Chipper Jones

At 52 years old, Chipper Jones has this physical status:

Larry Wayne Jones Jr. (born April 24, 1972) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) player.

Jones was the Atlanta Braves' top overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft and their primary third baseman from 1995 to 2012 (with the exception of 2002–2003, when he mainly played left field).

He was also a member of the Cleveland Indians in 1995 World Series championship.

Jones, an eight-time All-Star, received the 1999 National League (NL) Most Valuable Player Award and the 1999 and 2000 NL Silver Slugger Award for third basemen.

After hitting.364, he became the MLB batting champion in 2008. Jones retired in 2012 with a.303 career batting average, 468 home runs, and 1,623 RBI.

Jones has the most career RBI for a third baseman and holds the Braves' highest on-base percentage (.402); he ranks third on the Braves' career home run list.

Jones spent his entire 19-year MLB career and all 23 years as a professional baseball player in the Atlanta area, and he ranks second behind Eddie Murray for career batting average of at least.300 and 400 runs, and he is the only switch hitter in MLB history with a lifetime batting average of at least.300 and 400 or more home runs.

He was the first hitter in MLB history to hit 5,000 at bats,.400 on-base percentage, and.500 slugging percentage, and the only switch hitter to reach all of these milestones on June 28, 2013.

In his first year of eligibility, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29, 2018.

Early life

Chipper Jones was born on April 24, 1972 in DeLand, Florida. Larry Wayne Jones, Sr., was a teacher and mentor at T. DeWitt Taylor High School in Pierson, the same high school where Jones would later attend and play baseball. Lynne Jones' mother is the head of a family. Jones' father and other family members, who regarded the younger Larry as a "chip off the old block," gave him the nickname "Chipper." He demonstrated an early love for baseball, largely as a result of his dad's service as a mentor, and began playing Little League teams at age seven.

Jones started his high school baseball career at Taylor High School, where he pitched a one-hitter as a freshman. As a sophomore, he began at The Bolles School, where he was a two-way footballer. He had a 6–3 win-loss record as a pitcher with 87 strikeouts and a 1.89 earned run average (ERA), winning him First Team All-State recognition. Jones also received a state championship in baseball in 1989, winning First Team All-State honors in both football and baseball. He was also voted the tournament's Most Valuable Player, with an 11–1 pitching record, 0.81 ERA, and 107 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched. The Bulldogs were the state runner-up in his senior season, with a 1.00 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 79 innings on the mound, and a.488 with 14 stolen bases.

Jones, the Runner-up National Player of the Year, was named in the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2012, and he was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Jones was offered a scholarship to play college baseball at the University of Miami.

Personal life

When Jones was playing with the Braves class A affiliate in Macon, Georgia, he met his first wife, Karin Fulford. The couple married in 1992 and divorced in 2000 after it was revealed that Jones had an 18-month extramarital affair with a Hooters waitress that gave birth to Matthew, a boy who was born in 1998.

In March 2000 in Pierson, Florida, he married second wife Sharon Logonov. They have three sons: Larry Wayne III (Trey), Tristen, and Shea, who were named after Shea Stadium due to Jones's enduring success in the stadium. Jones and his partner Sharon are divorced as of June 14, 2012. In November of the same year, their divorce was finalized.

Jones started dating former Playboy model Taylor Higgins shortly after his divorce from Logonov. On June 14, 2015, Jones and Higgins were married. Jones and Higgins announced on Twitter on June 21, 2016, that they were expecting a baby in January 2017. Cutler Ridge Jones' son was born in Atlanta on January 11, 2017. Cooper, their second son, was born on August 9, 2018.

Jones is a fan of deer hunting. Jones, a co-owner of Outdoor Channel's hunting show Buck Commander, met with colleagues and pros, including Adam LaRoche, Tom Martin, and Willie Robertson. He and longtime friend Matt Duff are currently co-owner and co-host of the television show Major League Bowhunter, which airs on the Sportsman Channel.

Jones launched "Chipper Chardonnay," a charity wine that helps children with disabilities.

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Professional career

Jones was drafted first overall in the 1990 Major League Baseball draft and signed him to a $275,000 signing bonus. Atlanta expressed the desire to draft pitcher Todd Van Poppel as the first pick; however, Van Poppel has stated that he would not sign with the Braves. Jones was then selected by Atlanta, who was playing shortstop at the time.

Jones appeared with the Macon Braves, Atlanta's class-A minor league affiliate, in 1991. In 473 at bats, his average was.326, with 24 doubles, 11 triples, 15 home runs, 40 steals, 69 walks, and 79 strikeouts; however, he made 56 errors at the shortstop position.

Jones played for the Durham Bulls, the Braves' Class A-advanced minor league team, in 1992. Jones was.277 after 70 games, then he was moved to the Greenville Braves, where he reduced his error total from 56 in the previous season to 32.

Jones played with the Richmond Braves for 139 games before being called to Atlanta for his first major league appearance.

Jones was involved in a bench-clearing brawl with future Major League players Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome during his time in the Braves' minor league system. Thome and Jones will continue to have a close friendship over the years. Following the Braves' instruction, he converted his shortstop to third base.

Jones made his major league debut on September 11, 1993, becoming the league's youngest player. Since veteran Ron Gant broke his leg in an offseason dirt bike crash, he was supposed to compete for the starting left field job. However, Jones suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee in spring preparation. As a result, he spent the entire 1994 season on the disabled list.

Jones led all major league rookies in runs batted in 1995 (RBIs; 86), games played (145), plate appearances (602), and runs scored (87). Hideo Nomo, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, came second in the National League Rookie of the Year Award balloting last year. Jones played in the 1995 World Series, in which the Braves triumphed in six games over the Cleveland Indians, in addition to achieving a level of personal glory. He appeared in the 1996 World Series, in which the Braves lost to the New York Yankees in six games.

Jones was the first official to be struck at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium before its closure and demolition in 1997, as well as the first strike in Turner Field history. Jones finished ninth in the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1998, scoring 123 runs and 96 walks (both fourth best in the league).

Jones earned the National League MVP award in 1999 after being the first player to reach over.300 (.319) while slugging 40 or more runs (126; 3rd in the league), notching 100 or more RBI (1612) or picking 20 or more bases (25). Jones was not chosen for the MLB All-Star Game this year, which was ironically. He was also walked intentionally 18 times, finishing second in the league and fourth in the NL, with a.633 slugging percentage ranking 4th best in the NL. The New York Mets' performance against the Braves' top prospects was a major factor in his selection as MVP. The Braves led the National League East by only one game as they entered a three-game September match against the Mets, the team that was right on their heels. Nevertheless, Atlanta swept the series at Turner Field, mainly due to Jones, who hit four home runs and drove in seven of the Brave's 13 runs. He hit.319 on-base percentage, a 1.000 slugging percentage, and seven home runs against the Mets, making it a season-opening record. Jones drew the ire of Mets fans by saying, "Now, all the Mets fans can go home and put their Yankees' stuff on." Jones led the Braves to the World Series against the New York Yankees, which was a landslide for the Braves.

In 2000, Jones signed a six-year, $90 million deal with the Braves. Jones averaged.330 in 2001, the fifth best in the league, and he led the league with a.349 road batting average. On his 29th birthday, he hit two home runs. However, his defense factor of 2.14 ranked him last among the regular third basemen who qualified for the fielding rankings.

Jones, a former Braves assistant who had won the NL East every year since 1995 World Series victory, was involved in a public "lingering feud" with former teammate John Rocker in 2001. On the radio, Rocker referred to Jones as "Chip's white garbage" and "as two-faced as they came." The two people appeared to have achieved peace by late June.

Jones revealed his willingness to move from third base to left field to make room for the new Vinny Castilla before the 2002 season began. Jones was fine in left field, but he returned to third base after two previous playoff departures in 2002 and 2003, including a hamstring injury in the early 2004 season and the struggles of third baseman Mark DeRosa.

He batted.327, his fifth best in the Netherlands, and his fifth best in the country. Jones had a.435 on-base percentage at third place in the league. In a 5–4 victory over the San Diego Padres on August 16, 2004, he achieved his 300th home run of his career. Jones reworked his deal with the Braves, freeing up funds for the Braves to hunt elite free agents and virtually guaranteeing he will end his career in Atlanta following the 2005 season. The Braves received $15 million over the next three years, as well as $6 million in 2006. The new contract also switched two final team option years to guaranteed contracts.

Jones was chosen to participate in the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic (along with Braves teammates Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann). In his first at bat of the Classic against Mexico, he scored a home run off of Atlanta Braves teammate scar Villarreal, who was with the team from 2006 to 2007. In the tournament, Jones went 6-for-17 with a double and two home runs.

Jones' 2006 season was one of many milestones. Dale Murphy, a former outfielder from Boston and Milwaukee, became the Atlanta Braves' all-time RBI leader after driving in his 1,144th run against the Houston Astros on June 10, placing Jones third on the franchise's all-time list (including Hank Aaron (2,202) and Eddie Mathews (1,388).

Jones made his 1,902nd appearance in his career on July 15, 2006, defeating Hank Aaron for the Atlanta Braves' all-time hits leader. He scored a home run to extend his extra-base hitting streak to 14 games on Sunday, beating the 1927 record held by Pittsburgh's Paul Waner. Jones' first three-home run game came a month later on August 14. In the Braves' 10–4 victory over the Washington Nationals, Jones was homered in his final three at bats, finishing the night 4-for-5 with five RBIs. Despite successes on the track, injuries dogged Jones during the season, and the Braves missed out on playoff play for the first time in his career.

During the 2007 season, Jones did well both offensively and defensively. In the second inning against the Cleveland Indians for his 2,000th hit in his career, he hit a single. Jones tied for first on the all-time Atlanta Braves home run list on July 5 when he struck his 371st and 372nd home runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. This game was also the first time he had seen homers from both sides of the plate since 2000. In the ninth inning against San Diego Padres pitcher Kevin Cameron, who had only allowed one extra base hit all year, he had his 400th career double in his career. Jones hit a career high of 5 RBIs on July 29, the Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 14–0. He did it again against the Cincinnati Reds on August 23. Jones hit a dramatic three-run homer to right field off Mets starter John Maine in the fifth inning of an August 9 game at Shea Stadium. It will be measured at 470 feet (140 m) later this year.

Jones finished first in the National League in times reached base (14) and OPS (0.29), second in batting average (.337) and third in OBP (.425) and SLG (.604). He also ranked sixth in MVP polling, his highest finish since winning the award in 1999.

Although the Atlanta Braves enjoyed some early success, injuries to the pitching staff spoiled the ample contributions from Atlanta's potent offense. Though the Braves had a winning streak, they came in third in the National League East, and the postseason was postponed.

In late 2007, Chipper Jones opened the Chipper Jones' 10th Inning Baseball Academy in Suwanee, Georgia.

Jones started his season in 2008 by hitting over.400 in April and slugging 7 home runs, including the first home run at Nationals Park in the inaugural game on Opening Day. He also played in back-to-back games in which he scored two home runs. Despite these accolades, Chase Utley was subsequently named NL Player of the Month in April. Jones was hitting.414 with 15 home runs on June 13, but his average dropped to.393 by June 22.

On June 5, Ricky Nolasco of the Florida Marlins made his 400th home run of his career, and he was named NL Player of the Week for the week from June 2-8. He was selected to play in the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, garnering the most votes from fans, administrators, and other participants of any NL third basemen. Jones won his first batting title at the age of 36, becoming the oldest switch-hitter to win a batting championship. Jones reached.364 in 2008, just one point off the all-time switch-hitter record for a season of.365, which was set by Mickey Mantle in 1957.

Jones set a new MLB record for the most consecutive 20+ home runs seasons to start a career (14).

Jones accepted an invitation to compete for the USA team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic in December 2008. He was playing with teammate Brian McCann. Jones was kicked out of an elimination game in the 2009 World Baseball Classic after putting his right oblique muscle to the test while playing for Team USA. The news came an hour before the game against Team Netherlands was scheduled. Jones blasted Toronto and the World Baseball Classic's play schedule on March 13, 2009.

Jones decided to a three-year $42 million contract extension with the Braves on March 31, 2009; the contract includes an option that could increase the value of the Braves to $601 million over four seasons. Jones struck out four times in one game against the Giants and Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum on May 28, for the first time in his career.

He was ranked #10 on the Sporting News list of the top current players in baseball in 2009. A committee of 100 baseball experts, many of whom were members of the Baseball Hall of Fame and winners of major baseball awards, was selected to compile the list.

Jones led all third basemen in errors in 2009, with 22, and had the lowest fielding percentage of any starting third baseman (.930).

Jones got off to a slow start in 2010 and met with Atlanta Braves management in June to discuss potential retirement at the end of the season, but his success increased as the season progressed. Jones' season came to an end after he was hurt in a game against the Houston Astros on August 10, 2010; injury reports indicated that he had torn the ACL in his left knee, which would necessitate surgery. In a press conference on August 13, he said that he would not resign and that "I don't want the fans' final picture of me" to be one of them hurt on the track."

During the off-season, Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren told David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Jones will likely be ready for Opening Day, saying, "I think he's progressed very well." When he was away for a week in the winter, he had a setback—I believe he was actually on a hunting trip—and he wasn't doing the [leg] lifts—which was unfortunate. However, he was fined as soon as he got back to his weight. He should not have any limitations going into spring training right now, as he speaks with the trainers.

Jones made rapid strides in his recovery and took part in spring training. He was in the Braves' opening day lineup against the Nationals, winning the first time and scoring his first run of the 2011 Major League Baseball season.

In the Braves' home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 8, 2011, Jones struck his 2,500th base hit. Bobby Cox, his former boss, was in attendance. With a solo home run off Randy Choate, he registered his 1,500th RBI against the Florida Marlins on April 13, 2011. Chipper made his 500th double against the San Diego Padres on April 26, 2011. Jones tied Mickey Mantle for second-most RBIs by a switch hitter, while the Braves defeated the San Diego Padres 7–0 on April 27, 2011.

Jones suffered with a torn meniscus in his right knee for the first half of the 2011 season, and he was given Cortisone shots in an attempt to ease the pain. He wanted to have arthroscopic surgery and was placed on the disabled list when this became ineffective, and on July 9, 2011, he underwent it. On July 25, he returned to the lineup.

Jones hit the Chicago Cubs with a three-run homer on August 12, 2011 for his 1000th extra base hit. Jones announced on August 19, 2011, that he will return for the 2012 season, the final year on his deal, putting an end to all rumors about his potential retirement. Jones earned his 450th home run off John Lannan of the Washington Nationals on August 31, 2011.

Jones would leave the Braves after 19 major league seasons with the organization on March 22, 2012. In a variety of sports blogs, a fan tribute song named "The Chipper Jones Song" was featured.

Jones began the 2012 season on the disabled list following surgery on March 26, 2012, to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. On April 10, he was activated from the disabled list and was in the lineup against the Houston Astros; he went 2–4 with a single and a two-run home run, assisting the Braves in their first victory of the season.

On his 40th birthday, Jones was in the lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 24, 1974. In Atlanta's 4–3 victory, he hit his first home run for the first time in his career, posting a career high of.429 (21-for-49), with five home runs on his birthday. Jones knocked in the winning run in the 9th inning on the next day in his last regular-season at-bat at Dodger Stadium of his career. Jones capped off a thrilling extra-inning match with the Philadelphia Phillies on May 2nd by hitting a 2-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the 11th. As a result of a 15-13 Braves victory that saw the team return from two deficits of five runs or more, he referred to the game-winning home run as one of his career's best individual performances.

Jones was struck by a ground ball and sustained a serious contusion to his left leg during a May 18 game in Tampa Bay. Since it became clear that the injury would take longer to recover, he was put on the DL on May 25, he was put on the DL. On June 10, Jones rejoined the Braves' lineup.

Jones was able to hit his 460th home run off Trevor Cahill of the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 27, 2012, putting Jones in 33rd place on the list of top 100 Major League home run hitters. Jones is now in 33rd place on the list of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders, surpassing Lou Gehrig's record for doubles in the same series with Arizona on June 29, 2012.

Jones was drafted as a replacement for the injured Matt Kemp on July 3, 2012. He was playing his third game in a row and the first since 2002. In his pregame address to his NL teammates, he said he wished the National League would win the All-Star game.

Jones hit a single into right field at his first (and only) at bat during the game, winning 8–0. Jones was hitting.318 with 6 home runs and 33 RBIs at the All-Star Game break on July 8, 2013.

Jones made his 2,700th home runs on August 16, 2012, hitting two home runs and collecting his second home runs. Jones took his 1,500th walk in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 12, 2012, becoming the first switch hitter in Major League Baseball history to have at least 2,500 hits, 1,500 runs, 1,500 runs, and 1,500 walks. Jones also featured Stan Musial, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Lou Gehrig as the only Major League players to reach at least 2,500 runs, 1,500 runs, 500 home runs, and 1,500 RBIs, while hitting.300 with a.400 on-base percentage and.500 slugging percentage.

Jones retired after hitting over.300 from both sides of home plate during his career. Frankie Frisch, the only other player to do so in a career at least 5,000, is Frankie Frisch, the only other one. He and Mickey Mantle are the only two switch-hitters in MLB history to have an on-base percentage of.400, slugging percentage of.500, and 400 home runs in their careers. Jones had the most RBIs of any player who was primarily a third baseman.

Following a tense call by umpire Sam Holbrook, the Braves lost 6–3. Jones scored a broken-bat single for an infield base hit in his last at-bat, with two outs in the ninth's bottom.

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