CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Hall of Famer Chipper Jones will headline the Charleston RiverDogs’ 22nd Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Friday, Jan. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Charleston Gaillard Center, the team announced.
Tickets are available now at riverdogs.com. The event is also supported by Bennett Hospitality, Thorn Broadhead and the Appalachian Disaster Coalition.
Jones, a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 2018, spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves. The eight-time All-Star, 1999 National League MVP and World Series champion is widely regarded as one of the greatest switch-hitters in baseball history.
“We’re excited to welcome Chipper to Charleston to continue a great tradition of celebrating baseball while supporting charitable causes,” RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols said. “Last year’s event was a record success, and we’re looking forward to building on that this January with a Hall of Famer, Braves fan favorite and one of the faces of baseball in the Southeast.”
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Jones was selected first overall by Atlanta in the 1990 MLB Draft and went on to cement his place among the Braves’ all-time greats. His 468 career home runs are the most by a National League switch-hitter and rank third in franchise history behind Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews. He trails only Aaron in RBIs (1,623), total bases (4,755), OPS (.930), hits (2,726) and games played (2,499), while leading the franchise in walks (1,512).
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Jones became a fan favorite early in his career. In 1995, his first full major league season, he led all rookies with 86 RBIs and 140 games played, helping the Braves capture a World Series title. Four years later, he was named National League MVP after hitting .319 with a 1.074 OPS and a career-high 45 home runs. Jones recorded both the final hit at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and the first hit at Turner Field, symbolizing his place in the franchise’s modern era.
Jones is one of only three first-overall draft picks ever elected to the Hall of Fame, joining Ken Griffey Jr. and Harold Baines. His minor league career included a stop in Charleston in 1991, when he played for the Macon Braves against the then-Charleston Rainbows at College Park.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and silent auction featuring exclusive baseball memorabilia from past Hot Stove speakers, items from RiverDogs Director of Fun Bill Murray, vacation packages and more. The program will conclude with a fireside-style conversation with Jones.
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The Hot Stove Banquet has become one of the RiverDogs’ most anticipated offseason events, with past speakers including Bo Jackson, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs and Goose Gossage.
Ticket Information:
Individual ticket: $225Table of eight: $1,800
Meet & Greet Add-On (5–6 p.m.): Includes a pre-signed baseball and photo opportunity with Jones. Outside memorabilia will not be permitted
The RiverDogs encourage fans to join for an evening celebrating baseball, community and one of the game’s enduring legends.