Who is Myke Jones?

Who is Myke Jones?

Get to know the real Myke Jones.

We hit Mycal Jones, better known as Myke Jones, up on Twitter (@MykeJones21) and he agreed to do an interview via email. Last year was Jones’ first season playing professional baseball after being drafted by ATL in the fourth round of the 2009 June draft.

Jones played for Danville (Rookie League) in the Appalachian league last season and they won the league title. He will turn 23 on May 30, went to the University of North Florida, and stands 5’9″ at 170 lbs. We hope you enjoy the interview and get to know Myke Jones, WHO?!

Mycal Jones
SS ATL Braves Minor Leagues

Tell us about your background…how you got started playing baseball…
I started at the age of 4, playing for my dad in my hometown Jacksonville, FL

Who influenced your game? (Parents, players)

My parents were definitely my biggest influence in baseball. They made sure I got whatever I needed, whether it was equipment, money, or transportation.

Why do you think there are not as many black baseball players?
You know thats always been a question of mine, but in my opinion i think the lack of African Americans in the MLB is the main reason. Kids see LeBron and Kobe and want to play basketball or see Adrian Peterson and Ocho Cinco and want to play football.

Do you think the RBI program is helping?
The RBI program has the right idea, but I think they need to tweak a few things to get the max out of it. In my opinion the best approach is to start an academy and train the kids.

Did you play other sports?
I played football and basketball in high school.

Why did you choose baseball?
I was 5’8″ 145 lbs when I graduated high school, so I knew i was at a disadvantage playing either football or basketball at the next level.

How often do you hear Mike Jones (the rapper) jokes?
Ha all the time man. no one hardly ever calls me just myke, its myke jones. The worst is when I play Call of Duty online and someone kills me, all I hear is “Myke Jones, Who”?

What music do you like to listen to?
Rap and R&B. Right now my favorite are Lil Wayne, Drake, Kid Cudi, and Trey Songs.

How far can Jayson Heyward hit a ball?
I haven’t witnessed it yet, but I’ve heard about that young man.

Who has taught you the most since you became a professional?
I’m open to anything that can help improve my game, so I chat with all of the coaches and just pick their brains from the hitting coach to even the pitching coach.

Did you expect to be drafted as high as you were?
Noooo, definitely not. That wasn’t even on my mind before my college season.

Ever taken BP with Chipper?
No but hopefully I will soon.

Has Yunel, or any other big league IF, taught you anything?
No, haven’t had a chance to meet any of thoses guys yet.
I understand it is depending on the situation, but what is your approach at the plate?For the most part I try to stay low up the middle so I can put my speed into play.

What is the key to stealing bases?
I don’t think there is one key to it. You have to study the pitcher, know the catcher’s arm strength, have a comfortable lead, get a good jump, and be explosive.

What do you need to work on to get to the big leagues?
Being a consistent hitter at the top of the order and solid defender up the middle.

What is the first big thing you bought?
I got me a Lexus IS 250

Any other players on Twitter?
LV Ware (@davincidagreat) and Matt Weaver (@mattyweav609)

What are your goals this season?
To stay injury free, hit .300, get to double A, and get another championship ring.

What did you study in college?
Communications- PR

What is the plan after baseball?
Finish my degree and work in the PR department for a pro sports team.

How would you say you played last season?
Average, I had my ups and downs. Had too many strikeouts as a top of the order guy, but did lead the league in extrabase hits.

How long did it take to get used to the wood bats?
I always hit with wood during the fall before the school season stared, so it wasn’t too long.

What level do you expect to play in this season?
Low single A in Rome, GA

When do you expect to get called up the big leagues?
Who knows other than the man above? But I’ve seen projections that had me there in 2013.

Thanks Myke!