Oregon State celebrates after Preston Jones scored from second base on a wild pitch in the ninth inning to give the Beavers a 5-4 win over Arizona on March 25. (Dave Nishitani/Oregon State Athletics)
When Preston Jones arrives at the College World Series, the Oregon State freshman is going to take in the grandeur of the event.
But the Mountain View High graduate will also pay attention to detail.
“I’m definitely going to enjoy the little things, the ceremonies and just getting to take the field with my teammates,” Jones said in a phone interview Wednesday before the Beavers head to Omaha, Neb.
That’s a fitting approach for Jones. The speedy outfielder has found a role with the nation’s top-ranked team by doing the little things.
Need some speed on the basepaths? Jones has been that guy.
Need a late-inning defensive replacement? Jones has been that guy.
Need someone to get on base by any means necessary? There’s a reason Jones has played in the second most games among eight freshman position players on Oregon State’s roster.
“My role is finding any way I can to help the team,” Jones said. “Whether that’s as a pinch-runner, defensive replacement or getting a big hit.”
Jones has appeared in 29 games for Oregon State (54-4), which opens the College World Series against Cal State Fullerton on Saturday.
He has made the most of his chances. Jones is batting .300 (6-for-20) with three doubles and four RBI. He has walked five times, giving him an on-base percentage of .440, the fifth highest on the team.
He has scored 13 runs, including a rare play where he scored the game-winning run from second base on a wild pitch in a 5-4 win over Arizona on March 25.
All the while, Jones is learning. He’s soaking up the culture that has propelled Pat Casey’s program to two national titles, five World Series appearances and 11 NCAA tournament berths since 2005.
“Just the importance of preparing in practice every day,” Jones said of the most important thing he has learned. “If you prepare well, then in a game there will be no nerves or anxiety.”
That confidence through preparation has been the team’s mantra as well. Oregon State has been atop the national polls for nearly the entire season.
Pressure? Nope. Jones said his teammates enjoy being the team everyone wants to knock off.
“We always felt that it was up to other people to come and beat us,” he said. “But it’s fun getting everybody’s best shot.”
Oregon State is the top seed in the eight-team double-elimination tournament that concludes June 27 or 28.
Regardless of how the Beavers fare, Jones will take home memories not only of the World Series, but of an enriching freshman season.
“What stands out is just the love and confidence we all have in each other,” he said. “The chemistry on this team is definitely the greatest thing I’ve ever been a part of.”
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