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Aaron Jones passes on MLB signing with Rockies or return to Ducks to pursue firefighting career



Aaron Jones, one of the Oregon baseball team’s most productive hitters the past two seasons, has left the Ducks and plans to begin training to become a firefighter, UO coach George Horton said Friday night.

Jones, a catcher/outfielder, was drafted in the 18th round of MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies last month. Friday was the deadline for draft picks to sign with MLB clubs, but Jones did not sign. He would have two more seasons of eligibility left to compete for the Ducks — or another school, should he choose to transfer — but Horton said Jones’ desire to become a firefighter is a “done deal.”

Jones was a honorable-mention selection in the Pac-12 this season while primarily hitting third in the Ducks’ lineup. He batted .303 with 39 RBIs in 56 games.

UO junior reliever Joey Housey did sign a professional deal with the Cincinnati Reds.

He made his professional debut in the Arizona Rookie League on July 1.

Seven incoming freshmen were selected in the MLB draft. It appears that at least two did not sign professional deals: left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin (29th round, Toronto Blue Jays) out of Servite High School in Yorba Linda, Calif., and Roseburg High’s Joshua Graham, a catcher, who was taken by the Minnesota Twins in the 22nd round.

Elsewhere, UO freshman all-American Jake Reed started and threw two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, to earn the win for the U.S. Collegiate National Team in its 3-0 victory over the Dutch National Team in Amsterdam on Thursday.

uostudent wrote:He's actually leaving school to become a firefighter

Pretty shocking. Passed up maybe as much as $100k. Probably would have been drafted in one of the first 10 rounds next season.

Aaron Jones passes on MLB signing with Rockies or return to Ducks to pursue firefighting career



Aaron Jones, one of the Oregon baseball team’s most productive hitters the past two seasons, has left the Ducks and plans to begin training to become a firefighter, UO coach George Horton said Friday night.

Jones, a catcher/outfielder, was drafted in the 18th round of MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies last month. Friday was the deadline for draft picks to sign with MLB clubs, but Jones did not sign. He would have two more seasons of eligibility left to compete for the Ducks — or another school, should he choose to transfer — but Horton said Jones’ desire to become a firefighter is a “done deal.”

Jones was a honorable-mention selection in the Pac-12 this season while primarily hitting third in the Ducks’ lineup. He batted .303 with 39 RBIs in 56 games.

UO junior reliever Joey Housey did sign a professional deal with the Cincinnati Reds.

He made his professional debut in the Arizona Rookie League on July 1.

Seven incoming freshmen were selected in the MLB draft. It appears that at least two did not sign professional deals: left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin (29th round, Toronto Blue Jays) out of Servite High School in Yorba Linda, Calif., and Roseburg High’s Joshua Graham, a catcher, who was taken by the Minnesota Twins in the 22nd round.

Elsewhere, UO freshman all-American Jake Reed started and threw two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, to earn the win for the U.S. Collegiate National Team in its 3-0 victory over the Dutch National Team in Amsterdam on Thursday.

greenyellow wrote:Something else must be going on for him, either personally or within the program, to just give up his baseball career. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at another baseball program close to home.

greenyellow wrote:Something else must be going on for him, either personally or within the program, to just give up his baseball career. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at another baseball program close to home.

UOducksTK1 wrote:Can't you just finish school and help us out, then go be a fire fighter?

Just saying...