Dustin Jones Signs Contract for 2011 Season
Published on January 28, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
SIOUX CITY, IA - Sioux City Explorers Field Manager Stan Cliburn is continuing to grow his core group of players with another re-signing from the 2010 roster. Today, the X's announced former Sioux City Bishop Heelan and Wayne State graduate, Dustin Jones, will return as the Explorers centerfielder for the 2011 season. Jones is the 2nd player signed to a 2011 contract.
"I'm really looking forward to this summer and the opportunity to come back and play in my hometown," comments Dustin Jones. "I'm excited to play under Stan. We had a great group of guys last year and hopefully with Stan's leadership we can bring a championship to Sioux City."
The 2010 season was a career best for Jones, even though it was shortened with injuries. Playing in only 76 of the 96 contests, Jones recorded career highs with 90 hits, 17 doubles and 4 home runs, while driving in 32 runs. For the season, the 26-year-old Sioux City native hit .296, while also swiping 17 stolen bases to go along with the noted career bests in hits, doubles, home runs and RBI's. Jones has always been a constant threat for the X's in the top of the line-up, with a career on-base percentage of .404, which includes drawing 183 walks and 288 hits in 290 games, while recording (78) Stolen bases over his 4 years of professional baseball in Sioux City.
"Dustin has been and once again will be a catalyst for us at the top of our line-up while bringing a very solid glove to our outfield," comments field manager Stan Cliburn. "I have heard nothing but great things about him not only as a player, but as a person and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action this season".
The 2011 season will kick off on May 12th, when the X's travel down to Fort Worth, TX to take on the Cats in a (4) game series, followed by (3) games against the defending American Association League Champions, the Shreveport-Bossier Captains. The Explorers 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the Fort Worth Cats in a 7:05 contest, with post-game fireworks following the game.
American Association Stories from January 28, 2011
- RailCats Mascot Talent Search February 12 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Dustin Jones Signs Contract for 2011 Season - Sioux City Explorers
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