Sam Jones (jonessa02)

From BR Bullpen

Samuel Jones (Toothpick Sam or Sad Sam)

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 4", Weight 200 lb.

Debut September 22, 1951
Final Game October 3, 1964
Born December 14, 1923 in Stewartsville, OH USA
Died November 5, 1971 in Morgantown, WV USA

[edit] Biographical Information

"You've never seen a curveball until you've seen Sam Jones's curveball." - Hobie Landrith

Sam Jones was an intimidating pitcher. He was big, threw hard, had a massive sweeping curveball, and could be quite wild. Three times he led the National League in both strikeouts and walks (1955, 1956, and 1958). He narrowly missed this feat a fourth time in his finest season, 1959, when he was the NL's Pitcher of the Year. In 1955, Jones became the first African-American major leaguer to throw a no-hitter. He could have had at least two more, barring a dubious scoring decision and a fierce storm.

Jones was known as "Sad Sam" for his mournful expression and also "Toothpick Sam" because he was always chewing on a flat wooden toothpick. In a pro career that spanned 21 years (1947-67), Jones got his start in the Negro Leagues in 1947 and 1948. He played in the semi-pro Southern Minnesota League in 1949 before signing with the Cleveland Indians, where he could not break into the starting rotation. He finally got a chance with the Chicago Cubs, who traded Ralph Kiner for him.

Sam was in the majors for eight full seasons (1955-62) and parts of four others (1951-52, 1963-64). He had his biggest years with the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants between 1957 and 1960. One of the most similar players, Mario Soto, is an interesting comparison.

He also played winter ball in five Caribbean nations: Panama, Venezuela, Puerto Rico (where he won the Triple Crown of pitching in 1954-55), the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. His last four summers were spent as a player-coach in the minor leagues with the Columbus Jets.

Jones, who had been treated for neck cancer during the 1962 season, died of a recurrence of the disease in 1971. His year of birth (1923 or 1925) is still open to question.

He is not to be confused with another player of the same name, Sad Sam Jones.