More smilin’ than stylin’
When Braves’ Chipper Jones announced his retirement after the 2012 season, baseball began saying goodbye to a great player – a fan favorite (unless you’re a Mets fan), who truly did “more smilin’ than stylin”. Eighteen years with one team
(and counting); 454 home runs; 1,500+ RBIs and runs scored; an MVP award; and the list goes on. The only switch hitter to achieve a .300 career average and 300 roundtrippers, Chipper should walk into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot.
Humble to the end, even in announcing his retirement he sang the praises of others who played out their careers with one team – specifically Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gwynn. In Chipper’s words, “While I don’t consider myself in their realm, I’m awfully proud to say I’ve been a part of this organization for so long.”
Well, Chipper, you did things so right for so long, but on this one you’re wrong. You are in the Ripken/Gwynn realm and BBRT looks forward to your induction into baseball’s ultimate “realm” – Cooperstown.
