Chipper Jones provides Braves with a needed miracle
Chipper Jones is greeted by teammates after three-run homer won it for Braves. (AP photo)
(UPDATED: 9:45 p.m.)
They have given away bobbleheads of the old man. They have given away posters. I’m not sure what else the Braves can do to commemorate what Chipper Jones has meant to this franchise, except maybe provide a DVD of his ninth inning at-bat to the thousands of fans who weren’t around for the finish Sunday night.
What is it about these situations? Ninth inning. Men on base. Two outs. Not many athletes thrive when given an opportunity to turn desperation into miracle, but Jones is one and he proved it again. As he said earlier Sunday, “That’s just the mentality that I’ve always had. And that’s never going to stop. I don’t care if I’m 40 or 60.”
Staying with the age theme, Jones made 40 look like 20, just when the Braves were looking 60. He slammed a two-out, three-run homer off Philadelphia closer Jonathan Papelbon to cap a five-run ninth inning, giving the Braves an improbable 8-7 win over the Phillies at Turner Field.
The ending took place before the several thousand fans, not to be confused with the thousands who had streamed for the exits over the previous few innings, when the Braves fell behind 7-1 and looked destined for their 11th loss in 15 games and possible postseason oblivion (again).
Was this a gong to signal a 180 in this team’s fortunes? Or was it just a loud diversion from a season that has looked to be going up in flames?
“Technically I say they’re all must-wins,” Jones said afterward. “That’s the way I go about it. That’s my mentality. I go out there expecting to win every day. But for whatever reason it hadn’t been happening for us lately. And I’m glad I got an opportunity there in the ninth, an opportunity to win the ball game and came through. It was a huge win for a club that was a little down in the dumps from the way we’ve been playing lately.”
There’s no way to know if what Jones did is going to change the course of the Braves’ season. It’s only one game of 162. It came at the end of a series that the Braves lost, in a stretch that has seen them slide further back in the National League East and clinging to wild card hopes.
But if the Braves do manage to make something of this season, remember what Chipper Jones did on Sept. 2.
“Unbelievable,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “He’s going to be a Hall-of-Famer. Not too many guys can do that kind of stuff. Thank God that we got in that position to make him do that.”
The Braves trailed 5-0 in the first, 7-1 in the third and 7-3 in the ninth. They had two on and two outs when somebody pulled a needle out of a voodoo doll. Michael Bourn walked to load the bases, Martin Prado doubled past the glove of Phillies third baseman Kevin Frandsen to bring home two runs, and then led brought up Jones, who crushed a 1-1 pitch from Papelbon.
Asked if he was thinking then that he could end the game with one swing, he said: “I was just trying to center the fastball. I didn’t really at that point care where it went because I knew if I got [a hit] and hit it hard somewhere that Prado would score, tie the game and it’s a whole new ball game. … Sometimes things happen. It was certainly another one of those games I’ll never forget.”
When Jones arrived at home plate after circling the bases, he was met with the traditional dirt shower from teammates. There’s a welcome switch. For the most part, dirt has been thrown on the whole team of late — in an entirely different context.
The Braves will try to milk this celebration for as long as possible. There hasn’t been a lot of them. When Jones stepped to the plate, even he was struggling in key situations: 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position for a team that had entered the night 15 for 106 (.142) during a miserable 4-10 stretch. The Braves had been circling the drain.
Consider the backdrop before Jones’ heroics. The Braves’ starting pitcher, Paul Maholm, allowed five runs in the first inning. By the time somebody realized two innings later this wouldn’t be short-term disaster and went out to rescue him, they needed a dustpan and broom.
The offense has been so head-slapping bad that Gonzalez benched two struggling starters (Brian McCann and Dan Uggla) and fielded his 89th different batting order, because, as he observed: “What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and coming out with the same conclusion? (Close enough.)
One area the Braves wanted to improve in this season was situational hitting. Under new hitting coaches Greg Walker and Scott Fletcher, they had done that for the first few months of the season. But their hitting has been on a steady decline (.264 in June, .248 in July, .232 in August) and their proficiency with runners in scoring position has been worse than ever. The .142 average with runners in scoring position was a staggering 106 points less than before the 4-10 stretch (.248).
Improvement can’t compensate for grease fires like Maholm’s (2 innings, 7 runs, 6 hits, 3 walks but no lost major organs). But on most nights that’s a difference of one to three runs.
Walker tried to explain this nosedive with something as simple as, “We’re in a stretch where we’re facing some really good pitchers.” Except it’s really not that simple. If players were gripping the bats any tighter, they would be leaving a trail of sawdust from the dugout to the plate.
It hasn’t just been the offense. Their only reliable starting pitcher of late has been Kris Medlen, who wasn’t even in the rotation before July 31. The bullpen has blown two games. Defense has been erratic. Even on Sunday, Maholm forgot to cover first base on a potential double play ball to Freddie Freeman in the second.
This is little league stuff. This is mental stuff.
But with one swing, Jones changed this team’s fortunes, at least in the short term.
“Ah, nothing beats that,” he said. “That’s as good as it gets for a baseball player, being able to walk off the field, especially in our situation where we were just really down and out since about the fourth hitter of the game. And feeling like this was going to be a sweep and going to have to listen to everybody say stuff …”
If anybody can change how this story ends, it’s Jones.
By Jeff Schultz
•
Some selections from the jukebox
– Has Georgia duped us again, or was this just a hiccup?
– New feature: My three observations on the game
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– Paul Johnson will defend Tech’s offense, but not defense
– Countdown: Vandy’s she-QB, ESPN’s ‘power,’ creepy bobble
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– Isaiah Crowell ‘happy,’ seeking fresh start at Alabama State
– MLB’s drug policy too soft — teams should be docked wins
– NFL is damaging its own product with replacement officials
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126 comments Add your comment
#10forever
September 2nd, 2012
9:10 pm
first? and favorite sports moment for me so far
David from Athens, AL
September 2nd, 2012
9:10 pm
Thanks Jeff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chop Chop
September 2nd, 2012
9:13 pm
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. As far as the team is concerned, a loss tomorrow would wipe out what was done today. That’s baseball for ya.
As for the memory of today? I think that one’s going to last a long time. That’s why I’m a sports fan.
Seattle Hawks fan
September 2nd, 2012
9:17 pm
Fire Fredi and hire Chipper! Chipper for manager 2013!
It's over now
September 2nd, 2012
9:17 pm
I agree that this will last for a long time……
I thought Chipper’s comment about being paid lots of money and how he should be delivering was a slam at Dan Uggla – and once again the team wins with Dan on the bench.
But the focus should be on Chipper – we are going to miss him when he’s gone and that will be all too soon.
This is the type of comeback that didn’t happen last September.
Penjamo99
September 2nd, 2012
9:17 pm
Great at bat by #10!!!
It seems as in years past the young guns were brought up from AA and AAA but lately the uphoria of these call ups hasn’t had an effect at the MLB level.
Weaseal
September 2nd, 2012
9:17 pm
Old man Mamo -Can Chipper win the MVP with a few more big games??
Observer
September 2nd, 2012
9:18 pm
Chipper Jones …..memory maker.
Whopper Dawg
September 2nd, 2012
9:19 pm
He is having a helluva final season. I miss him already. Should be a first ballot HOFer.
lee maye
September 2nd, 2012
9:20 pm
Good win. Now, Fredi needs to keep Uggla on the bench. Play Prado at 2B and platoon Johnson and Constanza in LF. Platoon Ross and McCann. And, use Francisco at 3B when Hoss can’t go. Bring up some more pitchers and use the expanded rosters. That seems to be the recipe for success. And, then, hope, one of your pitchers and the bats are hot on the 1 day Wildcard playoff.
George Stein
September 2nd, 2012
9:23 pm
Perhaps the insane part is putting out 89 different lineups, Fredi.
President Romney
September 2nd, 2012
9:30 pm
I am thinking about changing my vice selection. America, please standby, Mitt
jimbob
September 2nd, 2012
9:31 pm
“There hasn’t been a lot of them. ”
Shouldn’t it be: there haven’t been a lot of them?
man and dog
September 2nd, 2012
9:32 pm
lee maye – agree with you totally. Should have been done a long time ago. WAY TO GO CHIPPER!!!
KurtisAnus
September 2nd, 2012
9:33 pm
This was the BEST play ever in any game from 1992 to today . I have seen the wall jump by Otis Nixon and its number 1 …but this is a strong number 1 if not 2 …
Dub
September 2nd, 2012
9:34 pm
Simply the THE MAN! Way to go Chip! Uggla is still swinging and missing………………..
Big Freaking Deal
September 2nd, 2012
9:34 pm
Hero Today – ZERO Tomorrow…….will be glad when he is gone and we don’t have to look at that stuck up smug smile. He is replaceable.
Orego Brave
September 2nd, 2012
9:39 pm
Enter your comments here
Dave
September 2nd, 2012
9:39 pm
Special moment … it was one damn special moment
pawpawisthebest
September 2nd, 2012
9:39 pm
Me and Maddex were there what a blast………………………
Growler
September 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
I was there and I stayed ’til the end, glad I did. I can tell you it was so quiet in the bottom of the 9th you could hear a pin drop… until the Braves loaded the bases. Then chaos ensued. If that’s the last at-bat I ever see from Chipper, I am glad it was that. And I give Bourne and Prado credit for giving him that last-gasp chance (esp. Bourne’s working out that walk). I hope this win can fix them psychologically. They looked like a tired, defeated team for most of the past 2 days and really needed that lift.
jocrazy
September 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
its sad when we have to bring the farm team up in sept. before we make changes why do we think they r better than our starters in sept.?
Cedric
September 2nd, 2012
9:41 pm
stay away bfd because Chipper is the deal here in the ATL.
Orego Brave
September 2nd, 2012
9:42 pm
Peter Moylan throws two strikes and gets the win? Welcome back Pete. And thank you Chipper.
KurtisAnus
September 2nd, 2012
9:42 pm
Looks like it will be …braves VS the nationals for the NLDS
Not Really Cedric......
September 2nd, 2012
9:44 pm
Cedric, Chipper is nothing but a gimpy disabled veteran….it makes absolutely no difference to me whether he is in the lineup or out at his ranch shoveling cow crap…..which is about the sum total of most of his level of play this year…..Good Riddance and Good Bye Chipper – Go Away!
Tim Scott
September 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
great finish and clutch again from the future HOF 3rd baseman. I agree Uggla and McCann need to be kept on the bench Mac needs to go get the shoulder cleaned up if that means he is done for this year so be it. As for Uggla Atlanta needs find him a new home over the winter I think we know why the Marlins didn’t make a push to keep him last year. It’s disappointing because he was so much fun to watch with Florida and I know a lot of folks myself included were overjoyed when we got him. The fat lady ain’t singing yet but the band is warming up LETS GO BRAVES
Lonnie smith
September 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
What a PUNK, Big Freaking Deal.
What a comeback. Go Braves!
ole dawg
September 2nd, 2012
9:46 pm
@Big Freaking Deal… you are replaceable also and I just replaced you. You sir are an idiot for being glad that a HOF will be gone. If you had ever met Chipper and spoke with him in person you would know that he is not stuck up. Crawl back in your hole.
OF Braves Fan
September 2nd, 2012
9:46 pm
Growler, congrats on being a loyal fan that got rewarded for staying in the Ninth with the Braves trailing by 4. Dude, this Buds for you!
Jealousy is tough to manage
September 2nd, 2012
9:46 pm
Really BFD? Really???? Methinks that you’re the type person who would complain if someone gave you a million dollars in $100 dollar bills and you’d complain it wasn’t in 20’s. Go get a life and bug off. Chipper is, and has been, one of the constant high performers for the Braves since he came to the team. You obviously missed the Standing O he received in San Fran last week. He will retire as a Brave with the well-deserved respect of almost everyone who watches or plays Major League Baseball. Everyone except knotheads like you! Take a hike nitwit!
Lonnie smith
September 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
And you too, Not Really Cedric. Change your name to Not Really A Man.
Chipmunk
September 2nd, 2012
9:48 pm
@Big Freaking Deal – Why, ex-Mrs Chipper Jones, I didn’t know you blogged!
Blazerdawg
September 2nd, 2012
9:49 pm
JS – good job w the multiple shots at the fans, I mean where else would some one leave a 7-1 or
7-3 baseball game on a Sunday night?
Way to go Chipper!
Jealousy is tough to manage
September 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
Been thinkin about it…Come on Jeff. It’s really you posting as BFD just to rile the fans up, ain’t it? You can admit it…surely there is no one as dense as this guy. I don’t post very much, but that got my dander up.
NorCal Brave
September 2nd, 2012
9:53 pm
Chipper for one day gave the team a huge boost, remains to be seen whether it’ll cure the slump. And the starting pitching is still a big question mark. Fredi better not revert to starting Uggla and McCann, there’s a ray of light in the lineup’s black hole.
Jeff Schultz
September 2nd, 2012
9:53 pm
Folks. Column has been updated.
Amazing how this guy can keep doing this at his age.
Hate to see him go.
CoachD
September 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
Happy for Chipper. Scary to think that he won’t be here next year. Colorado series is MUST SWEEP for the Braves.
Lonnie smith
September 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
I agree jeff
CoachD
September 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
Happy for Chipper. Scary to think that he won’t be here next year. Colorado series is MUST SWEEP for the Braves.
BraveFan
September 2nd, 2012
9:57 pm
Thanks Chipper for a thrill I will not soon forget. Man did he crush that ball!!
Two Handed Set Shot
September 2nd, 2012
9:57 pm
Freddi Gonzo is hoping his head is not on chopping block for second swoon season in a row.
reality
September 2nd, 2012
9:59 pm
I don’t understand the anti-chipper comments on here. Obviously these people are baseball fans or why would they be on this blog? But why the Chip hate? He just won a game for the braves and will be gone soon enough. We should celebrate the HOFer while we can…. I don’t understand the hate….
BOISESTATEBRONCO
September 2nd, 2012
10:04 pm
I am really gonna miss ol’ Hoss!
Growler
September 2nd, 2012
10:04 pm
Thanks OF Braves Fan! And let me add: Fredi continues to mismanage key situations. Should have NEVER let Maholm bat with a runner on 3rd and 1 out in the bottom of the second. If they pinch hit and score that run and Martinez just comes in and starts the top of the 3rd inning cold, maybe it’s a 5-4 game in the 9th instead of 7-3. Now, it all worked out storybook cuz of Chipper but Gonzalez botches moves game and game, and rarely seems to get called out on it here.
(oh and p..s to Jeff: yeah people left early, but FAR more people stayed than you seem to imply in your updated story)
BOISESTATEBRONCO
September 2nd, 2012
10:06 pm
He just keeps amazin’ us!
BOISESTATEBRONCO
September 2nd, 2012
10:09 pm
What Chipper is doing is absolutely outstanding no matter how old he is! LET’S GO BRAVES!!!
Jealousy is tough to manage
September 2nd, 2012
10:14 pm
I was hoping that Fredi Gonzalez would be able to fill the shoes of Bobby Cox. Tall order though. I have to admit there are times when I wonder if he’s watching the same game I am. I’m not a professional ball player or coach, but I’ve watched enough ball to know the basics. Sometimes Fredi just doesn’t seem to get it. I agree it was early to PH for Maholm, but given that his pitching is suspect the last couple of outings, and we are trying to avoid a sweep, take the chance and pinch hit.
Seattle Supersonicsuck
September 2nd, 2012
10:25 pm
Go Braves..good win.
Oregon Brave
September 2nd, 2012
10:26 pm
Peter Moylan for Cy Young.
It's over now
September 2nd, 2012
10:28 pm
5 years from now, when Chipper is making his speech in Upstate New York, some of us will be thinking back to tonight………this is why, if there is any justice in the world, he is a first ballot HOF’er.
WTFredi???
September 2nd, 2012
10:39 pm
Will Fredi have the guts to sit Uggla for the rest of the season? I don’t know. Maybe Uggla could go on the DL (allergic to pitched baseballs) and when Simmons comes back. Then lineup could be Bourn, Prado (2B), Heyward, Chipper, Freeman, Ross/McCann, Simmons, Johnson/Costanza (LF), with a bench of Janish, Johnson/Costanza, Hinske, Francisco, and the guy from Detroit. I’m good with that. No way I want Uggla up off the bench with a game in the balance.
Rotunda moochelle maobammy
September 2nd, 2012
10:39 pm
Had to do something to make up for the errors at third today.
brian
September 2nd, 2012
10:52 pm
Amazing how many idiots just don’t get it. This guy is a special player the likes of which may never be seen again. Enjoy it while you can.
Jean Claude Killy
September 2nd, 2012
10:52 pm
I’ll wait until i get Clusters take,, LOL
Fredo
September 2nd, 2012
10:54 pm
nice win, the coming days will tell us how big it was. If they go on another losing streak however, the only thing this win does is make the losing column look a little less depressing
Jean Claude Killy
September 2nd, 2012
10:54 pm
Spincker says,,, LOL
Jean Claude Killy
September 2nd, 2012
10:55 pm
t
Jean Claude Killy
September 2nd, 2012
10:56 pm
No way this team makes the playoffs,, but this was a special night for the old man,,
Jean Claude Killy
September 2nd, 2012
10:57 pm
and
BS,, sounds like alot of BS LOL
Jean Claude Killy
September 2nd, 2012
10:58 pm
And get off the Caps button Loser, LOL
PhoenixFalcon
September 2nd, 2012
10:59 pm
Im in Delaware, I got off work and to the bar just in time to see the braves down 7-3 in the last of the 9th, I walked away, did not want it to spoil my night, just got home and saw this story……..sorry I missed it….but I have a great wife…. she recorded it for me…Outstanding!!!!! thank God for wife’s.
BRAVES SUX
September 2nd, 2012
11:00 pm
CHIPPER WAS 1/11 WITH RISP
SO WHAT HE WON THE GAME
WONDER HOW MANY HE LOST??
REMEMBER THE BALL IN THE LIGHTS LAST YEAR?
OH GOODY HE IS NOW 2/12 WITH RISP.125AVG
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
FAN
September 2nd, 2012
11:05 pm
Well at least chipper finally done something,congrats,and gl to you
FAN
September 2nd, 2012
11:05 pm
Well at least chipper finally done something,congrats,and gl to you
comic relief
September 2nd, 2012
11:06 pm
these comments are hillarious but speak the truth
still lmfao
comic relief
September 2nd, 2012
11:08 pm
jeff dont u want dob job?
no one wants to ask fredi why uggl is not batting 4th
A CAREER .280AVG.AS A BRAVE
Jeff Schultz
September 2nd, 2012
11:09 pm
Chipper’s late-night Tweet takes a shot at fans who left and praises those who stayed to the end:
“Shame on the fans that left the game and kudos to those that stayed! Never kno when somethin cool is gonna happen, like a GW #mammo! Yessir!”
Jeff Schultz
September 2nd, 2012
11:11 pm
Reality — The “hate” is from a loud, obnoxious minority group of fans who’ve wanted Chipper Jones out for some time, so now they refuse to acknowledge his accomplishments. Also, some are just trying to stir things up, because, well, they have nothing else to do with their lives.
Jeff Schultz
September 2nd, 2012
11:13 pm
Oregon Brave — “Peter Moylan for Cy Young.”
I’m guessing “Oregon Brave” is Peter Moylan in disguise.
bulldogbubba
September 2nd, 2012
11:13 pm
It is only one game.Lets get excited when they get on a roll.Good for Hoss, now lets win tomorrow.GO BRAVES!!!
Dave
September 2nd, 2012
11:16 pm
Lee Maye comment is right on….Fredi should think about it big time. Chipper is the closest thing I have ever seen to The Natural in real life!
bulldogbubba
September 2nd, 2012
11:16 pm
Wheres Clusters? Did he go to the Dairy Queen and then go to bed?
Jeff Schultz
September 2nd, 2012
11:16 pm
“Braves Sux” — Some of your comments are over the line (had to delete a few). Dial it back, thanks.
Dr. Phil
September 2nd, 2012
11:17 pm
Not to take anything away from Chipper, but the bullpen was amazing to shut down the scoring, and there were two runners on base, who got there without Chipper’s help. All things considered, it was one of the most amazing and improbable wins since the Braves came here in 1966. Too bad I turned the game off after the second inning.
Fats
September 2nd, 2012
11:24 pm
Bones served a plate full of “DIRT BISCUITS” for all who gave up on him. How sweet it is
Dave
September 2nd, 2012
11:28 pm
Roger McDowell could you please tell Martinez not to groove a strike on anyone, even the pitcher, on an 0-2 count. Giving up a two-run double to the Phils pitcher on an 0-2 count…really? Prado & Chipper bailled out that critical mistake.
MONKATL
September 2nd, 2012
11:34 pm
Chipper = Baller, as in PLAYER
I quit watching in June
September 2nd, 2012
11:34 pm
And I havent been happier. Till this garbage is thrown out, revamped, and played by a team who isn’t worthy of a big salary then I will not spend another dime at Turner Field. McCann and Bourn are going to require big salaries, andi have said all along McCann time has come and gone, they are fools if they think he is worth the 20 mill that he wants next season. Uggla can suit up for another club for all I care.
MONKATL
September 2nd, 2012
11:34 pm
Da Da Da #20
MONKATL
September 2nd, 2012
11:37 pm
thats #10 x two thats how special Jones is to Braves Baseball
Sal
September 2nd, 2012
11:53 pm
I was there until the end…many of us were. The atmosphere was electric and when Chipper came up to bat we all knew something special was about to happen. What a great end to a (up til then) depressing game. C’mon Braves: regroup and get back in the front of the race!!!!
Bill Donohoo
September 2nd, 2012
11:54 pm
Wow, that was fantastic just fantastic
Ekim
September 3rd, 2012
12:02 am
On my way home, I told my wife that I hoped the folks who left at the end of the 7th and 8th innings had a lovely, easy ride home with little traffic.
Afghanistan Braves
September 3rd, 2012
12:37 am
I say let’s bring Chipper back next years as the hitting coach!
nick manning
September 3rd, 2012
1:33 am
Fredi, don’t thank God. Thank human ingenuity. GO BRAVES
jeffrey d
September 3rd, 2012
5:43 am
“Braves Sux” — Some of your comments are over the line (had to delete a few). Dial it back, thanks.
Not only that, but at least get some subject-verb agreement in your name. “Braves sucks”?
dcstan
September 3rd, 2012
6:52 am
Chipper how could you do this to us! Nats Fan
bring back blauser
September 3rd, 2012
7:50 am
can you imagine what it would have been like if Todd Van Poppel did not want to go to college instead on letting Braves draft him [sic]
Hal Todd
September 3rd, 2012
8:01 am
Over and over you have asked your potential hitters to “stretch out” the opposing pitcher. “Tire him out.” Your major potential hitters are starting their at-bats with two strikes already on the board. Then they are forced to “protect the plate” and swing their last strike at whatever the pitcher decides to throw. No wonder they fail to drive the runs in. They have just struck out!!
Longtimefan
September 3rd, 2012
8:05 am
This is why Chipper makes the big bucks and will be a lock first ballot HOFer.
Jfreak13713
September 3rd, 2012
9:02 am
I love the outcome but this does not change things in my opinion. The Brave pitching is just not good enough to beat good teams with clearly better pitching. Remember, the Braves lost 2 out of 3 to Phillies!
Way to go Chipper!
Skeezix
September 3rd, 2012
9:09 am
I will miss Chipper too. He is an amazing clutch hitter. One other good thing about last night’s performance–it was so good it might quiet the bashers for; oh, let’s say, 1 day.
The team was definitely swirling around the drain. Hopefully last night will turn things around.
Richard Chupp
September 3rd, 2012
9:10 am
Until the DVD comes out, here’s a video you might enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0NPKEzaQHc&feature=youtu.be
Skeezix
September 3rd, 2012
9:11 am
Oh, and yes Fredi—always thank God.
Nite Owl
September 3rd, 2012
9:34 am
@Richard:
Nice seats!
Thanks for posting that. I couldn’t be there and couldn’t even watch it on TV last night, but that was really something.
The last time I got to sit that close was either 1989 or 1990. Obviously we were in last place, and we were losing to the Giants 23-6 or something awful like that. Oddibe McDowell, not a pitcher, was warming up in the bullpen in case we scored 17 runs to tie it up. Jeff Blauser was in the on deck circle and we managed to crack him up by telling him to keep it going so we could see Oddibe pitch.
The haters must have amnesia, because I wouldn’t trade a minute of everything that’s happened since 1991. It used to be much, much worse.
Hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day! Let’s see if Kris Medlen can keep it rolling.
double
September 3rd, 2012
9:40 am
Errors are not all made on the field. Looks as if Maypop & Sheets are more than excuses.
poolcue
September 3rd, 2012
10:10 am
another great move, fredi. team wins sometime even with the idiot in charge. good job chipper. let maholm bat its only 5 to 0.dumb and getting dumber.
RBI
September 3rd, 2012
10:29 am
It does make you wonder what this team will do without Chipper.
I say keep McCann and Uggla on the bench, and maybe give Bourn a day off, too.
Nativebird
September 3rd, 2012
10:31 am
The only real authentic baseball “star” on this team. has been for years, and there’s is NO ONE to replace him going into next year. Bourn? no sorry, one word: Boras. McCann? physically a problem. we are now starting to see why even Bobby Cox was platooning him his rookie year; quietly this was always the worry with the kid. Heyward? nope, sorry, the next hand aaron jinx makes him a decent player is all. Once again, Liberty Media and Wren has left the cupboard bare.
Sonny Clusters
September 3rd, 2012
10:33 am
Well, that was some exciting baseball in the ninth inning! Just when we thought the collapse was on Chipper was in a position to hit a big home run and he did it! Bourn and Prado had some great at-bats and we hope everybody recognizes how important Prado is to this team. Somebody thinks we’re a Chipper hater because we make fun of his tattoos and deer mentality but we know he is the best hitter on the team. We would not want him marrying Honny Clusters our sister but we recognize he can hit the ball better than anybody else on the team. Did you know we have a signed Chipper Jones baseball and a Maddux and a Glavine and a Smoltz and a Niekro and a Cox and a Klesko and an Olson and a Pendleton and a few more? Some of those are HOF bound and some are just good Braves. Clusters have been a Braves fan for a long time and we like to see good NL style baseball and pennants flying in the outfield. Real pennants. Now, if Medlen can keep the team winning . . .
1eyedJack
September 3rd, 2012
10:39 am
The ol’ Buck Commander had that fastball zeroed in.
extremus
September 3rd, 2012
11:18 am
As much as I’d love to see Chipper manage the Braves or at least coach in some capacity (because he’s obviously shown the leadership skills on several levels), at least for awhile it’s highly unlikely that it will happen. The reason is simply the promise he made to his family to retire and spend more time with them. If he were managing, coaching, or doing anything else with the team over a 162-game season, he might as well still be playing because he’d be away from them just as much.
I like to think Chipper will be back with the Braves in some capacity within a few years, but for now he’s said his family comes first. And Hall of Famer or not, that’s the way it should be and I respect that.
Mister Frisky
September 3rd, 2012
11:28 am
This team has never been able to build momentum after big dramatic victories.Lets see if they crap in bed this afternoon.
Train Wreck Bystander
September 3rd, 2012
12:04 pm
CHIPPER FREAKING JONES
Let’s hope today that someone else can step up when needed and not just wait for Chipper to carry the team.
Dum-Bass
September 3rd, 2012
12:13 pm
Mister Frisky has a point, and it happens more often than not. One advantage today is Medlen is on the mound. I take you back to May 2nd in the extra inning dramatic win 15-13 and CJ’s walk off HR. The next day it was a woeful loss to Philly 4-0. I will never forget thinking “how is that even possible?” Just cancelled it out right there in one day. Which Braves’ team shows up today?
It's over now
September 3rd, 2012
12:50 pm
I have to commend Freddi for keeping Dan Uggla on the bench. He just is not producing at the plate or in the field. There are better options than Dan at 2B and Freddi seems to have realized another September collapse was a ticket to a pink slip.
To the anti-Chipper gang (any of you)…..give me some stats that support you position – any stats. For someone is is battling .302 with an .881 OPS, y’all don’t seem to have much solid footing…..
mike
September 3rd, 2012
12:57 pm
Ho-hum….Another Braves game that didn’t affect my life.
Chipper = HoF
September 3rd, 2012
1:07 pm
Best third baseman ever!!!! Dang are we gonna miss him.
Josh
September 3rd, 2012
1:21 pm
Just got the remainder of the season for $10 on MLB.tv up here in Chicago just so I could watch the Braves’ home stretch. Tuned in just in time to see it last night. Great moment. Great win. Hoping it finally sparks something in these guys.
Sonny Clusters
September 3rd, 2012
3:10 pm
Our buddy Stinky Wintes is at the game over behind third base and he told us he was going today because he wanted to see Chipper play. Well, that did not work out so we hope Stinky spent less than $100 or so to be there and have some lunch and drink some beer. Seeing Medlen pitch has to be a treat and we was reminded of last year going in September to see Lowe pitch and how much better this is. If they get to the playoffs or the play-in or whatever they call it we hope Fredi will let Medlen pitch and the next one to bench is Chip Caray who makes every call sound like he has a lizard crawling up his leg.
Kendell Jones
September 3rd, 2012
4:02 pm
There are too many derogatory coments on this page. Of course there will always be derogatory comments by stupiid A–es. I didn’t see the game, but would have like to have seen it. OK, speaking of the manager. He is not a manager when compared to the former skipper. He doesn’t have any fire in his belly. I have seen him thrown out only once this whole season. He needs to get off his A–. and get into the game.
Hillbilly D
September 3rd, 2012
4:25 pm
we hope everybody recognizes how important Prado is to this team
A couple of years ago, Tim Hudson was quoted as saying he’s the heart and soul of the team.
Stinger2
September 3rd, 2012
4:31 pm
Clusters: Nice comments about Chipper.
Treaddawg
September 3rd, 2012
5:23 pm
Thanks Chipper for giving us a taste of the old Braves magic we used to take for granted. A wonderful, poignant, unforgettable moment in time you gave us last night.
MJ
September 4th, 2012
12:02 am
Great win for the Braves. It’s too early to start celebrating, but if they stop their skid and make the playoffs, this one game, and this one win, might be looked back on a the key. Chipper was great. Still the most feared bat in the line-up, and still deserves that label. I love reading all the positive comments. Where are the Chipper bashers? I hope all of you guys that have been attacking him over the past several seasons just shut up for the remainder of the season. The guy is an awesome player, and is really going to be missed after thus year. Great job 10 – keep carrying thsese guys for 60 more days.
Indydawg
September 4th, 2012
9:50 am
Chipper F____ g Jones…
Love it.
Cooperstown is waiting…
Kathy
September 4th, 2012
4:18 pm
If I see that replay of Chipper’s walk off 20 years from now, I’ll still get goosebumps then the way that I did when I saw it happen. What an incredibly amazing moment for my all-time favorite player!
Upton Sinclair
September 4th, 2012
4:44 pm
Jeff, have ye heard anything about Uggla benched for good, and Prado to Second with Reed Johnson and Jose Constanza to platoon in LF?
George Washington
September 4th, 2012
5:28 pm
You’re right Schulz, it was a miracle c. jones won a game in the 9nt with his bat. Then he had the nerve to criticize folks for leaving the game early. It’s very unusual for the Braves to come from behind that late in the game and also unusual for jones to be a hero in the 9th. Good title to the article. Truthful. If jones had delivered more of those in his career the Braves would have won more championships. c. jones is an above average player but certainly not a hero.
Lefty L
September 4th, 2012
6:34 pm
Tell Danny to get used to sitting. What a Joke ! “He’s not blind to his #’s” . they don’t mean Anything.. That’s why he ignores CF & RF, & has been swinging for 100 Hr’s this year ? He’s a Hitting Coach’s NIGHTMARE … At least he does field & hustle— so does Janish !
Get Rid Of.......
September 5th, 2012
8:31 am
Trade season cannot come fast enough for me…..I want to see us get rid of Chipper’s wasted salary, trade Hanson and Jurrjens and put McCann on the trade market…..then fire Fredi and run Wren out of town…….
cdog
September 5th, 2012
1:35 pm
i know the braves are going to lose some games but i hope they get hot and not let what happened last year, happen again.freddie gonzalez is going too long with certain players.why is tommy hanson still pitching? he”s a loser waiting to happen along with martin prado, brain mcCann, dan uggla and michael bourne who stills take pitches right down the middle and tries to still pull everything and hit homeruns instead of spraying the ball around and using his speed.why do gonzalez still have eric hinski on the team? he”s his buddy.this will cause a repeat from last seaSON BUT I”M ALMOST SURE NOW THE BRAVES DON”T WANT TO MAKE THE POST SEASON.WITH GONZALEZ, IT”S ABOUT CERTAIN PLAYERS INSTEAD OF WINNING AND THE TEAM. ONLY TIME WILL TELL.IT”S PATHETIC HOW THE BRAVES THROWS GAMES TO TEAMS.
cdog
September 5th, 2012
1:35 pm
i know the braves are going to lose some games but i hope they get hot and not let what happened last year, happen again.freddie gonzalez is going too long with certain players.why is tommy hanson still pitching? he”s a loser waiting to happen along with martin prado, brain mcCann, dan uggla and michael bourne who stills take pitches right down the middle and tries to still pull everything and hit homeruns instead of spraying the ball around and using his speed.why do gonzalez still have eric hinski on the team? he”s his buddy.this will cause a repeat from last seaSON BUT I”M ALMOST SURE NOW THE BRAVES DON”T WANT TO MAKE THE POST SEASON.WITH GONZALEZ, IT”S ABOUT CERTAIN PLAYERS INSTEAD OF WINNING AND THE TEAM. ONLY TIME WILL TELL.IT”S PATHETIC HOW THE BRAVES THROWS GAMES TO TEAMS.
Webhead
September 5th, 2012
3:38 pm
September 2nd, 2012
11:11 pm
Reality — The “hate” is from a loud, obnoxious minority group of fans who’ve wanted Chipper Jones out for some time, so now they refuse to acknowledge his accomplishments. Also, some are just trying to stir things up, because, well, they have nothing else to do with their lives.
These guys were doing this for years trying to get Chipper and Bobby to retire. It makes me sick seeing so few so-called Braves fans go on and on about anything negative.
Wish they would go out and get a job and let the true Braves fans enjoy Chip’s last year. GO HOSS! We’ll miss you next year and beyond.
GO HOSS.....RETIRE!!!!!!
September 5th, 2012
5:05 pm
You overpaid blunderbuss…..CHIPPER retire! We don’t need you and we SURE won’t miss you!