SPORTS

Local youth meet MLB legend Chipper Jones

STAFF REPORT @dvillechief

Left to right: Owen Theriot, Brock Acosta, Chipper Jones, Beau Delatte, Rodney Blanchard stand together after the Nicholls State University First Pitch Baseball Banquet on Jan. 31 at the Cypress Columns in Gray, La.

Local youth met Major League Baseball legend Chipper Jones at the Nicholls State University First Pitch Baseball Banquet on Jan. 31 at the Cypress Columns in Gray, La.

Jones headlined the banquet as the keynote speaker where area youth Owen Theriot, Brock Acosta, Dakota Delatte, Beau Delatte, and Rodney Blanchard were able to listen and meet the legend.

Jones, who spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves, won the 1999 National League Most Valuable Player Award when he became the first player ever to hit over .300 while belting 40 home runs and doubles, drawing 100 walks and recording 100 RBIs. The eight-time All-Star, 1995 World Series champion and 2008 N.L. batting champion completed his career with a .303 batting average and 468 home runs. His 1,623 runs batted in are the most ever for a third baseman. Jones' uniform number was retired by Atlanta in 2013.