Sixteen year veteran Todd Jones announced his retirement today in his weekly Sporting News Column. Jones retires as the Tigers all-time career saves leader with 235. His 319 overall saves puts him 14th on the all-time list. Yes, Todd Jones is the 14th most prolific closer ever. Most of them weren't easy ones but he got the job done much more often than not. He was not an elite closer by any means but he got the most out of his limited talent.
Jones was a very popular player due to his self deprecating sense of humor and his ability to connect with fans. He finished with this final nugget in an interview with the Flint Journal:
"If you're a Tigers fan, I'll never stress you out again. If you're not a Tigers fan, you'll never have me as your ace in the hole, convinced I'll blow a lead against your team."Many years from now, he'll be remembered by Tigers fans as the roller coaster - a nickname he got from Ernie Harwell for his penchant to pitch in and out of jams. He drove us all crazy but I think most will remember him with a smile.
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