Only One Chipper
A hero retires. A franchise player ends his career. A local influence walks away. As we begin our study of The Natural, let's look at the construction of a hero. According to this article, what defines a hero in present day baseball culture?
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Although it would be easy to define a hero by statistics, this article defines a hero by much more than that. Chipper Jones’ commitment to the game stood out most to me and demonstrated what it truly means to be a hero. His ability to continue playing the game even after some pretty rough seasons was extremely admirable. Furthermore, Jones remains very humble as he is recognized from numerous teams for his achievements throughout his career. As the Braves’ president John Schuerholz said, “[Jones] didn’t just talk it. He lives it. He demonstrated it, he believed it, and that’s what he wanted to be.” This “it” that Schuerholz references when speaking of Chipper Jones is meant to represent the heroic ballplayer—someone who is admired by many for his dedication and hard work.
ReplyDeleteThis article suggests that a present day baseball hero is the player who reminds fans of an idealized image of "classic baseball." Fist, total team loyalty seems much less common today, and Jones is honored for it. Jones is also putting his relationship with baseball above his finances, again more similar to our vision of older heroes than of modern stars. And as the article mentions, even his name evokes a timeless, "good old American" image. Nostalgic themes are popular in much of American culture right now, and it appears baseball is no exception.
ReplyDeleteFrom reading this article, a hero is defined as someone who is a role model to players and fans alike. Chipper has remained loyal to his team, the Atlanta Braves, for his whole career. He could have gone to a team with bigger and brighter lights, like the Yankees or Red Sox, but Chipper instead stayed true to his team. A hero is someone who plays hard every game, no matter the point in the season or the opponent. Chipper was idolized by his former teammate Craig Kimbrel for simply playing hard, and leaving nothing left in the tank. These characteristics don't have to do with strength, speed, or size, but the right mindset, a good work ethic, and the ability to remain loyal.
ReplyDeleteAccording to this article, a baseball hero is someone who loves and promotes the game with humility and passion. Chipper Jones was not only famous for his impressive stats but also for his willingness to help other players, to fight through injuries, and to never quit. He showed the world that one should not give up when things get tough, that one shouldn't let an injury decide when one should retire. He showed how happy he was with the sport by never switching teams, and as a result of this he formed a great relationship with the Braves and his fans. This is what inspired so many little leaguers and makes him a unique player/baseball hero.
ReplyDeleteA hero is a player who does more for his team and the league as a whole than he does for himself as an individual. Chipper Jones made the Braves organization his priority, inspiring a whole city to believe in his cause. As Jones developed into the legend he currently is, the team grew with him. Like the article says, he carried “the banner for a team and a sport”. This type of dedication is rare in modern sports, as players appear to be driven more by money than a sense of responsibility and commitment. Chipper’s return from his ACL tear is something that is symbolic of his career as a whole. Although his career probably endured some low points, he always rose above them and returned with the same passion, if not more. “Each player wants to leave on his own terms,” and when Chipper finally retires, it will be after a long, successful career.
ReplyDeleteChipper Jones is portrayed as a hero in this article because he has stuck with the Braves, been the face of the franchise, and inspired both his teammates and children who are playing baseball at home. This article shows Jones is a truly good man - he is humble, played through pain and and ACL tear, and seems to really appreciate the chance he got and the role he plays in baseball today. The main thing that stuck with me is that he stayed with the Braves for his whole career, 18 seasons, which shows his loyalty and commitment to the team. That loyalty to one team is rare for a player these days, so that quality alone makes him unique and a hero.
ReplyDeleteWhat sets Chipper Jones apart from an average player is his determination and persistence. At 40, Jones could have easily and comfortably retired years ago, but instead has continued to play. Furthermore, he's still playing well and bringing the harsh intensity to his team that he seems to have been bringing his whole career. He also has stuck to his one team through everything. Through bad seasons and good ones, Jones has been able to suck it up and give it his all, which sets him as a hero in the eyes of baseball.
ReplyDeleteChipper Jones is a hero because he played for something greater than himself. For him, it's not about the statistics, money or fame, like it is for many other modern sports players. When Chipper says, “I was always of the belief that if you can affect one little kid out there and make him want to be a professional baseball player, or improve his drive to become what he wants, then you’re doing your job,” it's clear what kind of a player he was.
ReplyDeleteI find it inspiring that Jones considered retiring in 2010 but then decided to postpone his retirement after he was injured. For many players at the end of their career, a season ending injury like a torn ACL would be the easy way out. But not for Jones. He knew what he meant to the team and the fans and he could not just "limp away from the game like that" because he knew it would crush the spirits of the fans and the Braves. So he battled through his injury and maintained his heroic image.
The article makes Jones to be a watchful guardian, always there for the city when they needed it, for 18 years through the good and the bad. He's the face of a franchise, the " friendly face on the scoreboard to remind fans to buckle up and drive home safely at the end of every game." Chipper Jones is not just a ballplayer; he's an inspiration who carried a franchise for 18 years and changed it from one of the worst teams in baseball to one of the most respected.
Great heroes in the game of baseball are men known as much for who they are as a person, as who they are as a player. Chipper Jones' stats with the Atlanta Braves could speak for themselves, making him a great player and a future hall of famer. But, what has made him a hero in the eyes of the baseball world, is his commitment to his ball club, his leadership to his teammates, and his dedication to the game. The great baseball heroes of the past were known as great players, but were also seen as role models. Joe Dimmagio once said "There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time, I owe him my best." Chipper Jones sought to be a role model and a representative of the game. Baseball has a way of recognizing and bringing to light great men, as well as exposing those with less than decent characters. Chipper Jones has emerged as a representation of the true baseball player. He is dedicated and loyal, putting the team before himself, and sticking around through the good times and the bad. His inspiration to fans everywhere, has immortalized him as an American hero.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to see a player who has a calm, collected, diligence appreciated. Often we look at baseball players and pay attention to those who are loud or boisterous. Chipper Jones is not that way. He is a quiet leader, one who doesn't draw a lot of attention other than though his hard work and commitment to the sport. His humility is also being recognized by other teams, regardless of rivalry or association, which is a true testament to his skill and contributions to the game. It would have been especially easy for him to quit after an injury, but the fact that he not only continued to play while working through the injury and treating it is a true model of his dedication and commitment. At this point he has certainly earned his retirement, but he will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteA hero, defined by current baseball culture, is someone who shows dedication to his or her team, and the game of baseball itself. Chipper Jones played all of his eighteen seasons with the Atlanta Braves, and fans respected him for that. John Schuerholz, president and manager of the Braves from 1991 to 2005, described Jones' passion and said, "He has had the true heart of a Brave in him. He didn't just talk it. He lives it. He demonstrated it, he believed it, and that’s what he wanted to be. He could have planned to leave and go elsewhere. He didn't. He never wanted to." Chipper Jones did not play baseball for the money like most all-star players do today, he played it for the love of the game. Chipper Jones reminds true baseball fans of the early days of baseball, when players would play because they loved it, and not for the paycheck.
ReplyDeleteThe article defines a hero as someone who contributes to the sport with valorous acts. The epiphany of a hero is Chipper Jones, who has stuck with his team, the Atlanta Braves, for his entire career. Baseball and other sports alike get a bad rap because the dominant teams have moneyed interests, and don't necessarily act for the sake of baseball itself. Recognized as an ultimate franchise player, Jones contributes to the sport of baseball by being a top tier player yet not giving in to these moneyed interests.
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