Profiling Chipper Jones' villainous and destructive career versus the Mets

The New York Mets have had their fair share of rivals in their illustrious history. Players such as Chase Utley, Joe Torre, Pat Burrell, Andre Dawson, Jimmy Rollins, Greg Maddux, and Willie Stargell headline a list of notable antagonists.

However, one name securely stands above the rest. Former Atlanta Braves star and Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones has become infamous for his torment of the Mets. His terrifying track record prompted the forming of this "All-Chipper Jones Team." His name is synonymous with Mets villainry.

Chipper Jones made a career out of terrorizing fans of the New York Mets

The Atlanta legend ascended to the top of the sport by dominating opposing pitchers for nearly two decades. Yet, his work against New York ranks atop his best levels of production.

Exactly how well did Jones fair against the Mets during his career? Here's an in-depth profile:

By the Numbers

Jones' career numbers stand as follows. .303 career batting average. 468 home runs. 1,623 RBI, and 2,499 games played. He also added eight All-Star appearances, one NL MVP (1999), and a World Series championship (1995).

These counting stats will assuredly stand the test of time and cement his legacy as a superstar. However, despite excellent numbers across the board, Chipper raised his game to a higher level against his biggest career rival.

Jones' already stellar average raised .06 full points to .309 vs NYM. He also hit 49 homers against the Mets (tied with the Phillies for his most against any singular franchise). In fact, New York ranks in the top five in Chipper's production of every major statistical category.

One has more than enough statistical evidence that Jones' thrived more against the Mets than against any other team. Unfortunately for New York, his impact on the franchise goes much deeper than counting stats.

The Villainous Moments

There is no shortage of examples in which Jones terrorized New York. Consider the playoff chase during Chipper's 1999 MVP season. You may recall that the Braves and Mets were locked in a tight race for the NL East crown.

In a single series matchup, Jones hit for a ridiculous .444 BA and added seven RBI. This undoubtedly put pressure on the Mets, who would walk the slugger nine times during the NLCS later that year.

One cannot forget that the slugger hit his first career walk-off home run in none other than Shea Stadium. The Mets' former home field quickly became one of his favorite places to play.

Off-Field Shade

Need more evidence to support the claim that Jones is the Mets' biggest villain? Chipper has been kind enough to add fuel to the fire through several off-field antagonistic efforts.

Let's begin with this cardboard cutout that the third baseman had set up in Citi Field during a home game during the COVID pandemic.

Jones further trolled the Mets and their fans, by naming his kids "Shea" after the former New York ballpark. It's no coincidence that the slugger hit his first career homer, a walk-off, in that very park. He has since admitted publicly that this name choice was his best work as a villain.

MLB fans will assuredly remember Chipper as a phenomenal athlete who headlined the Atlanta franchise during one of the best eras. His skill and contributions to the game have even earned the respect of division rival Mets fans. However, while our love for the game may cause us to hold Jones in high esteem, all faithful New York fans are assuredly grateful that he is no longer suiting up when the Mets come to town.