A Tip Of The Cap To Chipper Jones

Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones is retiring at the end of the year, after 20 outstanding seasons with the Atlanta Braves.  The 40-year-old third baseman is having a splendid "victory tour" season, hitting .311, with a slugging percentage of .519 (entering Tuesday).

Jones owns a lifetime average of .304, with 467 home runs, while slugging .532.

The switch hitter went to high school in Jacksonville, Florida, making his debut with the Braves all the way back in 1993.  

Three years prior, the Braves selected Jones with the first overall pick in the 1990 draft.

Chipper Jones is a charitable, non-flamboyant man, who represents a refreshing alternative to the current "me first" generation of athletes.  

He is a sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer, upon becoming eligible five years after retirement.