Chipper Jones, whose full name is Larry Wayne Jones Jr., is a retired American professional baseball player. Born in 1972 in DeLand, Florida, he is best known for his exceptional career as the third baseman for the Atlanta Braves from 1995 to 2012. With a net worth of $90 million, Jones has established himself not only as one of the most talented baseball players but also as a successful businessman and sports analyst.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jones grew up in a sports-driven family, as his father, Larry Sr., was a high school teacher and coach. His early exposure to baseball started at T. DeWitt Taylor High School, where his father coached. It was during these years that Jones began to make a name for himself. By the time he transferred to Bolles School, he had already shown remarkable talent in both baseball and football. His 6-3 record and .391 batting average earned him numerous accolades, including First Team All-State honors.
In 1989, Jones played his final high school season, leading his team to a state championship in baseball. His impressive skills on the field garnered the attention of scouts across the country. That same year, Jones won the Gatorade Circle of Champions Florida Baseball Player of the Year award. He also placed second in the National Player of the Year voting. After graduating, Jones accepted a baseball scholarship from the University of Miami, but it wasn’t long before Major League Baseball came calling.
Entry into Major League Baseball
Jones’s journey to the big leagues began in 1990 when the Atlanta Braves selected him as the first overall pick in the MLB draft. His career as a professional baseball player began in the Braves’ minor league system, where he played for the Macon Braves, Durham Bulls, and Greenville Braves. His stellar performances earned him a promotion to the Richmond Braves, the Braves’ AAA affiliate, and eventually led to his debut in the MLB in September 1993.
Major League Breakthrough
Jones’s MLB debut was a glimpse into what would be an illustrious career. However, the young star faced a significant setback when he tore his ACL during spring training in 1994. The injury sidelined him for the entire season, but Jones bounced back in 1995. That year, Jones played a pivotal role in helping the Braves win the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, marking one of the highlights of his early career. As a rookie, he led all MLB rookies in various categories, including RBIs and runs scored.
In 1999, Jones had a career-defining year, hitting over .300 with more than 40 home runs and 100 RBIs. His incredible performance earned him the National League MVP Award, solidifying his status as one of the top players in baseball. During the same year, he helped the Braves make it to the World Series, although the team was swept by the New York Yankees.
Continued Success and Achievements
In 2000, Jones signed a lucrative six-year, $90 million contract with the Braves. He continued to excel on the field, achieving a .330 batting average in 2001 and setting multiple records throughout his career. He became the Braves’ all-time RBI leader and holds the record for the most career RBIs for a third baseman. Furthermore, Jones became the second all-time switch-hitter in RBIs, only behind Eddie Murray.
During his career, Jones earned numerous accolades, including being an eight-time All-Star and winning two Silver Slugger Awards. His versatility was also notable, as he briefly played left field before returning to his primary position at third base. In 2006, Jones hit his 300th career home run, further cementing his place in MLB history.
In 2009, Jones signed a three-year, $42 million contract extension, and Sporting News ranked him among the top 10 greatest current baseball players. His final season in 2012 was a fitting conclusion to a legendary career. Jones was selected to the NL All-Star Team and hit numerous milestones, including his 460th career home run. He retired as the MLB’s all-time leader in RBIs for a third baseman.
Post-Playing Career
Following his retirement, Chipper Jones remained active in baseball and media. In 2013, the Atlanta Braves honored Jones by inducting him into the Braves Hall of Fame and retiring his #10 jersey. His legacy was further solidified when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 on the first ballot, a testament to his remarkable career and contributions to the sport.
In 2020, Jones transitioned into broadcasting, joining ESPN as a color analyst for Wednesday Night Baseball. His deep knowledge of the game and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite in this new role.
One of the more memorable moments of Jones’s post-playing career came in 2014 during a snowstorm in Atlanta. Jones rescued his former teammate Freddie Freeman from a traffic jam, using his ATV to help Freeman escape. The Braves celebrated the heroic gesture with a “Chipper Rescues Freddie” bobblehead night during the 2016 season.
Personal Life
Jones’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs. Early in his career, he married Karin Fulford in 1992, but the couple divorced in 2000 after Jones admitted to having an affair with a Hooters waitress, which resulted in the birth of his son, Matthew. Jones later married Sharon Logonov, with whom he had three sons: Trey, Tristen, and Shea. The couple divorced in 2012.
In 2015, Jones married Taylor Higgins, a former Playboy model. The couple has two sons together, Cutler and Cooper.
Business Ventures and Real Estate
Jones has also ventured into television with his passion for hunting. He co-owns and co-hosts the Sportsman Channel show “Major League Bowhunter” alongside his friend Matt Duff. The show focuses on Jones’s love for deer hunting, a pastime he has enjoyed for years.
In terms of real estate, Jones made headlines when he purchased a 37-acre estate near Atlanta for $9.5 million in 2018. The property includes a 23,000 square-foot mansion, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, stables, guest houses, and a nine-car garage. In 2021, Jones listed the estate for sale at $15 million, ultimately selling it for $11 million in May 2023.
Chipper Jones’ Enduring Legacy
Chipper Jones’s career is a testament to his dedication, skill, and love for baseball. With a stellar track record, numerous awards, and recognition both on and off the field, Jones remains one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball history. Today, he continues to impact the game as a broadcaster and ambassador for the sport, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
