In this day in age of sports where superstars switch teams like it's in style, one Hall of Famer found a way to remain loyal to the organization he spent his baseball life with. Braves legend Chipper Jones spent his entire 19-year career in Atlanta, but in a recent interview Chipper revealed one team tried to pry him out of Atlanta during the late stages of his career.
Dodgers came calling, but Chipper stuck with the Braves
The first ballot Hall of Famer joined Foul Territory to talk about the Braves offseason as well as answer other fun questions the panel had for him. Co-host, Erik Kratz asked Chipper if there was ever any other team besides Atlanta that he wondered what it would be like playing for. Chipper responded by spilling the beans about the Dodgers calling him the year he retired.
Dodgers President Stan Kasten called Chipper with the offer for him to play whenever he wanted, and to serve as a clubhouse leader for the young Dodgers. Jones responded with "If I wear any other uniform other than a Braves uniform, they will burn my house down in Atlanta."
"If I wear any other uniform other than a Braves uniform, they will burn my house down."@RealCJ10 said the Dodgers tried to recruit him at the end of his career. pic.twitter.com/FEneLIaqoI
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) December 16, 2024
Chipper continued by saying his body and life was telling him retirement was the right decision and Atlanta was always the perfect speed for him. It's why the marriage between Chipper and the Braves never wavered.
Jones wanted a place to play that was close to home, and he described Atlanta as "My kind of town." It's another reason Chipper never hit free agency, because of his desire to remain in a stable winning organization.
We know the Dodgers sign every talented baseball player they can today, but it's a bit shocking to hear them go after a player who was so entrenched in one organization over a decade ago.
Chipper's loyalty is why he never had to issue that tearful goodbye to Braves fans. It's why he's still beloved by fans today, and involved with making sure the organization continues it's winning ways in present day. It's a rare thing nowadays, but we sure are glad we never had to witness Chipper rock the number 10 in Dodger blue.