AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJones enters ‘08 feeling chipper
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — At a time when much of the baseball-watching world believed Chipper Jones had nothing left to show us, he showed us he’s still Chipper Jones. At 35 he had one of his greatest years, hitting .337 with 29 homers, driving in 102 runs and scoring 108. And where, he is asked, would he rank 2007 among his 14 big-league seasons on the scale of purely personal satisfaction?
“Fourteenth,” he says.
He’s kidding. Spring training 2008 has dawned with Chipper Jones feeling … well, chipper. Apart from the bruised thumbs suffered when he tripped over the opposing third baseman (more about that later), last season was free of the injuries that limited him to 109 games in 2005 and 110 in 2006.
A year ago we all were wondering if this demonstrably great player was near an end. Today, Jones says, “I want to play until I’m 40.”
About last season: “It was awfully gratifying for me to prove I could still play the game at a high level when a lot of people were writing me off and saying they should get rid of my salary.”
Some athletes pretend they don’t read and hear criticism. Jones admits he sees and hears everything. “I read y’all’s paper and go online and check out the rumor mill,” he says. (Indeed, he even participated, without being solicited, in David O’Brien’s AJC Braves blog two weeks ago. He logged in as “U Kno Who.”)
Does U Kno Who get mad when he sees someone post something less than positive?
“No,” Jones says. “I use it as positive motivation sometimes.”
The creeping consensus in spring 2007 was that Jones’ body was beginning to fail. Something was always going wrong — a hamstring, an oblique, a foot. What prevented him from believing he’d become decrepit was that it wasn’t always the same injury.
“Those last two years were really fluky [injuries]. It hasn’t been my body breaking down.”
Here he smiles in that wry Chipper way. “If Frenchy [Jeff Francoeur] takes a pitch and lets me steal third base [instead Francoeur grounded to third and Jones, running on the play, flipped over Pittsburgh’s Jose Bautista], I probably would’ve played 150 games last year.”
He played 134, his most since 2004, and he finished sixth in the Most Valuable Player voting, his best showing since he won the award in 1999. “Last year could have been my best all-around year. I was in the running for a Gold Glove — my errors were way down, and my fielding percentage was up — and I challenged for a batting title. And I hit .300 and drove in 100 and scored 100 just like I did when I was a younger cat.”
Sometimes it takes an outside observer to bring a familiar sight into sharper relief. Steve Phillips, once the Mets’ general manager and now an ESPN commentator, called Jones “the Derek Jeter of the National League” a couple of years ago, and Jeter is the most respected player in the sport. To be likened to him is the ultimate compliment. Jones took it as such.
“Jeter and I are good buddies,” he says. “We’ve squared off in a couple of World Series, and I think he’ll challenge 4,000 hits before he’s through. He’s a winner. I dare say I don’t think he’ll have any problem going into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.”
And his own Hall prospects? “I’m one of the guys who, if I quit right now, I wouldn’t make it. I’m on the cusp. The next five or six years will tell the tale.”
Until July 2007, Mark Teixeira was one of those outside observers. Today he hits behind Jones and says, “He’s the most underappreciated player in the game … No doubt Alex [Rodriguez] is the most talented player I’ve played with, but Chipper is right behind him.”
And then: “Chipper could get a lot more attention in New York or L.A., but he’s a country boy who likes to hunt and fish.”
If Jones indeed plays until he’s 40, he wants it to be in the only place he has ever played. “I’ve always wanted to finish here,” he says. “Atlanta is a laid-back town, and I’m not a big-city guy. I know I could probably garner more attention and accumulate more accolades in New York, but that’s not me.”
There was a time when the young Chipper was as beloved by Braves fans as Francouer is now, but the inevitable familiarity (and a messy divorce) took some luster off the golden boy. Still, Jones says, “I think I have a really good rapport with fans. They certainly make me feel that way when I’m out in public. You can’t go to dinner or to a movie without people showering you with praise. You’re never going to please everybody, and I’m not going to try. But I think I’m good enough for the majority.”
So here he stands: Larry Wayne Jones Jr., age 35, about to go to work on another February morning, feeling rather better this February than he did a year ago. “Last year I was putting a little pressure on myself after what had happened. This year I’m a little more relaxed.”
But not fully content. If he has learned nothing else, Chipper Jones has learned that baseball is about today and tomorrow, not yesterday. “At the end of the day,” he says, “I’ve still got to keep putting up numbers to hold everybody at bay. At my age, if you have one bad year everybody thinks you’re washed up. And I don’t want to hear it.”
Permalink | Comments (62) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Mark Bradley
Comments
By BnB
February 24, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
No more ATL “Jones Boys.” Loved them both but it is just Chipper now and I hope he retires a Brave as well. The guy is a winner.
By J
February 24, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
U da man chip
By another GT grad
February 24, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Perhaps in the next few years Chipper will finally be appreciated like Smoltz, Maddux, and Glavine have been. He’s already one of the top three or four switch-hitters in baseball history, and should’ve won the Gold Glove last year had iron-gloved David Wright from the big city not won the popularity contest.
By Buckeye_224
February 24, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Chipper, you are appreciated by the real fans. Being a Cleveland Browns fan in Ohio, the only problem that I have with you is that you are a Pittsburgh Steelers fan!
By NS at Kennesaw
February 24, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Was watching golf match play, wanting to see if AJC can put side by side picture of Kelly John and Eric Stenson !!
By SaltyDawg
February 24, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
How could you not like Chipper Jones and still call yourself a Braves fan. Anyone can see that Chipper has been the heart and soul of the Braves for several years. Chipper is the position player equivalent of John Smoltz, and that is saying a whole lot. Keep doing what you do Chipper. The real fans will always support you.
By ATL native
February 24, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
I’ve lived in Atlanta my entire life. I’ve been a Braves fan my entire life. Chipper Jones is one of the most respected athletes this city has ever seen… in any sport. Thanks for everything Chipper!! We all look forward to many more years!
By BeltHigh
February 24, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
A healthy CJ is one of several things that must go right for the bravos to hang in the race. A healthy Hampton is another.
By hop
February 24, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
chipper has become a truly class guy who gives it all.
if the braves can get one more world series championship, chipper is in the hall!
By cwartillery
February 24, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Regarding Chipper. jis defense is under appreciated. For a big guy, he has good range. If you watch his throws, they are always on mark. And few do the bare handed grab-n-throw as well as he does. He makes almost no mental mistakes.
Offensively, he’s among the elite. He rarely has slumps. And with regards to strike zone recognition, I put him up there with the very best. And his great hitting mechanics allow him to drive the ball with what seems to be an effortless swing. He’s the type of batter you use as an example for young kids to learn from.
By Chief Noc-a-homa
February 24, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Chipper is the man! Go Braves.
By Zathras
February 24, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
One of the things I’ve always liked about Bobby Cox’s Braves is that most of their best players have always struck me as the kind of guys you’d like if they weren’t baseball players. Obviously winning is the most important thing in any team sport, especially one for which the players get paid more money in a year than most of their fans will ever see in their lives. But the Braves have won a lot, and have mostly been pretty good guys also. I wonder sometimes if Atlanta appreciates this as much as it ought to.
By Aks
February 24, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Chipper u da man. Thanks for all the excitements you create in the game. From day 1 I moved to the USA I have been your fan and loved watching you play while doing homework. I want everyone to know that it is his unselfishness that he offered to move LF. Chipper had you not moved to LF none of your freaky injuries except colliding at third base would have occurred and you would have played more than 150 games. Now don’t be nice and offer to move outfields again. Would you tell TEX that I have already bought next 6 years season pass to watch you duo tearing NL pitchers.
By autiger
February 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
It’s nice to read about an athlete wanting to stay in Atlanta.
By Gene
February 24, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
I am going to Kissimmee in March,and it will be a real treat to see Javy, Smoltz, Glavin, and Jones together again. It should be a great season. I love these guys!
By VH
February 24, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
I used to dislike Chipper’s lax attitude & Soap Opera lifestyle, but he has changed a lot. I really enjoy watching him play, especially against the Mets. I agree with Tex “He’s the most underappreciated player in the game” The doubters should check his Postseason stats, it will blow your mind.
By L!GHTF00T
February 24, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
So If CJ’s real name is Larry Wayne Jones Jr. Where did the name “Chipper” come from?
By Gray Mule
February 24, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Our old Braves are coming back together with the return of our “new” battery, which I expect to see work together. Being over twice the age of “Old man Larry Jones” I appreciate all the good things he brings to Atlanta and the Braves. On some things, he needs to listen to his good friend and fellow player, Smoltz. Hang in there Chipper, you’re just as young as you feel!!
By Stan Nolte
February 25, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Lightfoot
Larry’s dad named him Chipper,as “a chip off the old block”…Anyway, Chipper’s a great hitter but personally is an A**Hole and is arrogant and not appreciative of the fans…
By Rick M
February 25, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Seems like Chipper is having more fun these days. It may only be perception but may be a correlation to why even more fans are starting to appreciate his skills. CJ has sometimes seemed to downcast or blase and the average fan may have misinterpreted his mindset. Hopefully CJ, and all the players realize the gift they have and how it can be taken away. The Braves have a great shot as sleepers this year.
By Gordon
February 25, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
There aren’t many out there like Mr. Jones. He has been and I hope will continue to be the heart and soul of the Atlanta Braves since the day he arrived. Anyone who can’t see that probably shouldn’t have a drivers license. I hope he is a Brave his entire career, but that will depend on the club not Chipper. By the way, Lightfoot, you are the one who sounds like an, how did you put it, A**Hole.
By mark
February 25, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is our Dale Murphy of 70.80s.Soon it will be Frenchy’s turn to be that guy.Chipper’s been a awesome player for Braves and I think he has represented the game of baseballhonorly. Somehow I hope he gets over 400 homersmaybe 500.Thens its off to the Hall.
By David
February 25, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Chipper is a true Atlanta Brave and shold retire that way someday. Besides the personal stuff and a few injuries a few years ago, the only issue that I have seen is because he won for so long at such an early age, he sometimes shows (I say shows not necessarily feels) a lack of emotion. It almost can be compared to Mark Richt. Where Mark Richt had to show some fire to get his players involved, sometimes it could help Chipper to show some fire to his teammates (which he may since we don’t see the clubhouse) and to the fans.
Either way, he should be a HofF and one of the top 5 Braves of all time.
By TPM
February 25, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Chipper has had problems staying healthy in the post-steriods era. Sorry braves fans that is a fact.
By Thom Brooks
February 25, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I love the Braves! I coach a men’s team in Savannah, called the Bombers, and would love for any Braves to come down to play for us! We can use Chipper, Smoltzie, Glavine, Frenchy, Mac, Tex and Matt. Drew Grosse is our shortstop and he’s friends with Chuckie James. Our first game is April 6th, so come join us! If not, then win the World Series this year!
By NOVAJacket
February 25, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
TPM, Chipper’s injuries started well before MLB was testing for steroids (he even tore up his knee as a rookie). That is a fact which you should have looked up before smearing. No one in baseball has ever linked(rumored) him with steroids, so where are you getting this. I’ve never cared that much for C. Jones as a person, but I can’t stand bloggers who don’t know anything, spewing way off base crap.
By ChrisfromSacramento
February 25, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is still and has always been the constant for the Braves. Yes is frustrating when he is hurt, but the stats show the past years when healthy he is one of the games 10 best maybe better. He should get in the hall with 2 or three more great years. He goes about his business and does not say much. Some fans think he is a a**. YOu cant please everyone. Chipper is a great community person as well. Lots of charities. I think Chipper haters are just jelous or really METS fans at heart. Thank you so much for all your hard work and great play Chipper. I have been your number one fan since i was 14. I am now 27 and that has not changed. Thank you Chipper. Keep killing those Mets.
By ChrisfromSacramento
February 25, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is still and has always been the constant for the Braves. Yes is frustrating when he is hurt, but the stats show the past years when healthy he is one of the games 10 best maybe better. He should get in the hall with 2 or three more great years. He goes about his business and does not say much. Some fans think he is a a**. YOu cant please everyone. Chipper is a great community person as well. Lots of charities. I think Chipper haters are just jelous or really METS fans at heart. Thank you so much for all your hard work and great play Chipper. I have been your number one fan since i was 14. I am now 27 and that has not changed. Thank you Chipper. Keep killing those Mets.
By Jonesy
February 25, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Chipper’s a great player, but as a person - he should never be a role model.
Cheating on his wife, getting another woman - a Hooter’s waitress - pregnant (while married).
This is not a role-model. Period.
By how2fish
February 25, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Thanks Chipper for all your years as a Brave..I hope you play until you want to hang them up as a Brave, and I hope the Hall comes calling..you have bee both a pleasure to watch and a pillar of the Braves for the past 14 seasons..here’s too ya!!
By JUSTIN
February 25, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Well when you only play half a season you should be able to play till your 40!
By Gandalf, the Grey
February 25, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
RETIRE ALREADY Choker Jones
By Rod
February 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Hey JUSTIN - you’re a pretty stupid “fan.”
You said “…when you only play half a season you should be able to play till your (sp) 40.” Guess you’re to stupid to check facts before your diarrhea of the mouth kicks in.
Chipper has played at least 109 games every year since 1995. Of those 13 years, 11 times he played at least 134 games. He played at least 153 games 8 times. Statistically speaking, he’s one of the most durable players in the Major Leages over that period.
Get a clue, Met’s fan.
By Merculf
February 25, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
My 13 year old daughter knew who Chipper was when she was only 2. We would watch the game and she would fall asleep on me in the easy chair. To this day we go to and watch on TV her favorite Brave she has ever known. These are things that will never change and I know neither of us will ever forget. Thanks Chipper and here’s to watching you retire a Brave. Cheers!
By Merculf
February 25, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
My 13 year old daughter knew who Chipper was when she was only 2. We would watch the game and she would fall asleep on me in the easy chair. To this day we go to and watch on TV her favorite Brave she has ever known. These are things that will never change and I know neither of us will ever forget. Thanks Chipper and here’s to watching you retire a Brave. Cheers!
By Chris
February 25, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Gandalf your an IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!! I grew up in Atlanta and have always been a Braves fan. I think in a few years everyone will look back and miss what we have had since 1991. Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Andrew Jones, David Justice, Otis Nixon, Ron Gant and yes Chipper Jones. Chipper thanks for not bolting to New York or L.A.. You have been an inspiration to many kids growing up here and I appreciate you!!!!!!!!!!!! I look forward to another great year! GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
By ChipperFanforLife
February 25, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Chipper, the real fans will always appreciate what you’ve done and continue to do for the Braves. You alone made me the Braves fan I am today, and I can’t wait to see what y’all have in store this year!! Go Braves!!
By R. E. H.
February 25, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
i remember vividly the circumstances behind the drafting of Chip that year, with the do nothing Van Poppel and all. Van Poppel’s arogance was the best thing to ever happen to Braves baseball. THANK YOU FOR 15 FUN YEARS, YOU’LL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE EVEN IF I LIVE TO BE 200 YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By BravesFan 4ever
February 25, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Chipper, my wife hates you (never got over the whole Hooters thing) but I love you. I hope you have your best year ever! I’ve always said that you are to the Braves what Jeter is to the hated Yanks! Go Braves!
By log 48
February 25, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
As a Mets fan , ask any Mets fan and the man deserves a first round into the Hall of Fame - if he played against us 162 games he would be up there with babe Ruth - please retire soon
By Number10
February 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Chipper is the man. All the people that doubted him just because he was hurt and now are back on the bandwagon: you aren’t a true fan & we don’t want you as one! I’m 22 now and grew up with you, and was at Game 6 in ‘95. I’ll always stay loyal and I appreciate all you’ve done Chipper.
CHIPPER: I started a facebook group honoring you and p** on the Mets. You’ve got hundreds of fans on there and if you ever want to send me anything (updates, opinions, whatever…) I would be HONORED- carssson@hotmail.com
2007 NL BATTING CHAMPION, not including all teams playing in stadiums 5,000+ ft. above sea level. (ONE. Colorado.) TSN Rookie of the Year (1995) 5-time All-Star (1996-98, 2000-01) In 1999, Jones won the National League MVP award after becoming the first player to ever hit over .300 (.319), slug 40 home runs (45), 40 doubles (41), record 100 walks (126), 100 RBI (110), 100 Runs scored (116), and steal 20 bases (25). 2-time Silver Slugger at 3rd Base (1999-2000) Holds the Major League Record for most consecutive games with an extra-base hit (14, tied with Paul Waner). 8 straight 100 plus RBI seasons (1996-2003) Most homeruns in a season by a National League switch hitter (45 in 1999) Third most home runs for a switch hitter behind Eddie Murray (504), and Mickey Mantle (536) Only switch-hitter with at least a .300 average and 300 homers (386).
Selected MLB statistics (through November, 2007) AVG .307 OBP .403 SLG .546 Home Runs 386 RBI 1,299
“The Met-KILLER”s career vs… NY Mets … NY Yankees .328-Average-.355 177-Games-19 638-At-bats-76 120-Runs-13 209-Hits-27 35-Doubles-5 38-Homeruns-5 118-RBI-17 101- Walks-11
HOF
By dorothy davis
February 25, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
I am glad to see Glavine has come “home” to finish his career, as he always has been a Brave in my heart. But CHIPPER JONES is truly Mr. Brave and he is what the Braves are all about. A hall of famer 3rd baseman. A player who loves the Braves so much, he gave up the dollars to help them out when their budget was low, and will be the player to help them to a second World Series. A Braves team without Chipper, would not be the same team. I am an Orgonian who has been a Braves fan for 25 yrs. and have traveled to Atlanta twice to see my beloved Braves on their home turf, which is a thrill that cannot be equaled in my lifetime.I am 75yrs. young now, and hopefully I will see my Braves win annother World Series in my lifetime. But I love them whether they do or not. They are THE class team in baseball.
By Number 11
February 25, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Uh, Number 10 - you do know that Chipper plays in the second highest elevated stadium, don’t you?
Sorta makes your Batting Title comment look stupid.
By Chippwo
February 25, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Number10 - you say that Chipper has 118 RBI in 177 games against the Mets? That’d be 108 in 162 Games.
Big deal - that’s average for a top player.
By log 48
February 25, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
he may only have 108 RBI in 162 games but to us everyone was a game winner- each one a dagger to our hearts
By OC Ingrid
February 25, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks Chipper for everything and for more to come.My son was eight when he decided the Braves were his team. We lived in Ct. at the time and thru the years took a lot of heat but always stood by the Braves. We collected Chipper anything and have a pretty decent collection. The best was for his 21st birthday I got a personalized bat for my son thru Chipper’s website and that made his day! Chipper has been underappreciated and when the time comes he should go to Cooperstown. We’ll still be cheering for CHIPPER AND THE BRAVES. GO TEAM!!(VERY UPSET TBS WON’T BROADCAST LIKE THEY USED TO)
By olal
February 25, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe anyone could say Chipper isn’t appreciated..All the talk about pitching but remember they pitch every 4 or 5 days. He busts his butt every day. One of the greatest all around ball players that I have seen and I AM OLDER THAN DIRT….Keep it up Chipper!
By BossLady
February 25, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Jonesey, SHUT UP
By dawgangel24
February 25, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I think we should all move past the whole Hooters thing, he’s human, deal with it. To all that think he’s an a$$, I’ve met him so many times and he was INCREDIBLY kind! We’ll never know what the Braves might have been without him, but we DO know what the Braves have been WITH him…I never doubt his ability because I know I couldn’t come anywhere NEAR his level of talent, so I leave it to the pros!
By Nurlman
February 25, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Chipper is Hoss, and he is a role model, and I’m glad he’s my son’s role model, and I’ve enjoyed having him as the cornerstone of my franchise for almost 15 years. All you folks dredging up crap from ten years past need to look in your own closets. God, that’s irritating.
As for his attitude, I’ve always found his candor refreshing. I just think he didn’t like playing LF and gave up 3B because he thought Castilla was better - a selfless move. As was restructuring/giving back however many millions he did for his employer to go get him some help (which they put in their pocket).
Funniest thing I heard this offseason was Chipper’s reaction when they gave the Gold Glove to David Wright - a travesty, by the way. And yeah, I watched Chipper all year long. The GG should have been his. Wright was about the 11th best defensive third baseman in the NL last year.
If Chipper does play 150, he’ll contend for the MVP and maybe the retarded NY media boys will see fit to award the GG to someone who actually earns it.
He’s probably right about his MVP credentials, but there was a time when guys with 400 HRs who competently played premium defensive positions, routinely hit .300/.400/.550, go to the playoffs a dozen times, win a World Series and an MVP would go in on the first ballot. And he will.
By Brandon
February 25, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
If you are a true Braves fan you will love Chipper. In my opinion he is the best player in the NL. He hits an average of 300, 25 homers, 100 rbi’s when he stays healthy. I hope your around for a few more years Chipper i can’t imagine you not a Brave for atleast 5 more years. Bring the 2008 world series back home to Atlanta where it belongs. Go Bravos!!!!!
By minny from minnesota
February 25, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Chipper can play until he is forty. Instead of 2 pair of athletic socks he can wear 2 pair of support hose and prop himself up with a walker. He will still be big old lovable dumb as a bunny Chipper Jones.
By Maurilio
February 25, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
CHIPPER IS THE BEST!!! Hopefully he RETIRES as a BRAVE.
By Lorin Scott
February 25, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones…Chipper is an awesome player and an attribute to the clubhouse. Chipper got ripped off by Hideo Nomo in 1995 and again last season, but he’s a class act and no complainer! He will always be my MVP!
By Robin
February 25, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
I have been a Braves fan the most of my life and i think Chippers Jones is a reallt great player i have one of his jersey’s and wear it when i go to the games .Go chipper i for one don’t think u r washed up Robin in Va
By Dan
February 25, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, its always a pleasure watching you do your thing on the field. You have been my Fav. brave player for years… along with Smoltz. Watching and appreciating the great ones at work is a pleasure knowing it wont last forever. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch some great players….such as yourself ,Jason Kidd in BB, Roberto Baggio in soccer. and so on. people just dont understand and realize great ones dont come around to often. Keep up the greatness. Dan in NJ
By Chiroman
February 25, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth.
I have been saying for the last several years that Chipper is as clutch a player as I have ever seen, including Aaron, (sorry for the sacrilige), he comes through and as was pointed out earlier, he rarely goes into a slump. I think that he is an amazing player. I hope he has 3 more good years in him. I think that’s what it will take to get into the Hall of Fame. I have gained great respect for Chipper as he has grown up over the last 2-3 years, wasn’t always a big fan due to his infidelity however, I know that it would be real easy to get into trouble as a professional ballplayer, so let’s not be so judgmental, we’ve all sinned to some degree and probably, if we had Chipper’s fame would have fallen for a Hooter’s girl. BTW, I’m saying this as someone who has remained faithful to my wife for 13 years. Married in 1995, the second best thing that happened to me that year, the first…Braves World Series! (Shhh… don’t tell my wife!)
By Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker
February 25, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
I’d feel good if I was Chipper too…His wife is a former HOOTERS bimbo…
To quote Chipper (please say the following veryyy slowllyyyy) …”uhhhh, its uhhhh going to be a good season and uhhhh…spit spit…i’ll play uhhhh 68 games this season…and uhhhhh….Hampie and I will go uhhhh huntin…and we hope to win our Division with the younger guys…and uhhhh compete for a championship….
By Avery
February 25, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
This is for the absolutely hilarious Matt Foley. It’s too bad we can’t actually see who is on these blogs, but I’m betting you’re around 13 years old. By the way, his former wife wasn’t a ‘Hooters bimbo,’ but what do you care. Just go back to your Mets/Phillies blog, and feel good about yourself for being such a hilarious comedian.
By Chase
February 25, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is rock solid consistency—in top three in that category over last 10 to 15 years. No switch hitter is better. Closest would be…oh, but we have him, too.
By DTM
February 26, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
I was fortunate enough to meet Chipper by chance one night at a Country (music) Club. He was getting a lot of attention from the younger crowd, but when I asked if he’d sign an autograph for an “old man,” he said “sure, come on in here, brother.” It was a pleasure to shake his hand and see how personable he was, away from any media attention. I was already a big fan of his, but am even more so now. Chip, have a great season, brother and stay well!!
By Ben Jones
February 26, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
Chip, you’re the man. Easily one of the best third basemen ever to play the game. i’ve been watchin you be the Braves star since I was like 5 years old in ‘95. Keep it up after being ripped off a GG this year and please, please, please stay with the Braves until you retire. They just won’t be the same without you man.