MLB news: Chipper Jones mentors, Yankees fans panic, Rangers young aces
By Mark Powell
MLB news: Chipper Jones takes on mentor role at Braves camp
Chipper Jones making an appearance at Braves spring training is nothing new. Jones actively taking on a coaching role, and mentoring some of the younger Atlanta players, is.
It’s unclear if Chipper has an interest in coaching at some point in his post-playing career. The early returns suggest he’d be quite good at it, though. An MLB legend and Hall of Famer, Jones has all the on-field knowledge necessary to make a fine coach. The only thing that was lacking is the mental, emotional side of the game.
Jones has particularly grown close to corner infielder Austin Riley. The two play the same position, as Chipper was a former Gold Glove candidate at third.
"“I think there’s more in the tank. I really do. I don’t think he’s hit his ceiling yet. But the main thing I like is the consistency. He goes to the post every single day. He’s out there at third base, and he’s hitting third in lineup, and he’s looked upon to knock in 100 [runs] and hit 30 [homers] and score 100 [runs] and play good defense. He’s done that. It’s just great to see. Every once in a while, I’ll shoot him a text and say, “You made me proud today,” Jones said about Riley."
He also declared himself a “proud papa” previously. The two seem to get along quite well, which is a major benefit to Riley.