Andruw Jones finally got the call he’s been waiting for. The Braves announced Tuesday that their former center fielder was elected to the 2026 MLB Hall of Fame in his ninth year of eligibility.
It’s been quite the journey. Jones received just 7 percent of the vote in his first year on the ballot, which shows you how much patience this process required.
The talent was never in question. Jones brought elite offensive and defensive skills to his 17-year career, with 12 of those seasons in Atlanta. He was a key part of those legendary Braves runs in the late 90s, joining the team just a season after they won the 1995 World Series.
Now Jones joins an impressive group of former teammates and coaches already in Cooperstown: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Fred McGriff, Chipper Jones, and manager Bobby Cox.
That connection means everything to Jones. While he waited for his turn, Chipper Jones kept encouraging him. “Chipper said a long time ago, I don’t think the Hall of Fame would be complete without Andruw being in it,” Jones recalled.
Well, after Tuesday, that’s exactly what happened.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Jones finished his career with some serious hardware:
- 454 home runs
- 1,289 RBIs
- 24.4 WAR
- Ten consecutive Gold Glove awards
Those Gold Gloves put him among the best defensive outfielders in baseball history. But Jones also made his mark early, becoming the youngest player to ever homer in a World Series when the Braves faced off against the Yankees in 1996.
It’s a fitting end to a long wait for one of the most complete players of his generation. The Hall of Fame will be a little more complete come 2026.
