Former Pirates Pitcher Odell Jones Dies at 71

Odell Jones, who pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in four seasons during two different stints with the organization, has died. He was 71.

Jones died on March 20. No cause of death was given.

The Pirates signed Jones an as undrafted free agent in 1971 following his graduation from high school in Compton, Calif. He made his major-league debut four years later.

Jones appeared in 52 games for the Pirates during the 1975, 1977, 1978 and 1981 seasons. He went 9-12 and had a 4.28 ERA.

The Pirates traded Jones to the Seattle Mariners during the 1978-79 offseason. The Pirates reacquired Jones from the Mariners in a trade during spring training in 1980.

Jones pitched one season for the Mariners (1979), two for the Texas Rangers (1983-84) and one each with the Baltimore Orioles (1986) and Milwaukee Brewers (1988). He finished his nine-year career with a 24-35 record, 13 saves and a 4.42 ERA.