The Atlanta Braves are bringing back one of the organization’s all-time great players. The team announced on Thursday that it has hired Chipper Jones as a special assistant in the baseball operations department.
Jones, 43, last played in the Majors back in 2012. He was an eight-time All-Star in 19 seasons, all with the Braves. During that span, Jones put up a .303 average with 468 homers.
The former third baseman ranks in the top five in Braves history in homers, hits, games played, runs scored and runs batted in. He also put up double-digit homers in his final 18 seasons with the team.
To say that the Braves bringing Jones back in an official capacity is a way for the fledgling franchise to get back to its roots would be an understatement.
He brings a keen eye for the game of baseball and has been closely connected with the organization since his retirement a few years back.
Jones had this to say about his return to the only franchise he called home during what will eventually be hailed as a Hall of Fame career:
“I am honored to be back working with the Braves.”
It’s not fully known what role Jones will take on, but this could potentially be a springboard to a larger role with the team moving forward.
When you're back in the game. #WelcomeHomeChipper pic.twitter.com/3CQigxTcrz
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) December 17, 2015
It is somewhat of a banner day for a Braves organization that has fallen on tough times recently. Though, it remains to be seen just how much of an impact Jones will have initially.
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