Chipper to end 18 years of playing in Atlanta

Posted: 03.22.2012 at 11:29 AM

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones announces that he will retire following the 2012 season during a news conference before a spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Kissimmee, Fla., Thursday
/ Associated Press

ATLANTA, GA (AP) --
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones says this will be his final season.

Jones, who turns 40 next month, issued a statement through the team Thursday saying he will retire after the season. He has spent his entire 18-year career with the Braves, winning the NL MVP award in 1999. He has a .304 career average with 454 homers and 1,561 RBIs, but has toyed with the idea of retirement for several years because of a rash of injuries.

The Braves say Jones hopes to remain with the organization in another capacity after his playing career ends.