Chipper Jones to retire? A proud man faces cold reality
The Derek Jeter of the American League says howdy to the Derek Jeter of the National League.
Chipper Jones once told me he wanted to play until he was 40, and the contract extension he signed this season seemed to offer that guarantee. But now he tells esteemed Kansas grad Dave O’Brien he might stop at 38 if 2010 isn’t any better than 2009, which is just one more reason to appreciate Larry Wayne Jones Jr.
The man is a ballplayer, and ballplayers always think they’ll get four hits tomorrow night, but he’s also a pragmatist. A year ago he led the National League in hitting. Today he’s just another guy. In his entire athletic life, Chipper Jones has never been just another guy.
Steve Phillips, who was a bad general manager but has become a pretty fair announcer, once called Chipper “the Derek Jeter of the National League,” and that was one of those comparisons so apt I wanted to smack myself for not thinking of it first. From 1993 through 2005, Chipper never played on a team that didn’t finish first over a completed season. He was the best everyday Brave of the greatest Braves’ run ever and, like every athlete who’s really good for a really long time, he came to be taken for granted.
That’s why 2008 was such a gift for him, and for us. The batting title — and his flirtation with .400 — refocused our gaze and made us see what we should have been seeing all along. Here was a pro’s pro, a guy who’d fought through injuries untold to re-stake a claim at the pinnacle of his profession, and good for him.
This season, alas, has been no fun for anyone. Chipper was hitting under .270 entering Thursday’s game, and that’s not Chipper Jones. (He is, as we all know, a .300 career hitter.) He has become another soft spot in a lineup with too many soft spots, and he told DOB:
“I’m not going to hamstring the ballclub with the money I’m making, and I’m not going to be happy being a mediocre player. I’m not saying I’m retiring at the end of this year or the end of next year, but if I become an average player, I’m not sticking around.”
Hearing, we wonder why more guys aren’t like that. Joe DiMaggio retired because he said he couldn’t “be Joe DiMaggio every day,” but too many Hall-of- Famers-to-be stick around for the sake of sticking. (Brett Favre is the most obvious example, but Tom Glavine comes to mind as well.) Chipper Jones won’t do that.
Invoking the evocative phrase he spoke to DOB, he’ll “ride off into the sunset” first. Good for him. Nobody around here wants or needs to see to see Chipper flail, Chipper himself least of all.
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156 comments Add your comment
Ostrich Racer
September 11th, 2009
4:33 am
Mark-
Amen. Brilliantly done. Chipper Jones is the consummate professional, the man you want your Little Leaguers watching. He could’ve played in any era, for any manager. Anyone who can’t appreciate that, doesn’t get baseball.
Benjamin
September 11th, 2009
4:54 am
Heard this during the broadcast on the way home from work last night, and to be honest, gained a new measure of respect for a man I haven’t always respected. I’ve always felt like he subtly threw certain teammates under the bus in the media, and he had some early off-field issues that didn’t sit well with me, but that’s all aside from the issue. I feel like I haven’t appreciated his career enough over the years when hearing things like this.
Chipper Jones is a throwback to an era that seems to have passed us by. I hope for our sake that he finds his old groove and sticks it out for a couple more years, but either way, I’m now glad — probably a bit too late, but better late than never — to have been witness to a Hall of Fame career in a Braves uniform. I wish him the best wherever he lands beyond 2010.
Brian D Hypes
September 11th, 2009
6:06 am
I totally agree with your column and Ostrich Racer’s opinion.I hope all Braves fans and all baseball fans for that matter appreciate this mans’ work and professionalism over the last 16 or so years.If you will remember the draft of 1990,a pitcher out of Texas named Todd Van Poppel attempted to hold Bobby Cox and John Sherholz hostage by stating he would accept a scholarship from the University of Texas and become the “next Roger Clemons”, but quickly changed his mind when the Oakland A’s, of the Bash Brothers fame took him late in the first round.Well, all the Braves hierarchy did was draft a shortstop out of Jacksonville Florida named Chipper Jones.Todd Van Poppel had an brief major league career,plagued by arm problems and that shortstop turned outfielder turned third baseman is still playing with a World Series ring,an MVP and a batting title on his Hall of Fame resume.So,here’s to you Chipper,you have earned and deserve whatever you want to do.
BD Hypes-
NCBravesFan
September 11th, 2009
6:20 am
This year has been a massive disappointment all the way around. Consider if Chipper had hit this year the way he hit last year, and if Yunel & McLouth had been a little healthier, you figure the Braves would be in the thick of things right now. As it stands, the Braves offense is a “big bucket of fail,” and Chipper is sitting right on top for everyone to see.
Hopefully Frank Wren can get a bat or two this offseason and that will help to maximize what Chipper can give us at this stage. If you give him a solid guy in the #4 slot and a few days off here and there, he can still be a very productive major league hitter.
Kram Yeldarb
September 11th, 2009
6:25 am
Mr. Jones, I salute you SIR!
mowreck
September 11th, 2009
6:52 am
I only have two pictures of a guy named “Larry” in my house. One is the picture my daughter took of me one christmas and the other is an autographed picture of Larry “Chipper” Jones. He has always been my favorite. Good Luck with whatever you decide to do Chipper. I personally hope it is something in the Braves organization … whether its playing or coaching.
lawton
September 11th, 2009
6:52 am
chipper jones retired years ago. he came out of retirment last year, contract year, now, hes back in retirement. lol
TampaGator
September 11th, 2009
7:04 am
lawton…your comments are nothing but bull and do not respect a future hall of fame player. Chipper Jones has been and hopefully will be again the best player on the Braves roster for years. Injuries have limited and frustrated the man the last few years, but Chipper Jones ALWAYS gives his best no matter his contract status.
smitty
September 11th, 2009
7:17 am
I agree that Chipper has been an outstanding player for the Braves, but his drastic fall off from past stats make me wonder if maybe (just maybe) he was another product of the steriod era. Maybe his name is on the list of the 103 who tested positive for steriods. If you think not then explain why such a drastic drop in production. I know he’s a year older and his body is aging quickly, but isn’t that one of the side effects of stopping taking the steroids? Just a question mark from where I sit and watch the games, I certainly not an expert on steroids but that’s what I’ve heard. I know enough about baseball to know that you just don’t lose it that quickly, it’s a gradual lsoing of your ability to play at the high level that you have previously.
Jeff
September 11th, 2009
7:18 am
The sooner the better. this guy is a complete idiot that does nothing but blame others and make excuses. From the day in St Louis that he “blamed the Fans” for losing in the playoffs I stopped being a braves fan.
Bama Aaron
September 11th, 2009
7:32 am
Chipper has been a great Brave for a long time, but this year has just been sad. You wrote a good piece Mark and I’m glad Chipper is taking this stand. If he doesn’t play any better next year I hope he sticks to it. It’s been tough watching him play so poorly this year.
Yunel Asscobar
September 11th, 2009
7:38 am
Mark – good article. It’s been a privilege to watch a future HOFer perfect his craft while playing his entire career for the Braves. Chipper has played hard, played hurt, played with excellence, and restructured his contract when necessary to provide flexibility for the team. He has respected the game, never having been pulled for coasting, or “episodes” caused by emotional immaturity. Though struggling this year, the lack of post-season should not be placed at his feet. He had plenty of help; including managerial malpractice and other “leaders” failing to produce for extended periods. He can’t be expected to carry the team alone; nor can he overcome the hard-headed decisions to PH Greg Norton, night after night, in game-breaking situations; play KJ most of the season while not producing; or pulling a starting pitcher who’s throwing a gem in favor of a “closer” who’s proven over the last month that he cannot close. Leaders lead by personal example. Chipper, once again, is stepping up and accepting his leadership role on the Braves in this discussion with DOB. We should value the time we’ve had as a city to watch this extraordinary talent play the great game of baseball.
dap01
September 11th, 2009
7:38 am
Maybe Cox can understand that he can give Chipper a day off a week and Chipper will hit better and the Braves will be better. Also, we have an excellent backup catcher that Wren signed to a two year deal. Perhaps Cox will consider playing him more to not completely wear out McCann. Don’t even get me started on him wearing out the same guys in the bullpen even though we have one of the best group of starters in the ML’s.
Anyway, I would rather have a guy like Chipper playing 6 out of 7 games than an average third baseman playing every day.
Stay, Chipper, as long as possible, perhaps you can put up enough numbers that even Joe Morgan will admit to what we already know. You are the Braves. You are what a baseball player should be.
Navigator
September 11th, 2009
7:54 am
Chipper had a very good run in the 90’s, but when he hit 30 his injuries have plagued him so he couldn’t perform as good as he should have. It’s not his fault that Cox won’t move him down to the #7 spot in the line up, so this year looks much worse than it should have. The Braves giving him $16M a year to play out his career makes no sense when they wouldn’t do it for Glavine or Smoltz. The Braves management is not looking good with the moves they’ve made this year, and Cox acts like what he is, a very old man. Somewhere along the way, a team has to be a little heartless, like the Yankees, and turn over the players and manager to keep the team fresh. Once a great organization, now they just look pathetic.
Spike
September 11th, 2009
7:57 am
How can he be considered the consummate professional? He had a child out of wedlock with a Hooter’s girl while he was married to another lady. I lost all respect for him then. Plus he complained about his $90 million contract and the fact that Braves fans didn’t appreciate him after the last strike. The guy also can’t talk. He is the consummate IDIOT. Retire Chipper. We don’t care.
Yunel Asscobar
September 11th, 2009
7:57 am
Mark – good article. It’s been a privilege to watch a future HOFer perfect his craft while playing his entire career with the Braves. Chipper has played hard, played with excellence, played hurt, and has restructured his contract in order to provide flexibility for the team. He is a team-first guy and has respected the game in every way. He has not had to be pulled for coasting or for “episodes” attributed to emotional immaturity. The lack of post-season cannot be placed solely at his feet. He’s had plenty of help; from other team “leaders” who are also failing to produce, to managerial malpractice. Chipper is not responsible for sending Greg Norton to the plate, night after night, in potential game breaking situations; nor did he put KJ in the lineup most of the season when he couldn’t produce; nor did he pull Hanson in favor of a “closer” who has proven the past month that he couldn’t “close” anything. Leaders lead by personal example and once again, Chipper is stepping up in his discussion with DOB. I hope he has a great 2010, but even if he doesn’t, he has graced the game with his approach, work ethic, and conduct.
Go Vols
September 11th, 2009
7:58 am
Chipper is a true throwback in the best sense of the word. You’re right, Mark, we have taken him for granted. I’m old enough to remember Hank Aaron’s time with Atlanta (well, at least the second half of his career). The Braves had no player after him that you identified as the consummate Brave until Dale Murphy came along, then Chipper. Who’s next?
Brian
September 11th, 2009
8:03 am
And don’t forget that Chipper was an extremely durable player until he went and selflessly played the outfield for the first time in his career. To make room for Vinny Castilla, no less. He has never been the same player since. Don’t you know the Braves would like a do-over on that one.
37YrBravesFan
September 11th, 2009
8:14 am
He’s been one of my favorite Braves. I would rather see him “ride off into the sunset”, than flail and fail. Good Luck, Chipper, on whatever you decide.
GO BRAVES!!
BigJohn
September 11th, 2009
8:18 am
Chipper will be missed if he retires. Maybe some of you forget how Chipper reworked his contract so the Braves had the money to keep other players. He is a team player and a true professional.
His private life was a mess for a while but it never affected his professional life so, Spike, go ahead and throw that first stone.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
September 11th, 2009
8:22 am
Great article and I agree, why didn’t you think of that Jeter comparison. I don’t think it is lip service, I believe Chipper Jones will retire if he can’t be Chipper Jones. I believe he is more like Maddux than Glavine in that respect. I don’t believe he will be bitter like Glavine and Smoltz and I don’t think he will ever judge the Brave organization for some veteran release unless it is painfully obvious.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
September 11th, 2009
8:24 am
Chipper, lets go hunting and if you do need a job, Art Vandelay has a opening as a latex salesman or in import/export.
ben
September 11th, 2009
8:25 am
I’ll agree w/ Brian there. Chipper is my favorite Brave and it’ll be sad at first, but we’ll always remember. Also, they should have put Klesko at first.
The Real Fan
September 11th, 2009
8:38 am
If he continues to play only 100 games a year as he has for the last five, why not play until he’s 45?
Dandy Don
September 11th, 2009
8:44 am
Spike’s just jealous he can’t have a child out of wedlock as the result of an adulterous affair with a Hooter’s girl.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
September 11th, 2009
8:50 am
I always thought that Chipper would have the common sense to realize when it’s time to put down the bat, and it appears I’m right. I think it’s a good call on his part. I hope he sticks around for one more season.
RHR
September 11th, 2009
8:58 am
Some of you people are just ignorant..and it shows.
BigJohn – a LOT of braves fans forget. They’ll appreciate how good he was when an average player steps into his shoes at 3B.
The Real Fan – for a real fan you must not watch many games. Chipper has played in more games than anyone else on the team this season. Suck on that.
It makes me sad to think about it but I don’t think he’s long for the game. He was talking about retirement to Rome way back in May or June..it’s definitely on his mind.
Chris
September 11th, 2009
9:01 am
Bravo. Don’t let the idiots (Spike, Jeff) get into your head, either.
Bobby
September 11th, 2009
9:01 am
Did’t he carry the Braves this season before he got hurt?
Jamaaliver
September 11th, 2009
9:02 am
Chipper is my all time favorite baseball player. He’s earned the right to play as long as he wants.
Chris
September 11th, 2009
9:02 am
And if you could attach images, I’d put up the Citizen Kane slow clap here.
Phil
September 11th, 2009
9:02 am
You have to commend Chipper for this type of attitude.
Now if only Cox would follow suit and do the right thing.
Jackets2009
September 11th, 2009
9:06 am
The SC governor got all over Bill Clinton about his adultery and now who is the foolish adulterer and hypocrite to boot. How about the PETA folks? What if we investigated their lives and spoke to everyone they have been in contact with? I guarantee we would find something or like the SC governor, give them some years and you would. The Republicans who were so high and mighty are working on their third marraige or in a mess with their current wife.
Those of you who like to judge with a vengeance better hope their is no God because he has a special place for you when you die.
Spike is a moron
September 11th, 2009
9:06 am
Spike, since you’re probably running late to your job at Wendy’s, I’ll keep this short. What the h*ll does Chipper’s accent have to do with anything? Does his facial hair bother you too? LMOA!! You’re a imbecile. Anyway, Chipper’s a great hitter, a great athlete, a future HOFer. You’re not. And please show everyone where he “complained” about his contract. Go away Spike. We don’t care.
Matt B
September 11th, 2009
9:08 am
If you’ve heard some of the stories I’ve heard through the grapevine about Chipper after hours in ATL, you wouldn’t want your kids idolizing him. Great ballplayer though.
Bull butter
September 11th, 2009
9:09 am
I am a child born out of wedlock.Chipper are you my daddy?
Al Beeski
September 11th, 2009
9:12 am
He’s my favorite of ALL-TIME too, he absolutely deserves all the kudos he’s getting on the blogs, hopefully he can regroup & start back hitting like the Chipper we all know & love. He is the 2nd best switch-hitter/slugger of all time(sorry Eddie Murray), and I commend him for his attitude about not playing for the sake of a contract. As most adults with no athletic prowess, I wish my 6-yr old son would become a ballplayer like larry wayne. Big ups MB on the article, you can write about Hoss 7 days a week if you like, he deserves it. peace
PMC
September 11th, 2009
9:12 am
It’d be pretty cool if he and Will Clark and Bo Jackson all went into the Hunting/Outdoor business toegther.
Smack
September 11th, 2009
9:12 am
Most people would just ride it out and get their money. All Hooter’s waitresses aside, I guess he is a man with a lot of character. Let’s hope something clicks in the off-season and he can come back strong next year. If not, next year will be his fairwell tour…
Lowcountry Bulldawg
September 11th, 2009
9:13 am
I am not a fan of Chipper and in the past have been critical of him, but one cannot discount his place in history when thinking of the best switch hitters in the history of the game. Only Mantle and Murray have done more. At this time Chipper looks like a aging out of shape ballplayer. The type of player we were used to seeing before Steroids took overthe game and players way outperformed there ages. For some reason when I see Chipper now I think Darryl Evans. I am sure that is not what Chipper would want. It is time to retire.
Sonny Clusters
September 11th, 2009
9:14 am
We had said this before but it bears repeating. Clusters has always been in Atlanta. When Gen Abner Doubleday come to town we told him about a game called Clusters that uses a bat and ball and a glove and that Yankee general stole the idea and turned it into baseball. That’s how close it come to being Major League Clusters. So, Clusters know what we are talking about when talking Cluste, er, baseball. We was wondering what Chipper will be riding on when he rides off into the sunset? An SUV? A horse? A deer? Perhaps an all-terrain vehicle with a high powered deer cannon? Whatever he rides on, Clusters will wish him well. In fact, Clusters would encourage him to ride on off at the end of this season and get his toes fixed by a good doctor.
Wow
September 11th, 2009
9:16 am
Jackets2009, you seem to have some anger issues. No one’s interested in your incoherent political gibberish. Try moveon.org. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.
CDawg42
September 11th, 2009
9:16 am
I wish more guys had that attitude. That’s why he’s one of the G.O.A.T.
Rob T
September 11th, 2009
9:17 am
Every base ball player has a certain number of playing years in them and then they’re done. Some guys can play until they’re in their 40’s other guys like Dale Murphy barely make it until they are thirty before they hit a wall. It’s like a light switch is flipped: one year a guy is playing good the next his stats are in the toilet. I hope that’s true for Chipper, that’s just been an off year for him but you really have to wonder if he’s hit the end of his career.
Faction
September 11th, 2009
9:17 am
Chipper does what most of us say we would do if we were rich, famous, etc. He’s so grounded it’s amazing. He backs up his words with actions and vice versa. No matter what happens I am proud to be a Braves fan when he is the symbol of it. I hope he makes it to the HOF. 2 more titles would have guaranteed it and Jeter would be the Chipper of the AL.
CDawg42
September 11th, 2009
9:18 am
Oh yeah, Chipper, see if you can convert Bobby to that way of thinking as well.
jackson42
September 11th, 2009
9:20 am
First I am not a NY Yankee Fan. But hearing on ESPN and local NY talk shows(was in NYC yesterday) about how Derek Jeter (35) still has plenty in the tank and years ahead of him to be enshrined with the likes of Gehrig, Mantel, Ruth, etc. I found this interesting as our local HOF, 2 years older? has nothing left. Sure individuals bodies wear down differently but I ask myself is there the same commitment to the game, conditioning and desire?….
Blue
September 11th, 2009
9:28 am
Smitty; you apparently don’t know as much about baseball, sports, or anything else. First of all, Chipper does not have the kind of body frame that would indicate any type of steroid use. Secondly…he has hit with the same kind of power and for the same kind of average for over 15 years. Are you saying that Chipper Jones has been using steroids for all this time? Maybe it is much more reasonable to assume that since the guy is constantly ‘tweaked’ (foot, hammy, oblique, etc) but plays before he is truly 100%, he is struggling. Get a life, dude. Going off steroids is NOT the only thing that can predicate a precipitous falloff in production; playing dinged up all year at his age can do it too.
Caz
September 11th, 2009
9:29 am
Didn’t like Steve Phillips when he was with the Mets and I don’t like him now either. Also, Chipper was in the league before Derek Jeter, so if anything, Derek Jeter is the Chipper Jones of the American League.
Another thing; in this era of PHD’s it’s actually kinda refreshing to see a player in their late 30’s showing their age rather than to see a 40 year old belting 50 home runs a year. At least we know that Chipper is the real deal.
My two cents…
CrazyVol
September 11th, 2009
9:29 am
You know, I don’t like Chipper, but I don’t hate him either. Many of you think of him as the poster child of the Braves for the past decade. The first name I come up with is Smoltz. It just seemed to me I never really heard of Chipper doing anything for the community. Maybe he did?? It seem like Smoltz was always doing something building churches and so forth. Can’t deny he was a great player, but the face of the Braves? Nah……….