Jeter on Chipper: ‘One of the greatest ever to play the game’
The Derek Jeter of the American League greets the Derek Jeter of the National League. Much respect all around.
Sometimes familiarity really does breed contempt. Sometimes it takes a visitor to remind us locals how good we have it. This was Derek Jeter, speaking Tuesday about Chipper Jones: “A lot of time consistency gets overlooked. I’m not saying people in Atlanta don’t appreciate him, but you probably appreciate him a little bit more not being here.”
And maybe you do. If you judge by the squeaky-wheel comments on AJC.com, Chipper Jones has become the Braves’ albatross: Too old, too frail, too high-salaried. But here you had the most respected player in the sport addressing the man who might be, at least within baseball itself, the second-most respected. Here you had Jeter, who’s 37, fairly gushing over Chipper, who’s 40 and who will retire at season’s end.
Jeter: “I always admired Chipper. I followed him a lot in the minor leagues … I used [Chipper's early struggles] as [proof] someone was able to turn things around.”
Struggles? Well, yeah. We forget now, but the first player taken in the 1990 draft made 56 errors playing shortstop in the Class A Sally League in 1991. Two years later, another shortstop — this one taken sixth overall in 1992 — would make the same number of errors in the same Sally League.
Parallel lines: Come 1995, Chipper Jones was a world champion and almost the National League rookie of the year. Come 1996, Derek Jeter was a world champion and the American League rookie of the year. And on they would go, Jones winning MVP in 1999 and a batting title at age 36, Jeter winning MVP of the 2000 All-Star Game (staged at Turner Field) and the 2000 World Series, both on the express train to Cooperstown from almost the moment they arrived in the majors.
Jeter on Chipper: “He’s a Hall of Famer. He’s someone who will go down as one of the greatest ever to play the game. All the accolades, he deserves. All the good things, he deserves.”
Chipper on Jeter: “He’s such a great face for baseball. He’s like Cal Ripken. He deserves everything he gets.”
There was a time when Jones was less enamored of Jeter. His Yankees snatched the 1996 World Series from the Braves, and in 1999 they executed a nearly effortless sweep. (Without Andres Galarraga and Javy Lopez, the ‘99 Braves went as far as they did only because Chipper went Superman on the other New York team.)
Chipper: “I had a dislike for DJ — more like a jealousy.But once I got a chance to know him, that changed completely.”
It changed because they were teammates on Team USA in the World Baseball Classic of 2006 and 2009, and class gravitated to class. Chipper on Jeter: “He’s humble beyond belief, even though he’s got every right to have his head in the clouds.”
For the record, the two have never discussed the infamous-in-Atlanta Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, the night the pinch-hitter Jim Leyritz turned on Mark Wohlers’ third-best pitch. Let the record reflect that Larry Wayne Jones Sr. once told Larry Wayne Jr.: “The Yankees stole Team of the ’90s from you.” Let the record also reflect that Jeter, five times a World Series winner, does not gloat.
“We were looking at all those flags {representing the run of 14 division titles] out there, and that’s pretty impressive,” he said. “It takes a lot of breaks to win a championship. We caught a lot of breaks through the years. Atlanta has a lot to be proud of.”
A few years ago, the then-ESPN analyst Steve Phillips called Chipper Jones “the Derek Jeter of the National League,” and the comparison was apt. Both were drafted to play shortstop. Both became pillars of consistent excellence. Unless the Yankees lose their mind, both will exit have worn only one team’s uniform, a rarity in the time of free agency. One will be remembered as the greatest switch-hitter of his era, the other as the most elegant Yankee since DiMaggio.
Speaking of Chipper, Jeter could easily have been speaking of himself: “When you watch him play, he looks like a baseball player — everything about him.”
Yep. And we in Atlanta have been fortunate to watch him every step of the way. But we should thank Derek Jeter for underscoring what we should have known all along.
And certainly the great Brave won’t begrudge the great Yankee one gentle jibe. “Chipper’s older than me,” Jeter said, smiling. “He’s been around a little bit longer. Make sure you get that.”
By Mark Bradley
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138 comments Add your comment
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 15th, 2012
9:32 am
1st… great story Mark
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 15th, 2012
9:32 am
Kudos?
Mark Bradley
June 15th, 2012
9:35 am
Kudos indeed, TOBF.
John
June 15th, 2012
9:37 am
Great article. I really think alot of people that bash Chipper on here will be missing him when he is gone. Jeter is right.
Fredi Will Screw It Up Somehow
June 15th, 2012
9:40 am
Atlanta knows what Chipper has brought to this organization. Most of the angst goes toward the manager(s) and ownership. THEY are the ones that have let us down. It was a nice compliment from Jeter, but Torre, Girardi and the Steinbrenners are on another level than what we have experienced here.
Doom and Gloom
June 15th, 2012
9:43 am
Jeter to Chipper: “Yeah Dog, you are truly a hall of famer”
Chipper to Jeter: “Thanks! Let’s go to the Waffle House after the game”
Jeter to Chipper: “Cool, let me and my team get this sweep over with first, you will need the Allstar special with a double waffle after this azz beating”
TheOnlyBravesFan
June 15th, 2012
9:43 am
I’ll miss Chipper. And despite my dislike for the Yanks, I’ll miss Jeter too.
Oh man
June 15th, 2012
9:43 am
What are we going to do without Chipper next year?
that is a scary thought.
disbot3000
June 15th, 2012
9:43 am
I hate the Yankees as much as anybody (especially after they wiped the floor with us this week), but have always respected and appreciated Jeter. He’s just a great, classy player and his comments about Chipper just reinforce that view of him. Here’s hoping he has a successful finish to his career (except when playing the Braves, of course!)
lenzo G
June 15th, 2012
9:43 am
correction MB: The Chipper Jones of the American League greets the Chipper Jones of the National League. Much respect all around.
JSS
June 15th, 2012
9:44 am
You don’t need to “gloat” when you produce when actually counts…You can’t miss what’s never there…
snoopy
June 15th, 2012
9:45 am
You have to respect jeter for everything hes done, but still can’t stand the yankees.
S(n)oaring Hawk
June 15th, 2012
9:45 am
wow, great write….
Big C
June 15th, 2012
9:46 am
Chipper has been a very consistent player. I agree, some do take a great player like this for granted.
Bill Sirkin
June 15th, 2012
9:51 am
Maybe Chipper will come back as a hitting coach or bench coach ? His presence in the dugout has
clout.
flange1
June 15th, 2012
9:52 am
Good story Mark!
aceunderwood
June 15th, 2012
9:52 am
Very classy of Jeter. Chipper has been an amazing asset to the Braves. How many seasons has he carried us on his back? He’s done anything and everything asked of him to make the team a winner, from restructuring his contracts to changing positions….he’s always been about team. I, for one, will sure miss seein’ ol’ Hoss at 3rd…and I’ll be with my closest 45k friends at The Ted for that last game. I sure hope it’s a WS Game!
coachx
June 15th, 2012
9:55 am
We love ya Chipper !
Keep your head up during this tought time. Best wishes on finishing your last season strong and finding enjoyment in it.
OBAMA
June 15th, 2012
9:56 am
The stimulus is working!
Steve
June 15th, 2012
9:57 am
I hate the Yankees but Jeter = Class!
Fish Bisch
June 15th, 2012
9:57 am
I <3 chipper.
Now that he is available I would love to have his children too.
OTP
June 15th, 2012
9:57 am
Chipper Jones has been very good for the Braves. I do not think people realize how many times he made salary concessions, so they could try to use the money to make the team better. I bet his body hurts every day from what he has given to the team. He will be missed, and he should be regarded as one of the best players the team has ever had.
Tami
June 15th, 2012
9:59 am
I love this article. It’s hard to imagine that 16/17 years can go by as fast as it’s gone by, but I remember all of this as if it were yesterday. Now, Chipper’s on his way out, and Jeter won’t be too far behind him. We’ll have to wait and see if MLB gets two very special players as Chipper and Jeter playing at the same time again. There are some present players flirting with it, but it’s still not quite the same to me.
Atlanta Mom
June 15th, 2012
9:59 am
And it’s a fluke the Braves were able to draft Chipper. As I recall, they wanted a pitcher named Poppel, but that gentleman refused to sign with the Braves. So, the Braves went with second best. Mighty lucky on that draft.
Danny O
June 15th, 2012
10:01 am
A couple of class acts. Been fun to watch them play, even if only occasionally against each other.
JSS
June 15th, 2012
10:05 am
And before you Chipper apologists get on your annual soapbox, I’ve denied his ability to hit… He’s one of the best regular season hitters in the annals. That novelty of being on the three great switch hitters in the game is what it is… But that injury and fitness thing can’t be denied. Chipper will always be in the “why?” category. Why didn’t he stay healthy, why didn’t he get 3000 hits, why didn’t get 500 home runs, why didn’t he lead a team past their adversaries in multiple WS appearances? They are nagging questions with unpleasant answers…
JSS
June 15th, 2012
10:06 am
“never denied”
Chief Nocahoma
June 15th, 2012
10:09 am
I was at the game Wed night; every time Jeter was at bat, you could really hear the boos. My wife asked why the boos; I answered because he’s good, it’s respect.
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2012
10:15 am
“We were looking at all those flags {representing the run of 14 division titles] out there, and that’s pretty impressive,” he (Chipper) said. “It takes a lot of breaks to win a championship. We caught a lot of breaks through the years. Atlanta has a lot to be proud of.”
Championships? He should ask to see some of Jeter’s rings.
Danny O
June 15th, 2012
10:18 am
@ Sonny Clusters
That was a Jeter quote, you moron.
chris
June 15th, 2012
10:20 am
Two class acts..will be sad to see them both go soon, Chipper sooner than Jeter.. but its been great watching them play….question is who is behind them to take up their mantles?
wrestler
June 15th, 2012
10:20 am
Chipper was telling Jeter where he needs to go in Atlanta to find hot girls that he is not married to in that picture.
wrestler
June 15th, 2012
10:23 am
Personally I am ready for Chipper to go. I am tired of the Braves always having to find someone to play third when he gets hurt. Then when they get someone (like Prado who does an excellent job) Chipper comes back, the player like Prado, either gets put in left, sent back to Gwinnett or worse and then Chipper sucks for several games. Chipper gets hurt more than Evil Kenevil for crying out loud.
Hydro-Dawg
June 15th, 2012
10:24 am
We’re going to miss Chipper? We’re used to being gone half the season w injuries anyway!
Larry
June 15th, 2012
10:25 am
Chipper’s talent is undeniable, but he has from day one carried and air of arrogance and self-centeredness. However, as is always the case, this was simply a disguise of insecurity born of a questionable moral compass, as exemplified in his private behavior and what will soon be his 3rd wife probably in his 40’s.
He’d be on my all-time Braves starting lineup, but because I have an extra fondness and appreciation for the full package–great player; great individual–I’d pick Aaron and Murphy over him for a beer and a burger.
And would you witless and brainless dolts stop with the “he’s make a great coach or manager” vomit! Even Chipper himself has expressed little interest in this as he knows he’s not woven of the fabric–morally, ethically and demonstrably–to be a leader of men. And this is ever so evident now watching him on the bench all aloof and detached when his team needs him the most.
Coupled with that fatuously empty headed manager, this team is in dire straights, indeed.
Buster brave
June 15th, 2012
10:25 am
excellent article Mark Bradley.
JSS
June 15th, 2012
10:27 am
“First in their hearts, 2nd in baseball.” To paraphrase ‘That Championship Season’ look that one Danny O, keep ‘em coming Clusters…
southern boy
June 15th, 2012
10:30 am
After all these years, the damn yankees are still coming down south and screwing us. The sweep was painful to watch. We all saw Jones and Jeter smiling at each other–I would rather have seen some “fire in the eyes” about winning.
old dog
June 15th, 2012
10:31 am
I will miss Chipper at the plate, and when the time comes, I will miss Jeter also. I find I like almost all the yankee players, I just don’t care for their fans.
Preston Hannatized
June 15th, 2012
10:35 am
What’s going on? 2 Braves posts a day from the great MB? Obviously, the sports editors see the amount of traffic the Braves generate on the blog pages. Pretty soon, they will also come to grips with the fact that the bloggers are 85% negative, Fredi-haters, Wren-bashers.
The AJC has never been a “fire the guy” sports paper but it’s obvious that this manager and this GM have lost the plot.
The Braves are falling out of this race and will be sellers not buyers in six weeks.
It’s not time yet for the “Chipper” hosannas; save them for September.
Come on, Mark, deal with the truth: The Braves have to shake things up. Do something. Release Jack Wilson. The fan base would support firing Fredi. No playoffs and Wren goes too.
zombiewoof
June 15th, 2012
10:37 am
Can’t believe I’m saying these words, but, nice article Mark. I have a feeling that Jeter’s right regarding his comments that we’ll appreciate Larry much more when he’s not here. Look at this season’s record with and without Larry. Astonishing.
Dawg Haus
June 15th, 2012
10:42 am
Interesting comparison. I can’t stand the Yankees, but Jeter is definitely good people. I only wish that Chipper’s Braves teams could have enjoyed the level of success of Jeter’s Yankee teams.
Dawg Haus
June 15th, 2012
10:43 am
The thought of the Braves without #10 is a little depressing. Heart and soul of the team.
ACE
June 15th, 2012
10:50 am
While the AJC continues to churn out pro chipper blogs the braves fall further behind the Nats. When will someone question the decision making by management?
JRHD
June 15th, 2012
10:52 am
Chipper is a legend while still playing the game. Not many can say that. As for the Yankees, you can hate them all you want, but a team that has won 1/4 of all WS played is pretty awesome in my book.
MikeY
June 15th, 2012
11:03 am
We will be fine without Chipper next year. With Prado at 3B, we will be improved defensively. And with Chipper, Lowe, Bourn, Durbin, Hernandez, Diaz, Hinske, Wilson, and Ross all free agents, and with the likely dumping of Jurrjens salary, after we pay the required arbitration raises, we will have about $30M to sign a starting CF, starting LF, and to cover all those backups and relief pitchers required. We MIGHT even have enough to re-sign Bourn, sign a good LF, re-sign Diaz (rakes vs LHP) and Ross (also rakes vs LHP), and add some quality IF/OF backups and a couple of decent relief arms, if needed.
And in all this I am assuming we accept the 2013 options on Hudson and McCann.
I wish Chipper all the happiness in his retirement. But I really do look forward to 2013, I feel the team could be much improved over 2012. And we are pretty good in 2012…our chances of making the playoffs look good, I think it will depend on Fredi adjusting some of his strategies and on trades we may make as the deadlines approach. And Moylen, if he comes back strong, it would be a big improvement.
Greg Norton
June 15th, 2012
11:12 am
This is turning into a stormy bro-mance. Can I cut in?
Tech '10
June 15th, 2012
11:21 am
I feel real fortunate to have been able to watch chipper play all these years. I don’t care for the Yanks much, but I have nothing bad to say about Jeter.
Tim
June 15th, 2012
11:23 am
Great article on two of the greatest to play the game. I’m already saddened to think of the Braves after this year with no Chipper. As much as I dislike the Yankees, I do respect them. While A-Rod is a jerk, Jeter has always shown true class. He is a true professional.
Chad
June 15th, 2012
11:38 am
Chipper bashers are dumber than a bag of hammers,
bulldogbubba
June 15th, 2012
11:38 am
In all things “what have you done for me lately”. Selah.
Toodle Poodle
June 15th, 2012
11:38 am
Chipper’s talent is undeniable, but he has from day one carried and air of arrogance and self-centeredness. However, as is always the case, this was simply a disguise of insecurity born of a questionable moral compass, as exemplified in his private behavior and what will soon be his 3rd wife probably in his 40’s.
Kudos on being able to type your comments from atop your high horse. However, I must point out your glaring error: Chipper has only been married twice. Lots of regular Joes in their 40’s, with far fewer problems than that of a professional athlete, have been married twice.
GIMPER JONES can't even........
June 15th, 2012
11:43 am
Gimper Jones – the washed up – disabled – soon to be divorced has been 3rd basement cannot even begin to carry the jock strap of Derek Jeter……we will be fine without him and hopefully without that low rent no rate manager Fredi as well…….
Nittany Lion
June 15th, 2012
11:44 am
Since Chipper has come back from the DL he has swung early in the count and has not made solid contact yet. Talk about working the count.
Pitbull
June 15th, 2012
11:45 am
I watched Eddie Mathews struggle with his body in his final year in the majors.
Now I see Chipper Jones doing the same thing.
It’s sad to see them age. The spirit is willing, but the body gives out.
Eddie got to 500 plus home runs. Wish Chipper could.
Both were great assets for the Braves. Hope Chipper heals up and enjoys retirement.
Fats OKelly
June 15th, 2012
11:54 am
One word response to ya, Chad…………………….Cal Ripken, Jr
SSIgator
June 15th, 2012
11:55 am
Ah, yes. Longing for wife beater/wife cheater combo of Booby Cox and the Chumpster. Those were the good old days.
Dawgdad (The Original)
June 15th, 2012
12:11 pm
Chipper and Jeter are both classy players with tremendous stats over lengthy careers. Much to be appreciated about both, but the criticism of Chipper is not unfair.
He is like Bill Elliot trying to win a race in Atlanta and coming to the last lap with a flat tire. You wish he would have gone a little sooner, before all the criticism started. He is giving his all and doing what he can, but obviously is not the player of 5 years ago.
Jeter is three years younger. Wait til he gets 40-41 and no matter how great he is, if he stays one year too long the folks in NYC will eat his lunch. He will get the same criticism as Chipper. It happened to Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. These two have to expect the same.
P Rose
June 15th, 2012
12:12 pm
We got Chipper, they got Jeter. Chipper is a great hitter. We had better pitching. We won one title. Jeter is a great hitter, fielder, leader and example. They won five titles.
Wreckmaniac
June 15th, 2012
12:13 pm
Great story. Jeter is, without a doubt, a super first class fellow. You can’t help but respect him for his ability and his attitude. He reminds me of Dale Murphy in the way he handles himself.
TomB
June 15th, 2012
12:15 pm
They(Yankees) also had(have) great pitching, P Rose
TomB
June 15th, 2012
12:17 pm
The Yankees also had the best closer in baseball for how many years? We had Wohlers.
av8rdawg
June 15th, 2012
12:19 pm
Chipper is a class act.
My little brother told me 10-15 years ago of him sitting with Chipper having a few beers in a bar (no,not Hooters), talking about everything under the sun. Chipper truly loves to sit down and get to know real people who are just your average Joe.
Oh, and towards the end of the night, Chipper insisted that my brother not drive home as Chipper had already paid the cab fare from Buckhead to Snellville for my little brother.
Thanks Chipper for loving Atlanta and the people in it!
Wreckmaniac
June 15th, 2012
12:22 pm
I know this. Even at age 40, if there was a game that had to be won, bases loaded, two outs, last inning, game tied, I would rather have Chipper at the plate more than any player today. More than Pujols, Votto, Robinson Cano, any name you can mention.
TomB
June 15th, 2012
12:22 pm
Lets be honest, how many people thought Chipper would still be playing at 40? It’s difficult for an everyday player to do this; the wear and tear on the body is too great. Now some pitches can last that long, but it’s rare for an someone who plays every night to last this long and still be productive. Kudos to both Chipper and Jeter.
Homer the Braves
June 15th, 2012
12:25 pm
You haters are gonna miss Chipper when Fransisco is starting at 3B next year.
Shelfish Chipper need 2 retrie now!
June 15th, 2012
12:29 pm
Pleezz…..I dont care what Jetter sez Chiper is a shelfish person for wanting 2 keep playin win all he is doin is draggin the team down.
DTB
June 15th, 2012
12:31 pm
Can’t wait to see Chipper leave, he will never be the player Jeter is…… so long Chipper
DetroitBraves
June 15th, 2012
12:38 pm
There are a lot of people that don’t like Jeter much, but I’ve always found that a little unfair. For the life of me I can’t remember one thing he’s really done that’s all that offensive, except maybe win a lot which is, of course, what he should be trying to do. I think a lot of it probably comes from the media love for him, where guys like McCarver and Sterling aren’t content to just let him be a sure-fire Hall of Famer, but instead feel a need to shove their other-worldly perception of him down our throats. But again, I don’t see how that’s Jeter’s fault.
LOL at the Braves
June 15th, 2012
12:38 pm
LOL!!
Mexican Sean Connery
June 15th, 2012
12:46 pm
No means yes.
Train Wreck Bystander
June 15th, 2012
12:52 pm
Did anyone really expect Jeter to say anything else? He heaped tons of baseball praise on CJ, and rightly & deservedly so. I heard the snippets on the radio pre-game show and thought it showed a lot of class on Jeter’s part.
Or were you expecting him to utter comments more suited for the clubhouse bulletin board?
Kerryb
June 15th, 2012
12:52 pm
I see that all of the complete and utter morons are on the blog today posting all of their usual trash no one cares to read.
K.Conway
June 15th, 2012
12:53 pm
GLAD CHIPPER IS GONE AFTER THIS YEAR! nO TO HOF!!!!!!!
phil
June 15th, 2012
12:53 pm
Chad
June 15th, 2012
11:38 am
Chipper bashers are dumber than a bag of hammers
*********
Yes, they are.
We don’t need Jeter to tell us what we already know. But thanks anyway, Mark, for seeming to think that we did.
Inside the Ashford Park
June 15th, 2012
12:57 pm
Great piece, Mark.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, Chipper! If May 2nd is the last time I see you play, then what a way to go out!
TXDawg3
June 15th, 2012
1:01 pm
It’s truly amazing how often those who “can’t” criticize those who “can.”
Braves in last palce by the all star brake
June 15th, 2012
1:04 pm
Becuz Chipper ensists upon staying on the team when he shold retrie now.
nick p.
June 15th, 2012
1:05 pm
pure class, things he would not say about his own teammate A-Rod! will be sad when i tell my kids of chipper and derek and them not getting to see for themselves!
Atlanta Dawgs
June 15th, 2012
1:07 pm
I was able to watch all the young Braves players that came through Macon in the eraly 90’s that helped establish the 14 year run of NL East titles. Watching Chipper on a weekly basis was fun. Granted he through more balls into the dirt than the first baseman’s glove, he was still a fan favorite. Say what you will, if you are a Braves fan, you will miss Chipper Jones when he is gone. Is he a fired up leader who is going to get in your face? No, but that is more of a result of how Bobby Cox ran the clubhouse. The Atlanta Braves was always about the team and not about primadonnas. Just look at all the guys that came in as free agents that caused problems elsewhere, they ddin’t cause problems here. Everyone knew their role. Chipper knows his and has performed to his abilities. He will be in Cooperstown as one of the greatest switch hitters of all time and one of the best 3rd baseman of all time. He lost 2 seasons to ACL tears and other wear and tear. What people fail to realize, you don’t find a ton of everyday players in MLB that play into their 40’s. You were always my favorite Brave and I will miss you when you are gone.
TXDawg3
June 15th, 2012
1:08 pm
Let me restate my comment…
It’s truly amazing how often and arrogantly those who “can’t” and have never accomplished anything criticize those who “can” and have sacrificed in order to accomplish their goals.
nick p.
June 15th, 2012
1:09 pm
i am not sure what some of your references to chipper and his divorce have to do with him as a ball player? i am pretty sure all of you living in glass houses have lived such a pure life that ones personal matters have become public for you to criticize, the man did everything he could for the Braves, and without him we would not even have the one ring that this town has!
nick p.
June 15th, 2012
1:10 pm
TX, your conclusion is that braves are struggling because of Chipper? if chipper retired this team would be in first place? you are truly an idiot beyond belief!
nick p.
June 15th, 2012
1:12 pm
TX believes that it was chipper who gave up the grand slam to arod, he also believes that it was chipper who was hot and cold as starting pitcher causing some of the losses, do you even know how to watch baseball?
Not So Casual Observer
June 15th, 2012
1:12 pm
I refer you Braves fans to the Hawk fans who spoke of Dominique in much the same way you speak of Chipper now.
Nique was traded and the Hawks have been searching for someone like him ever since.
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2012
1:22 pm
We stand corrected. Chipper is buttered toast and everybody else is burnt toast. All you deer-tattooed tobacco chewing weak obliqued Buck Commanders out there . . . have a nice day!
Jim
June 15th, 2012
1:23 pm
Thank you Chipper Jones. Just know most people feel the same and greatly outnumber the dolts.
DetroitBraves
June 15th, 2012
1:36 pm
I like Dominique Wilkins quite a bit, but he was a much more flawed basketball player than Chipper has been a baseball player.
Doesn’t changed the fact he was robbed of the slam dunk title in Chicago back in the day.
Whatupdawg
June 15th, 2012
1:36 pm
Funny hearing the Chipper bashers. He should retire? Yah, I am buying that. I will take a 40 yr old hitting .300 anyday. He is probably still in the top 3-5 3rd basemen today. Those that are bashing him, please go back to your mom’s basement and finish your Dungeons & Dragons marathon. Jeter, I have always respected the man (still hate those damn yankees, though). Even moreso now.
Bhamfornow
June 15th, 2012
1:36 pm
Chipper and the Braves better put their lovefest with the Yankees aside or they will get swept again next week. Yankees walked all over them for three games but the braves continue to yuk it up with them on the field. Why they didn’t knock down ARod after that home run? They have no heart left.
Jim
June 15th, 2012
1:38 pm
Does MENSA host this page?
Joey
June 15th, 2012
1:39 pm
“We were looking at all those flags {representing the run of 14 division titles] out there, and that’s pretty impressive,” he said”
**************************************
Very classy, Derek, to not mention the snickering about those flags (NL).
Bet those Yankees were real impressed with that Wild Card Championship . . .
Mark's for the braves
June 15th, 2012
1:40 pm
Jeter is a stand up guy and a super player. Just wish he didn’t play for the hated Yankees. Nice comments though.
Stinger 2
June 15th, 2012
1:41 pm
Clusters:Great to see you get called down for one too many needless
and wrong bashings of Chipper. I will give you credit for admiting you were wrong.
Bud No Weiser
June 15th, 2012
1:44 pm
Yep…Love the article, like Jeter…HATE the Yankees.
Herschel Talker
June 15th, 2012
1:45 pm
MB:
Jeez man, how many articles are you going to write on this guy? The nostalgia is getting old, but I guess you’ve got nothing else to cling to with the band of chokers. What a pathetic team that we have to keep dwelling on 40-year-old Chipper Jones. Pathetic stuff.
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ!!!
DUMP ALL THESE LOSERS!!!
IT’S TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE!!!
HT
Rod Paradise
June 15th, 2012
1:46 pm
I too hate the Yankees like many baseball fans do, but if you get a chance to watch the HBO special on Jeter 3K it will change your opinion of him. I still don’t like the Yankees, but this guy is a class act, and he stays humble and enjoys the game. I enjoyed seeing these guys grinning at each other, because when you are at that level doing things and then grinning that is them enjoying the level of competition. Its sort of like in football after big hits an guys grin, they say those hits hurt the worst, but both players are smiling. Same sort of thing here imho.
Joey
June 15th, 2012
1:49 pm
Chipper is a great talent, and fabulous hitter. But it is absurd for all you guys to call him “classy.”
Dale Murphy is classy.
Chipper Jones ain’t.
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2012
1:57 pm
Tender little fella, we was thinking that sounded like something we’ve heard before . . . about all the “championshps” and it didn’t sound like something somebody who has won real championships would say. The Ynakees probably did look at those little signs with awe . . . and they probably snickered a little bit about them, too. All that hugging and fanny patting and loving just means the Yankees will continue to have their way with these Braves. We was thinking if they don’t win a “championship wild card” this year maybe a Participation Award would be a good one to hang. You’d cheer that wouldn’t you, real, true, little fan?
jj
June 15th, 2012
1:58 pm
A good story to try to smooth over the last 4 game loses. Love Chipper but Fredi and McDowell are the pits.
UGAFAN
June 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
There is no doubt that Chipper is one of if not the greatest 3B to ever play the game. Its human nature not to fully appreciate something in the moment but rather appreciate it more when its gone. Me personally, I’m soaking in every moment I get to see Chipper play this season. He has always been a decent third baseman defensively but the way he approaches every at bat is amazing. He clearly has a plan everytime he is up at the plate and his eye for the strike zone is second to none. To switch hit and use the entire field when hitting is simply amazing. And one has to wonder if baseball has been so taxing on his family that its resulting in the split with his wife. I pray that they are able to work things out. Hang in there Chipper!
GwinnettDad
June 15th, 2012
2:02 pm
After the way the Braves played in the last three days, did Sharon time her decision to reflect just how badly the Braves stunk against the Yankees?
Greg Norton
June 15th, 2012
2:04 pm
Hershel is right on the money.
Stank Wren
June 15th, 2012
2:09 pm
Always been a Chipper fan but the differences in a 40 year old Chipper and a 37 year old Jeter are worlds apart.
The difference between Chipper and Jeter was glaring during the Yankees series. Everytime that Jeter got up to bat, everyone would be expecting a hit that would jumpstart the Yankees and get the offense going. And he delivered.
Everytime that Chipper got up to bat, I got up to go get a beer because I didn’t expect anything to happen (and I was right). With Jeter you expect success and with Chipper you are suprised when success happens.
P Rose
June 15th, 2012
2:10 pm
P Rose
June 15th, 2012
12:12 pm
We got Chipper, they got Jeter. Chipper is a great hitter. We had better pitching. We won one title. Jeter is a great hitter, fielder, leader and example. They won five titles.
I forgot to mention also that Jeter is a great baserunner, and he’s great at all of the above in the clutch.
Greg
June 15th, 2012
2:14 pm
I was hoping for some stats…
Stinger 2
June 15th, 2012
2:15 pm
Clusters: A true Braves fan will cheer for anything they win. This means each game regardless of how they finish in the standings. You are so hung up on your dislike for Chipper and Fredi that you cannot see anything good about this team. Why don`t you back off for a while and take a vacation.
There are enough other anti-Braves fans to keep up the negative assult while you are gone.
Mexican Sean Connery
June 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
Enter your comments here
Mexican Sean Connery
June 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
No means yesh
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2012
2:42 pm
Tender little man, we are enjoying blogging about the Braves and we watch them on television and go to games and sit where all the other fans sit . . . so we think we are as much a fan as a little tender tulip that tries to impose his will on everybody else. If you are content with losing streaks and having the Yankees come in and hand us our tipped caps . . . well, good for you. If, on the other hand, you have really accepted this organization’s claims of “championship” baseball for years . . . you are a major reason why the organization is not compelled to improve. They can do no wrong because you, tender one, are a “true” fan. Those of us who don’t drink the Kool-Aid are “unworthy” if we ask for more, expect more, demand more than this group cares to give. Now, Chipper could always hit but he’s no role model. He is not “classy” and he is not all that the publicists would like us to think. He is a ballplayer. A tattooed, seed spitting, ballplayer and that’s all right because that’s all we expect of him. If you want to talk with him about marrying your daughter, that’s all right with us. He should be available in a few months.
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2012
2:44 pm
We had a nice response all ready for tender tulip but the filter ate it. Maybe it will show up in a little bit. Maybe Chipper will show up tonight with men on base and will be more like Jeter.
Waffle House or Bust
June 15th, 2012
2:44 pm
Derek Jeter was great for the NY Yankees.
Chipper Jones was great for Chipper Jones.
CPR
June 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
Imagine if Jeter played for the Braves.
Imagine if Chipper played for the Yankees.
Joe
June 15th, 2012
2:50 pm
I’m back
Joe
June 15th, 2012
2:50 pm
Hooters waitresses are salivating now.
dean
June 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
GIMPER JONES can’t even……..
June 15th, 2012
11:43 am
Gimper Jones – the washed up – disabled – soon to be divorced has been 3rd basement cannot even begin to carry the jock strap of Derek Jeter……we will be fine without him and hopefully without that low rent no rate manager Fredi as well…….
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
I would hate to be you.
nobobfan
June 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Jeter is right. “Familiarity breeds contempt”. I was living in New York mid fifties thru early 60’s. Most people outside of NY don’t realize that Mickey Mantle was one of the most booed & belittled Yankee stars at home in his heyday.
SorryAZfans
June 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
Beautiful article Mark, just beautiful man! We sorryazfans just do not appreciate what we have had. It is ending all too soon.
CK Bigoldi
June 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
Chipper has an exceptional eye at the plate. He should spend some of his IR time teaching other players to swing at pitches over the plate and to take pitches 1′ outside…not the other way around.
Delbert D.
June 15th, 2012
4:48 pm
Being a decent human being is just so damn hard.
JSS
June 15th, 2012
7:08 pm
What is “dumber” than a man (or boy) who doesn’t realize you can’t drive (or hammer) a nail without a hammer?
Fats OKelly
June 15th, 2012
7:41 pm
When is Bones going to hit another home run?
BaseballBuff
June 15th, 2012
8:32 pm
Listen to all this sentimental mush over a couple of condescending comments from a guy with four world championships. I’m outta here.
bruce
June 15th, 2012
10:48 pm
Mark, wow, two positive baseball columns in a row!
Observer
June 15th, 2012
10:53 pm
Chipper Jones is one of the two greatest 3rd Basemen in History.
John Smoltz is one of the good pitchers of the 1990s.
Glavine was one of the very good pitchers of the 20th century.
Greg Maddox was one of the truly Great pitchers of all time.
Observer
June 15th, 2012
10:58 pm
John Smoltz…..State of Georgia baseball Hall of Fame
the real hall of fame….???? I don’t think so.
He just doesn’t have the numbers. 215 wins??? 150 saves????
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ……..
Not really very impressive.
Hall of Fame is for the elites. Smoltz was NOT an elite. Maddox was.
MLBsGod
June 15th, 2012
11:31 pm
Once Jeter gets to 4000, he will go down as the best overall MLB player of this era. There will be no player that can match his “Captain Clutch” performances, defensive big plays, and championships. There are some better homerun hitters of the era, but most of them play 1st base which takes them out of the convo. David Ortiz can play first and he still doesnt know which hand to put his glove on so he just switches every other inning. Jeters “overall” game and list of awards is tough to beat right now. The elitist 4000 hit club will seal the deal.
Packer Ed
June 16th, 2012
7:41 am
Imagine what Chippers stats and legacy woud be had Chipper been a Yankee?
cloudodust
June 16th, 2012
9:40 am
Good read, MB.
Redstategal
June 16th, 2012
11:09 am
Nice column, MB. First time I ever did the tomahawk chop was while watching Chipper Jones w/ my young kids, when he played for the Greenville Braves! Maybe there’s not as much excitement now when he steps to the plate, but there’s always a hopeful feeling — and that’s a special gift for fans. I’m not that optimistic about the team this year — they just didn’t do enough in the off season — but I’m glad to see Chipper finish out his career as a Brave.
Chip's greatest Fan
June 16th, 2012
12:13 pm
” Chipper Jones has become the Braves’ albatross: Too old, too frail, too high-salaried. ” I’ve been telling all 100 so-called Braves fans that you will regret what you’ve said about our best hitter at age 40 on our team. I have fought all of you till I’m blue in the face but you’re too stupid to listen. But you all know more about baseball than actual players so who cares , right?If he played for 7 million next year it would be the best bargain in MLB but all you would do is gripe, so be happy going back to the 60 win seasons and i’ll still be here listening to you morons gripe. Thanks a bloody lot.
Josephus
June 16th, 2012
12:33 pm
–wonder what “teebow” thinks of all of the chipster’s womanizing? but, of course, all the local jock-sniffers will still sing his praises. meanwhile, we’ll continue to watch his dribbling little grounders into inning-killing double plays while he gets close to 100k per game (whether he plays or not)
brown guy
June 16th, 2012
9:01 pm
Chipper had kids out of wedlock. Bobby Cox punched his wife. How is it that people hate Lebron James but yet cheer for two d-bags like this?
William Vonk
June 17th, 2012
10:55 am
Any individual who has made the, “Too old, too frail, too high-salaried,” comments is not a real fan. Simple as that.
Whine'er Cry Baby!
June 17th, 2012
12:20 pm
I hear that the Whine’er Cry Baby Jair Jurrjens is coming back up – Hope he gets BOO’ed out of the stadium and show this worthless Kawasucki reject what is really thought of him.
Cannot Wait!
June 17th, 2012
12:23 pm
I cannot wait for GIMPER JONES – the washed up Disabled Veteran to be gone…..he does not need to be a manager, he does not need to be a coach….what he needs to be is GONE….so we don’t have to look at his cocky arrogant stupid grin any more…..He is WASHED UP!
Capt Von Trapp
June 17th, 2012
4:31 pm
Bones Gimper Jones van not be coach,vecause he can not ask anyone to play through hang nails,etc. He is done ………………..I think they brought him back too soon AGAIN. Let him get well for the final crossing of das Rhine River. Ve dont need no “gimp”………..Let das wounded get well and come to das front lines later. Das gimber is setting the example all the others to bail it,it seems.
BTW this is just a stupid game so jock sniffers should not get bent over this.:)
Chip's greatest fan
June 17th, 2012
7:03 pm
Sonny Clusters is a douche bag. He has not been funny for about ,what, years now. Give it up . You’re to old and can’t write your position anymore.