Former Atlanta Braves Great Chipper Jones back in the cages and taking ground balls

Braves Chipper back on the field, takes grounders and batting practice

Throughout my day, there are many things that make me smile.  But this, had me grinning from ear to ear!  Former Atlanta Braves and future MLB Hall of Famer Chipper Jones back on the field doing what he does best!

On Tuesday afternoon, Chipper traveled to Coolray Field to help a few of the Gwinnett players with their swings.  While doing so, Chipper decided to jump in the cages himself!

It’s been four years, nine months and 15 days — or 1749 days — since Chipper Jones’ final at-bat as a professional hitter with the Atlanta Braves.  October 1, 2012 we saw Jones walk off the field after recording a single to right field off A.J. Burnett in his only at-bat in his final game.  As he walked off the field, I think we all shed a few tears.

So many nights, so many years, this one man gave us all so much enjoyment and after that night it was all over.

Until Now?!  Chipper is Back!

Well, no.  The 45-year-old is not coming out of retirement (at least we don’t think so, 🙂 ha!), but wouldn’t that be nice?  What if the Braves traded Matt Adams in the next 13 days and the Braves move Freddie Freeman back to first base, leaving third base wide open…okay, okay, I joke.

Chipper has been working with the Gwinnett batters — I’ve been told — for a few days now.  And his focus has been on two guys…20-year-old Ozzie Albies and 19-year-old Ronald Acuna.

The Braves probably asked Chipper if he minded going to work with these guys to get them as ready as possible.  Show them a few tricks, give them a few pointers, help them with confidence, anything and everything!

Below are a few photos of Chipper’s day with Gwinnett and after that is the video of him in the cages and taking grounders.

Now a couple videos of Chipper in the batting cages and on the field…personally, I think he’s still got it at both areas. Give him a call John Coppolella, let’s get his cleats tighten again!

I don’t know about yal, but I can watch Chipper Jones take batting practice for hours.  I’ve already watched this video like 10 times.  The sound of the ball off his bat is just different.  That swing is just pure beauty, still!

Of course Chipper responded with humor…

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While I would love to see Chipper back in a uniform, that’s not happening.  So to see him back with our young prospects, I’ll take that.  Show them the ropes so we can have another round of greatness in Atlanta!