2001 Male Player: Greg Jones
/Greg Jones
Greg Jones has been both an accomplished athlete and valued teammate in 27 years of USSSA ball, as much admired for his support in the dugout as for his power and athleticism on the playing field.
A pure power hitter who hit to all fields, Greg originally started out playing ASA ball with Century Concrete of Alton. He soon switched to USSSA softball, and he has competed in numerous State Tournaments as well as six World and seven Divisional Tournaments. Over that time, he compiled a .700 batting average and hit over 1,500 home runs, taking the ball to all fields.
The southern Illinois native has played for teams like Victor Drugs, Brauns, the Sparta Merchants, Pop-A-Top, Kohlers and Fast Eddies Bon Air.
A versatile athlete, Jones has played most every position in the game. An outfielder in his youth, he eventually moved to the infield, primarily shortstop and third base. He considers third his maoin position today.
Actually, the Illinois USSSA Hall is a step behind. Jones has already been honored in his hometown of Sparta, Illinois, where a plaque hanging at City Hall commemorates his accomplishments. Jones takes it all in stride.
“He’s a humble, positive person,” Victor Drugs teammate Roy Brockmeyer said. “Just a great guy to be around. He was always helping people out with their games. He was especially good to have around when you were in a hitting slump.”
“It’s been a thrill to play in the USSSA with so many fine opponents and teammates.”
Actually “humble” may be an understatement.
“It took me three years to get him to fill out the Hall of Fame application,” Brockmeyer said.
Jones, who still lists his greatest softball thrill as getting a game-winning hit is equally understated in his softball accomplishments.
“I can’t point to one special moment in [my career],” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have so many in my career. I’ve played with some great players and against many great players throughout my softball career. It’s been a thrill to play in the USSSA with so many fine opponents and teammates.”
Jones, whose career coincides with the formation of the Illinois USSSA program in the early-70s, appreciates the growth of USSSA ball.
“I feel that I am part of the history of the game. I’ve watched the game change in so many ways. It’s been both fun and a challenge,” he said.
Still active at 48-years-old, Jones’ .889 average earned him MVP honors at the USSSA Master’s tournament in Peoria in 1997.
“It’s an honor for me to see him go into the Hall of Fame,” Brockmeyer said. “Seeing him up there getting that award, I’ll be well-satisfied.”