My kids were born in 1992 and 1995 respectively. They’ve followed the Braves their whole lives. For their entire lives, Chipper Jones has been the star player and leader of the ballclub.
They have no reference for what it is like to follow a Braves team without Chipper. Next year, we’ll all find out what that is like.
Tonight in Atlanta, the Braves are honoring the iconic third baseman as he begins his final home series. Fittingly, Jones and the Bravos will take on the Mets, a team against whom Chipper has done serious damage over the course of his 19 year MLB career.
During those 19 years, we’ve been to many Braves games and have cheered Chipper and his teammates on to numerous victories. When we saw the Braves defeat the Astros 4-1 last month, Chipper welcomed us and the other fans with a recorded message on Braves Vision - and with a two-run double.
After the game, in another recorded message, he thanked us for coming to the ballpark and encouraged us all to travel home safely and to return again soon.
We haven’t been able to return this season, but last season we saw the Braves play three times. In September, Holly and scored some great seats for a late season game with the Marlins and she snapped this close-up shot of #10.
Over the years, I can’t honestly tell you how many times we have seen the Braves play or how many times we’ve cheered as Chipper Jones came up with a big hit. I can tell you one highlight that comes to mind, though.
My former next door neighbor and I went to a day baseball game on August 19, 2002. The Braves were taking on the Rockies (and local hero, UT alum Todd Helton). The Braves fell behind in that game. They rallied late.
Chipper hit a home run as part of a three run rally to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth. Then, the Rockies went ahead 6-5 in the top of the ninth. Then-Brave, Gary Sheffield led off the 9th with a homer to tie the game. Up came Chipper.
They went back-to-back. The Braves won the game 7-6. I can still remember the image of Chipper beaming as he and Sheffield congratulated each other and celebrated the victory. Sheff’s Chefs were probably celebrating too - up in right field.
There have been many other highlights over the years. That’s just the first one that comes to mind.
Getting to see him play twice this season was great. And, as he did with that double to the gap in the Astros game I mentioned earlier, he hasn’t disappointed.
That’s been true throughout his career. All across Braves Country, we’ve enjoyed following his career and we celebrated the milestones. And we’ll do so again as he takes his final curtain call when the 2012 season comes to a close.
And we’ll all say, “Thanks Chipper.”
JG
Originally posted 9/28/2012
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