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Ex-New York Yankees Star Set to Receive a Top Honor From Atlanta Braves

Published 04/05/2023, 7:14 AM EDT

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Excellence is honored in many ways. Some give awards, and some give special honors. But in American sports, a retired jersey number marks an excellent sportsperson. Not many get that kind of recognition, but one former New York Yankees star will receive that distinction soon. Andruw Jones, who retired in 2016, was a stellar player in his active years. And while he played on various teams, the Curaçaoan player is most remembered for his time with the Atlanta Braves.

Jones played 12 seasons as an outfielder for the team. A much-touted prospect since childhood, Jones could play at any position. But given his powerful arm, he was often relegated to the catcher or at third base. The retired athlete switched to the outfield later and went on to win the Gold Glove award 10 times. A 5-time All-Star, he played for the New York Yankees in the last two years of his career, but it’s the Braves that will retire his jersey.

Why is the former New York Yankees player’s jersey retirement significant?

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In Major League Baseball, it’s fairly common to see celebrated players getting their numbers retired. But in franchise history, the Braves have only retired the numbers of nine players. Jones is joining a rather elite list and, given his achievements, he probably deserves a spot there.

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On Sept. 9, 2023, the Atlanta team will retire Andruw Jones’ #25, the jersey for his 12-year stint with them. “It’s a great honor getting your number retired. You don’t think about things like that while you’re playing,” Jones said. He continued, “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.”

Watch: MLB Legend Andruw Jones’ Son Hammers Home Runs in High School Game- Like Father, Like Son?

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It seems like while the outfielder has made this mammoth accomplishment, there is one thing still out of his grasp.

Jones is still a little far away from Cooperstown

A Hall of Fame election is something every athlete dreams of. In his years of eligibility, Jones has been falling just a bit too short of his required 75% approval. But as of 2023, the number has steadily grown and bumped up to 58.1%.

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The former Curaçaoan player took the Braves to new heights when he played – the team won a record 14 consecutive division titles. Jones was the winner of the Hank Aaron Award, a Silver Slugger award, as well as Sporting News Major League Player of the Year in 2005. It was his golden era, and while he struggled a bit in his later years, his overall career still saw a stellar performance.

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Written by:

Arunima Bhanot

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Arunima Bhanot is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Her tryst with MLB was accidental, but what followed was nothing short of pursuit of excellence. Arunima started enjoying the experience and today, her connection with MLB fans is a testimony to her growing stature.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Kumar