The Atlanta Braves made news on Monday as the club made a major announcement regarding one of the team’s best players in franchise history. The Braves announced on Monday that the organization will retire No. 25 – worn by outfielder – Andruw Jones during a special number retirement ceremony prior to the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, Sept. 8.
“It’s a great honor getting your number retired. You don’t think about things like that while you’re playing. You just play the game you love,” said Jones in a statement. “I’m thankful to the Braves for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love. Being the first kid from Curaçao to have his jersey retired is also an honor. So many kids who grew up there watching me play and this will give them hope on what they can do in their careers.”
While Jones awaits the call from Cooperstown, he’s considered to be one of the best players of his time and one of the better defensive center fielders in the game’s history. During his 12 seasons with the Braves, Jones was a five-time MLB All-Star and won 10 straight Gold Glove Awards. He finished his MLB career with 1,933 hits, 1,289 RBIs and 434 home runs.
The MLB world reacted to the news that Jones would be forever enriched in Atlanta Braves history.
Deserving of the hall of the fame, Andruw Jones will join the rafters in Truist Park.
Alex Dickerson, Cristian Pache, and Tyler Flowers were the most recent #Braves to wear 25. https://t.co/ZbOhodYzMq
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) April 3, 2023
Only 4 players are in the 400 HR 10 Gold Gloves category:
Willie Mays (HOF)
Ken Griffey Jr (HOF)
Mike Schmidt (HOF)
Andruw JonesAndruw Jones isnt in the hall of fame. Make it make sense. https://t.co/yDZucg6WzT
— Sweep The Leg (@SweepTheLeg337) April 3, 2023
The #Braves are retiring No.25: Andruw Jones
Great decision for a player that is highly underrated by many sports writers.
A true five-tool beast. https://t.co/0FLRImi2s8
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) April 3, 2023