Number One Overall Draft Pick. Eight-Time All-Star. World Series Champ. National League MVP. Two-Time Silver-Slugger Award. MLB Batting Champ. Retiring of his jersey number. Great honors from hard-earned accomplishments.
Chipper Jones was third baseman for the Atlanta BRAVES for nearly 20 years. Like his idol, Mickey Mantle, he was a switch-hitter at the plate. Chipper tied and passed his idol landing firmly in 2nd place for all-time RBIs by a switch hitter. He and Mantle are the only two switch-hitters in MLB history to have on-base percentage of .400, slugging percent of .500 and 400 homers in their career.
Credit: Bing Images, Daily News
Chipper started his MLB career as a rookie for the Atlanta BRAVES. He retired from the Atlanta BRAVES. And now, the Atlanta BRAVES have wisely welcomed him back to the Club. Chipper Jones will be the Special Assistant to Baseball Operations.
In the midst of all the craziness and the overkill on trades, especially those fan-favorites like Craig Kimbrel “with the K” and Andrelton “Simba” Simmons, arguably the best short stop in all MLB, a well-respected, well-liked seasoned former BRAVE appears to be a smart move. This team desperately needed someone they could respect. Someone who could bring a wealth of experience and instruction to the young ballplayers trying to make a team. Good thing the two Johns, Hart and Coppolella, the president and the general manager of the now pitcher-heavy club weren’t too blind to see what’s right in front of their noses. We all question their decision-making abilities at this point.
In a press release, Chipper stated:
“After a few years of decompressing, I came to the undeniable conclusion that I want to be around the game again and, more particularly, around the Atlanta Braves. Because of what we are in the process of building for this city and our fan base, I am extremely excited to be dipping my toe back into the water that is Braves baseball. I look forward to working with our players, as my passion for the art of hitting is something I hold near and dear to my heart. My hope is that I can be an ‘extra set of eyes’ on our players and help supplement an already strong baseball operations department and coaching staff. I am honored to be back working with the Braves.”
It’s okay if fans think what Chipper really means is that he can no longer stand idly by watching his beloved team in a fast-moving downward spiral and that he must do what he can to save them. Either way, at least there’s hope that the light at the end of the tunnel might NOT be another dreaded train.
