Chipper Jones at Best of Preps Banquet (June 17)

photo The Atlanta Braves' Chipper Jones tips his cap to the crowd as he takes the plate for the last at-bat of his career during a National League wild-card game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Turner Field in Atlanta on Oct. 5, 2012.

Chipper Jones, who became a household name during his 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves, will be the guest speaker for the 2013 Best of Preps Banquet. Presented by the Times Free Press, the event honoring more than 500 high school athletes and coaches is scheduled Monday, June 17, at the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza.

Jones, who spent his entire career with the Braves, is one of the most popular players in the history of the franchise. He was the first overall pick in the 1990 Major League draft and helped the team reach the playoffs 14 times, including three World Series appearances and the 1995 world championship. He was an eight-time All-Star selection before he retired last season and is considered a likely first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee when he becomes eligible in four years. On June 28, his No. 10 jersey will be retired by the Braves, and he will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.

General-admission tickets, $50, include dinner and the awards ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-served in proximity to the speaker. Tables closer to the speaker may be reserved for $400. Tables seat eight.

In a change from years past, athletes will not have assigned seating this year and may sit with family or friends at general-admission or reserved tables. Best of Preps athletes receive complimentary admission to the banquet. The names of athletes planning to attend must be emailed to Lyndsi Lane at llane@timesfree press.com.

Seating is limited. Tickets will be sold at the door unless the event sells out before Monday.

Questions? Call 423-757-6498 or email llane@times freepress.com. Find out more at www.timesfree press.com/boprsvp.

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