PHOENIX — Tommy Jones, first base coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks for part of the 2004 season and the team's director of player development from 1998 to 2004, has died. He was 54.
Jones died of brain cancer on Thursday, said Shaun Rachau, the Diamondbacks' vice president of communications.
He had battled the disease since 2007 and died at his Phoenix home, said Paul Jensen, spokesman for the Arizona Fall League.
Jones, a former minor-league player and manager, worked as director of baseball operations for the fall-league last season.
"He was a high-energy guy that truly was passionate about baseball," said Steve Cobb, the fall league's executive director. "His enthusiasm was infectious."
Jones was known for building strong relationships with players and everyone he worked with at the Diamondbacks.
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"He was a really inclusive, energetic guy," former Diamondbacks general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said. "I don't know if he knew the term 'management by walking around,' but that was how he ran the farm department. He was a tremendous, tremendous asset for me."
Jones is survived by his daughter Sarah, son Tyler and mother Louise. A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. on Jan.31 at Highlands Church in Scottsdale.
Cubs expect sale by opening day
CHICAGO — Cubs chairman Crane Kenney said he expects the team's sale to be completed by opening day and the list of potential buyers could be down to one by the end of the month.
He also left the door open — slightly — for Tribune Co. to hang onto it at least a little longer.
The company put the Cubs on the market on opening day 2007, when it accepted a buyout from real estate mogul Sam Zell. Since then, Tribune has slowly whittled the list of potential buyers from 10 to three in a sale that could net $1 billion for the team and historic Wrigley Field.
