Atlanta Braves fans tip their hats to franchise legend Andruw Jones as number is retired by former team: "Absolute tragedy he isnโt in the HOF"
When Andruw Jones finally decided to retire in 2012, the Curacao-born center fielder had 434 home runs and 1,289 RBIs to his name.
Although he retired as a member of the New York Yankees, Jones is best known for his time with the Atlanta Braves. His 12-year stint in Atlanta saw three All-Star designations, a World Series and a world-best 10 straight Golden Glove Awards.
Although Jones has appeared on six Hall of Fame ballots, he has failed to reach the 75% vote threshold needed to enter. Some off-field issues, including a 2012 domestic assault case, have halted his progress, according to some.
Ahead of the Atlanta Braves' upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team has announced that it will be retiring Jones' jersey number 25, which he wore throughout his time with the team.
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The Atlanta Braves will retire number 25, worn by legendary Braves outfielder Andruw Jones! https://t.co/U6Wzhqh7RD
"OFFICIAL. The Atlanta Braves will retire number 25, worn by legendary Braves outfielder Andruw Jones!" - Atlanta Braves
The ceremony will take place before the Braves' game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on Sept. 9. Jones will become the 12th Atlanta Braves player to have his number hoisted to the rafters.
@Braves @andruwjones25 Well deserved one of my favorites
@Braves @andruwjones25 My childhood hero and the reason I always wore #25 on my jerseys! ๐ค๐ผ๐ฅฒ Congrats, Andruw! ๐ฏ
The most recent player to have his number retired is pitcher John Smoltz. Having spent 20 of his 22 MLB seasons in Atlanta, his number, 29, is considered to have significance for the team.
@Braves @andruwjones25 As it should. One of my favorite players ever.
@Braves @andruwjones25 Best center fielder off ALL TIME!!
Understandably, fans love the fact that their team has honored Andruw Jones by retiring his number. Naturally, most feel as though ascension into the Hall of Fame is the logical next step for a player with the caliber of Jones.
@Braves @andruwjones25 Itโs an absolute tragedy that this man isnโt in the HOF:/
@Braves @andruwjones25 Hall of Fame is next
@Braves @andruwjones25 Letโs gooooooo!
Now time for Cooperstown to make the right call! 10 Gold Gloves and 400+ HR. Others in there just for defense and donโt have near his offensive resume!
As one of the first-Curacao-born players to develop into one of MLB's greats, Jones has done a lot to promote baseball on his home island. Former Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen, a fellow Curacaoan, cited watching Jones play for the Braves in the 1990s as an inspiration for him to pursue a career of his own.
Andruw Jones could be a Hall of Fame member very soon
Although Jones has not quite been able to make it into the hallowed halls of Cooperstown, many expect he might soon. Having fallen short of the 75% threshold by just eight points last season, Jones is still very much in the running. Now, he will have four more chances to prove to the Baseball Writers Association of America that he is not just a Braves legend, but a baseball legend.