Former Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox and Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron participated in the tribute.
Special bases which said “Chipper Jones 1993-2012” on them were used during the game and before the game the third base was handed to Jones by Aaron during the tribute.
The number 10, Jones’ number, was painted on the center field and the on deck circles also had the Chipper Jones logo on them. Tribute videos to Jones were played between innings throughout the night.
Baseball Commissioner Bud Segil said on a video message to Jones, “It’s obvious where you’re headed. The next time we all see you will be in Cooperstown, N.Y.”
Jones, who debuted on Sept. 11, 1993, received the MVP award in 1999, the Silver Slugger Award in 1999 and 2000 and the 2008 batting title.
Jones has 468 homeruns and 1623 runs batted in in his career. He holds the third most homeruns by a switch hitter and has the most RBIs of a third baseman.
The team gave Jones and his family a trip to Hawaii and a plaque shaped like home plate made by Turner Field bricks and the team president John Schuerholz announced that Jones’ clubhouse locker would be moved to Jones’ home.
“I feel like every one of you are my younger brothers,” Jones said to his teammates in an emotional speech. “You have done such a great job of coming back after what happened last year. I’m so proud of each and every one of you.”
Jones later wrote on Twitter, “Unbelievable nite at the Ted, regardless of the loss! Great vibes and lots of love all over the place. U lifted me up ATL! Thk u to everyone.”
Painted behind home plate is “Always a Brave. Thanks Chipper.”
Picture courtesy of Kevin Liles, US Presswire
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