Earning invitations to several high-profile national events over the past several months, St. Rita’s Sir Jamison Jones played on major league fields, did interviews on the MLB Network and met several former and current pros.
One moment that stood out above it all was the senior catcher’s interaction with someone who also played his position in Chicago.
“A.J. Pierzynski, being one of the great White Sox catchers, it was really special to meet him,” Jones said of the MLB High School All-American Game. “I picked his brain a lot about baseball and some of the moments he had, especially being part of that 2005 World Series team.
“It was fun hearing some of the crazy stories he was telling, and I was just like, ‘Man, I want to get there one day.’”
Jones has shown the potential to turn that goal into a reality.
He’s coming off a big junior season, during which he hit .396 with a .515 on-base percentage, three home runs and 45 RBIs. He also threw out 13 runners on stolen-base attempts.
In November, he committed to Oklahoma State after previously being a longtime Illinois State recruit.
“It was definitely a developmental thing and an 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 stay around it and potentially start broadcasting.
“Then you go look at Oklahoma State and what they’ve done the last couple years, it’s insane. They produce guys every year, and the elite history they have is something I want to be a part of.”
Sir Jamison Jones (54) reacts after St. Rita escapes a jam in the top of the sixth inning against Brother Rice during a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Jones could have another big decision ahead in July if he hears his name called in the MLB draft.
“It’s definitely on my mind a lot,” Jones said. “But going into the season, I have one goal and one goal only and that’s to win a state championship with my guys.
“I kind of put that all on the back burner. I’m here where my feet are, and I want to finish my high school career out strong.”
Along the way, Jones is trying to represent his city, state and the Southland.
“I’m just trying to make sure everyone knows Midwest baseball is real,” he said. “Chicago baseball is real. We always get trash talked like, ‘You guys are soft. There’s no real competition.’
“There’s a lot of competition here.”
St Rita’s Sir Jamison Jones connects against Providence during a Catholic League Blue game in New Lenox on Monday, April 11, 2022. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
St. Rita coach John Nee has seen Jones go from a “short, chubby kid” to someone he likes to use to intimidate opponents when the Mustangs show up for road games.
“He’s transformed his body more than anything else,” Nee said. “You can tell the work he’s put in, and he’s getting more and more attention.
“We like him to be the first guy off the bus so everybody is like, ‘Oh, boy.’”
Jones also wants to be the first player to speak up and inspire his teammates.
“My coaches and my boys on the team, they hear me loud behind the plate all the time,” he said. “Being a leader is something I take pride in. I just have to be that spark plug, set the tone behind the plate with the energy and hype my guys up.”
St Rita’s Sir Jamison Jones blocks Providence’s Nate Scialabba at the plate during a Catholic League Blue game in New Lenox on Monday, April 11, 2022. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
For Nee, having someone in Jones at a natural leadership position like catcher is certainly ideal.
“His energy is infectious,” Nee said. “His work ethic is second to none and he’s a great team guy.”
Having played against some of the best players in the country, Jones has gained a greater belief in himself.
“I go to these events and say, ‘Man, I can hang,’” he said. “The work I’m putting in when the doors are closed and no one’s watching, it’s not going to waste. I’m performing at high levels.
“I’m legit, and I’m letting people know that.”
