Today In Brewer History: Happy Anniversary, Doug Jones

On this day in 1978 the Brewers selected pitcher Doug Jones in the third round of the January secondary draft. Jones had been attending college at Butler, but launched a long journeyman professional career later that same year.

Jones was already in his fifth professional season when he got the call to the big leagues for the first time, making four low-leverage appearances in April for the 1982 Brewers. He posted a 10.13 ERA over 2.2 innings and was sent back down, eventually becoming a minor league free agent and leaving the organization following the 1983 season.

Jones' career was far from over, though: He returned to the big leagues as a 29 year old in 1986 and pitched in each of the next 15 seasons, spending time with the Indians, Astros, Phillies, Orioles, Cubs and Athletics and making a return trip to Milwaukee.

Jones was a Brewer again from 1996-98 and saved 36 games in 1997, leading the American League with 73 games finished. He even received some consideration in MVP balloting that season: He finished 20th in the AL with five points, eight spots ahead of teammate Jeromy Burnitz.

All told, Jones appeared in 846 games as a major leaguer and recorded 303 saves, the 21st most of all time.

With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:

• Recent minor league free agent signee Brian Baker, who turns 29.
• Former UW-Stevens Point third baseman Paul Molitor (no relation), who turns 32.
• 2002 Brewer Takahito Nomura, who turns 43.