"I didn't have any kids, I wanted kids" - When Chipper Jones credited family for helping him stay steroid-free despite peer pressure
Former Atlanta Braves slugger Chipper Jones enjoyed a 19-year MLB career. He spent his entire career in Atlanta, making him a legend in the organization.
Jones played during a period when steroid usage was rampant. Many players across the MLB were taking them, but Jones was one of those who did not want to risk it.
He talked about his decision to stay clean during a 2017 interview with Sports Illustrated.
"I think the influence of my parents, the influence of my wife at the time, didn't have any kids, I wanted to have kids," said Jones.
Jones said his family played a big role in his decision to stay clean. He also said he wanted to have kids and taking steroids could have affected his ability to do so.
"Steroids is not the healthiest of things to do. Obviously there were a lot of people with at that time taking shortcuts but I couldn't imagine looking in my parents' eyes if they knew that I had taken a shortcut or cheated," said Jones.
Chipper Jones was an all-time great for the Braves
Not many players in the league have made it to 19 seasons at a high level. Baseball is a tough sport and many players are only at their peak for just a few seasons.
Chipper Jones was able to sustain his peak longer than most. He was an eight-time All-Star, NL MVP, two-time Silver Slugger, World Series champ, and the 2008 batting champ.
Jones called it quits following the 2012 season. The club quickly retired his No. 10 and he was elected into the Braves Hall of Fame. He was also elected into MLB's Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jones still keeps himself busy with baseball. He works inside the organization as the team's part-time hitting consultant. He has been there since the 2021 season when Atlanta won the World Series. For his part with the club, he also received a ring, making that two for his career.