Rocket Spotlight on Logan Jones

Logan Jones is a senior right-handed pitcher from Milton, Ga. He is in his first season as a Rocket and his fifth season in college baseball, having most recently played at Jacksonville (2024) and having also played at Samford (2021-22) and Pasco Hernando State (2023). This season, Jones has a 3.32 ERA in 14 appearances and four starts, having begun the season as the team’s closer before moving into the starting rotation. Jones also has four saves this season and was named the MAC Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 24.

On his start in sports and in playing baseball and football

I started playing sports when I was three years old when I started with t-ball. I loved football and played all the way up until high school. Football was my second love, but baseball became my strength, so I quit football to focus on baseball. I’ve just been a student of the game ever since. I was a tight end and an outside linebacker when I played football.

On his early baseball fandom

Growing up in Georgia, I was a huge Atlanta Braves fan and loved Chipper Jones. He was an icon for me. I also loved Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers) because of his big curveball and how he got batters out.

On when he became interested in college baseball

I’ve always been interested since middle school because my older brother Zach played baseball in Division II. I always knew I wanted to play sports in college and knew that was my route because I wasn’t the best academically at the time. When I started throwing really hard during my freshman year of high school, that’s when I felt I had what it would take to play college baseball.

On his recruiting process during high school

The recruitment process was pretty easy to start, based on where I was. I played for a scout team where the coaches had connections with everyone and being on that team really helped me get in front of a lot of people. I also went to a really big high school that has produced MLB players like Dexter Fowler, Graham Pauly and Dylan Cease. Being in that environment that has produced a ton of names helped me be seen by colleges a lot more easily.

On transferring and playing in different schools

Having to play on different teams with new coaches and make new friends every year has been tough. Being on four different college teams is a lot. Unfortunately, coaching changes have happened with the programs and schools where I’ve been, before Toledo, outside of my JUCO year. Each school I’ve played at felt like the right fit at the time and that I would stay there. When the coaching changes happened (at Samford and Jacksonville), I knew I would have to toughen up and go in the portal not knowing if I would get recruited or if I would have a team to play for this season.

On making multiple transfers

Transferring several times has been a nerve-wracking process, but fortunately Toledo seemed like the right fit for this final stop. My coach at Samford left for UAB after my freshman year. I tried one more year, but got injured and got a medical redshirt, before deciding to play in JUCO for a year. JUCO was awesome and I recommend it to those looking to play in college. For Jacksonville, the coach who recruited me departed before I even got on campus and the pitching coach, whom I loved, left after the 2024 season. That was a whole 360, and I decided to make sure I went to a school which really wanted me, which led me to Toledo. I was committed here under another pitching coach (Matt Silberman), so I went through another change, but it’s worked out. I love Coach (Ethan) Landon and he’s been one of the biggest helps for my career thus far.

On what attracted him to Toledo

I knew I wanted to play in Division I again, and I had played everywhere in the South, so I thought I would test the waters and go up north and get in front of new guys and new scouts. I thought it would really allow the experience of college baseball to come to me. I get to be far away from my parents, playing baseball in places like Oregon, which is something I’ve never experienced while playing in the South.

On the difference between playing in the South vs. the Midwest

It’s definitely different, because we get to practice outside pretty much year-round in the south, especially in Florida, where it’s 75 degrees in the winter. Here, we utilize Fetterman Athletic Complex and throw inside, where it’s still cold. I think adjusting is a mindset thing because it takes a little bit longer to warm up, but the game ultimately doesn’t change. The weather doesn’t affect anything to me because of that mindset.

On transitioning from closer to starter

I thought when I became a starter, that I was going to have to stray away from my ‘closer mentality,’ but I’ve actually kept that and it’s allowed me to go deeper into games. I’ve gone further each week and have gotten comfortable going deeper into games, and I’ve built upon my previous starting experience in JUCO. I think it’s more rewarding to go seven innings instead of a two-inning or a three-inning save.

On the “closer mentality”

I’m very confident and people have referenced me as a ‘bulldog’ on the mound. I like to show my superiority over hitters and compete. It’s me vs. you and I’m proving that I’m better and I’m going to challenge you in the strike zone and try to win every pitch. Sometimes, the hitter wins and you tip the cap to them, but every pitch I get, I try to control what I can control and beat the hitter.

On closing out the game against No. 12 Oregon, the highest-ranked win in program history

That was awesome. That was definitely one of the highlights of my career. Being a part of a win against a Power Four team like Oregon was awesome. I didn’t know how big of a win that was at the time, but I know now that it’s the highest-ranked win in program history.

On his gameday routine

I like to listen to a couple of songs before I head to the field. I like to listen to some rap or hip-hop just to pump me up. From there I make sure I have a caffeinated drink and I lock in and go from there. I don’t necessarily have any superstitions. I know a lot of guys have to do things to perform on the field, but I call it a routine because if it’s a superstition, players will get locked up on it and lose focus. I try to not think about things, just do the same thing every gameday and go be consistent.

On playing guitar and performing country music

I still play guitar all the time. My dad was a really good country singer, but he ended up shying away from it to follow after my mom. I don’t think I’ll do anything with it, but playing guitar is a hobby I do every day. Being in a country band would be a dream of mine. That’s the life.

On life after baseball

Outside of baseball, I’m going to try to go into medical sales. I think I will be able to apply my competitive mindset well in a sales role. My dad works in private equity and is one of the most competitive people I know. He dominates it and I think I would fit well in those types of roles.