Chipper Ties Brett's RBI Mark; Honor Probably Short-Lived

The Atlanta Braves had an extra innings collapse on Wednesday night (July 18) losing to the San Francisco Giants 9-4 in 11 frames, but star third baseman Chipper Jones managed to make a little baseball history in defeat.

In the bottom of the 11^th inning Chipper took a pitch deep from Giants relief pitcher Brad Penny for a solo home run and his 1,596 RBI of his career. The RBI ties Kansas City Royals legend and Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett for the most RBI all time by a third baseman.

Leading your position all time in a huge statistical category such as Runs Batted In is a major deal in baseball and something that only a small handful of players can say they’ve accomplished. Jones adds his name alongside such true greats as Yogi Berra (catcher), Cap Anson (first base), Nap Lajoie (second base), Alex Rodriguez (shortstop) and Hank Aaron (outfielder).

This is one of those moments this season and throughout Chipper Jones’ lengthy career that just makes you take notice of his career achievements and realize that he’s clearly one of the all time greats like those previously mentioned legends that he joined Wednesday night.

Barring missed time due to injury, and his knee is currently aching pretty badly which will likely result in him missing today’s game against the Giants, Jones should break Brett’s record to be solely alone in most RBI by a third bagger in the National Pastime’s history within the next week.

George Brett

However, I shall mention that Jones should cherish this honor while he has the chance, because it will likely be a short lived one. New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, who is currently baseball’s all time leader in RBI by a shortstop, only needs to play 131 more games at third base to automatically become the all time baseball leader in RBI by a third baseman. When Rodriguez switches from shortstop to third base (likely sometime next season) then Honus Wagner, who last played baseball in 1917 and last breathed air on this planet in 1955 will regain his crown as RBI leader among shortstops. It’s simply amazing to me that a guy who’s been dead for 57 years can break a record … God, I love this game.

Jones’ solo shot on Wednesday night was his eighth homer of the season. Chipper is batting .313 on the season and has 35 RBI. 

Click HERE to see Jones tie Brett's mark.