BOBBY JONES RECEIVES COMMISSIONER’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
AVON, OH - The Frontier League announced today that New Jersey Jackals manager Bobby Jones has received the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence for his leadership and impact during the 2026 season.
The Commissioner’s Award of Excellence recognizes organizations and individuals who make an extraordinary impact on the Frontier League through their work, accomplishments, and contributions both on and off the field.
Jones returned to the Jackals as Field Manager ahead of the 2026 season and, with the help of assistant coaches Vlad Fontalvo and Grant Neary, led New Jersey to the largest single-season improvement in Frontier League history. The Jackals captured the East Division title with a 56-45 record, one year after finishing a league-worst 28-65 in 2025. The division championship was the first for New Jersey since the 2004 season when the club played in the Northeast League.
“We congratulate Bobby and the New Jersey coaching staff for posting the largest single-season improvement in Frontier League history,” Frontier League Commissioner Steve Tahsler said. “Bobby is known throughout professional baseball for his dedication to his players. He continues to demonstrate his passion for making players better and is truly dedicated to his team.”
Under Jones, the Jackals saw contributions from throughout the roster, including four players selected to represent the Atlantic Conference at the 2026 Y’all-Star Game.
Third baseman Felix Stevens started for the Atlantic Conference and competed in the Home Run Derby during his first season with New Jersey. Stevens was also named the third baseman on the 2026 All-Frontier League Team.
Right-handed pitcher Connor Maryniak, catcher Gus Sosa, and outfielder Isaac Bellony also represented the Jackals as All-Stars. Maryniak and Sosa were each in their first seasons with New Jersey, while Bellony was in his second.
Three Jackals also earned Frontier League Weekly Awards throughout the season. Utility player Luis Encarnacion was named Player of the Week in Week 5, while right-handed pitchers Leonardo Rodríguez and Sonny Fauci earned Pitcher of the Week honors in Weeks 7 and 13, respectively.
Jones also saw one of his players advance to an affiliated organization during the season. The Philadelphia Phillies purchased the contract of infielder Daunte Stuart on June 18 and assigned him to the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
Jones previously served as the manager for the Sussex County Miners in the Can-Am and Frontier Leagues, leading them to three playoff appearances, two berths in the Can-Am League Finals, and the 2018 Can-Am League title.
A left-handed pitcher as a player, Jones played professionally for 16 years, including six seasons in the Major Leagues for the Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox. He was a member of the Mets for their 2000 World Series appearance.
After leading New Jersey to the East Division title, Jones will now guide the Jackals into the Frontier League playoffs. New Jersey faces the Ottawa Titans in this week’s Wild Card Round, with the Jackals set to host Game Two and, if necessary, Game Three at historic Hinchliffe Stadium this weekend.
