1. Overview
Willie Edward Jones (August 16, 1925 - October 18, 1983), affectionately known by his nickname "Puddin' Head", was an American professional baseball third baseman who had a notable 15-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1947 to 1959, before brief stints with the Cleveland Indians in 1959 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1959 to 1961. Batting and throwing right-handed, Jones was recognized for both his offensive contributions and exceptional defensive skills at third base. Throughout his career, he accumulated a .258 batting average, 1,502 hits, 190 home runs, 812 runs batted in (RBI), and 786 runs scored in 1,691 games played. Defensively, he maintained a .963 fielding percentage. He was also a two-time All-Star and a key member of the Phillies' 1950 "Whiz Kids" National League champion team. His nickname originated from a popular 1930s song titled "Woodenhead, Puddin' Head Jones".
2. Early Life
Willie Edward Jones was born on August 16, 1925, in Dillon, South Carolina. He spent his formative years growing up in Laurel Hill, North Carolina, which he often listed as his home. Before embarking on his professional baseball career, Jones served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Navy.
3. Major League Baseball Career
Jones began his extensive Major League Baseball career in 1947, spending the majority of his playing days with the Philadelphia Phillies before concluding with other teams.
3.1. Philadelphia Phillies
Jones made his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1947. By 1949, he had secured his position as the team's starting third baseman, a role he maintained consistently until 1959. Throughout the 1950s, Jones was widely regarded as the premier fielding third baseman in the National League. His defensive prowess was evident in his consistent leadership in various fielding categories: he led the league in fielding percentage five times, in putouts for seven seasons (at one point tying a major league record), and twice each in assists and double plays.
His most impactful season came in 1950 as a vital player for the Phillies' celebrated "Whiz Kids" team, which won the National League pennant. During this exceptional year, Jones achieved several career-highs, including 25 home runs, 88 runs batted in (RBI), 100 runs scored, and 163 hits. He also led the league by playing in 157 games. Notably, his 16-game hitting streak to open the 1950 campaign established a franchise record that stood for 73 years until Bryson Stott surpassed it on April 18, 2023. Following his outstanding 1950 season, Jones continued his strong performance in 1951, hitting 22 home runs with 81 RBI and achieving a career-high .285 batting average. His consistent excellence during these two seasons earned him All-Star selections in both 1950 and 1951.
3.2. Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds
In 1959, after a long tenure with the Phillies, Jones was involved in a series of successive trades. He first moved to the Cleveland Indians and subsequently joined the Cincinnati Reds within the same year. He played his final Major League Baseball seasons with Cincinnati, concluding his professional career in 1961.
4. Major Achievements and Records
Willie Edward Jones' career was marked by several significant achievements and records, particularly highlighting his consistent performance and defensive excellence.
- He was selected as an All-Star twice in his career (1950 and 1951).
- On April 28, 1949, he tied a major league record by hitting four consecutive doubles in a single game.
- His six career grand slams as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies tie him for third place in franchise history, behind only legendary players Mike Schmidt and Ryan Howard.
- Jones' 2,045 career putouts rank as the 10th-highest total for a third baseman in Major League Baseball history.
- He compiled a career 1.39 walk-to-strikeout ratio, demonstrating his disciplined approach at the plate with 755 walks against 541 strikeouts.
5. Personal Life
Willie Jones was married to Carolyn, and together they had three children: Eddie, Kathie, and Bradley. Their marriage later ended in divorce.
6. Death
After his playing career concluded, Willie Edward Jones resided in Cincinnati, Ohio. He passed away in Cincinnati on October 18, 1983, at the age of 58, due to cancer.