Tyler Parsons

The Forest City Owls have announced that they have offered former Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones an assistant coaching position for the 2013 season.

The Owls have been one of the most successful summer collegiate teams in the entire country, posting a 175-101 record since their relocation to Forest City. The team competes in the Coastal Plain League, and the Owls have added league championships in 2009 and 2010.

With a roster consisting of current college freshman, sophomores and juniors, the league features players hoping to develop their skills in order to get drafted and play professionally. Former CPL players include Justin Verlander, Kevin Youklis, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds and Ty Wiggington. With players still in the developmental stages of their baseball careers, a coach with the pedigree and experience of Chipper Jones would be a welcomed addition, and the Owls sincerely hope he will consider their offer.

Jones spent 19 seasons with the Atlanta Braves before retiring after the team’s 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2012 MLB Playoffs. While he played in the minor leagues from 1991-1993, Jones never played collegiate baseball as he was drafted straight out of high school with the 1st overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft.

With the Owls, Jones would have the opportunity to experience a level of play that he bypassed in his playing career, and also instruct an impressionable segment of baseball players.

Forest City is currently awaiting word on their contract offer from Jones and his agent, BB Abbott. Assistant coaches are expected to report to the team by May 20th, and the position will stretch into late August if the Owls reach the postseason.