Chipper Jones joins Atlanta Braves as special assistant

Chipper Jones has returned to the Atlanta Braves as a special assistant.

Like many former legends do in their career, Chipper Jones has returned to the Atlanta Braves organization. Jones spent his entire career with the Braves, where he became one of the greats to play the game, and one of the greatest to ever wear a Braves uniform.

He is now back with the organization that he helped play a part in as a perennial World Series contender, the team announced on Thursday.

"The Braves announced Thursday that the eight-time All-Star has been hired as a special assistant to baseball operations. Jones will report to John Hart, the president of baseball operations, and general manager John Coppolella. His primary focus during the regular season will be helping Braves hitters."

The Atlanta Braves are a team that has gone into full rebuild mode and has acquired several young, talented hitters in the deals that they have made over the last couple of seasons. Having a guy that could hit a ball from either side of the plate with ease is something that will be just what a young Braves team needs.

It’s going to be some tough sledding for a while in Atlanta. The Braves are going to take take their lumps as a young team as they work toward becoming one of the top franchises in baseball again. Bringing a guy like Jones into the fold will only keep a renewed interest in the team from a passionate fan base.

Jones was one of the greatest hitters of his era and he was from all accounts a tremendous clubhouse presence. That’s something the Braves can learn from and perhaps he will pay off dividends with his help on the batting side of things. Jones is excited and knows just what the Braves are building in Atlanta.

"“Because of what we are in the process of building for this city and our fan base, I am extremely excited to be dipping my toe back into the water that is Braves baseball,” Jones said in a statement released by the team. “I look forward to working with our players, as my passion for the art of hitting is something I hold near and dear to my heart.“My hope is that I can be an ‘extra set of eyes’ on our players and help supplement an already strong baseball operations department and coaching staff. I am honored to be back working with the Braves.”"

The Braves are a smart organization that knows what it takes to compete and have long lasting success. To have the success that they had for two decades straight requires patience and a great system of talent coming through the pipelines.

That’s the route the franchise is currently taking with all the trades that they are making, and they’re going to need another person in the organization to give coaching and advice to those that need it. Having Jones in there is a great move by the Braves.