Adam Jones is at the point in his career where an elimination game conjures up a feeling of finality beyond just the particular game or series in question.
Jones has been in the game a long time, making his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2006, and he knows he’s at the tail end of a career that’s been filled with highlights and achievements on and off the field.
He wasn’t blind to the fact a loss in Game 5 of the Japan Series could mean more than just the end of the Orix Buffaloes’ title hopes and their season. But if the 36-year-old felt any pressure, it didn't show as he joked around with his teammates, waved at people in the stands and played catch with a couple of lucky fans in the on-field Excite Seats before the bottom of the sixth.