Chipper Jones was honored by the Atlanta Braves on Friday, as he was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame and had his No. 10 jersey retired.
It wasn't much of a surprise when the Braves announced they would enshrine the eight-time All-Star and former MVP who hit .303 with 468 home runs in his 19 years with the Braves.
Jones was just one of those guys that you couldn't help but root for. He was a fan favorite by every definition of the word, and that became clearer than ever during his induction ceremony.
GOD BLESS CHIPPER JONES the best ATLANTA BRAVE EVER in my thoughts!! I'll always remember # 10!!' — feeling great
— Joey (@jtct1987) June 28, 2013
Congrats to @RealCJ10 on getting his jersey retired at Turner Field tonight. My favorite player in any sport, ever. You deserve it Chipper
— Bacon (@BaconTFM) June 28, 2013
If I teared up a little bit during the chipper jones ceremony will you all hold it against me?
— Leith (@leith_greene) June 28, 2013
Congratulations Chipper! Enjoy the next 72 hours or so! Lots of folks giving ya well deserved Love! @RealCJ10 #10
— Sandra Golden (@sportsandra) June 27, 2013
The fans were always in Chipper's heart, and his luncheon on Friday proved that he will always be in theirs.
According to Alive.com, Jones' was the most attended Hall of Fame induction ceremony ever. He drew crowds of fans who wanted nothing more than to wish him well and thank him for all that he has given them over the years.
It wasn't just fans who said goodbye to a legend, though.
Members of the media who have written about and had relationships with Jones paid tribute to the legend on Friday, including Trey Holloman of The Citizen and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
@RealCJ10 was the first professional athlete I interviewed I was nervous but he was down to earth and made me feel like I belonged #Always10
— Triple H III (@trey_holloman) June 28, 2013
Happy Chipper day! #braves retiring his No. 10 tonite. truly deserving. a legend. @RealCJ10
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) June 28, 2013
Jones was a down-to-earth player with a good head on his shoulders.
He was never the type of guy who would be obnoxiously arrogant or treat the people around him poorly. Instead, he had an aura of kindness and hospitality that's hard to come by these days.
Aside from being a ballplayer, Jones was a role model, an outstanding citizen and a considerate, caring person.
Chipper's love of the game and boyish enthusiasm are what made fans fall in love with him. He was always excited to step on the field, and he mentioned after the ceremony that he would have liked to have played on Opening Day, as seen in this moment of reflection captured on video.
Jones was a charismatic guy, and he built up one of the most loyal followings in history. Fans simply couldn't get enough of him, and it showed during his ceremony.
You could hear a pin drop when Jones delivered his speech in his relaxed, easygoing manner.
Jones never took himself too seriously, but the crowd hung on his every word, and memorable quotes soon flooded Twitter.
Chipper Jones just gave a shout out to Martin Prado during his jersey retirement. Crowd gave Prado an enormous ovation.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) June 28, 2013
"I want to thank Todd Van Poppel tonight." - Chipper Jones
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) June 28, 2013
He is simply one of the greatest legends to ever play the game, both in terms of how he played and how he carried himself off the field.
Chipper will go down as one of the greatest players in history, and there has arguably never been a better switch-hitter aside from Mickey Mantle.
As Jones joined his place amongst the immortals on this occasion, several legends were there to see him through, including Hank Aaron and Jones' former coach, Bobby Cox.
Hank Aaron at the podium at Chipper Jones' #Braves Hall of Fame luncheon pic.twitter.com/Lc2Sn4FfOu
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) June 28, 2013
One legend, Bobby Cox, pays tribute to another, @realcj10 #Thanks10 http://t.co/vw0QKdLlFe
— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) June 28, 2013
Friday evening closed another chapter in Jones' incredible life.
Chipper will be forever remembered as one of the greats, and those of us who had the pleasure to watch him should be thankful.
The next stop for this legend is Cooperstown.
The newest member of the #Braves Hall of Fame, Chipper Jones. pic.twitter.com/SbQ0D7CZ7e
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) June 28, 2013
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