Former Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones played maiden game of 2012 season without rehab stint-MLB Update
Former Atlanta Braves’ third baseman, Chipper Jones, had refused to play minor league games before appearing in his first match of the 2012 season, following a recovery from surgery that he underwent.
He made it clear to the management that he does not want to waste his time by playing rehab games.
Before a player of his stature, the officials of the club had to surrender. The manager of the club, Fredi Gonzalez, did not insist further after Jones declined to show up in a minor league fixture.
Interestingly enough, Jones did not disappoint his manager as he stood out in the first match of the season that he played for Atlanta.
Slamming a home run and a couple of impressive plays in the field were reflective of the legendary flair of Jones.
Jones announced in advance that the 2012 season is his last. To make it special, he needed to play as many matches as possible.
Staying on the disabled list for a number of days was annoying for him.
It is for the same reason that whenever an injury struck Jones, he made an entry back in the line-up right away after recovery, as opposed to fulfilling formalities set by the management to make return to the competitive arena smooth.
Gonzalez was thoroughly impressed when Jones showed his mastery at the plate off-hand on a number of occasions.
"I'm glad we didn't make [Jones] go on that rehab assignment," Gonzalez said. "I think today he made a statement that Spring Training is too long. I think next year we'll show up the 20th of March, play 10 games and then say, 'Go get them.' But the stuff
he does, nobody else can do."
Gonzalez had to admit that for the likes of Jones, practice matches do not make any difference as they can show off their best regardless of the level of preparations of them.
Jones has retired now, leaving a lot of memories for the fans and the club.
He will be remembered as one of the few best players that Atlanta has ever produced.
Starting the upcoming season without him will be disheartening for some of the fans of the club.
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