By Fitzgerald Cecilio

The Mets and their fans put animosity aside towards Atlanta Braves veteran slugger Chipper Jones, giving him a fitting recognition during his last appearance in New York before he ends an outstanding career.

Before Friday's game, the Mets have presented Jones with a 3D picture that commemorated some of his success at Shea Stadium, the team's old ballpark before they moved to Citi Field in 2009.

The Mets also scheduled a pre-game press conference for Jones, who tormented the team for years, with a batting average of .314, 49 home runs and 158 runs batted in against them, both in New York and Atlanta.

Jones earned the fans' ire in Queens after hitting four home runs in a three-game series that allowed the Braves to beat the Mets for the National League East crown in 1999, mockingly chanting his given first name, "Lah-REE," over the years.

Jones was not included in the Braves starting lineup Sunday but he was inserted as a pinch-hitter in the ninth. He walked and was then removed for pinch-runner Reed Johnson in the Braves' 3-2 victory.

As he returned to the dugout, Jones received rounds of applause and standing ovation from Mets fans. He acknowledged them by lifting his batting helmet high.

"It's been awesome to come out here and play on this stage," Jones said. "I'm grateful that I had the opportunity and I'm grateful to the Mets organization for all of their generosity and hospitality this weekend."

"The fans have been receptive. I've heard a lot of cheers when I've walked up to the plate, some chants Saturday night, late. I'm not used to hearing that particular chant. It's usually 'Larry.' Last night, it was 'Chipper.' So that was cool," Jones said.

Jones admitted that his farewell tour in New York has been bittersweet, mentioning all the memories he had during his playing career.

"It's obviously kind of bittersweet," Jones said. "It's the last time I'll be coming here as a player unless we face the Yankees in the World Series. I wish things would have worked out so I could have played today. I really wanted to get out there today. But as I've said so many times, sometimes the body doesn't allow you to do so."

In his career, Jones is a .304 hitter with 468 home runs, 1,497 walks, and 1,620 RBI in 2,480 games with 8,930 at bats - all with the Braves.

 

Chipper Jones Says Goodbye to Rival Mets