This weekend marks the Braves final visit to Citizens Bank in 2012. Oh, the Bravos will be back in 2013, but for the first time since 1995 Chipper Jones will not make the trip. Jones plans on retiring once the 2012 season ends, ending on of the best careers of all-time. He will retire as the best switch-hitter of all time, and one of the best third baseman ever. Were it not for some injury problems later in his career, Jones would have achieved the 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Jones is a shoe in for the Hall of Fame despite not reaching these two milestones. Every stadium he visits for the last time is special, and marked as thus by the home team. Even in New York, where Jones would torch the Mets over and over again, to the point that which he names a son of his Shea after the Mets former stadium, the fans gave him a standing ovation.
Phillies fans didn’t disappoint, giving Larry “Chipper” Jones an ovation, during a small ceremony in which Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins presented the lifelong Atlanta Brave with a painting of Jones that invoked all sorts of NL East memories.
In othernews, a day before the series began with the Phillies; Braves rookies got together, dressed up in ridiculous costumes, and took some photographs. In typical Chipper Jones style, knowing he’ll never get this chance again, Jones joined the Braves neophytes. He sported gold chains and what looks like a red smoking jacket.
Authentic Store Buzz: Remember folks, Pro League Authentics has all of your Eagles gear. With a good selection of hats and jerseys online and an even greater selection of great shirts by Junkfood Tees in store, PLA has what ever Eagles fan needs come Sunday.
With the team off to a 2-0 start for the first time since the 2004 Super Bowl appearance season, there’s obviously plenty of enthusiasm among fans who have been flocking into the store. The Eagles play the Cardinals this Sunday at 4:05pm EST
In addition, with the Washington Nationals clinching a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history since the 1980's, and the Cincinnati Reds breaking through to the playoffs for the third time since 1990, PLA continues to offer 25% off on all MLB jerseys.
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Authentically Speaking Trivia Time: Where does the name Washington Nationals come from? Answer on Monday.
Friday’s answer: While in Philadelphia, NY Giants Manager John McGraw said the Ben Shibe, owner of the A's, had a "white elephant" on his hands. Connie Mack, A's manager, then presented McGraw, a friend of his, with a white elephant at the beginning of the 1905 World Series. The Elephant was adopted as the mascot of the A's, and over the next 100 years retired and brought back. The A's batting practice hats have an elephant on them.
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