Three seasons away from baseball was long enough for Chipper Jones.
The former National League MVP and longtime Atlanta Braves third baseman is returning to the organization as a special assistant reporting to general manager John Coppolella and president of baseball operations John Hart. Jones will primarily focus on working with Braves hitters during spring training and the regular season, but he will also assist with amateur scouting and minor-league development.
“After a few years of decompressing, I came to the undeniable conclusion that I want to be around the game again and, more particularly, around the Atlanta Braves,” the eight-time All-Star said in a statement. “Because of what we are in the process of building for this city and our fan base, I am extremely excited to be dipping my toe back into the water that is Braves baseball. I look forward to working with our players, as my passion for the art of hitting is something I hold near and dear to my heart.
“My hope is that I can be an extra set of eyes on our players and help supplement an already strong baseball operations department and coaching staff.”
Jones, who built a strong Hall of Fame resume as one of the best switch hitters in baseball history, retired after the 2012 season.
Though he’s maintained a constant presence around the franchise, notably having his number retired in 2013 and offering hitting advice to then-Brave Melvin Upton Jr., the move officially brings him back into the fold at a time when player development is an absolute necessity.
“We are excited to bring Chipper on board as a special assistant,” Coppolella said. “He brings a wealth of experience — from being a No. 1 overall draft pick, to having a highly successful career as a World Series champion, a league MVP and a batting champion, to coming back from major injuries. Chipper spent his entire Hall of Fame-caliber career in a Braves uniform and we look forward to his input with our staff and with our hitters.”
