Danny Jones arrived at the State University of New York at New Paltz in the fall of 2020 with the intention of pursuing a bachelor's degree and perhaps, joining an extracurricular activity. What he gained and has given others since becoming a Hawk though, means so much more. Joining a brotherhood, developing friendships and continuing his passion for sports are but a few highlights birthed from his experience on the SUNY New Paltz baseball team. 

Jones was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at a young age, a neuromuscular disease that affects his nerves and limits his ability to walk. This diagnosis has unfortunately left him unable to participate in sports as a player, but it has far from negatively impacted his journey in sports. 

Jones is a sports enthusiast. His passion for sports started when he was young, often watching Yankees baseball or Giants football with his family. His early interests in sports, particularly baseball, continuously grew and he has been actively present at sporting events throughout his life. 

Arriving at SUNY New Paltz, Jones was acquainted with an old friend, Jack Simms, a baseball player for the Hawks. The two had a relationship dating back years, centered around a common love of baseball. Simms was a baseball player at Arlington High School and Jones supported his high school baseball team frequently by going to games and cheering them on. During that time, the two developed a friendship that would last years longer than they knew. 

When Jones came to SUNY New Paltz, Simms knew that not only did he want to see Jones at the baseball field again, but that the Hawks could gain a lot from having him around the program as well. Simms suggested the idea of having Jones join the team to captain Anthony Amoroso and coach Thomas Seay, and after the two leaders of Hawks baseball team met Jones, it was a no brainer. 

"Danny is just the type of guy you want to have around everyone," Amoroso said.

Right off the bat, Amoroso and Seay noticed the chemistry they had with Jones and foresaw a great opportunity to have him join the squad. 

Jones was meant to be so much more than a fan on the sidelines. Amidst a global pandemic, the Hawks headed into their fall training season with large uncertainty of what their spring season would look like. Yet after meeting Jones, Seay pushed to add him as an official member of the SUNY New Paltz baseball program.

Jones joined the Hawks as an essential element of the supportive staff. At first, he and the players were nervous about what his relationship with them would look like. But, quickly after joining the program, Jones dove into his position with full force and his relationship with the players formed.

"Danny actually learned the guys names quicker than I learned the new guys names," Amoroso said. "So, that was pretty cool… He is one of the players. He is one of the guys, he is part of the family, he is a brother… he's just one of us."

Sports actively consume Jones' life on and off the field and that was evident in his conversations with his team. At practices, training sessions, and competitions, Jones often spoke with players about everything from baseball philosophy to video games (specifically, MLB: The Show). 

"For someone that was, unfortunately, not able to play sports, [Danny's] knowledge is just incredible not only for baseball, but for all sports," Amoroso said. 

Being baseball team manager has afforded Jones the opportunity to work closely with Seay and continuously learn more about his baseball philosophy. With a long future ahead in sports, Jones believes that he will be able to implement things he has learned during his experience as a Hawk throughout his life. 

"It's been great learning the coaches baseball philosophy," Jones said. "He coaches some stuff I probably never would have even thought about, so, it definitely has been interesting learning his view of the game and. implementing that into my own life."

In addition to learning the ways of the game, Jones has created great bonds with his brothers. Yet, one sticks out to him. Over the course of the year, Jones and Amoroso have formed a friendship on and off the field that will continue to grow stronger in the years to come. 

"[Amoroso] was the first guy I really started talking to on the team about getting involved in the program and [knowing] what my role could be with the team," Jones said. "He always reaches out to see if there is anything that he can do or answer any questions and you know, he is great." ​

Jones has enjoyed supporting his team throughout this year and Amoroso first-handedly has seen the positive impact that Jones has had on SUNY New Paltz baseball, as well as his own life. 

"I think a lot of the things Danny has taught me and a lot of the other guys will carry on past the baseball field and everyday life," he said. "I learned from Danny to take everything day by day and enjoy the little things and I think Danny has taught a lot of guys that. He is a man of not many words but, his presence alone gives you that."

Seay agrees that the addition of Danny has been a beneficial and life changing experience for his players as well.

"The guys really kind of understand that they've got a gift. They can play and compete and be able-bodied and not everybody is like that," Seay said. "Danny is in a wheelchair and he doesn't let that affect him from a personality stand point. I think that gives our players a perspective that is good." 

Jones has introduced new perspectives on life to many people on the team. For them, he has gone beyond teaching them about baseball; he has taught them about life. 

"At the end of the day, we understand that there's more than just winning and losing a baseball game. It's enjoying life, it's enjoying and building relationships, and it is the growth more off the field than sometimes the growth and development on the field that matters with the end game," said Seay. 

As the Hawks' 2021 regular season nearing an end with the team still fighting for a playoff spot, Jones reflected back on his experience this past year as a Hawk with gratitude and looked forward to the progress he will be able to see in the SUNY New Paltz baseball team in the future. 

"Getting to know the guys has been great," he said. "They're excited to see me, but more importantly I'm happy to see them and I'm happy to be a part of the program."

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