In a heartfelt move that blends legacy, loyalty, and leadership, Atlanta Braves Hall of Famer Chipper Jones has donated the full $12.3 million needed to launch the team’s next big project: a cutting-edge stadium and community complex designed to serve future generations of Braves fans and players.

Announced Tuesday morning in a surprise ceremony at Truist Park, the donation was greeted with standing ovations from team executives, former teammates, local leaders, and youth baseball players from across Georgia.

“Braves pride lives on in me wherever I go,” Jones said with visible emotion. “I’ve worn the jersey, felt the roar of the fans, and lived the dream. Now, it’s time to give that back.”

🏟️ A Legacy in Brick and Grass

The new project—currently referred to as the Braves Futures Complex—will serve as a dual-purpose facility for minor league development and community outreach. Located just outside Atlanta in the fast-growing suburb of Marietta, the complex will feature:

• A 5,000-seat stadium for AAA and spring training exhibitions

• Youth baseball fields and indoor batting cages

• A “Braves Legends Hall” honoring former greats

• A state-of-the-art training and rehab center

• And an open-access park for fans and families

Jones’ donation covers Phase One construction, including land development and the main stadium build.

According to Braves CEO Derek Schiller, “Chipper’s gift doesn’t just help build a facility—it cements a philosophy. This organization is built on loyalty, and Chipper’s loyalty is unmatched.”

⚾ Chipper Jones: Forever Brave

Few players in modern baseball embody franchise loyalty the way Chipper Jones does. Drafted by Atlanta as the No. 1 overall pick in 1990, Jones spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the Braves, earning eight All-Star selections, an NL MVP award in 1999, and a World Series title in 1995.

Jones was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 with 97.2% of the vote. Since retirement, he has remained a visible figure in the organization as a special advisor and occasional hitting coach, known for mentoring young talent and appearing at fan events.

“I’ve seen what baseball can do for kids, for communities, and for character,” Jones said. “This new complex will be a place where kids find not just a swing—but a sense of belonging.”

🙌 Braves Nation Reacts

Reactions from around Braves Nation were immediate and full of admiration:

• Ronald Acuña Jr., star outfielder, posted: “Chipper is more than a legend—he’s a leader. This is the Braves way.”

• Tom Glavine, fellow Braves Hall of Famer, said: “I’m proud to have played beside him—and even prouder to see what he’s doing now.”

• The official Braves account on X wrote: “Once a Brave, always a Brave. Thank you, Chipper.”

Across Atlanta, murals of Jones have already begun appearing with the hashtag #ForeverBrave, and several local youth leagues are reportedly planning to rename fields in his honor.

🛠️ What’s Next for the Braves Futures Complex?

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with a tentative grand opening in spring 2028. The Braves plan to partner with local schools and nonprofits to ensure the complex serves both elite athletes and underserved communities.

Jones’ donation will also fund the creation of the “Chipper Jones Baseball Academy”, which will host year-round camps and clinics for youth players, focusing on both athletic skill and leadership development.

A bronze statue of Jones, captured mid-swing in his signature left-handed stance, is already in development and will be placed at the entrance of the stadium complex.

🎤 A Final Word from No. 10

Standing before a crowd of young players wearing Braves caps and jerseys—many not even born during his final MLB season—Jones left them with a message:

“I came to this city as a kid with a dream. This team and these fans gave me a home, a life, and a purpose. This gift is my way of saying thank you—and paying it forward.”

Then, with his familiar half-smile, he added: “Let’s play ball.”

TL;DR: Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones has donated $12.3 million to fully fund a new stadium and community complex. His gift will honor the past and shape the future, proving once again that Braves pride runs deep—and forever.