Report: Braves boycotted Chipper Jones' first pitch in NLDS Game 1

Unhappy with his prediction for the NLDS, Braves players refused to catch Chipper Jones' ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 1.

By Mike Axisa

Oct 8, 2013 at 8:45 am ET • 1 min read

Chipper Jones had to throw the ceremonial first pitch to the Braves mascot in Game 1. (USATSI)

Prior to their NLDS Game 1 loss to the Dodgers, the Braves had franchise icon and future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Rather than throw the ball to long-time teammate Brian McCann or team MVP Freddie Freeman, Chipper had to make the toss to the team mascot. Why? Kevin Kernan of the New York Post explains:

Evidently, Braves players were not happy Jones had gone on the radio earlier in the day with the team’s flagship station, 680 The Fan, and predicted the Dodgers would win the NLDS in four games. So no player volunteered to catch the pitch.

First things first: Hey, nice call Chipper. The Dodgers officially won the series in Game 4 on Monday.

Secondly: C'mon, really? Are the Braves that petty? I mean, I guess they are since the mascot (the mascot!) had to catch the ceremonial first pitch, but this is silly. Grow up and prove Chipper wrong, that's the appropriate response. Not stamping your feet and refusing to participate.

Anyway, Jones clearly wasn't pleased with the turn of events, so he let this fly after the game:

Wanna thank the Braves organization for having me throw out the first pitch to the mascot tonite. Quite sure that's never been done before!
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) October 4, 2013