Chipper Jones says Braves ‘on cusp of being right back where we expect them to be’

Chipper Jones briefly addressed the crowd at SunTrust Park before the Braves’ game Friday night, thanking the fans for helping celebrate his recent Hall of Fame induction and imploring them to support this season’s team down the stretch.

“I want to challenge you to come out for the rest of the year to support this particular ballclub,” Jones said. “… They’re on the cusp of being right back where we expect them to be, and that’s in first place in the National League East.”

Then, looking into the Braves’ dugout, Jones added: “I want to tell y’all how proud I am of you. You guys are carrying the torch. I look forward to watching y’all the rest of the season. I’m as big a fan as these people (in the stands).”

Wrapping up his two-minute remarks, Jones looked again at the fans and added: “Y’all fill the seats. I love you guys. Y’all are my family.”

Later Friday night, the Braves moved into a virtual tie for first place in the NL East. Their 10-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers gave Atlanta a 63-50 record (.558 winning percentage), while Philadelphia’s 2-0 loss at San Diego left the Phillies with a 64-51 record (.557 winning percentage).

Jones’ Cooperstown plaque was on display at The Battery Atlanta and SunTrust Park before and during Friday’s game, respectively. The first 20,000 fans through the ballpark gates received a replica of the plaque as the Braves started their annual “Alumni Weekend.”