The Detroit Tigers are up by two runs, entering the bottom of the ninth inning, and 40-year-old Todd Jones comes strolling out to close out the game and preserve a victory. But, this is Todd Jones. So, you know it isn't going to be easy. Jones walks one and gives up a base hit. Now, you have runners on first and second base and no one is out. Even on the coldest day, you can feel the beads of sweat beginning to build on your forehead. Jones goes into his windup and delivers the pitch ... it's swung on and it's a pop up out of bounds on the first base side. One down. Next batter ... walked. Bases loaded and no one is out. Weak base hit drives in a run. The bases are still loaded, your lead is down to one and there is still just one out. Now, that damp forehead has turned into Niagara Falls. Jones delivers his next pitch ... it's a ground ball to short ... 6 ... 4 ... 3 ... GAME OVER. It wasn't pretty, but Todd Jones gets it done. A tragedy is averted ... barely. Today, however, that Todd Jones era has come to an end as the veteran close has announced his official retirement from Major League Baseball. "So this is it," Jones wrote in an article written by Lynn Henning of the Detroit News. "If you're a Tigers fan, I'll never stress you out again. If you're not a Tigers fan, you'll never have me as your ace in the hole, convinced I'll blow a lead against your team." Jones always brought a little bit of stress, but more often than not he got the job done. Even at his worst, during the 2008 season, he still looked pretty good compared to the guys who tried to fill his big shoes in Detroit's lineup. Jones' positive attitude and team-first mentality will be missed. His closing abilities will be missed and, most of all, his great sense of humor will be a difficult void to fill for the Tigers.Detroit News article on Jones' retirement:
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