Sometimes darkness can gloom over a sport organization that can weaken the hearts of those belonging to that organization. However, that same darkness can unite an organization that supplies the strengths of perseverance to continue the desires, dreams, and aspirations of what once was. I would like to give my dearest sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Walter “Bobby” Dews and the Atlanta Braves organization, whom have lost a legend who not only spent the last 35 consecutive seasons with the Atlanta Braves, but an additional 14 years spent as a coach on a major league. He helped establish some of the most respected names in MLB’s franchise history.
Although words cannot describe Bobby Dews’ loss to the MLB organization, the strength of endearment that Bobby Dews provided to fuel the players to not only play their absolute best with the skills that they practiced to perfection for, but for the passion and love for the sport. To find an individual to fill Bobby’s shoes is easier said than done. After all, it takes more than skills, passion, and experience within the sport. It takes pure heart.
When I think of the Atlanta Braves, my initial thought is of Bobby Dews, but my second thought is of Larry Wayne “Chipper” Jones Jr. After all, Chipper Jones, a well-known third baseman who spent his entire MLB career with the Atlanta Braves as well as a total of 23 years as a professional baseball player in the Atlanta Braves organization. As a notable switch hitter, he originally played shortstop, left field, and third base. The Atlanta Braves recently retired his number on June 28, 2013 and has offered him to continue his relationship with the Atlanta Braves by extending the special assistant to baseball operations to him.
Chipper Jones ended his career with a .304 career batting average with 468 home runs; 1,512 walks; and 1,623 RBI’s in 2,499 games with 8,984 at bats. He holds the current record for the most career RBI’s for a third baseman. As a switch hitter, he has reached a collection of milestones which have consisted of a .300 batting average; 400 or more home runs; amassed 5,000 at bats; had a batting average of .300; a .400 on-base percentage; and a .500 slugging percentage. These statistics are absolutely remarkable and are true accomplishments that were earned with hard work, dedication, and vast amounts of practice perfecting their skills. It is a well-known fact that Chipper Jones knows the strategies to successfully execute a baseball game. In addition to, his skills as a baseball player, his knowledge of the sport as well as his experience as a special assistant to baseball operations have only advanced his career within the Atlanta Braves organization.
Other than Bobby Dews, no one has more passion and love for the Atlanta Braves, the MLB, and the love of the sport, but Chipper Jones. It just makes sense to fill Bobby Dews shoes’ with Chipper Jones. I think Bobby Dews would have wanted it that way.
