the MLB draft.

“That definitely sticks out in my mind a lot,” Jones said. “But going into the season I have one goal and that is to win the state championship with my guys.

“I put everything aside. I’m where my feet are and I want to finish my high school career strong.”

Meanwhile, Jones is trying to represent his city, state and Southern District.

“I’m just trying to let everyone know that Midwest baseball is real,” he said. “Chicago baseball is real. We’re always talking nonsense like, ‘You guys are soft.’ There’s no real competition.’

“There’s a lot of competition here.”

St. Rita coach John Nee He saw Jones grow from a “short, chubby kid” to someone he liked to use to intimidate opponents when the Mustangs played road games.

“It transformed her body more than anything,” Nee said. “You can see what he does and how he’s getting more and more attention.

“We love that he’s the first one off the bus, so everyone’s like, ‘Oh, boy.'”

Jones also wants to be the first player to speak out and inspire his teammates.

“My coaches and guys on the team, they always hear me loud in the background,” he said. “Being a leader is something I take pride in. I just have to be that spark plug, setting the tone behind the plate with energy and getting my guys excited.”

For Nee, having someone with a natural leadership position like catcher in Jones would be absolutely ideal.

“His energy is contagious,” Nee said. “His work ethic is second to none and he is a great team guy.”

Playing against some of the best players in the country, Jones’ self-belief grew.

“I go to these events and I’m like, ‘Man, I can hang out,'” he said. “The work I put in will not be in vain when the doors are closed and no one is watching. I perform at a high level.

“I’m legitimate and I’m making sure people know that.”