His real name was Sheldon, but he got his nickname from a character in the Lil Abner comic strip. “Available Jones” was always available to his friends “fo’ a price, natcherly”. The Cubs' "Available" Jones lived up to the nickname for slightly different reasons than the Li'l Abner character.

He was a pitcher who was always "available" to start or relieve for the Giants, and did both well, but by the time the Cubs got him, well...let's just say he was available. He pitched only one year for the Cubs (1953), almost exclusively in relief, and after the season his 5.40 ERA was "available" once again to anyone who wanted him. No one did.