Jacque Jones is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on April 25, 1975, in San Diego, California, and attended the University of Southern California (USC) before being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the 1996 MLB draft.
Jones made his MLB debut with the Twins in 1999 and quickly established himself as a reliable outfielder with a strong arm and good speed. He played for the Twins for nine seasons, from 1999 to 2005, and was a key member of the team that won the American League Central division in 2002, 2003, and 2004. During his time with the Twins, Jones was known for his consistent hitting and solid defense, and he was named to the All-Star team in 2002.
In 2006, Jones signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent and played for them for two seasons. He had a solid first season with the Cubs, hitting .285 with 27 home runs and 81 RBIs, but his performance declined in his second season, and he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2008.
Jones played for the Tigers for just one season before being released in August 2008. He then signed with the Florida Marlins but was released again after just a few weeks. Jones attempted a comeback with the Cincinnati Reds in 2009 but was released during spring training.
Overall, Jones had a successful career in the MLB, playing in over 1,200 games and hitting .277 with 165 home runs and 630 RBIs. He was known for his consistency at the plate and his solid defense in the outfield, and he was a valuable member of several playoff teams during his career.
After retiring from baseball, Jones worked as a coach and instructor, helping young players develop their skills and improve their game. He also became involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable organizations and causes.
In 2018, Jones was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career as a college baseball player and his contributions to the USC baseball program. He remains a respected figure in the baseball community and a role model for young players aspiring to succeed in the sport.
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