Today, the Atlanta Braves announced officially on twitter that they will be retiring 5x All Star, and 10x Gold Glove outfielder Andruw Jones’s number on September 9th. This will be the eleventh Brave to have their number retired by the team. Jones, an elite centerfielder, played 12 years for the Braves, and played in two World Series for the club as well.
No @Braves player will ever again wear No. 25!
— MLB (@MLB) April 3, 2023
Atlanta will be retiring Andruw Jones' number this September. pic.twitter.com/gsbyIOQ0vP
Jones was a cult figure for fans in the 1990s, along with Chipper Jones. His career stats are more than enough to warrant his prestigious #25’s retirement. Jones racked up 434 home runs and 1,234 hits during his career. Jones hit two home runs in the 1996 World Series, making him the youngest player to homer in World Series history, plus 8 more in his postseason career with the Braves. Throw in an additional 65 hits and 34 RBI.
One top of all of that, Andruw is considered by most to be one of the best defensive centerfielders to ever play the game. He won Gold Gloves from 1998-2007 for his work at the position and his defensive acumen has been one of the more underappreciated arguments for his inclusion in the baseball Hall of Fame.
Jones's reach after retirement
Jones started his career with Atlanta as a fresh faced 19 year-old, who quickly racked up his first career hits and home runs. Jones also flashed his glove several times in his early days, proving himself a valuable defensive asset as well as offensive. Jones played in the postseason nine of eleven years with the team. He was the face of a golden era of Braves Baseball that created millions of lifelong fans.
Jones has even influenced the team even after his departure and retirement. Ozzie Albies cited his reason for signing with the Braves was due to Jones' connection with the team and being a fellow Curacao native. Former Braves closer Kenley Jansen cited Jones as an influence as well. Country singer Morgan Wallen even paid homage to Jones in his newest hit song “'98 Braves.” The retirement ceremony for Jones will be held at 7:20 p.m. shortly before the Braves play the Pirates at Truist Park.