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Where's Bubba?

Todd Jones (6:03)

I'll tell you where he's on the lake.

Bob (6:07)

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Bob (7:46)

Folks, we are back and we're glad to have on the line. Many of you have been emailing, wanting to know where he is, what he's doing, are we going to get in touch with him? Good friend, Todd Jones. Todd, how are you, Sir?

Todd Jones (7:58)

What's up, Mr. Bubba? Thank you for the invite. Super excited about being here and can't wait to catch up and connect and tell everybody hello and see how everybody's doing. So great to be on the show.

Bob (8:11)

Todd. I still get. It doesn't matter where I go. I still get people that tell me some of their favorite things. We used to do on the radio show was when we would talk to you and get you to scream out the window and tell the city that you were pitching in, that you were going to own them. That was fun stuff.

Todd Jones (8:28)

Yeah, that was, that was a great time. You know, you guys, you guys were so kind to me when I was playing and so grateful for the opportunities that you guys, my gosh, there's no telling what you actually sit down and you think about how much you guys let me actually learn how to do radio. Watch you guys do radio. Help out with things that I had going on. Charity auctions and fundraisers and plugging baseball camps and things like that. I mean, you guys were an integral part of my entire career from, from, from start to finish. When we were at Jacksonville together, Bubba, me and you. And all the way, all the way to the end and you know, it's just a special thing to have a friend be able to go alongside and, you know, walk through the journey together.

Bob (9:22)

Well, Todd, you've been too kind. You the too kind. Because back in college you were very busy and you know, I would look at you and say, hey, Todd, great job today. Give you thumbs up and you give me thumbs up back. So you, you, you were very busy. You had a lot going on. I'm glad. We've got to be better friends over the years, that's for sure. But Todd, you know, I was preparing for this today and you know, because you're Todd and you know we're friends and I see you at Jack State games a lot and you know, we, we share a box up there and um, I forget just how dagum good you were, man. I mean, I got to looking at your stats again today. Check this out, okay? You're drafted by the Astro. Correct me if I'm wrong here, okay? You're drafted by the Astros in 1989. You make your first major league debut in 1993. But some of these numbers that you have accumulated is just unbelievable. You, you have joined the 300 Save Club. That you were the 21st person to do that back in 2007, which, that, that alone is a great accomplishment, the fact you're in the major leagues and doing that. But you went ahead and had, in 2000, you had 42 saves out of 46 chances. It made you an American League all star roll age reliever of the year. And the, the numbers are just staggering what you accomplished. But there was one that I was looking at that I thought was very interesting and that was what total. You had 319 saves total 235 of them with the Tigers. But of, of people who put bat on ball to you, 22% were fly balls, 47.2 were ground balls. And that's what made you a great reliever and a great closer because you got your guys a lot of double play balls.

Todd Jones (11:19)

Yeah, it was. Well, thanks for that. You know, I would say say a couple things about my, about like, like my career. I think looking back that, that one of my biggest abilities was my durability. I was able to go out there each night and good or bad, no matter how it went, I was able to, to be able to get ready for the next game as well. One of the numbers that I'm, that I'm the most proud of is, is 981 games pitched.

Bob (11:51)

Wow.

Todd Jones (11:52)

Which is 16 or 17 all time. And you know, that's, that's something that I'm, that I'm really proud of because, you know, I was able to show my teammates that, you know, I was, I was there every, every, every situation, any situation that, that that was needed. I was able to, I was able to show up, see what happens and try to get through the outing. But, but you know, having the chance to, to go to the All Star game in my hometown of Atlanta and, and, and have you have the Rick and Bubba show there, you know, hanging out and, and getting a chance to do all the things, you know, that's one of the highlights of my career. And you know, we were able to share that together. And you know, there, there was a lot of special things that I was able to just be a part of, but mostly because I was just lucky enough or just dumb enough to stay healthy. And you know, that's, I did the work and, but I got, you know, I got really lucky being able to be able to, was to, you know, to take the, to take the daily, you know, workload that you had to put up. And, And I'm. I'm just grateful to. I'm grateful to God to be able to. To do that. And, and, you know, very, very, very thankful because I don't know if I had had very much else to bring to the table, but I enjoyed. I enjoyed playing baseball.

Bob (13:25)

9. Did you say 981 games. Did I get that right? Yeah. Todd, that is. I mean, your rotator cuff. I mean, what is it made out of? Titanium? I mean, how do. I mean, in high school, I probably pitched in 40 games, and I know how long that was and how. How that wore on me, so I can't. I mean, that is such a staggering number. It's. It's hard to comprehend.

Todd Jones (13:51)

Yeah, but again, I mean, you just, you know, ever since, Ever since we were little. We were playing Little League and then, you know, my entire life, I just went to the next game and then I would. I would start in the Little League and go to Pony and Colt and then Babe Ruth and high school ball and then. And then college ball and then pro ball, and then. And then you make it up throughout pro ball, a ball, double aaa, winter ball, and. And my whole life. Luckily, luckily it, it had nothing to do with me, but luckily I was able to just go to the next game till I was 40 years old. And, you know, I got. I got some really good strength and conditioning coaches early in my career. That, that, that taught me how to work in parentheses, and I was able to, you know, stay, you know, stay healthy. And, you know, that's the thing that I'm the most proud of.

Bob (14:47)

Well, Todd, we're. We're in a day now. I mean, of course, you threw in the 90s, but we got guys now throwing a hundred. But, you know, they only last a year or two before they throw their elbow out. Some of them come back, some of them don't. But your durability to be able to throw in the 90s for that long, and you had great. I mean, you really kept the ball down low and that, that was big success for you over the long term. You play, you got to play with a lot of teams. That's the nature of the beast now with free agency. And I mean, it was just an incredible run. Let me ask you this, thinking back to Jack State, what are some of your fond memories there of playing for Coach Abbott?

Todd Jones (15:28)

Well, my memories of Jacksonville State are. Are not. Are not very pleasant on the, on the, on the mound. I was. I think I'm still the all time walks leader there. And you know, I'm, I was not, not a very good pitcher because I just could not for the life of me learn how to throw strikes until later in my career. Two or three years in the major leagues even was I able to really learn how to command in the strike zone. I was just lucky enough to, to, to throw really, to throw pretty hard that, that I was, you know, noticed by some, by some major league clubs and given, given an opportunity. But my gosh, I, I, I played with, you know, the three years that I was at Jacksonville State, we went to the College World Series all three years and then the next two years after I leave, they win back to back national championships in Division 2. So, you know, playing for Coach Abbott, he was a, he was a wonderful recruiter. He was a good, he was a good father figure. But you know, I'm, I'm, I'm thankful for Jacksonville State for a lot of reasons. One of them and, and primarily was I met my wife there and her, her name's Michelle. We've been married 36 years. Coming up in December with, with two kids and all that, all that came from Jacksonville State. So you know, I'm, I'm forever indebted to that place because that's, that, that's where we met and that's where we fell in love and that's where that, that's where this journey's taken us the whole way. And you know, playing as long as I did. Bubba, I moved. I played 15 years in the major leagues, but me and Michelle are pretty much. Michelle, we moved 29 times.

Bob (17:20)

Wow.

Todd Jones (17:21)

So, so we started out in a U Haul and the last 10 years we ended up having to put everything in a Tahoe and, and, and just drive because when I got traded four or when I got released, I'm on a plane the next day going, going to my next team. She's the one that's shutting down the apartment, turning off, you know, the Internet and the, and the power and, and the phone.

Bob (17:48)

Amazing.

Todd Jones (17:50)

Not to mention balancing and raising two, two wonderful kids while we were doing this. So, you know, a lot of credit goes to her. She, she is, and she was a wonderful baseball wife. She understood exactly what was, what was demanded and she was, she was wonderful support and, and, and to this day she just keeps, you know, she keeps showing me the layers of, of really how, how wonderful she is, which helps us be, you know, what we're doing now. So I owe it all to Jack State.

Bob (18:27)

You know, you were a pitcher but you did hit a home run right there with that one when you met Michelle.

Todd Jones (18:34)

Well, I mean, you know, I mean, I mean for Betty as well, right? I mean, you know, we can't do what we were able to do and are able to do even today without the support from the home, from the home front. So, you know, we're, we're grateful to both, both have very, very, very wonderful wives and we can't do what we do without it.

Bob (18:55)

Listen, I out kick my coverage. Nobody has to convince me of that. And plus now I have a live in RN that can give me my IV every day. So, you know, that comes in handy because you don't want me putting that thing in. There's no telling what happened. Well, Todd, you, Michelle, you brought Michelle up. I've got to know her better in later years and she is very funny and we love being around her. You know, anytime we're headed to a game, Betty always, you know, she'll go, hey, Michelle going.

Todd Jones (19:26)

That's the first, that's the first thing that Michelle asks is Betty going?

Bob (19:31)

Because I get to having a good.

Todd Jones (19:32)

Time, great friends and you know, that's really what the, that's really what a football game is all about. It's just about enjoying company of people you want to be around and pulling for a, for a, for a great football team that's having a, that's having another wonderful year. And, and you know, it's just, it was like, like you went to the game on Saturday night and there were 24,000 people there.

Bob (20:00)

That was a new record for, for the stadium.

Todd Jones (20:03)

It was, it, it was a record sellout. And Jacksonville State just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger and you know. Yeah, I mean you're a, you're a big part of that now. And, and everything that's happening is, it's turning into, it's been the perfect storm for 20 years, but it's, but it's actually starting to really get some traction. Look at the recruits that were in there Saturday night. They're, they're, they're massive and, and the players are so much bigger and stronger these days. So, you know, Jacksonville State is a nice little. It's no longer a secret. It's, it's like, it's like Destin Florida. You know the words out on Destin Florida. Just like, just like the words out on Jacksonville State.

Bob (20:53)

Have you got to know Coach Kelly very well?

Todd Jones (20:57)

I met him a few times. He's a, he's a pretty, no nonsense business guy. So I wasn't able to bring a whole lot of football to the conversation. So I got. I didn't get a chance to spend a lot of time with him. But, but Eric Davis and I. Eric Davis is one of the coaches on the. On. On his staff at Jack State, and we were around each other in college, and, and you know, he's a, He's a familiar. He's a familiar face and, and he's a great addition to the program as well. So I get a little bit of information from, from all those guys that are. That are hanging around the program, but it's just, it's just the, like, the sky's the limit. Greg Sites at Jacksonville, the athletic director for 35 years, has just every single move he's made. You know, he's got the vision that, that, that nobody else had any idea that Jacksonville State could be as big as they did, but he did. And, you know, it's a great thing.

Bob (22:00)

It's come so far from when I was a kid, Todd. I grew up not far from the stadium, and I've told the. To sell Cokes and programs as a Cub Scout. And, you know, the end zones were kudzu with concession stand down there, and the visitor side was like eight rows of wooden bleachers that were open. And I used to see the women drop their purse and they'd have to send their boyfriend down under there and all that mess to try to pick them up and to see where it is now, like you said. And see, at the level we're playing, Charles Kelly has brought in some extremely high talent. I mean, look at Cam Cook. I mean, he's leading the nation in rushing. He should be in the Heisman race. I think we're getting a little offlook there because. Because we're not a Power 4. But he definitely ought to be invited to New York in that group if he's still leading it, which I think he will be. And we have some other guys that are going to be picked up by, you know, the NFL. And like you said, Eric Davis, he's got a. He's just got a drawer full of super bowl rings from the 49ers. And so, you know, there's a lot of. A lot of good things going on. You, you, you can tell we just, we just passed 10,000 students, and it's just. You just see the momentum moving forward at Jack State. It's very exciting to be a part of that.

Todd Jones (23:23)

Yeah, it really is. And you know, there's not many schools in state that wants to play Jacksonville State. In football right now. And, and I think that, that that's a good thing. You know, there's just, there, there's just so much talent and, and Jacksonville, what's really, what's really exciting in, in, in all sports, basketball, football, baseball, tennis, obviously tennis, is they pull from around the world. But Jacksonville State, their roster is from the entire country.

Bob (23:57)

Yeah. Yeah.

Todd Jones (23:58)

And you know, that's a, that's an exciting thing as an alum, because it used to just be Georgia and Alabama from the baseball team. But you look at the baseball team roster and these guys, these, these guys are from all over the country because Jacksonville's got the, got the traction and the football team as well. They've got the traction and the, and the street credit to, to pull these, these three, four, five star guys into the, into the football program from all over the country. And that's just going to continue to push the envelope forward and really reveal how, how competitive Jacksonville can be.

Bob (24:37)

You know, Coach Kelly, I think has a great plan for this new era of college football. The nil, the distribution of funds. And I think he, he has a plan, he has a niche, he's working there where he can bring in guys that feel like they're underappreciated at bigger schools. They can come and display their talent and we hope they stay or if they move on, good for them too. But he, I think he's really got a great program and the way he's executed and a super nice guy. I've really enjoyed getting to know him and he's a funny guy and. But when he needs to turn serious, he can do it on a dime in a heartbeat.

Todd Jones (25:17)

And I think he hit the nail on the head because what, what, what kids are realizing now, players are realizing that, you know, sure, everybody wants to get the most nil that they can and, and they all want the most exposure and, and, and with social media, everybody loves the swag then Jack Stays got gray swag and stuff like that. But it's all about playing time. It's all about getting on the field and being able to compete and if you're good enough. Because Jacksonville State with all these midweek games, they're on major networks all the time. They were on ESPN you Saturday night and you are displayed for the whole entire country to see and it's all about exposure. And I was a, I was a first round draft picket at a Division 2 college baseball program. So if you can get the looks, you know you can to your point, you can, you can stay at Jacksonville State. And be all American, get drafted, play in the NFL or if you think you want to go someplace else, then, you know, there's, there's that opportunity as well. But, but people are going to learn that, that, first of all, it's a whole lot tougher to get on that field at Jacksonville State than people realize. And then, you know, once you're there and you're in the program and you're having a wonderful college experience, there's really, I mean, you're splitting hairs if you're going to transfer. So, you know, if I'd have had the nil and had the transfer portal, I mean, would I have met my wife?

Bob (26:51)

Yeah.

Todd Jones (26:51)

I mean, that's something kids, kids don't consider. But, but, you know, because, but it's all about these days. It's all about what motivates you. You know, what, what, what is your motor. Are, are you all about, I mean, do you have to, to go to college to get nil to take care of your family? Is that. Or, or are you just, you know, some, some kid that just wants to buy gold chains and, and, and stack all the nil that you can? You know, that's going to reveal itself because you're not going to, because you're not going to put it in the work. And, you know, the coaches at Jacksonville State are going to take care of those guys.

Bob (27:29)

Todd, we're going to take a quick break. We're talking to Todd Jones, former major league baseball player, and we'll talk about some of the things you're doing, Todd, and broadcasting and things to do with your family and faith. Still got a lot to cover. And we'll be right back in just a minute on Bubba on the Lake.

Todd Jones (27:45)

You're listening to Bubba, Bubba on the Lake.

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Bob (30:02)

We are back and our guest is Todd Jones, former major league player, former all star, former roll age reliever of the year and former Jack State Gamecock. We were just talking about Jack State, some of the things going on, Todd, we're talking about players, but look at, look at the level of coaching, too. And we've had some great coaches over the years. You know, I won't even start to run that list down, but when you talk about Rich Rods who was offered the Alabama job, turned it down, ended up at Michigan, Arizona. He's back at West Virginia. Now. Charles Kelly has two national championships sitting on his ring, I mean on his desk. Rings that are sitting on his desk. One from Florida State, one from Alabama. I mean, Greg Sykes, you mentioned it. I mean he, he is out there shooting some threes and he has landed some pretty big coaches historically and not only in football, in the other, in the other sports too.

Todd Jones (31:02)

Well, I mean he never, he's never missed. He's. But, but you know, one thing that I've, that I've gotten the chance to, to really know Greg and spend time with him is that he understands the infrastructure part of it. He's willing to, you know, designate the extra money for the extra coaches so they can get the head coach that can, that can get their guys in that they want to be able to pay them to in a Competitive, in a competitive amount to be able to land those big coaches, because those big coaches, they, they need their, their, their guys to be with them. And you know, Greg understands that it, that, that it takes money to make money. And he is, he is. That's where his true vision is. And in my opinion, because I'm sure in basketball and in football, there's, there's an analytical department, but in baseball, there's a, there's an intense analytical department that helps players develop faster, helps players be able to, to, to compete on a, on an even, on an even field from the front, from the big sexy programs. They just, they, they have the ability to take that information, to transfer it to pro teams, to have a chance to. Even though. Yeah, well, these, these scouts and all the sports will come in and say, well, you know, Jacksonville State's Conference usa, it's not the sec, but the coaches are saying, well, yeah, look at the analytics on these particular players that say this guy's 40, this guy's vertical, this guy's first, first step as a defensive back to be able to drop and cover wide receivers, his wingspan, all that stuff is measurable these days. So it doesn't really matter where you play. If you've got that information, it all, all those numbers translate in this day and age, this world of the coaches being able to identify good players. And that's something that Greg has put a big emphasis on that, that the regular fans, you know, don't really see or understand because it's not, it's not visible. But, but for the, but for the baseball program to have the analytical department, that it has to be able to show these players that, hey, it's not, this is why you're not playing. It's not that coach doesn't like you. Right. It's not that, you know, you're, you're. Your step to your left or your right are three steps shorter than the starting shortstop. That's why you're not playing. And the analytics can reveal that in a third person party. That is not, that's not challenging or offensive. It's just. Is what it is, so to speak.

Bob (33:56)

Yeah.

Todd Jones (33:56)

And, and all that, all that, all that to say this, that, that, you know, you've got the, all the bells and whistles with the sexy coaches and the, and the great programs, but with the skeletal bones that Greg Seitz has built off of, that's what really attracts the coaches.

Bob (34:14)

Todd, let's talk a little bit about what you've been doing since baseball. You've got over into Broadcasting. And you were joking earlier about learning broadcasting, watching us do the radio show and that, that probably only helped you develop bad habits. But you were really, I mean you were on the, the show that the Tigers, that actually cover the Tigers, right? And you're still, are you still doing a lot of those games?

Todd Jones (34:39)

Yeah, I was on the local network, the Valley, the Valley Regional Detroit broadcast team for, for the Tigers and I, I did pre and post game shows and got to do a little bit of the end game, got to broadcast a couple color for the, for the play by play guy for the Tigers named Jason Benetti. But you know, I've had a, I, this is my third, third year of doing it and I, and I really enjoy it. I'm able to be around the game and able to be around the players and see that the game has changed a little bit. But like when you're actually playing the game, it's still the same as you were when you're in Little League. It's just you've got all these information to make all these different decisions and that was not what, what we were presented when I was playing. And that's really one of the big things that's really changed a lot.

Bob (35:36)

It.

Todd Jones (35:37)

You, you had one or two, you know, free months in the big leagues before anybody realized you had a new pitch or a hitter was able to hit the ball. Well the other way, you know, that word didn't travel like it travels now. You can't, you can't broadcast, you can't go to a game and go to a weekend series and come up with a new pitch and the whole league's going to know about it the next day because of the analytical information that is out there for all the clubs. So you know, those, those kind of windows have, have really shrunk as far as, you know, information and technology. And I heard it described really great from one of the minor league coaches that I was, I was buddies with. When you're, when you're coaching a player in the minor leagues, there is no guessing anymore. You've got the information, you've got the analytics and you can precisely see exactly whether it's his, his bat angle or his arm angle when he's making a pitch, you can, you can diagnose exactly what's going on and what the problem is super fast these days. Where in the, you know, a generation ago it took an old timer to be able to say, well, you know, he's just gotta turn his hip or something like that. And now you can quantify exactly how, how many degrees of rotation this guy's hip has got or you know, things like that. So that, that really helps expose players, but players have come to grips with it and they can make adjustments a lot faster than we ever did.

Bob (37:15)

Todd, I did get clips of you during the year when you were doing your broadcasting and of course you're very knowledgeable and add a lot to the broadcast, but it seemed like you were having fun too it. And you helped to lighten up their broadcast and your, your humor and your personality came through a lot. I thought that added a lot.

Todd Jones (37:33)

Well, I think that's one of the one things, Bubba, that I learned from watching you guys. You know, I think, I think one of the things that you really have to learn is you have to learn, you have to learn your voice, you have to learn your sweet spot, what you're good at, what you're not good at. You know, like I learned I'm really good at ad libbing, but I've, I've gotta, I've gotta pull back because I want the big laugh at the end and I can't, I can't do that on tv, you know, but it takes a while to learn the timing of the, of the broadcaster that I'm with that night with the, when he's running the, when he's running the desk. You know, his job is to keep the show on, on track and they do a good job of revealing me in, but it's a, it's a, it's a learning experience. But I, but all, I mean, you know, as we used to say, when play show, you know, you guys, you guys showed me how to, how to move in and out of a discussion of a topic, to be able to keep it on path and, and not, and not, not ramble, but still add something to it. And, and that's something that you try to do because in TV you've got such short windows that you've got to talk through.

Bob (38:52)

Todd, speaking of you broadcasting, I was going to ask you about the kids, but you have a daughter that's also big into broadcasting.

Todd Jones (39:01)

Yeah, she's chasing the dream. She wants to be a sideline reporter. She currently lives in Dallas. Her name's Abby Jones. She works for, she worked for Bally Southwest. She ran social media for them. She works for an Internet company called All City Network that covers the Rangers, the Cowboys, the Mavs and the Dallas Stars. So she's at the arena every night gathering, gathering content, doing, doing hits from the sideline. She's a, she's a great follow. She's at Abigail on Instagram, and then she's @abbyjones tv on Instagram. You can check that out if you want to. But. But she's been doing it four or five years. I, I believe she's starting her fifth year because she started in November. So. Yeah, this will be her. Her fifth year. Her. Her very first night of broadcasting, she was at the. She was at the game for the Dallas Mavericks where they retired Dirk Navinsky's jersey.

Bob (40:01)

Wow.

Todd Jones (40:02)

And they. And they gave him a statue. And over the next 18 months, the Dallas Mavericks went to the NBA Finals, the Texas Rangers won the World Series, and then the Texas Rangers hosted the All Star Game, and then the Dallas Stars went to the Western Conference Finals. So, you know, she had got this wonderful, amazing opportunity to be able to cover some really exciting teams. So she enjoys that. And then. And then our son, Alex, he's a, he's a hitting coach at. In college at Northwest Shoals Community College. He's the assistant coach there, and he's been coaching five years, and he enjoys it as well. He's a. He's a really, really gifted communicator with the hitters to be able to help them, you know, talk. Talk them through different scenarios, different situations. When it's going good, when it's going bad, he. He can, he can help them learn how to deal with that. So, you know, you've got, you got great kids, too, Bobby. You know, you just wind them up and let them go. And, and we're here to try to help them where we can, but, you know, it's up to them because those are. Those are tough roads to hoe, as you know. And, you know, as long as they, as long as they keep it in the middle of the road, that's all we can ask for.

Bob (41:20)

Yeah, I've been very blessed where I have two wonderful kids and they, they have very different personalities and both of them have, you know, some things I'm very proud of. And of course, there's probably some areas we need to work on, things they've got for me. But, you know, we, we keep moving forward. But it's great that both of yours are kind of following in your footsteps, too, and things that you've done and been involved in. And Todd, now you. You did help do some coaching along the way, too, right? Or is that in your future? Any. What do you think?

Todd Jones (41:52)

I. I did. I. I helped the. I helped in on the amateur side. I was a volunteer at the high school when I, When I first retired. Where Pell City High School, where I live. I was a volunteer. I was a volunteer there and then I did some USA baseball stuff. 16U national team. 18 new national team. Got an opportunity to hang out with those guys and there were, I think there were seven first rounders on that. Eight on that 18U national team for, for, for Team USA that won the gold medal. So I've been around some amazing talent. I, I saw Corey Seeger when he was in high school. He looked just like he does now. It was crazy to see a 16 year old body move the way it does. But, you know, and then I coach with the Tigers as well in the minor leagues. But you know, I, I don't want to do everything. I don't want to do the coaching is, is a lot. You know, there's a lot involved and it's, it's 10 or 11 months out of the year. You know, me and Michell did that for 19 years.

Bob (42:55)

Right.

Todd Jones (42:55)

You know, I don't, I don't want to, I don't want to take away from the family anymore, so. And I'm not a good enough player. I'm like, like I'm not a statue to be able to walk around Detroit and go to springs training for 10 days and then, and then, and then come in and sign autographs and glad hand people and things like that. So. But I, you know, they let me kind of do, kind of, kind of do what I can do and I, and I'm, and I'm grateful to, for that to stay connected but you know, nothing's going to take away the time now that I have to be able to spend with Michelle and we can just go, we can just go see Abby. We can go to Dallas. We can, we can drop what we're doing and go to Dallas.

Bob (43:35)

We can, we'd like to see y' all come to Lake Martin for dinner one night.

Todd Jones (43:38)

Yeah. Yeah, I'd love to. We could go to Muscle Shoals and see Alex. We could come down to, to Lake Martin and have dinner with the busies.

Bob (43:48)

Look, we hit the Pale City Steakhouse every now and then too, so.

Todd Jones (43:54)

That'S kind of what retirement's all about. So I'm just lucky to be able to do it.

Bob (43:58)

So Todd, tell us too. I know your, your faith plays a big part in your life and I'm very appreciative of that. Tell us how that merges into this. And what are you doing? How is that part of your life now?

Todd Jones (44:14)

Well, I would say my, I would say luckily my, my faith has been the, the very, the very core of where everything started. You know, I was a, I was saved as a, as a 21 year old in 1991. But, but you know, I gave what I knew of myself to what I knew of God. And through my years of, of growing and development and Bible study and going to church and you know, being married to Michelle, you know, we were, you're able to learn that, that, you know, wow, I'm, I'm really broken and I need a savior. But then not only that, how can, how can he impact my life daily? How, as we're walking around, how can we, how can we pay attention with our ears and our eyes and our hands and be able to see where people are, where we're needed? And you know, that's another great thing about, about retirement is being able to just be able to, to help. You know, my wife's dad lives by himself and you know, we're able to, able to help out there. My mother's in a, in a facility, long term health care down, down in Birmingham. We're able to go down and spend time with her and you know, get her supplies that she needs to just really try to, try to, you know, the, it's funny, Bubba, the first, you know, first part of my life I just wanted to be, I wanted to be important. I wanted to be, you know, big time. And now I just want to be significant. You know, I want to, I want to go where I can and help out where I can. And you know, God's given me all these opportunities and I've, I've been, I've been asked and lucky enough to tag along with, with Rick Burgess with Burgess Ministries and be able to go out for man church and you know, be an encouragement to those churches that are, that are walking through the 40 week process of man church. I'm doing one in, in February in Mississippi and super excited about that. So, you know, there's, there's a Bible study at my house every Tuesday night. We've done it for 16 years. We've had probably 50 people come and go, but there's probably 10 or 12 of us that, that, that'll meet and you know, we just have, we have some pastors there. I'm pretty spoiled. We have some pastors, we have, you know, like a bunch of senior, senior adults that can help us, help us walk life out and really that's what it's all about is just be able to, we're, you know, you're equipped. I'm Equipped. Michelle and Betty and everybody listening is equipped in a certain way to be able to help people that when they go through something, you can say, you know what? I've already gone through that. Let me tell you about it.

Bob (47:06)

It.

Todd Jones (47:07)

Let me. Let me try to help you with it. And, you know, that's really what it's all about, is. That's the only question that I feel like matters, is, what do you know about Jesus and what does he mean to you? So. So, like, really, I'm a work in progress and working that out every day. But, you know, at least. At least I'll. At least I'm continuing to try to grow and develop and really just give back the. The true gift that I've been given.

Bob (47:39)

Todd, you look like you can still play today. I mean, I grabbed that arm this weekend, and, man, you. You hitting that gym pretty good. I mean, you still. You still got it.

Todd Jones (47:48)

I'm pretty fortunate. My son got me into CrossFit. He's a level one instructor, and he's a. He's an animal. And he. I've been doing CrossFit for about five or six.

Bob (48:02)

I am too Todd, but I'm a walrus. That's the problem. I tell people I'm quick as a cat, and the cat's name is Garfield.

Todd Jones (48:11)

When. When he got out of high school, he went back to one of the. One of the. One of the games or something, and one of the coaches say, he goes, man, what are you taking? And he said, no days off. That's what I'm taking.

Bob (48:24)

That's a good one.

Todd Jones (48:24)

He's a. He's. He's a really, really good instructor to be able to show me the exercises. So I was. I was confident, comfortable enough to go to a CrossFit class. But I've. I do a lot of CrossFit that I, you know, as I'm getting older, I've got to kind of pare it down. But. But I mean, you got to stay active, and. And that's what I enjoy doing.

Bob (48:46)

Toddler, let me give you one recommendation. Take care of your knees, okay? Don't. Don't let your knees get away from you. And you made a great point, and it's something that's really kind of hit home with me. I've joked about it, but it. It really does. There is a cemetery right behind the Coliseum on the campus of Jacksonville State University, and that happens to be where my family plot is. We have a big stone there. My mom, my dad, two sisters are buried there. And you Know, when I leave my office in the Coliseum, I drive by there on the way home, and it's a reminder, you know, that day is coming. That is just a matter of time to. You're going to be out there under a tent and they're going to be lowering you in a hole. So.

Todd Jones (49:33)

That's right.

Bob (49:34)

Have you done everything you need to do before that day comes? I joke, they'll just roll me out of my office and go straight over there. It won't be a very long trip. And also, I'm next to the tennis court, so I, you know, I keep a view of hams and what they're doing over there. So. But it really is. It kind of, you know, we've joked about it, but it does hit home with you that, you know, this is all, you know, there's grains of the sand going through the hourglass, and we all have a certain number of those. And when they're over, they're over. And we don't know when they're coming, but we know how it's going to end up.

Todd Jones (50:07)

And I think, I think looking back, that, you know, I'm. I'm 57, so I don't think I'd want it any other way. I don't think I want to know anything that's going to happen in the future. Because, you know, God then forces you to play it straight up. Right. I mean, you have to. You have to live out each. Each day intentionally. You have to. You have to be prepared to give an account. And really, the ultimate, the only thing you have to do is realize that you can't do it on your own.

Bob (50:43)

Yep.

Todd Jones (50:44)

And you can't earn your way to heaven. There is no one that is perfect living on the earth except for Jesus. And if you believe the Bible, that's the question I've got to get you into that bucket of the Bible. And if I can do that, then we can have a conversation because it's what the Bible says. The only way is through Jesus. And that's why he's so impactful. That's why he's so divisive. That's why he's so encompassing, and that's why he's so inviting to everyone that. That wants to call on the name of Jesus, understanding that they can't do it. But he did. And I will trade my life for his life. And now that I'm walking around, I'm going to try to continue to do what he did. And it's got nothing to do with doing anything other Than trying to live a different life where somebody asked you, why are you different? Why are you not? You know, when things go bad or, you know, things like that, then. Then you've got to be ready to understand and be able to succinctly talk about your faith and what's required. And that's. That's the easiest gift of all. It's free. It's. It's to anybody that asks. But it's a very specific question of, do you believe in Jesus? And do you believe as Jesus, as your savior? And if. If we can walk around and walk around Jack State, or walk around all the places you've been, all the places I've been, and live a different way. To have someone say, hey, what's different about you? Why are you so happy? Or why you so. Why so joyful? You know. You know, Bubba, you went through a.

Banker Bounty Announcer (52:48)

You.

Todd Jones (52:48)

You've had a tough year. Why are you still smiling? You know, why you still. Why are you still doing what you're doing? And he's like. And you're like, hey, let me tell you why. And, you know, that's what we're. That's what we're supposed to do as. As broken sinners. That's what we're supposed to do.

Bob (53:05)

You know, I know a lot of folks think, too, they have to be good or they have to be righteous, or they have to get to a certain point in their life where they may have things that they know are not right in their life or, you know, relationships they're in, they know are not good for them. And I've talked to a lot of people, and they always want to try to get to the point where I can ask Jesus to come into my life. You know, they feel like they got to do some foundational work. And I think that's one of the biggest misconceptions. And I said, no, he wants to meet you right where you are today, right where you are in the middle of divorce, in the middle of, you know, bankruptcy, in the middle of health issues or job changes or something you've done that you know is not right. He wants to meet you right there. And that's where the walk begins and then the becoming sanctified over time. While we all struggle still with things in our life and make mistakes, it becomes easier because he's going to make it easier for you, and you don't have to do the work. He's going to love you either way. And that is a big message. I think a lot of people miss.

Todd Jones (54:18)

Yeah, that's really well said, Bob. And you're exactly right. I think, you know, first of all, as a believer, the, once you become a believer, you're given something called the Holy Spirit.

Bob (54:28)

Yep.

Todd Jones (54:29)

And when you stumble and don't act right in a certain situation, don't handle a certain, a certain situation in the right way, instantly in the back of the head, in the back of your head, you're going to know you did something wrong.

Bob (54:44)

Yep, yep.

Todd Jones (54:44)

And, and, and, and that's good because that means that that's the Holy Spirit and, and you're saved. And now you got to go fix it and you've got to humble yourself to walk up to that person the next day and say, hey, you know what? I was a jerk. I didn't handle that situation right. I sure would like you to like to ask for, ask your forgiveness and I'd like you to give me another chance because that's not what I'm all about. And you know, that's a process that takes time. First of all, understanding, you know, what we're saved from. But then once, once you're pot committed and that's, that's one of the bigger keys is, is, is really understanding that it's not on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. It's, it's, it's every single day.

Bob (55:33)

Yep.

Todd Jones (55:34)

And it, and, and you, you can, you can look through, you can look through life through a biblical lens and you can see it a lot more clearly than if you try to take your glasses off and take them, put them back on and take them off. If you'll just leave them on and learn how to deal with your failures and learn how to deal with your shortcomings and come to grips with yourself and continue to try to put yourself in a good light in a good situation where you're not going to mess up by not doing things that you know, you shouldn't be doing. You know, then you can, then you can work on your, on your, on yourself, which might in turn inspire someone else to work on themselves.

Bob (56:19)

Todd, that's a great segue because I know we've never paid you the fine for you putting Rick and Bub on your hat in the All Star game. And I've still got a note of that. I'm working through them, but I may need a payment plan.

Todd Jones (56:33)

Yeah, I think that's all been kind of forgiven. It was on the rapture plan anyway. It was, it started out as, as a hateful letter and a five thousand dollar fine. But we talked to the, we had my agent I think called the commissioner's office and I said, I said, hey, the next All Star Game, I go to, I promise I won't put it on. And they go, oh, they go, okay. But I never went to another All Star Game, so the joke's on them.

Bob (57:00)

That's funny.

Todd Jones (57:01)

But you've got the hat, I guess.

Bob (57:03)

Yes, I still do.

Todd Jones (57:04)

That was a lot of fun. But you know, those moments, those, those, those moments, whether you're in an All Star Game or a World Series or pitching for your country in the World Baseball Classic or, you know, closing out Tiger Stadium, being the last person to ever pitch there, you know, those moments are not anything if you can't share them with your friends and family. And I was able to share them with Michelle, every single one of them. And to have good friends be able to be at some of those highlights and some of those highest points of my career certainly make it special.

Bob (57:41)

Todd, you, you have done a great job. You've been a giver, and you have certainly done a lot for me and my family, and it inspires me. I got to do a better job. When I look at Todd Jones, I go, you know, I can do better than I'm doing, and I need to do a better job. We're talking to Todd Jones, former major leaguer, former all star, former roll age reliever of the year. Todd, thank you for taking time to talk to us. This is fun. We got to do it again. Thanksgiving is coming up. As we close out, what are you the most thankful for? And I know it's a long list.

Todd Jones (58:12)

Really thankful to just be here and be present in the moment, paying attention to what needs to be taken care of and trying to help out where you can. And that's number one. And then, and then, and then number two is just. I'm still relatively healthy, you know, you, you blew your knee up and I tore both my, both my quad tendons.

Bob (58:39)

You did. You have.

Todd Jones (58:39)

So, you know, we've, we've been through a little bit, but, but we're better for it and, and we're still able to be active and, and, and be involved. And that's what I'm, that's what I'm thankful for.

Bob (58:51)

Todd, I've learned a new saying, and I've quoted it often. Health is wealth. Yes.

Todd Jones (58:58)

It really is. If you don't have that, it doesn't matter how much money you got.

Bob (59:01)

It does not.

Todd Jones (59:02)

Stuck in a bed.

Bob (59:03)

Todd, thank you for joining us. We'll have you again. Tell Michelle we said hello and let's get together and eat saying, I do.

Todd Jones (59:09)

Appreciate the time, pal. And seriously, thanks for having me on. I mean Bubba on the Lake is a big deal. There's been a lot of super famous guys and how, how I ended up on this, on this podcast is, is beyond me. But I'm. But I'm thankful for it, buddy.

Bob (59:27)

Todd, love you, bro. Thank you. And we will be right back with more Bubba on the Lake.

Unidentified Caller (59:34)

One, two, three.

Todd Jones (59:36)

We'll be right back.

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Bob (60:36)

FDIC on the water or off, Experience lake life to the fullest at Russell Lands on Lake Martin. Spend your mornings with breakfast at Fannie's. Afternoons you can explore over 100 miles of trails through Russell Forest. And for dinner, how about the southern farm to table flavors at Spring House? Whether you're here for the weekend or you've made your home at the lake, Russell Lands is where community and the land come together. To learn more about upcoming events, visit Russelllands.com come see what Lake life is all about. Folks, thank you for being a part of Bubba on the Lake. We're broadcasting from the Melayella studio and we appreciate you being along for the ride. Enjoyed having Todd on. Todd's a great guy, good friend, and just enjoy spending time with him. So if you get a chance to get out and hear him speak as he's out at some of these churches, I would encourage you to do that. We want to remind you Our website is bubonthelake.com we want you to subscribe, turn on notifications, don't want you to miss anything from the show. And speaking of the website, we have Some new merchandise in there for the winter. Got a nice little black hoodie with bub on the lake logo on it. So check that out. It might be the perfect gift for someone that you don't know what to buy. I have some of those on my list, so that's, that's always a nice gift. So check those out. We also have the merchandise for our other podcast, the Tailgate Tailgate show, which, by the way, if you haven't heard that, check it out. We talk about college football. We have a lot of fun. My son Hunter is one of the co hosts on that. And check that out sometime. We'd like to keep that growing also. Well, folks, we, we're running a little long on this program. We were so glad to have Todd Jones on, have some segments with him and we're going to wrap it up here. But Thanksgiving is coming up and I am so thankful for so many things. And one of the things is all of you that listen to the podcast and make it possible. So we hope you'll spread the word with your kin folks over the holidays and ask them, have they checked out the podcast? If not, help them hook it up. Show them how to do it. I do it every day. I grab somebody's phone and say, right here, this is what you do. Podcast app, search, Bubba on the Lake, follow. And there you go. You're in business. It comes right to your phone. So thank you again and I thank Todd Jones for taking time out of his busy schedule to be with us and have a nice conversation. And we will check in with you next time. And remember, until we sail into port, God loves you. We do, too. Have a great Thanksgiving if we don't see you before then. And we will be in touch, Lord willing. Thank you for being a part of Bubba on the Lake.

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Bob (64:20)

Yeah.

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Bob (64:31)

Sugar on the water or off Experience lake life to the fullest at Russell Lands on Lake Martin. Want to know what's going on around Lake Martin? Check out the calendar of seasonal events that include Fridays on the Green, naturalist events, fireworks, concerts, poker runs, boat shows, juried art shows, boat parades, and much more. If you're here for the weekend or if you've made your home at the lake, Russell Lands is where community and the land come together. To learn more about upcoming events, visit Russelllands.com come see what lake life is all about. I am so happy to announce that Our family dentist, Dr. Thomas Dudney, has joined my podcast as a sponsor. My entire family have been patients of Dr. Dudney and his team for over 20 years. Now, I'm going to be telling you a lot more about all of his services and what he does, but I have to tell you, the veneers that he gave me changed my life. I had no idea how big an impact that would have. You can call him today at 205-663-6545 or visit them at Thomas Dudney and find out more.

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Bubba (66:05)

Hey, it's Bubba. Hey, Bubba. Bubba on the lake. Bubba, Bubba. Bubba on the lake. Yeah, he's got it going on. Gotta come and check this. Talking people, talking places from Bubba's perspective on the lake. Bubba on the lake. Let's go.