Chipper Jones rounded third base, took one look at his grinning teammates surrounding home plate and flung his batting helmet into the air before jumping into the welcoming party.
The moment Jones said he'll savor in retirement came after a dramatic homer that can help his chances of one more postseason.
Jones hit a three-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon with two outs in the ninth inning, capping a five-run rally that sent the Atlanta Braves over the Philadelphia Phillies 8-7 on Sunday.
The switch-hitting Jones was swinging as a left-handed hitter when he saw three straight fastballs from Papelbon. Jones pulled the third pitch deep into the right-field seats.
Then came the celebration every player cherishes – none more than the 40-year-old Jones, who is retiring after the season.
Jones hit a three-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon with two outs in the ninth inning, capping a five-run rally that sent the Atlanta Braves over the Philadelphia Phillies 8-7 on Sunday.
The switch-hitting Jones was swinging as a left-handed hitter when he saw three straight fastballs from Papelbon. Jones pulled the third pitch deep into the right-field seats.
Then came the celebration every player cherishes – none more than the 40-year-old Jones, who is retiring after the season.
Chipper is retiring? Boy do I feel old. My nieces just got his autograph this summer.
ReplyDeleteHow would you use sports to engage youth and then teach them an educational concept?
Emily