Chipper Jones once opened up about redefining boomer stereotypes with his sons: "I tell them to have fun with friends"
One of the greatest players in the history of the Atlanta Braves organization, Chipper Jones remains a beloved figure in the city's sports culture. As one of the hardest workers in the game, Jones' work ethic helped him become arguably the greatest switch-hitter in MLB history.
In a 2017 interview with GQ, Chipper Jones reflected upon his career in the major leagues, as well as his development as a young player. He also continued to talk about his children and how he approached the way his kids played the game.
"GQ; Atlanta Braves Legend Chipper Jones on Picking Fights and Letting Go of the Past" - @LAmobslugger
His own father, who was a former athlete himself, put Chipper through notoriously intense drills, which helped him develop as a player. However, Jones explained in the interview that he felt that drills were not the only reason he made it to the level he reached in the MLB.
The now-51-year-old expressed his thoughts on the number of modern parents who place a great deal of pressure on kids nowadays. The Atlanta Braves legend explained that he believes it is unfair to ask his children to be like him, while forcing them to push themselves outside their comfort zone.
"The only thing I could say to my dad was 'we did it.' Its been a 35, 36 year journey. -Chipper Jones on receiving the call on being inducted into the Hall of Fame" - @BaseballQuotes1
"I think it’s one thing to have me as a dad. It’s another thing to have me be overbearing." - Chipper said. He continued to say that he feels that many modern parents ruin sports for kids, stressing the importance of just letting them enjoy the game. "I tell them to have fun with their friends and have fun playing the game."
Chipper Jones entered the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility
The superstar third baseman was not only one of the best of his generation, but one of the best to ever play the position. The first-overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft, Jones spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves, helping the club win the World Series in 1995.
At the time he retired in 2012, Jones closed the door on an incredible MLB career. Through 19 seasons with the Braves, Chipper maintained a career .303 batting average with 468 home runs, 2726 hits, 1623 RBIs, and 150 stolen bases.