---

Andruw Jones broke in with the Braves in 1996. Despite playing just 31 regular-season games, the 19-year old center fielder made Atlanta’s post season roster. It was there that he left his mark.

Jones homered in his first two World Series at bats. Though his Braves lost to the Yankees in six games, Jones was an offensive force. He hit .400 with a .500 on-base percentage, and a .750 slugging percentage.

The next season Jones was the Braves everyday centerfielder, playing in all but nine of Atlanta’s 162 games. Jones quickly became one of the finest defensive center fielders in the game. A Gold Glove recipient every season from 1998-2007, Jones helped the Braves made the postseason in each of his first nine seasons.

Jones’ Atlanta squad were talented. The Braves boasted a pitching staff with three future Hall of Famers, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. On offense, Jones was aided by Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones. General Manager John Schuerholz, and skipper Bobby Cox are also Cooperstown men.

After his first dozen years in the bigs, Andruw seemed destined for Cooperstown. By that time the 30-year old was a ten-time Gold Glover with 330 doubles, 368 homers, and 1,117 runs batted in.

His decline was steep. From his age-31 season in 2008 until he retired in 2012, Jones hit just .210. His power also tailed off significantly. After averaging more than 30 homers per year in his first 12 seasons, Jones hit only 66 in his last five years.

Jones retired with 434 homers, 1,289 RBI, and a reputation as one of the greatest defensive center fielders in baseball history. Many feel he’s deserving of baseball’s highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame.

In the collection is this 3×5 card signed by Andruw Jones during his final stop in the Minor Leagues. A small picture of Jones sporting a hat from the Triple-A Durham Bulls is attached to the index card. The signature is certified by PSA/DNA.