Damon Jones’ phone buzzed Wednesday afternoon shortly after he was drafted by the Phillies. It was his grandfather – former 76ers center Darrall Imhoff – welcoming another professional into the family.
“He said now we have two pros in the family,” said Jones, a lefthanded pitcher from Washington State, who the Phils drafted in the 18th round as the three-day Major League Baseball draft concluded. “That was a good call to get.”
Jones had a 4.72 ERA this season in 682/3 innings at Washington State. He drew the Phillies interest with his ability his pair his fastball with three breaking pitches: a curveball, slider, and change-up.