In a time of upheaval, a constant remains — Chipper Jones
For the first time since the spring of 1987, there’s not a Glavine or a Smoltz on the Braves’ roster. And no matter what you think of the manner in which their departures were transacted, you must admit it feels weird to see no No. 47, no No. 29.
But there is one number to keep us anchored, to serve as a touchstone to the Decade of Excellence and to point the way into the Twenty-Teens. It’s No. 10, and the guy who wears it is still in place, still as splendid as he ever was, and that’s plenty splendid.
Chipper Jones finished second to Hideo Nomo in rookie-of-the-year voting when the Braves won their World Series, and he was the National League’s MVP when last they won a pennant. Last season, at a time when there was no other reason to watch a decrepit team en route to 90 losses, he won a batting title.
And here No. 10 stands at age 37, having been contused more in an average month than a stunt man in a career’s worth of Michael Bay movies, and he’s hitting .327 and slugging .552 and carrying a stellar on-base percentage of .443, and if you think you can find 10 better players in the big leagues … well, you’re just wrong.
As we know, Bobby Cox loves all his players. That said, he’s stingy about one particular word. That word is “great.” And of No. 10, the only big-league manager Jones has ever known says: “He’s a great ballplayer.”
Says No. 10, told of Cox’s assessment: “That’s what I’ve wanted to be since I was 4 years old.”
On those nights when we despair of Frenchy’s flailing, we need only watch No. 10 to remind ourselves that not every Braves at-bat is a lost cause. Watch the concentration, the patience, the discipline. Watch and file it away, because we’re not apt to see anybody as good come through here again anytime soon.
Loading ...Watch and forget whatever garbage your idiot neighbor may have spewed about Chipper not caring, because he cares about his work in the way only a craftsman does. Yes, No. 10 can look dour, but that’s the way he looks. He measures out his smiles. He laughs hardly at all. Whatever the opposite of rah-rah is, he’s it. But if you know him even a little, you know he’s a proud and committed pro.
He fights an almost daily battle between nagging infirmity and the knowledge his team isn’t half as good without him, and those days when he can’t go it eats Chipper up. (On the inside. Never the outside.) He tries to pass along what he knows to younger guys — Jordan Schafer, for example — and what No. 10 knows came from the best of another era.
“There were great hitters here when I came up,” he says. “David Justice, [Fred] McGriff, [Marquis] Grissom, TP [Terry Pendleton]. My first hitting coach [in the minors] was Willie Stargell, and my second was Frank Howard.” Of Stargell, Chipper says: “He’s the reason I swing a heavy bat. [A 34-ouncer.] Take that ball I hit out right-handed the other night — that doesn’t go out with a 31-ounce bat.”
There are nights and weeks when it feels we’re witnessing the end of empire with these Braves, and at such times there’s always a sense of melancholy. But there’s one shining reason to keep watching, and that reason is No. 10. He was great back then. He’s great now. He’s great, period.
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© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
107 comments Add your comment
Reid Adair
June 10th, 2009
5:57 pm
With the way Frank Wren is handling things, Chipper’s days are numbered. Everyone should enjoy them – and him – while they can.
Cup of Craiggers
June 10th, 2009
6:06 pm
The young players need to look at what the great ones do, and follow it to success. McCann has learned, and Johnson, Francoeur, and Escobar have not.
Chipper has discipline. McCann is developing that discipline as well. The other three do not.
Coach (Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 10th, 2009
6:07 pm
Chipper Jones
2010 13 million.
2011 13 million
2012 13 million
2013 7 million club option. He’s not going anywhere.
Chris Hayes
June 10th, 2009
6:08 pm
Wren has made the right decisions the whole time. If Chipper’s days were numbered, they wouldn’t have given him an extension for the rest of his career. There is no question Chipper is one of the best 3B and switch hitters of all time. Not only that, but he has been a clutch player his whole career and one of the truly good guys of the game.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
6:13 pm
If you hate this particular post, please direct your complaints to esteemed colleague Chris Vivlamore. He lit the fuse, so to speak. The other week we were sitting at a game and Chipper got yet another hit and Chris asked, “Was he always this clutch?” (Chris is from up East.) And I thought for two seconds and said, “Yeah.”
Jt
June 10th, 2009
6:15 pm
Over the long haul, Chipper has been more valuable than either Smoltz or Glavine. Not close!
Jt
June 10th, 2009
6:17 pm
Chipper has almost ALWAYS been clutch. Smoltz and Glavine have had times when they have been, but nor close to chipper (every day player).
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
6:20 pm
Copy that, JT.
Paul H
June 10th, 2009
6:20 pm
Well said, Mark. Chipper doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Never has. But he’s certainly been a bright spot for Atlanta sports the past 12 years. One of the best.
the real Andy
June 10th, 2009
6:32 pm
the opposite of rah-rah is har-har. are you calling Chipper a joke?
the real Andy
June 10th, 2009
6:34 pm
JT – i agree that Chipper has been great, but more clutch than Smoltz? i’ve never seen anyone more clutch than Smoltz. He’s the best pitcher in post-season history and has the numbers to back it up. He could pitch with his arm dangling from a thread and give you 7 solid innings.
JUST ME
June 10th, 2009
6:42 pm
Finally an article in recognition of one of the best and most dedicated players to come along in a long time. I don’t understand how anyone can question his performance and decorum. I appreciate him and thank him.
Red Clay Hound
June 10th, 2009
6:43 pm
Who was the can’t miss pitcher (out of Texas I believe) who the Braves wanted to draft with that No.1
pick – but informed them he would not sign if they did – so they settled for Chipper instead ?
yogi2
June 10th, 2009
6:47 pm
Chipper is our greatest player since Hank Aaron. Everyday players are more valuable than Pitchers. Chipper is #1 in my book. Franqueor is the worst player in the major leagues now that shffer is gone. rade Frenchy and Norton
the real Andy
June 10th, 2009
6:52 pm
we wanted Todd Van Poppel. had to settle for Chipper
Powder Springs Jacket
June 10th, 2009
6:58 pm
Red Clay Hound, The pitcher you speak of was named Todd VanPoppel.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
6:59 pm
I almost — almost — wrote the “har, har” thing, Andy. But I decided it didn’t exactly serve the overall tone, so to speak.
Jacob
June 10th, 2009
7:01 pm
You cant say Glav and Smoltzie werent clutch. A different way, but Glav won game 6 of the 95 Series. Pretty clutch. That said, outside of Mickey Mantle, we have had the privilege of watching the greatest switch hitter of all time.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
7:04 pm
And Chipper and I were talking about Van Poppel earlier tonight, as luck would have it. He’d signed with the Texas Longhorns and was insisting he’d go to college, and everybody was so scared of him that nobody risked picking him until the A’s did at No. 14. (Oakland was about to reach a third consecutive World Series.
Looking toward the Pittsburgh dugout, Chipper said, “If the Braves had taken [Van Poppel], I’d have ended up with them [the Pirates] or with Seattle.” The Pirates and Mariners had the fifth and sixth picks in the 1990 draft. Detroit took Tony Clark No. 2 overall, the Phillies took Mike Lieberthal No. 3, and Florida took Alex Fernandez No. 4.
Chipper remembered all the names, you should know, even those of the Pirates’ pick (Kurt Miller) and Seattle’s (Marc Newfield). Chipper remembers everything.
Steven
June 10th, 2009
7:06 pm
What a great post Mr. Bradley. I’d feign to say that in Atlanta Sports over the past 20 or so years, he has brought us to our feet more than any other athlete. Watching him in September of 99 will be the best memory of him I will ever have. He’s what the face of the franchise for any franchise should be. I’m glad he plays for our team!
JKP
June 10th, 2009
7:13 pm
Name me one other player in history, let alone a superstar, that would restructure their contract to help their team be more competitive. That’s all you need to know about Chipper Jones the player, and Chipper Jones the man.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
7:15 pm
Thanks, Steven. At the game now. Getting ready to see Charlie Morton toe the slab against the Braves. Why would the Pirates do that to him?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 10th, 2009
7:17 pm
The fact that he remembers everything is an important part of the switch-hitting, bare-hand picking, can’t-miss-sure-fire-first-ballot HO’er that he is.
Had he ever wanted to wear the pinstripes he could have been President of the Universe.
BTW, sure am glad he didn’t go that route.
CM
June 10th, 2009
7:21 pm
Random Chipper Memory. 1995 Division Series against Colorado. They’re thinking they’ve got Maddux beat to steal Game 1 and make it a series. Top 9, Chipper goes yard to put the Braves ahead, and put the Rockies back in their place. Clutch indded.
Steven
June 10th, 2009
7:24 pm
Another thing I forgot to mention is Chipper’s unselfish ways. I don’t remember any athlete doing so much to make his team better off the field. How he deferred playing third for Vinny Castilla, letting Sheff, and JD bat third. Or restructuring his contract to give the team more flexibility with payroll. No other athlete in today’s me-first sports world has done more to make his team better. Am I wrong?
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
7:28 pm
And that was the first playoff game of Chipper’s career, CM. And he hit two homers that night. Here’s the box score.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 10th, 2009
7:28 pm
Spot on Steven, spot on.
brewdawg
June 10th, 2009
7:29 pm
A Bradley reference by Chip Caray! You are now a famous man Mark.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
7:32 pm
Thanks, BrewDawg. But after my May experience in Cleveland, I have to ask … was it a complimentary reference? (I’m a little gun-shy regarding TV.)
brewdawg
June 10th, 2009
7:38 pm
It was complimentary. Chip said you made a good point in spring training along the lines of Tommy Hanson being surprised when things went bad, while Charlie Morton seemed to wait for something bad to happen. Morton out after one inning, apparently had some sort of stomach thing before the game.
TAD
June 10th, 2009
7:39 pm
Mark,
Have you ever asked Chipper his thoughts on losing the Rookie of the Year to Nomo? I still consider it one of the largest injustices in baseball history.
RHR
June 10th, 2009
7:53 pm
Well done, Mark. And if Frank Wren or any other GM in waiting ever does to Chipper what was done to Glavine I will burn Turner Field to the ground. If someone else doesn’t beat me to it before I can get there from Alabama.
Your poll was probably the hardest vote I’ve ever cast. Maddux or Chipper? Chipper or Maddux? Do I vote with my heart or with my head? In the end, I voted with both. Viva la Chipper!
RHR
June 10th, 2009
7:56 pm
Who was the can’t miss pitcher (out of Texas I believe) who the Braves wanted to draft with that No.1 pick
Exactly. The only reason anyone even knows his name is because of Chipper.
Bryan G.
June 10th, 2009
8:00 pm
Maybe Chip should have challenged you to a fight in Cleveland. He’s teaming up with “the mayor.”
Atlanta Journal Constitution » Blog Archive » In a time of upheaval, a constant remains — Chipper Jones
June 10th, 2009
8:01 pm
[...] Mark Bradley | ajc.com – [...]
Bobby Cox
June 10th, 2009
8:04 pm
Don’t worry. Wren will dump him with no respect soon.
Chas
June 10th, 2009
8:04 pm
Chipper is 40th in career homers. He’s one of 13 on that list with a .300 career batting average, and his .310 is 7th best. Hall of Fame!
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
8:16 pm
Wow. I’m impressed Chip Caray remembered that. I barely remember that. Thanks, BrewDawg.
And Charlie Morton left with tightness in his right hamstring, according to the Pirates’ PR folks.
Sam Everyman, Citizen Journalist
June 10th, 2009
8:29 pm
Chip Caray speculated that Morton left with stomach troubles and Joe attributed it to “jitters” in the finest tradition of reporting. Now we learn that Morton had a tight hamstring and was seeing lightning bugs and had tingling extremities. Please, let’s be accurate.
Braves Fan
June 10th, 2009
8:33 pm
The Braves are an outstanding half team. We have great talent at third base, shortstop, catcher and center field and chronic under achievers at first base, second base, left field and right field. The management can do better and I wish they would.
Ted Striker
June 10th, 2009
8:45 pm
Call this heresy but I’ll actually be glad when MLB is purged of all the players who were on big league rosters as of the ‘94 strike — the sainted Chipper Jones included. I loved MLB baseball prior to ‘94 but it just didn’t love me back.
I’d rather see Gordan Beckham strike out than see Chipper Jones hit a grand slam.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
9:18 pm
Ted, I’m surprised. Bitterness? On a blog?
rhynster
June 10th, 2009
9:34 pm
Mark, you and Schultz have been firing on all cylinders lately.
Nice reads.
You know, Francoeur really had that clutch thing going for him when he came up.
We all thought he was going to be a Hall of Famer.
Now, it seems the best we might see out of him is a Pat Burrell type career.
Alot of OK peppered with spontaneous blips of greatness.
Chipper has been the opposite of that since forever.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
9:48 pm
At this instant, Rhynster, the Braves would be thrilled if Francoeur became a Burrell.
And thanks for the kind words.
The Grinch
June 10th, 2009
10:05 pm
You beat me to it, Mark; I’d be ecstatic if Jeff went Burrell on us.
stupup74
June 10th, 2009
10:20 pm
Mark, I agree with everything you wrote about Chipper. He is the greatest ATLANTA Brave. McCann has a chance to get in the conversation one day, but now and for the distant future, Chipper is the franchise.
That said, I love Chipper Jones, I just don’t love him 13 million a year for the next 3 years. The braves have committed approx. 30 mil in payroll to Lowe and Chipper for the next 3 years. That is WAY too much. Chipper is not worth that much. While he is the best switch hitter of my lifetime (and still is) he is out of the lineup way too much to be worth that contract, especially in this economy.
I don’t hold that against him though, I hold that against the Braves organization. Chipper needs help and is not getting it. He is too old to carry the offense by himself. The Chipper Jones of 1999 could not carry this offense by himself. This organization has proceeded to cheap skate and skim flint on all the positions around him so bad that this team is absolutely unwatchable. The organization traded pieces like Jermaine Dye, Elvis Andrus, and Adam Wainright, etc for one year rentals in hopes of carrying on a division title streak that was an overrated achievement.
It is sad a talent like Chipper, who would command a ransom in a trade to a contender, has to practice the mastery of his craft in a lineup that is short at 4 different positions because of the incompetence of an organization.
Reality Time
June 10th, 2009
10:24 pm
Mark, I have had the honor and privilege of seeing Henry Aaron and Chipper Jones, who I believe are two of the greatest baseball players in my sixty years, play for MY team. They are also two of the greatest ambassadors off the field. Who can ask for more?
paul
June 10th, 2009
10:31 pm
Chipper is a pleasure to watch. He is one of the few great hitters in the game and may go down as the best switch of all time.
This is a great article, but there is only one problem…
To say that the Braves may never have another Chipper is to seemingly dismiss what B Mac has done for us since his arrival. If MCann stays healthy and is moved to first base when his knees begin to fail, he has the ability to become great as well. B Mac has a good shot at being a .300BA/ 400HR guy, much like Chipper.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
10:33 pm
I grew up 60 miles from Cincinnati and saw Johnny Bench play his entire career. And there were times, believe it or not, over those 16 seasons when people grumbled that Bench didn’t hit in the clutch or that he was a tad overrated, and when finally he moved to third base and the Reds tried to make do with a mortal at catcher (Alex Trevino, who would briefly become a Brave) we saw what should have been clear all along: That we’d just watched the greatest catcher of all time.
Sometimes you can watch so closely you miss the bigger picture. In my mind, Chipper Jones is exactly what Steve Phillips called him a couple of years ago: The Derek Jeter of the National League. A gamer. A winner. A Hall of Famer.
Gee, sounds like I’ve just written a whole ‘nother column. I’ll stop before I bore you to tears.
Ted Striker
June 10th, 2009
10:33 pm
Ever read about Jake Scott getting upset with Vince Dooley in ‘68 when Dooley secretly signed the team for a Sugar Bowl appearance — costing the team a shot at the National Championship in the Orange Bowl? Scott thought Dooley betrayed the trust of the team and was so ticked that he left school after his junior year and went to the CFL. Even skipped the award ceremony for SEC player of the year.
Well, that’s sorta how I felt when MLB players went on strike in ‘94. That said, I feel better and better about baseball with each new player to come along and dispose of a 1994 model Judas goat.
paul
June 10th, 2009
10:33 pm
Last comment…
It is both difficult and relieving to watch Chipper come to the plate.
Difficult because you wonder why he makes it look so easy while the rest of the lineup (sans Mcann) looks so clueless.
A Relief in that it is truly great to watch a living legend play the game and to watch a 37 year old player hit with wisdom and power, he is a complete hitter.
Mitchell
June 10th, 2009
10:39 pm
The thing that makes Chipper Jones truly great is how human he is.
He does amazing things but he almost never makes it look easy. You can tell how much pain he is in.
Physical pain, that is… of course, if he dwells as much on the ‘96 World Series as I do, it’s a wonder he’s able to get out of bed in the morning.
Mitchell
June 10th, 2009
10:51 pm
I swear to God, I’ve voted for the all-star game 50 times. I just want to fill my quota if nobody else is going to. I’m the work for the greater good.
Now I feel like it’s not even counting it in the first place. Shouldn’t they be able to tell me how many times I’ve voted?
Come on!
Everybody get out there and vote for Chipper and Brian, who had they got on base tonight would have made Garrett Anderson’s homerun a game winner.
I sure love my Braves.
scottbravesfan
June 10th, 2009
11:15 pm
I agree with Mitchell get out there and vote for Chipper and Mccann!!!!
Chipper is such a great player the only guy that even comes to mind when I think of great hitters right now is Pujols. Those two guys are the guys that I will tell my grand children about that I watched play live. Just two of the best of all time.
Also anyone remember September 1999? Man 1999 was a GREAT SEASON! Chipper single handedly killed the Mets! It was a thing of beauty. I was a senior in high school and that was when the Braves vs. Mets rivalry really got hot. The Mets thought they finally had the Braves beat and that they were going to win the division and then Chipper just ripped their hearts out. That’s when the Mutt fans started the Larry chants at Shea and that NLCS was better than the World Series that year. So much hype surrounding it and it lived up to it big time. The Braves were spent by the time they got to the world series and had nothing left in the tank to battle the Yankees but man what a season and NLCS.
Also Mark, having me choose between Chipper and Maddux? Why don’t you just ask me which child I prefer or which eye I like more. Too tough a choice. I guess Maddux because he was the best pitcher of his generation but Chipper was the best third baseman of his generation and one of the top two switch hitters of all time behind only Mickey Mantle. Tough call on that one.
paul
June 10th, 2009
11:34 pm
Scott, I nearly made the same mistake as you…Pujols is a great hitter, but to leave Manny Ramirez out of the conversation is a bit remiss, IMO. Man Ram has been one of the most consistent hitters of all-time, he is the total package – dare I say Williamsesque…PEDs don’t help a hitter make contact, and that is what Ramirez does about 33 percent of the time.
But Chipper is certainly only slightly behind him – and drug free.
Mark Bradley
June 10th, 2009
11:38 pm
If I’m not mistaken, Jake Scott was estranged from UGA for 30 or so years before reappearing at Sanford Stadium not long ago.
And here I thought I’d carried my Smoltz grudge a while.
rhynster
June 10th, 2009
11:44 pm
Regarding the Burrell comparison, please note I said that is the BEST we could hope from him.
Currently, it’s more like Pat from SNL.
matt r
June 11th, 2009
1:59 am
A great column about a great player.
Paul Lentz
June 11th, 2009
2:16 am
What I cant understand is how Jeff Franceour can play with Chipper Jones for 4 years (he made his debut in July of 2005) and not apply Chipper’s philosophy to hitting to his own game. Brian McCann seems to have paid attention. When McCann first came up, I figured that he would be a 10-15 homer kind of guy. Looks like he paid attention to Chipper and exceeded all our expectations. That, to me, is a true indication of the impact that Chipper Jones can have on a team. Brian McCann listens to Chipper (3 time All-Star). Jeff Franceour swings at slop (a flameout whose future is limited).
I expect Chipper to fulfill his contract at a high level. He does not have a violent swing He doesnt try to kill the ball every time at bat (unlike Franceour). Chipper takes care of his body (even though he is prone to some injuries). He can just flat out hit.
Now if the Braves can acquire a big right handed hitting right fielder who can offer some protection behind Chipper, then the Braves will be back in business.
Braveaholic in Germany
June 11th, 2009
2:29 am
I read these blogs daily, but never post anything. I couldn’t resist after reading this about Chipper. Bravo, Mr. Bradley! Chipper’s been my favorite player for many years and I can’t imagine the Braves without him. I was a part of the July 4th ceremony back in the early 2000’s when they played against the Cubs. We were all in uniform holding the American flag in the outfield. After leaving the field I got to meet John Smoltz and Chipper Jones in the tunnel under the stadium. I’ll never forget that meeting or my two favorite Braves no matter how the team plays overall.
No More Bobby
June 11th, 2009
4:11 am
Chipper is a future hall of famer for sure. But would like to see him not be so soft.
Dave Hughes
June 11th, 2009
4:54 am
With such accolades it sounds like you are talking about Jesus. Give me a break. He is a talented baseball player…nothing more nothing less.
D. Baker
June 11th, 2009
5:57 am
I don’t know, Dave Hughes. I’m pretty sure Chipper can probably hit a fastball better than JC himself…..
Chas
June 11th, 2009
6:31 am
Those who complain about chipper’s salary should remember that salaries in sports tend to lag performance. McCann’s current performance deserves far better remuneration, which he will get in his NEXT contract. Plus, chipper has deferred his pay several times to free up money for improvement in the team.
Chas
June 11th, 2009
6:35 am
Pardon — renumeration
Slow Roller
June 11th, 2009
7:56 am
Mark, or anyone who can answer this question. I need to know why McCann’s double wasn’t a home run last night. If you hit anywhere on the yellow foul pole, it is a home run. But, if you hit the top of the wall which is also yellow, it’s sometimes a double, but could be a home run too? What other ballpark has this problem?
Mark Bradley
June 11th, 2009
8:06 am
Actually, Chas, you were right the first time. Remuneration. Looks wrong, but isn’t.
Chopper
June 11th, 2009
8:32 am
If anyone deserves to retire a Brave, it’s Chipper. He may be the only great Brave that has a chance. I know Neikro came back for one game, but Chipper is a guy who will decide coming in to spring training that it will be his last year. He deserves a farewell tour much like Nolan Ryan did. Imagine the greeting he will get in New York! We owe him that. I just wish the ownership/front office will realize it.
Mark Bradley
June 11th, 2009
8:35 am
For models on farewell tours — not to suggest C. Jones is anywhere close to one — those of Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski in 1983 were quite evocative.
braves4ever
June 11th, 2009
8:48 am
Mark, well written article about Chipper, I tell my sons to watch Chipper’s focus and ability to hit whatever they give him, he doesn’t have a “weak zone” in his swing. No Team can honestly want to pitch to him with RISP. After he hangs it up people will finally come to realize how great he was. You can bet he will be a first ballet HOF selection.
Bill
June 11th, 2009
8:49 am
Amen to that. Chipper is a great Baseball player. I second everything you said about him, plus he is so baseball smart. He can talk the offensive aspect of the game a rarity,teacher and motivator. Chipper would make a great Mgr. one day, he has all the tools.
Thanks Mark, another great job. Keep up the new hot pace. I like it.
Mark Bradley
June 11th, 2009
8:52 am
Thanks, Bill. Thanks, Braves4Ever.
And Bill, I like it, too. Thanks for noticing.
PMC
June 11th, 2009
9:12 am
He was a very good solid contributor a decade ago. He has become one of the best hitters in baseball and despite the nutmeg 2 nights ago generally fields a very solid third base. He’s a hall of famer I think and it should be noted that he’s become a better and more vocal clubhouse leader as the situation presented itself.
Personally I think if Smoltz were still here we wouldn’t see that side as much but 10 and 29 are my votes for the last 20 years.
He’s been as good a team guy as it gets on the professional level.
braves4ever
June 11th, 2009
9:27 am
Mark, another side note we can take notice of. BMac is going to be as good or better than Chipper over the next 10 years, he sits with, he watches, he listens, he askes, he is learning so much from Chipper that he in turn will pass along to younger players as the game goes on. Mac will be a better ballplayer because of Chipper. How can you put a price on what is being passed down. I agree with Bill he would make a wise batting coach or Mgr.
SunnyD
June 11th, 2009
9:31 am
Mark,
I hate to say it, but you have been writing some good columns lately, or at least ones where I have to agree with you. You used to drive me crazy with your opinions, but the past year or so – it’s like you’ve suddenly donned this cloak of common sense. Whether its the Braves, Hawks, Falcons, Jackets, Dawgs – I find myself agreeing with you too much. Scary….
And yes, Chipper is one of the all time greats at 3B, not just in Atlanta, but all of MLB. He is one of the best pure hitters in the game right now, all around.
Mark Bradley
June 11th, 2009
9:33 am
Thanks, Sunny. I’ll try not to let this become a habit.
gayle
June 11th, 2009
9:37 am
This recognition to Chipper is well deserved. I put him up there with Dale Murphy and Henry Aaron in terms of the greatest Braves to swing a bat and represent the team.
If the release of Glavine and letting Smoltz walk was a part of finally starting to rebuild ths team, I am all for it. Unfortunately, the philosophy of this team is loyalty over winning. As much as I enjoy wayching Chipper play, the Braves committed an extraordinary amount of money and years to a player whose playing time has diminished considerably over the past years.
Yes, Chipper is an anchor for this team. Yes, he is still clutch. But what about in two years when the Braves want to bring in a free agent or two or resign Jurrjens or McCann but can’t because they have committed so much money to a 40 year-old third baseman? It is good now, but what about the future?
At very least, by signing him to such a big contract, Chipper has assured himself that he will be spared the humiliating exit that has befallen both Smoltz and Glavine.
Dana
June 11th, 2009
9:41 am
The day Chipper is not clutch in at least one at bat is the day Frenchie doesn’t swing at the first pitch.
Mark Bradley
June 11th, 2009
9:49 am
Speaking of whom, I asked this question in the press box last night: What do these Braves and the Steelers of the ’70s have in common?
Both had a Frenchy.
(This elicited, you should know, nothing but blank stares. People just don’t get me, I tell you.)
Ran Man
June 11th, 2009
9:53 am
TAD: your question about how Chipper felt when Nomo won the rookie of the year? I remember hearing an interview with Chipper after they won the World Series; and his comment regarding Nomo was “he won a consolation prize, but I won The Grand Prize”
scoreboard
June 11th, 2009
10:10 am
Mr. Stryker @ 8:45
Chipper wasn’t on the active roster at all in 1994. He blew out his knee in spring training that year, you know. And if you are going to hold three September 2003 at bats against him, then well…
scoreboard
June 11th, 2009
10:12 am
Uhhh…oops. I meant Mr. StrIker, not StrYker…
scoreboard
June 11th, 2009
10:14 am
Uhhh…more oops. I meant 1993. You know, maybe I’ll just shut up now – at least until Mr. Bradley lends me the services of his editor.
Kevin McGlinchy
June 11th, 2009
10:20 am
Thanks for this column, Mark. Many Braves fan just don’t appreciate Chipper enough, and that’s a shame. Your analogy with Cincy in the post-Bench era will come to pass here too, unfortunately.
cosmos
June 11th, 2009
10:38 am
This was a timely article MB. I have been marveling lately about how well Chipper has been hitting. He has gotten better as he got older, the dude can flat out hit. He probably knows more about hitting than just about anybody else in the game. Gotta also give him credit for the way he plays 3rd base. I wonder if wants to be a hitting coach or manager after his playing days are over?
Mark Bradley
June 11th, 2009
10:40 am
You don’t want me as an editor, Scoreboard. I’ve got no editorial judgment whatsoever.
And thanks, Cosmos. Thanks, KMcG.
NC Braves Fan
June 11th, 2009
10:46 am
Mark – I’d be interested in knowing how Chipper’s approach has changed over the years. He’s less of a power threat than he used to be overall – but at a time when his skills should be declining he just keeps on hitting.
Ted Striker
June 11th, 2009
10:50 am
Great recollection, Scoreboard. I wouldn’t want to go head to head with you in baseball trivia, that’s for certain! On Chipper, excellent point. However, I do hold it against Chipper Jones because he never took a stand against the strike and he never apologized for it.
If a bride refuses to show up for her marriage, it’s not important enough to her. If baseball players won’t show up for the games, it’s not important enough to them. It was a matter of greed — and today’s contracts prove it.
AdirondackDave
June 11th, 2009
10:56 am
Mark — Great piece on Chipper. Can’t agree with Phillips though… I would trade Chipper for Jeter now or anytime in the last 15 years. Both are hall of famers but Chipper is clutch, Jeter not quite so much.
Ted Striker
June 11th, 2009
11:00 am
One final thought. I’m fine with what athletes are paid, whether it’s a million or $100 million or more. I don’t begrudge anyone to make what they can. But if you’re being paid to do a job — as they were in ‘94 — you should show up and do it.
The air traffic controllers found that out with Ronald Reagan and nothing would have made me happier in ‘94 than to see every single player kicked to the curb. I’d have been fine with starting over and seeing fresh faces from the minor leagues. Just think, we’d have avoided all this Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Smoltz/Glavine drama.
Doug
June 11th, 2009
11:09 am
As a long time Braves fan I never figured seeing another Third Baseman like Eddie Mathews again. I have enjoyed every second of Chipper Jones as a Brave and he gives the Braves two of the best at Third who ever played MLB.
AdirondackDave
June 11th, 2009
11:15 am
NC Braves — It’s not exactly clear to me that Chipper’s power is declining. He doesn’t have a true cleanup hitter behind him and except for Tex’s one year, hasn’t for quite a while. If he had a 35+ homer guy behind him, and if he could play 150+ games like he used to, he probably would still be putting up those old power numbers.
P Rose
June 11th, 2009
11:22 am
Chipper Jones
by P Rose
Sha la la la la la la
I was down at the batting cage,
Staring at this yellow-haired girl,
Chipper Jones strikes up a conversation,
With a black-haired dugout dancer,
You know she dances while John Denver plays guitar,
So she’s suddenly beautiful,
And we all want something beautiful,
Man I wish I was beautiful.
So come dance this silence down through the mornin’
Sha la la la la la la la yeah
Jump up, Soriano! Show me some of that Hispanic dancin’
And pass me a Bud Light, Chipper Jones,
Believe in me, help me believe in anything,
‘Cause I, I wanna be someone who believes, yeah.
Chipper Jones and me we both got the same crooked smile,
And we stare at the beautiful women,
“She’s looking at you. Ah, no, no, she’s looking at me.”
Smiling in the bright lights, Crazy Train blastin’ in stereo,
When everybody loves you, you can never be lonely.
Chipper Jones and me stumbling through the Chophouse,
Yeah we stare at the beautiful women,
“She’s perfect for you, Man, there’s got to be somebody for me.”
I wanna be Mark Bradley,
Chipper Jones wishes he was someone just a little more funky,
When everybody loves you, oh, son,
That’s just’ bout as funky as you can be.
Chipper Jones and me staring at BravesVision,
When I look at the high definition,
I wanna see me staring right back at me,
We all wanna be all-stars,
But we don’t know why and we don’t know how,
But when everybody loves me,
I wanna be just’ bout as happy as I could be,
Chipper Jones and me, we wanna be all-stars.
jermaine's dye
June 11th, 2009
11:23 am
Good stuff, MB.
scoreboard
June 11th, 2009
11:24 am
You’re preaching to the choir, Ted. I didn’t like the strike any more than you did, and I agree with your sentiments – if not your ultimate reaction. I was just pointing out that Chipper wasn’t on the roster then. Furthermore, I wouldn’t be holding my breath for an apology if I were you – not from Chipper or any other player that was around back then. And as for your statement about how you’d rather see Beckham strike out than see Chipper hit a grand slam…I don’t see why. While it is true that Beckham has never participated in a strike, he absolutely would if the players association told him to do it, as would every other major league player when/if another strike happens. I’m not saying I like it. I’m just saying it is so. When the excrement hits the fan, these new younger players you’re talking about will act just like the old and greedy ones.
And, lastly, I’d like to thank you for not flaming my utter lack of editing skills earlier…
Joel
June 11th, 2009
11:31 am
Was reading an earlier post about the ‘95 Division Series against Colorado and Chipper’s hitting heroics. What about his diving backhanded stab down the line in that same game? Mr. Jones has proven on more than one occassion he can be pretty clutch with his glove too.
Pierson Brave
June 11th, 2009
12:07 pm
Growing up in a small town playing little league you see players that are so much better than everyone else. Then the great players move on to the larger scenes and they are no longer big fish, not Chipper! He was great at 12 and is still today. Make me and our whole town proud. I for one will be there when he gives his acceptance speach at the HOF inductions. Thaks Chipper for the great years of ball.
Barry
June 11th, 2009
12:32 pm
Great article Mark. You are my favorite writer in the AJC, even on the few times I don’t agree with you. I totally agree with you here, though. I wonder how many of these great young baseball players coming out of the Atlanta area were influenced by Chipper, and his approach to hitting. We are so fortunate to get to see him put us good at bats so consistently. I think he and Manny are the most fun guys to watch hit in the last 20 years. And I get the Steelers-Braves comparison. Frenchy Fuqua had shoes with goldfish in the heels.
ChrisfromSacramento, CA
June 11th, 2009
12:36 pm
Chipper is the best. Hall of Fame. To bad those Bozos at Espn and other media outlets lve talking about the Mutts, Sox, and Yanks so much or Chipper would get more credit. Oh ya David Wright good luck you will never be as good as Chip!
Ted Striker
June 11th, 2009
12:47 pm
Hey, Scoreboard: There was plenty of blame to go around with both ownership and players in ‘94. But when the players risked the World Series, I was done with that generation of baseball players. I invested my discretionary time and money in other things, some sports, some not. And you know what? Minor league and college baseball is actually more enjoyable to me.
You made the point that Beckham would participate in a strike if the players association told him to. Perhaps. But it’s my (possibly naive) hope that Beckham’s players association has learned from the past. Trust me, my friend, I’m not the only guy who didn’t come running back to the park after the strike. We may not be the majority, but there are still a lot of us…
I rarely draw lines in the sand when it comes to sports, in fact I’ve only done it twice. The ‘94 strike was one. My latest line in the sand is this. I stopped watching the live BCS championship game 2 years ago. Won’t watch or attend again till they have a playoff. Only exception to this is if my team is in it, because I’m loyal to God first, Country Second, and the Georgia Bulldogs third.
Haven’t missed the BCS championship game either. (There are a lot of other great football games to watch and I enjoy them more!)
Have a great day.