I always admired Chipper from afar. You know he was someone that I sort of followed when I was in th

I always admired Chipper from afar. You know he was someone that I sort of followed when I was in the minor leagues. When I first began in the minor leagues I struggled a lot. And I was aware that Chipper had defensive struggles, too, his first year. So I sort of used that, not as a comparison, I never compared myself to him. I viewed that as someone who was able to turn things around. I’ve been watching Chipper for quite some time.

Just watch him play, he just looks like he should be playing baseball, you know what I mean. I don’t know how to really explain it, he just looks like a baseball player. The way he carries himself, the way he runs, the way he swings. Everything about him defines a baseball player in my mind. What can you say, he’s a HOF’er. He’s someone that will go down as one of the greatest players that ever played the game.

I wish him the best. All the acolades he gets he deserves. All the attention he gets he deserves. All the great things said about him he deserves. He’s been fun to watch. (*)