1/24/18 12:01pm

Baseball Hall of Fame 2018: Chipper Jones enters Elite group with 1st Ballot entry

Photo: Getty Images

By. Andrew Rodberg

Growing up in Atlanta, I remember watching Braves games daily and cheering on my favorite baseball player, Chipper Jones. Now 5 years after his retirement, Jones is primed to be entered into the 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame. Ever since the Braves drafted Chipper with the 1st pick of the 1990 Draft, he instantly had a target on his back. With becoming the #1 draft pick, comes expectations that very few players are able to exceed, but Chipper was able to do more than that! From his time in the minor before sniffing the majors, Chipper was a consistent bat in the lineup. During his time with the 1991 Macon Braves, Chipper made himself known when he went 154/473 with 15 home-runs and 98 RBI’s while clinging to a .326 batting average. After that season, the Braves organization knew they had struck gold and moved Chipper to AA to test his will. A small dip in production in 1992, didn’t stop Chipper though. Following 2 years in the minors, Chipper finally made the majors.

On September 11th 1993, Chipper made his appearance in the big leagues and earned his 1st MLB hit 2 days later and the rest is history.

In 1995, Chipper became an everyday starter and racked up 139 hits on 524 at bats, 23 home-runs, and a .265 batting average. Upon coming on the scene, Chipper was in the Rookie of the Year discussion but ultimately lost to pitcher Hideo Nomo.

As Chipper began to get comfortable with being a pro, his play began to improve and from 1996-1998 he was named an All Star. With the organization sensing the magnitude of Chipper’s popularity, they knew they had to keep him. After being named an All Star in 3 consecutive seasons, Chipper became the 1999 MVP and followed up that feat with 2 more All Star bids in 2000 and 2001.

With Chipper at the top of his game, he showed his true colors and decided to stay in the city of Atlanta. With his contract expiring in 2000, Chipper signed a 6 year $90 million contract with the Braves. In 2005 he agreed to a 3 year $39 million contract and in 2009 he officially made it known that he would finish his whole career in a Braves uniform when he signed a 3 year $42 million contract and secure his place as one of the Braves All Time Greats!

On January 24th 2018, it was announced that Chipper Jones will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame! With this feat, Chipper joins Ken Griffey Jr, as the only players to make the Hall of Fame as the #1 overall picks in the MLB Draft.

Join me in Congratulating our very own Chipper Jones on becoming a Hall of Famer!!

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