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Taking Names and Keeping Score
Amidst all that the one report that really caught my interest was one coming out of the Atlanta Braves camp about the problems the veteran "Chipper"Jones was already experiencing with the hamstrings in his legs. One commentator went so far as to question whether Jones, who is considered by many to be the Braves' franchise player, would be physically able to play at his normal level this season and whether his Major League career which began with his first game in the big leagues on September 11, 1993 might be waning. If that were to be the case the commentator went on to question whether Jones, who most of us have considered a definite candidate for the Hall of Fame some day, might find himself like another longtime Brave favorite, Dale Murphy, on the outside looking in when his name came up on the ballot in the years to come. As the report was being delivered the reporter and the hosts of the show all seemed convinced Jones probably needs three to five more productive seasons of playing 130 or more games to assure himself induction to the HOF. When you compare some of Jones' current career totals to that of the much beloved Murphy they are quite similar. Murphy in his career accumulated 2111 hits, 398 homeruns, 1266 RBIs with a .265 batting average. Jones at this point in his career has 2117 hits, 386 homeruns, 1299 RBIs and a career batting average of .307. The biggest difference is Murphy put up those numbers over an 18 year Major League Career which included 15 years with the Braves while Jones is beginning his 15th season all of which have been with the Braves. Looking at other areas Murphy, who was one of the most highly respected players of his era also won two National League MVP awards and led the National League in homeruns, RBIs and slugging percentage twice in his career. Jones on the other hand won the 1999 National League MVP award and had an eight year streak of producing 100 or more RBIs in a season ending in 2004. Unlike Murphy who was the center piece of many Braves teams that struggled in mediocrity, Jones had a major role in leading the Braves to 13 straight Division Titles and one World Series Title during his career thus far. Although no one can tell exactly how those who vote on the Hall of Fame inductees might feel about Jones if his career tapered off or ended suddenly, it stands to reason that if he could manage to continue producing at past levels for three to five more seasons the numbers they would be considering would probably help to justify his selection over that of someone like Murphy. Only time will tell if too many hours on the grueling stage of Major League Baseball has taken enough of a toll on the body "Chipper" Jones to leave him in the position of not having enough days left to achieve all he can. Let's hope not! Because after all, what would the Braves or Major League Baseball in 2008, for that matter, be without "Chipper".
Until next time……be safe!
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