Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
Atlanta fans should always be thankful that Todd Van Poppel told the Braves he wouldn’t pitch for them if they picked him at No.1 in the 1990 Draft. Instead, they chose Larry “Chipper” Jones, a man who showed toughness, overcoming an early injury to come back and forge a Hall of Fame career that left many cheering for him — save for Mets fans, who loved to boo him, but gave him grudging respect.
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus, we'll send you other unbelievable stories from baseball's past.
Batting Title Blitz: Chipper’s 2008 NL Crown at Age 36
In 2008, with gray hairs peeking under his helmet, Chipper Jones posted a jaw-dropping .364 average, besting hitters half his age for the NL batting title. Although some might point out that it was done in 128 games, he still met the requirements for the lead in both batting average and on-base percentage.
MVP Mayhem: The 1999 Season Pitchers Would Rather Forget
Chipper probably didn’t want the 1990s to end. His ’99 campaign was a worthy send-off: 45 home runs, 110 RBIs, and an MVP trophy on his mantle. His bat produced more of a light show than Times Square did to usher in a new millennium.
400th Home Run: A Milestone Moonshot for the Ages
Only a handful of legends reach 400 homers, and Chipper’s blast in 2008 sent Turner Field into a frenzy. Fans were climbing the seats in an attempt to get the milestone ball.
1,600 RBIs: Chipper’s Relentless March Up the Leaderboard
Chipper knew that driving in runs gave his team the best chance to win. He finished with 1,623 RBIs—driving in runs in every possible way and earning every high-five from teammates.
Eight-Time All-Star: Making the Midsummer Classic Routine
Across his career, Chipper earned eight trips to the All-Star Game, making him a fixture at the Midsummer Classic. He earned enough respect to be able to give a clubhouse speech at his final All-Star Game, and all the other National League superstars listened in rapt attention.
An Elite Switch-Hitting Force: Joining the 400/1,500 Club
Only a rare breed can crush from both sides of the plate and rack up 400+ home runs and 1,500+ RBIs. He earned his place alongside Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray.
2,726 Hits: Spraying Doubles Like Confetti
Chipper was far from just being a slugger. He could use the entire field, and he did so, spraying singles, doubles, and triples among his home runs to finish with an impressive 2,726 career hits.
Two-Time Silver Slugger: Proof of a Lethal Bat
Chipper was an all-around dangerous hitter. His two Silver Sluggers were a true testament to that, showing that he was the best offensive player at his position.
468 Home Runs: The Longevity of a True Crusher
When Chipper finally hung up his cleats, he’d slugged 468 home runs. His favorite visiting ballpark? Shea Stadium. He hit 19 of his homers there. No wonder one of his kids’ middle names is Shea.
Chipper Goes to Cooperstown
“Chipper Goes to Cooperstown” sounds like one of those 1940s comedies. It was a serious occasion, though, as Chipper Jones joined a stacked Hall class of 2018 alongside Jack Morris, Trevor Hoffman, Vlad Guerrero, Jim Thome, and Alan Trammell. True to form, he graciously acknowledged their impact on the game before giving his own speech.