Chipper Jones gets hit in return and takes a swing at critics
Chipper Jones had a single in first spring game since his knee injury last August. (AP photo)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Seventeen years ago this spring, Chipper Jones turned to avoid a tag at first base in an otherwise meaningless exhibition and his knee buckled. He heard a pop. Then he heard a doctor say, “torn ACL.” At 21 years old, he wondered if his career was toast.
“Honestly, I was a lot more scared the first time this happened,” he said Sunday. “I didn’t know anything about the injury. I didn’t know if I could be the same player that I was before.”
Jones’ second attempt to come back from a reconstructed knee began in earnest Sunday. He played in a game for the first time since suffering a torn ACL last August. In an exhibition against the New York Mets, he went one for three (strikeout, single, flyout) as a designated hitter and even broke up a would-be double play at second base — with a cautious and “measured” slide.
“Once the season starts it will be, ‘Go after him.’ Right there, it was, ‘Don’t blow out [the knee in] the first game,’” he said, smiling.
Baby steps. Unlike when Jones was injured as a rookie, he is confident he can pull this off. It’s others who wonder.
When an athlete pushing 39 has reconstructive knee surgery, the tendency is to speak about them in past tense. Or worse. Some cynics not only question Jones physically, they wonder if money is his primary motivation. This accusation generally comes from the short-sighted, ignorant and disturbed segment of the populace that vents on sports talk radio and posts comments on blogs, all behind the comfort of anonymity.
When I asked Jones about the accusation, he laughed.
Then he swung away.
“If they think I’m doing this for the money, they obviously haven’t seen my bank account,” he said. “I’ve never played this game for money. Nor will I. My mind doesn’t work that way. I play this game because I love my teammates and they wanted me to come back.
“I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about.”
Everybody else gets a big hug.
Jones has made over $141 million in his career, including $127 million in the last 10 years alone. To blow through that much cash would require dropping paychecks into a food processor or possibly just being your average former heavyweight champion.
Doing it for the money?
There are a lot of reasons to be cynical about pro sports today. Chipper Jones isn’t one of them.
In mid-June last year, when he was still hitting .230, retirement was imminent. His mother even cracked that he should sacrifice a chicken. But over the next several weeks, his timing returned, his legs felt stronger. In his last 19 games before suffering the injury, he hit .349 (22 for 63) with three homers, five doubles, nine walks and 12 RBIs.
“I just felt locked in,” he said. “Unfortunately it took a few months for that to happen, but better late than never. Then the injury hits and I’m in a new frame of mind. If the injury would’ve happened a month and a half earlier, I probably would’ve retired. Timing is everything.”
The closeness of last year’s Braves team also played a role in his decision to return. “If this was a team like we had four or five years ago, things might be different,” he said. “We all like hanging out together. That’s unusual in this day and age.”
The knee has flared up periodically in the spring. But so far there has been nothing that ice and a day off couldn’t cure.
“I just have to get to the point where I’m not Andre Dawson and have to drain it every day when I get to the park,” he said.
If the knee holds up, he believes playing 140 games is realistic. The real test comes when he plays in the field and is required to plant and pivot for a throw.
“It just feels good to be playing again,” he said.
And that’s not about money.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Previous posts from Braves’ camp
– Braves camp: Chipper’s return, Uggla’s debut, Cox’s spring ejection
– Braves hoping to recreate chemistry from 2010 season
– So what does Freddie Freeman (3 doubles) do for an encore?
– Digi-Blog goes to Braves’ spring training at Disney (they charge, I don’t)
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
304 comments Add your comment
Rolly
February 27th, 2011
6:19 pm
Oh, and one last thing, Maggot, there are a lot more of us fans who love Chipper Jones than there are of you haters.
Chip Shot
February 27th, 2011
6:20 pm
Chipper will prove you wrong, see 2004.
RHR
February 27th, 2011
6:25 pm
Love it. Go Chipper!!!
Gravy Train
February 27th, 2011
6:25 pm
I think Chipper just needs to spend a little less time hunting and a little more time in the weight room, during the off season. Lifting weights regularly and core strength is essentail for aging athletes. Maybe he should ditch the Mizzuno cleats too. Seems to always have feet issues, Mizzunos are some of the least supportive cleats on the market.
I love Chipper as a Brave. He’s the last connection of the magical baseball period of my childhood. If Chip does well, it’s great for the team. But that’s a big price tag to pay if he can’t stay off the DL.
AdirondackDave
February 27th, 2011
6:26 pm
I’m not even from Georgia and I think Chipper’s great. I don’t blame him for being ticked at cynics, they can take a hike. When he’s elected to the Hall of Fame in 6-8 years my wife and I will be down the road in Cooperstown cheering for the best hitter in Atlanta’s history.
SouthwestGA Chipper Fan
February 27th, 2011
6:26 pm
Been a Chipper fan his entire career and will be til the day I die. I find it so funny, the number of people whose lives suck so bad they have to talk trash about an athlete.
@ Maggie Brockhouse—People make mistakes, I am sure you have.
Every other hater, can kiss every true Braves fans’ ass……
Ralph
February 27th, 2011
6:27 pm
BS Chipper, when you give back most of that 15 mil and play just for the love of your team mates then I will beleive you, then we can go and get a real center fielder and have a chance of making you a winner again. PS I have no intention of kissing your ass.
Chip Shot
February 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
Keep the pants rolled up Chip.
beone
February 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
rolly,
Agree, they owe him what his contract states. I believe (and I think that is still my right) that he is overpaid NOW. And I think that Wren made a bad deal. But I am only saying that the Braves would be better if the money were spent on someone else assuming it was spent wisely. I am not saying Chipper should volunteer to give up salary or to retire. He is not doing anything wrong. But I do believe the Braves would be better if the money were spent wisely on someone else. That can also be said about many others on the Braves and other teams as well.
Tifton Braves Fan
February 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
Chipper IS Mr. Atlanta Braves!
May he have a GREAT and productive season to shut up the wannabe fans.
TNT
February 27th, 2011
6:30 pm
Keep the pant legs rolled up Chip.
Younger Than That Now
February 27th, 2011
6:32 pm
I don’t care what anyone says… Chipper IS a team player and his presence in the lineup does make a difference… a big difference. And that’s whether he goes 0 for 5 or 5 for 5!
Chipper has shown many, many times that he cares about the Atlanta Braves and his priority is to win. He’s been bashed for staying out of the lineup when he wasn’t as hurt as some think he was. By doing that he was simply saying “somebody else in the lineup at 100% is better than me in the lineup at 50%”. While I didn’t always agree with that at the time, as it turned out he was right.
Sure, he enjoys the paycheck just like anybody else would, but to say that he does what he does for the paycheck is out of touch with reality. If that were the case he wouldn’t have gone thru the grueling rehab that this injury requires. If nothing else, he’s gonna come back and show the critics what he’s made of and tell all those bashers to STFU!!
Younger Than That Now
February 27th, 2011
6:36 pm
Maggie Brickhouse… we can presume that you’re sinless since you cast the first stone!!
Chipper Fan
February 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
Way to go Chipper! You’re the man and glad to see you stand up to the cynical people. You will always be the best! Will be nice to see you on third base again!!
GIVE ME A BREAK
February 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
Not a Chipper fan . Heard enough about Mr. Wonderful. Retire already.
Reality Bites
February 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
Chipper gets a hit and GSU fires Rod, clearing the way for CPH to take over with a buyout. GOOD NEWS in the ATL…..WOOOO. Go Braves and Go Jackets!
Najeh Davenpoop
February 27th, 2011
6:42 pm
It’s nice that he still wants to try to bust his ass and play at age 39. But the Braves would be smart to limit the number of games he plays this season, so that hopefully he is healthy when the postseason rolls around. Hopefully they have the infield depth that will allow them to do so.
AlanFalcon
February 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
Schultz, here you go again, can’t you write an article without trying to stir up trouble.
JHey's Better
February 27th, 2011
6:49 pm
Once again by reading some of these posts you can tell who has actually followed the Braves all these years I remember when Chipper was willing to restructure his contract so the Team could resign Hudson and some other players. All he has done since 91 is lay it all on the line for the team! Do People really think he wanted to move to left field when Castilla got picked up HELL NO the wear and tear out there killed his feet/knees but he did it for the team to make the TEAM better Sure Fire HOF player and he still commands respect when he is in the batters box. 5 to 8 yrs from now he will walk in to Turner Field A HOF player that Loved his Teammates his manager Bobby Cox and MOST INPORTANTLY PEOPLE LOVED THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JHey's Better
February 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
SOME BLOGGERS OUT HERE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BY NOW TALKING ABOUT CHIPPER JONES OR BOBBY COX WILL GET YOU BLASTED BY THE REAL BRAVES FANS!!
JHey's Better
February 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
Trust me I know the contract money he is getting is somewhat of a hinder to the time Ive told many people the same myself but I couldnt turn my back on the ONE Brave that really WANTED to be a brave his whole career he is only 2 yrs removed from a batting title people he STILL Commands respect from the pitchers around the league
Bobby Hill
February 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
There was of course that comment Chipper made a year or so ago about being able to make absurd amounts of money, and they money making it hard to walk away.
Its easy for him to say its not about the money when he’s getting paid $13 million a year. I know when he was talking about retiring last year he was talking of reaching a settlement with the Braves in order to retire. He wasn’t just going to walk away. Maybe its not about money, maybe its about ego and not wanting to end his career on such a sour note. In the end it doesn’t really matter.
I think Chipper will be able to come back and contribute this year. But there very little chance that he’ll be worth $26 million or the next two seasons.
Legend of Len Barker
February 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
When John Smoltz calls you out for your lack of leadership, there’s a problem.
Chipper’s a liability at this point and he has been for years. His heart may really be in the game, but he does no one favors with his constant tweaks and soreness and minor injuries that eat up games at the time. Jones seems to revel in the attention, too. There have been constant announcements over the past few seasons over the state of Chipper’s health, most of them from Chipper himself.
And to the individual who got a Chipper Jones autograph in the mail? Did the autograph have a blue-ish/purple-ish tint? If you didn’t get a stamped autograph, you likely got one signed with an autopen. They have a tendency to look alike and it has a different shine than one signed with a Sharpie. There’s no problem with that as the autopen has been a staple of baseball autographs for 20+ years, even for benchwarmers. But please don’t think Chipper actually put forth any effort.
Larry
February 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
Jeff,
This sucking up to Chipper and the Braves for special privileges while you’re in Orlando is one thing. But, to turn on some of your readers is taking it to a whole new level, and just doesn’t sound like the courageous and somewhat maverick AJC reporter I have come to know.
Never, ever compromise your standards just to be popular!
Mike Lum
February 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
So what if back in November, Chipper wasn’t under contract and the Braves had $14M to fill 3B(or other positions). Would the Braves have signed him for $14M? Maybe the sentimental choice but would he give us the best chance to win? That’s the only part of the discussion that’s interesting to me. And I realize that’s purely hypothetical but just trying to look strictly at statistical value. I’ll admit, It is hard to account for the leadership and mentoring factor.
eric the elder
February 27th, 2011
6:58 pm
Why does concern and skepticism equate to “hate”?
Chipper getting a little thin-skinned lately? Telling us how wealthy he is and how we should kiss his a**? Did he just graduate from the Terrell Owens School of Public Relations?
Part of the problem is the competition among AJC writers in getting the first long interview of the day with Chipper. Chipper this, Chipper that. Chipper evaluating all the players, some who performed better than he did last year. Chipper’s views on everything except Libya and credit swaps. I suppose my head would swell up a little, too.
BravesFan79
February 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
Missing Chipper in the lineup in the playoffs really hurt. Anyone who thinks wed be a better team in 2011 without Chipper is a moron. I see this lineup as a high walk/ singles doubles lineup. Hitting in the clutch is going to count for alot this year. Not 2 many have been more clutch in their career than Chip.
take it from me
February 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
An Ass kissing contest will get the braves nowere! its not about one player,its about winning a world series
steve brown
February 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
What has been 6-7 years since he came close to playin’ a full season of baseball. Bet he hasn’t ever missed a full season of huntin.’ He can kiss my ass-never mind I’d rather keep his red neck away from any part of my body.
flagger
February 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
Chipper, i wouldn’t let those maggots kiss my donkey.. they would give him optical rectitis
thats the medical condition when ure eyes get crossed with ure rectum and gives u a crappy
outlook on life….go braves…
Bill in VA
February 27th, 2011
7:05 pm
Chipper was one of the best Braves I’ve seen, from Boston to the present. I emphasize the was. If he TALKS ABOUT PLAYING for the love of the game and not the money, IMO then he should man up and do just that!!
Nobody made him say that!! Faded stars often let their mouths overload their brains.
lowelldearman
February 27th, 2011
7:06 pm
Chipper is the best, i am 38 and i am close to his age, i grew up always liking Chipper, my favorite player of the modern Atlanta Braves.
Chipperfan
February 27th, 2011
7:08 pm
Good for Chipper. Dave from East Point get off your Mom’s computer and get a job.
Bill in VA
February 27th, 2011
7:09 pm
BravesFan79: “not 2 many have been more clutch….”
That’s my point, we all cheered Chipper and rejoiced when he did his thing against the Mets, etc., etc.
Those days are gone!
Larry
February 27th, 2011
7:09 pm
flagger,
Your grade on your attempt at fooling everyone into thinking you’re intelligent: D-
Were it not for those same people who think you in fact are intelligent, and whom also think that Chipper is still an asset hitting 3rd, you’d have been awarded a flat F!
the real Old Gold
February 27th, 2011
7:10 pm
Worst beard ever by a grown man! Can’t out run Bobby Cox! Would be flipping burgers if he had no baseball skills!
Smiling Jack
February 27th, 2011
7:16 pm
Cecil Upshaw you ought to change your name….The real Cecil Upshaw, who I knew personally, would take eception to your opinions that disgrace his name.
Headley Lamar
February 27th, 2011
7:21 pm
Bottom line whatever the Braves paid Chipper over the years they made a heckuva lot more off him.
Also you just happen to be talking about possibly the third best positional player all time for one of the oldest franchises in baseball. Have only Aaron and Matthews ahead of him.
J Clay
February 27th, 2011
7:24 pm
I don’t think he is in it for the money…but I am ready to see him go…He has served the Braves well but don’t think he helps the team any longer. Also, it would be nice for one article about the Braves this year include a quote from a player other than Larry.
JoeFan
February 27th, 2011
7:25 pm
It’s easy to prove that Chipper is playing for the love of the game and not for money. he just needs to play for $1 million a season and let the Braves use the rest to restructure the team.
5150 UOAD
February 27th, 2011
7:26 pm
CHIPPER trying out to be the new Notre Dame Mascot? Put him a green suit and he is in.
Coop
February 27th, 2011
7:27 pm
So how do you really feel Chipper? Hope you won’t mince words with your teammates either this year if you feel they’re not playing up to their capabilities. The true fans are pulling for you dude.
5150 UOAD
February 27th, 2011
7:27 pm
Headley
Business had made a lot off the $3/ hr worker too.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 27th, 2011
7:28 pm
This accusation generally comes from the short-sighted, ignorant and disturbed segment of the populace that vents on sports talk radio and posts comments on blogs, all behind the comfort of anonymity.
Larry @5:48,
I honestly believe Jeff could give a rats arse what the readers of his blog think. He essentially gave Chipper a reach around on this article. No mention of the past THREE seasons of decline. Lets bring out the lone year he won a batting title, thank god, he actually showed he could be a SINGLES hitter. The man would rather take a damn walk, rather than swing the bat. Great for a #3 hitter. So projected lineups have Heyward hitting 6th, but Chipper in the 3 hole? Yeah and ego has ZERO to do with his return.
Lets acknowedge he was a HOF calibur player. He has the 3rd most HR by a switcher hitter, that is what he hangs his hat on. Also how admiralable it is he spent his whole career as a Brave? Really? the Braves where winning 15 straight Division Titles at his peak, he would have been a damn fool to walk for something over money. Lets not romantasize him now. He is what he is. A OVER-PAID 39 year old athlete on the downside of his career and the Braves are paying for what he did on the field 6-7 years ago. See why Pujols isn’t going to get a 10 year contract?
To think that this article was written and Chipper thinks he can take a shot at the fanbase of Atlanta and Schultz allow it and condone it to me is laughable. I think more people should have looked a little more into Chippers peak seasons when he won that MVP for links to Steroids honestly. Could be a reason why his body has betrayed him the past 5 years. He got off the JUICE.
Now lets introduce the Rose Colored glasses fans critical of that last post. How Chipper was never linked or mentioned, how he never could possibly do such a thing. Well I dare say 50-75 names have not publicly came out that would shock us all during that time span. Also if the man is going to cheat on his wife and knock up a Hooter waitress he is not up for sainthood here, so anything might just be possible.
The fans can keep adoring Chipper Jones all they like, hell my son has a Chipper Jones T-Shirt, I am not going to crush his young innocent ideals of baseball, but for me he can kiss my ass.
ChipperFan
February 27th, 2011
7:34 pm
Chipper is what true baseball is all about. A classy guy
that plays the game the right way and has always played
for the right reasons. I am glad he has always been brave.
a sure HOF’er….
Boobi and Chipper Hater
February 27th, 2011
7:34 pm
chipper is a boobi cox boy, and needs to go!
Headley Lamar
February 27th, 2011
7:35 pm
Headley
Business had made a lot off the $3/ hr worker too.
Yes they do. What does that have to do with Chipper? If the Braves are paying him 15 million he is making them 30 million with the butts he puts in seats and people watching on TV.
Only the idiotic Atlanta sports fans would treat a guy who has been loyal to the Braves, taken far less money than he could have made elsewhere, changed positions to help the team, and is a sure fire first ballot HOFer and run him down
Only in Atlanta.
Big Earl
February 27th, 2011
7:38 pm
I would take a year from Chipper @ 39 like Hank Aaron’s @39: 120 games, 40 HR, 96 RBI’s, .301 Avg…….think POSITIVE dude, it can happen!
5150 UOAD
February 27th, 2011
7:38 pm
If Chipper was that Hooters waitress(he knocked up) he wouldn’t be getting rich off tips for his great play over the years
Gwinnett Fred
February 27th, 2011
7:39 pm
Why didn’t Chipper include the cynical eolumnists in his K.M.A. statement?????