Adam Jones returns to Orioles as ambassador, special advisor

One of the Baltimore Orioles' most popular players this century is returning to the organization.

Former Gold Glove center fielder Adam Jones joined the Orioles' front office as a community ambassador and special advisor to general manager Mike Elias, it was announced Monday.

"Adam was a tremendous representative of the Orioles on and off the field while he was a player," Elias said in a statement. "We are excited to formally welcome him back to our team, and we look forward to utilizing his experience, expertise, and perspective to help the franchise achieve sustained excellence."

In addition to advising Elias, Jones' official front-office duties will include serving as a resource to the team's entire baseball operations department and players at all levels of the organization. He'll be on the field as a guest coach in spring training as well.

Jones will also be a presence away from the ballpark in Baltimore, continuing work that he started during his playing career. The three-time Roberto Clemente Award nominee will represent the club at fan events, as well as community projects such as the Orioles' adopt-a-school partnership and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program.

"Baltimore has always meant so much to me, and this unique role will allow me to continue giving back to the community I love," Jones said. "This is a special opportunity, and I'm eager to embrace it fully."

Jones was a five-time All-Star during his 11 seasons with the Orioles, and he won four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger. He helped spark the franchise's renaissance by leading Baltimore to three playoff appearances in the early 2010s and ranks among the franchise leaders in a litany of offensive categories.

Originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners, he was acquired by the Orioles in a six-player trade before the 2008 season. Jones spent his final big-league campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 before finishing his career with a two-year stint in Japan.

The 39-year-old received three votes on this year's Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.