Project 84: Lynn Jones (731)

A speedy outfielder makes the most of the playoff spotlight

Previously on Project 84: Tony Pérez and Phil Niekro

Drafted five rounds later than his brother Darryl Jones was two years earlier, Lynn Jones was a 10th-round pick by the Reds in 1974, and both beat his brother to the majors by a couple of months in 1979, but had more staying power.

A Rule 5 pick by the Tigers while Darryl made his way through the Yankees system, Lynn Jones walked in his first major league plate appearance, against Dock Ellis in Texas on April 13, the fifth game of the season. Jones immediately stole second base, but was stranded there. Jones then singled against Ellis in the fourth inning, but was wiped out on a double play. In the seventh, Jones got another hit, an infield single against Jim Kern, and did come around to score his first run on a Lou Whitaker single. A ninth-inning groundout against Kern spoiled Jones’ debut, and Sparky Lyle got Lance Parrish and Ron LeFlore for the final two outs of a 5-4 Rangers win.