The Braves announced they’ve hired former third baseman Chipper Jones as Special Assistant to Baseball Operations. Jones will report to John Hart, president of baseball operations, and to General Manager John Coppolella.
Jones played 19 seasons for the Braves.
Jones makes his return to the club in a support role after retiring as a player following the 2012 season. In his new capacity, Jones will attend spring training as an instructor, and during the regular season he will primarily focus on assisting Braves hitters. He will also help with amateur scouting leading up to the June draft, as well as some minor-league player evaluation and instruction.
“We are excited to bring Chipper on board as a special assistant,” Coppolella said. “He brings a wealth of experience – from being a number one overall draft pick, to having a highly-successful career as a World Series champion, a league MVP and a batting champion, to coming back from major injuries. Chipper spent his entire Hall-of-Fame caliber career in a Braves uniform and we look forward to his input with our staff and with our hitters.”
Jeff Schultz: Wise move
This makes sense for both parties. The Braves bring a future Hall of Famer back into the fold, which can only help in the credibility department. Jones, who had hinted about wanting to return to the game in some way, but likely not in a full-time role, gets a chance to give back to baseball and the Braves and work with young hitters, which is what he enjoys most. (Click here to read more)
