New Stallion is already signed
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Madera South baseball player Chris Jones and his family are happy after Jones signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Sterling College.
Without even taking the field, Madera South baseball player Chris Jones is making an impact with the Stallions.
Jones signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Sterling College in Kansas to play baseball. He played three years at Fresno High School before transferring to Madera South this season where he’ll play his senior season. He got his baseball start in Madera playing in the Madera Little League.
“I came to Madera for family reasons,” he said. “It’s definitely great knowing that when I step onto the field this year that I have somewhere to go next year so I don’t have to stress about next year. It’s a relief.”
Jones is relieved about signing and knowing that all the work he has put in has led to his success.
“I feel that a lot of hard work and dedication through all of my coaches growing up has brought me here today,” Jones said. “It’s helped me overcome the problems I’ve had along the way.”
“He’s a hard worker and is somebody that gets the job done,” new Madera South baseball coach Alan Sandoval said. “He’s a leader and he’s just a great baseball player.”
Jones also got looks from Antelope Valley and Fresno Pacific and will major in sports medicine at Sterling.
“I had a few different options, but I wanted to make sure I chose the right option for me where I go for the next four years,” Jones said.
Jones said he chose Sterling because it felt right.
“There are great people out there,” he said. “The coaches are family-oriented. They are very positive out there and I’m looking forward to the next four years. They saw me play at a showcase. They contacted my coach and asked for a visit and I signed while I was there.”
Jones credits his work with the Central Valley Marlins as a reason to get signed.
“If I wasn’t with them, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. “I’m thankful to them and that family. I get to go out to the field and not have the stress on the field.”
Jones primarily played first base at Fresno, but Sandoval plans to use Jones on the mound and is happy for his newest player.
“He’s a first baseman and he’s a great hitter,” Sandoval said. “Hitting is his strength. He hasn’t thrown a lot in high school, but he will for us this year. He’s going to do a great job for us this year. We needed him to transfer in. That was huge for us. He’s cleared and ready to go. He will be with us from Day 1.”
