The Illinois baseball community received some sad news this week. On Monday, legendary college baseball coach “Itch” Jones passed away at the age of 87.
‘Legendary’ is a descriptive term that gets bandied about a lot these days but in Jones’ case, it fits perfectly. When he retired in 2005, he ranked 13th all time in NCAA Division I wins. Even today, he ranks 42nd with a 1240-718-6 record. A total of 474 of those wins benefited Illinois.
Jones won seven Midwest Valley Conference titles while with SIU and five championships. He was named MVC Coach of the Year four times. He also brought joy to the Illini in 1998 when he gave them their first Big Ten championship in 35 years. In addition, he won the title for Illinois in 2005 as well as a championship in 2000.
It’s hard to believe but Jones has membership in nine hall of fames. When Southern Illinois revamped their ballpark in 2014, it was dedicated ‘Richard ‘Itchy’ Jones Stadium’.
After he retired, Itch continued to attend Illinois baseball games. Those lucky to sit near him can attest to his baseball smartness. He would make observations that would escape many of us.
Itch Jones was a mentor to current head coach Dan Hartleb first at Southern Illinois and then later at Illinois.
Itch Jones is survived by his wife, Sue.
I recommend reading the thoughtful obituary on fightingillini.com.
RIP Itch Jones