In part 3 of our series on Turner Field, we hear from Chipper Jones, the star of the Braves teams that won so many NL East Championships. He took time from a hunting trip to answer my questions about the Braves’ ballpark for the past 20 seasons. I used some of his comments in an article on Turner Field that is in the current issue of USA TODAY Sports Weekly, available on newsstands from Coast to Coast … but I thought you’d like to read the entire interview.
You can find Part 1 of our series (featuring a transcript of my lengthy interview with the fascinating John Schuerholz) here and Part 2 (with live-wire Braves fan T.W. Lord, who is 89 years old) here.
JOE MOCK: Can you sum up your feelings about Turner Field?
CHIPPER JONES: It was just home. During those 16 years, I spent as much time there as I did anywhere, including my own house. And, that home away from home, if you will, was filled with all of my brothers over 16 years. Bobby Cox was our manager and father figure, and he made managing an art form by keeping the peace and protecting us every night on and off the field. It is 16 memorable years that I continue to treasure and will never forget.
JOE: What are some specific moments there that stand out in your mind? Read More