Orioles returning Adam Jones to organization as special advisor and community ambassador

One of the most popular players in Orioles history is returning to the organization.

Long-time outfielder Adam Jones, revered in Baltimore for his production at the plate, defense, leadership and charitable work over 11 seasons, has been hired as special advisor to the general manager and community ambassador.

The club made the announcement this morning in a release, explaining that Jones will “advise executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias on various matters and serve as a resource for the rest of the baseball operations department and Orioles major and minor league players.”

Jones will serve as a guest instructor in spring training, marking the beginning of his new role. He has visited the Ed Smith Stadium complex in the past, in part due to his work for the players association, and signed autographs for fans.

The job will have Jones participating in a multitude of club-sponsored community service projects, such as the adopt-a-school partnership with Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and the Challenger League. He’s also going to interact with Birdland Members, corporate partners, fans and members of the front office as an Orioles representative.

“I am grateful for the Orioles relationships I have formed since my retirement, which have led us to this exciting partnership,” Jones said in a statement. “Having the opportunity to be around the game that I love, while also learning the operations side of baseball from one of the best general managers is truly an honor. I am happy to be a resource for the Orioles organization and will offer everything I’ve learned from past experience to help the team succeed.

“Baltimore has always meant so much to me, and this unique role will allow me to continue giving back to the community I love. This is a special opportunity and I’m eager to embrace it fully.”

The charitable side comes naturally to Jones, a three-time Roberto Clemente Award nominee for his work with the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Program.

The Orioles honored Jones at Camden Yards on Sept. 15, 2023 after he retired from baseball following two seasons in Japan. He signed a ceremonial contract and, sitting next to Elias in the auxiliary clubhouse, expressed his interest in joining the front office in some capacity.

“Baltimore has a special part in my heart,” Jones said that day, in the same room where he signed a then-franchise record extension in 2012. “I still consistently watched Orioles games everywhere I was at, even in Japan. It’s just something that is ingrained to me.

“It’s my second home. I wanted to show my kids this, also. The last thing they really saw me is being a ramen-eating Japanese player, and now, they get to see this and see how their lives have been shaped based on rocking the black and orange. I’m forever grateful.”

Jones spent 11 of his 14 major league seasons with the Orioles after they acquired him and four other players from the Mariners – including pitchers Chris Tillman and George Sherrill – for starter Erik Bedard on Feb. 8, 2008. It goes down as one of the best trades in team history.

The last major league season played out with the Diamondbacks in 2019, after Jones exercised his 10-5 rights and refused a trade to the Phillies and eventually became a free agent. Teammates stayed back in the dugout in his final game with the Orioles as he jogged into center field for the anthem, bringing a rousing ovation from fans. Manager Buck Showalter removed him from the game in the ninth inning so fans could cheer him again on his way to the dugout.

“Adam was a tremendous representative of the Orioles on and off the field while he was a player,” Elias said in the statement. “We are excited to formally welcome him back to our team, and we look forward to utilizing his experience, expertise and perspective to help the franchise achieve sustained excellence.”

Jones, 39, ranks fourth in Orioles history in at-bats and total bases, fifth in runs scored, home runs, RBIs and extra-base hits, seventh in doubles, eighth in hits and total games played, 10th in triples, and tied for 10th in stolen bases. He was a five-time All-Star who earned six Heart & Hustle Award nominations, four Gold Gloves, three Most Valuable Oriole awards and one Silver Slugger.

The Orioles will induct Jones into their Hall of Fame after he’s eligible. In the meantime, they’ll give him plenty to do as a new employee.