To say Robert Jones has sports in his blood would be an understatement.
Robert Jones’ senior yearbook photo. Credit: NCHS Perannos
The 1980 New Canaan High School grad’s grandfather Deacon Jones played pro baseball for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League before embarking on a long career as a top scout for the New York Yankees. Jones’ father Gordon played in the Cleveland Indians organization, getting as high as Double-A while older bother Lee Jones made it to Triple-A in the California Angels system.
And while Robert Jones never realized his dream of playing pro ball, he has made a huge impact on the local scene, starring for the New Canaan Cannons in the Connecticut Senior Men’s Baseball League since 1998.
Jones has played for the New Canaan Cannons since 1998. Photo: Contributed
“I was blessed by good coaches growing up in New Canaan including Ed Ready, Gordon Jones, Bill Brown, Mark ‘250’ Rearick, Bob and Roger Fulton, Bill Brown, Joe Ditolla, Jerry Quinn, Dave Prutting and Art Mazmanian—my closest friend for the past 30 plus years,” Jones wrote in his bio submitted by the New Canaan Old Timers Association, who will be honoring the diamond star at their annual celebration on Sunday, September 20th at Waveny. “I thank all the coaches for the life lessons and friendship throughout the years.”
Born in Dallas Texas in 1962, Jones moved to New Canaan in 1964. He played numerous sports growing up including basketball, football, baseball, hockey, swimming, tennis, paddle tennis, skiing (snow & water) earning varsity letters as a member of New Canaan’s football and baseball teams.
After high school, Jones attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. where in 1983 he batted .393 and was voted Most Inspirational Player.
Returning to New Canaan, Jones won several titles in the Men’s Slowpitch softball league playing with the legendary Chicken Street squad as well as Star Flooring, Gates and Lamaker’s while also winning state hardball titles with the Cannons in 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2013.
The Jones family. Credit: Terry Dinan
Jones completed his education at Sacred Heart, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, which eventually led to a career in publishing and media sales. Currently a VP – Global Group Publisher at Asset International, Jones has been actively involved in the FCS – Kids Cure for Cancer, Wounded Warriors as well as youth football and baseball coaching.
Married to Floriana (DiFulvio) Jones for 25 years, Jones is the father of Margaret “Maggie” Jones and current NCHS baseball star Robert “Robby” Jones, who now carries the family baseball legacy into its fourth generation.
The New Canaan Old Timers celebration runs from 10am to 3pm on Sunday September 20th, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. The cost is $50 for adults, $20 for students. Proceeds from the event go toward the Vin Iovino Scholarship, named for the former NCHS athletic director and presented to selected senior athletes at the annual sports picnic and award ceremony held at the end of every school year.
Checks can be made out to New Canaan Old Timers and sent to P.O. Box 1642, New Canaan, CT 06840.