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View Full Version : Once a Brave, always a Brave - Tim Kurkjian


Andy G.
06-06-2010, 04:00 AM
Kurkjian wrote a short article about the Braves' selection of Chipper Jones as the #1 overall pick in 1990, and the incredible fact that he has played his entire career in one city and for one manager. I think it's pretty cool.

Once a Brave, always a Brave (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/draft2010/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=5249761)

Twenty years ago this month, the Braves were strongly considering taking Todd Van Poppel, a high school pitcher from Arlington, Texas, with the No. 1 overall pick in the June draft when Paul Snyder, the Braves scouting director, said: We are taking Chipper Jones. That decision changed the direction of a franchise, a division and a league, and it made history. Chipper Jones has remained a Brave for 20 years, and played his entire career for one manager, something that might never happen again in baseball history.

...

Twenty years later, Jones might be the best, most important No. 1 pick in the history of the draft because he has played his entire career for his drafting team, and for one manager, Bobby Cox....

JanShan12
06-06-2010, 10:52 AM
Great article! What Chipper and Bobby have accomplished together is amazing! So proud both of them have been Braves!

Freddy_Ballgame
06-06-2010, 04:13 PM
Good article but TK did "overlook" one small detail having to do with Chipper's signing. Todd Van Flopple made it crystal clear he absolutely would not sign with Atlanta. He had such a high opinion of himself and didn't want anything to do with a team in the dumper like Atlanta. His commitment to being a total tool forced Atlanta to go with Chipper, who wasn't their first choice. Sometimes fate is grand! Chipper's a lock for the hall and is one of the top switchhitters in baseball history. Van Flopple faded into his own slot in obscurity. Thanks, Chipper! It's been a blast getting to watch your terrific career!

Wahoo
06-06-2010, 10:53 PM
I, for one, appreciated the slight jab at one Derek Jeter. Hands down my favorite Brave of all-time.

luvdembravos
06-07-2010, 11:58 AM
I, for one, appreciated the slight jab at one Derek Jeter. Hands down my favorite Brave of all-time.

What? Did you forget about John Smoltz? ;)

Smoltzie is my all-time favorite Brave, Barve whatever...

quick
06-09-2010, 12:04 PM
Nice article.

I will be asking Chipper if he can assign his last two years' salary to me, if he chooses to retire. :D For some of us, it is about the money.

Doesn't Timmy know about the Barves thing?