By Franklin Zessis

Before each start, North Shore Navigators pitcher Will Jones does his best to follow the same routine. It starts by sleeping in as late as possible and then eating a meal high in protein and carbohydrates, according to Jones.

From there, Jones said he likes to take some time to relax before using a variety of arm band and weighted ball activities to help stretch his arm. When those are completed, the 6-foot-5 left-hander from Hamilton, Mass., climbs the mound to begin his warmup pitches. 

Jones has consistently been among the New England Collegiate Baseball League’s top pitchers, leading to much of the Navigators’ success and his first all-star selection in his second year. 

“It’s strikes, strikes, strikes and more strikes,” manager Bob Macaluso said on why Jones has been so successful this season. “This summer, he knew he was going to be a starter, so his preparation has been much better.”

Jones is one of seven returning players on the roster from last year’s team and originally came to the Navigators because he’s from the North Shore, according to Jones.

“(Fraser Field) is pretty close to my house,” Jones said. “My main focus this year is to get my innings and compete.”

He started his first season in the bullpen before starting his last five games of the season, finishing the season with an impressive 2.51 ERA across 28.2 combined innings. 

“I think being a starter has been a big advantage,” Jones said on moving from the bullpen to the starting rotation. “There's no rush for me to go into the game. I have all the time I need to get loose…and then when I'm on the mound, I know I have a couple of things under my belt, so I know I have time to work on my stuff.”

This season, Jones started in the starting rotation and has stayed there, dominating in every start he’s made. Opponents are batting just .143 against Jones, allowing him to enter the all-star break with an NECBL-best 0.91 ERA.

“As far as (his) tremendous success, I think he's developed (his) changeup,” pitching coach Jon Whalen said. “He was pretty much a two-pitch guy. He really used his length well and found a lot of success with that, but to really take it to the next level, he's got that changeup going now to the point where he feels comfortable throwing it.”

Along with developing a third pitch to his arsenal, Jones has showcased impeccable command. He consistently delivers first-pitch strikes, allowing him to utilize all his pitches and keep the hitters off balance. 

When Jones falls behind in counts, it has been common for him to find a way to work himself back into the count and deliver an out, issuing just three walks over 29.2 innings.

“Throwing a first-pitch strike is so important,” Jones said. “You can make mistakes and not get punished (later in the at-bat).”

Jones’s success on the mound has also led to success in the win column for the Navigators. The Navigators are 4-2 when Jones starts, accounting for over 30 percent of the team’s total wins.

Jones’ consistent dominance on the mound has ultimately led to his first NECBL all-star selection. The game will take place at Muzzy Field in Bristol, Conn., at 5 p.m. on Sunday, and Jones will be the starting pitcher for the East.

“I’m super excited,” Jones said on starting in the All-Star Game. “It's gonna be nice being able to continue with my routine that I've been doing throughout the whole year and kind of just use that and use the momentum I've been building throughout the year.”