LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. It was bad enough that Chipper Jones had an epic sunburn that made merely swinging a bat at Thursdays workout a bit painful.
But to add insult to his pain, the Braves veteran was greeted by a couple of teammates and his manager with
fat jokes.
Im also fat now, from what I hear, Jones said, smiling as he winced while taking his jersey over his sunburned arms. Im a little worried, this is the first time Ive ever been called fat.
It happened after an Associated Press photo made the rounds on the Internet, which showed the 39-year-old third baseman walking in shorts and loose-fitting sleeveless T-shirt Sunday at Champion Stadium. As the photo was snapped, a breeze blew Jones shirt in such a manner that he appeared to have a large spare tire around his midsection.
An Atlanta TV station, along with bloggers and others across the country, ridiculed and ranted online about what looked in the photo to be a good 40 pounds of added weight. Which was surprising to those whove actually seen the 6-foot-4 player in person at spring training.
Thing is, Im seven pounds lighter than Ive ever been in camp, and now Im fat, Jones said. I weigh 226, 227. Usually Im 235.
That didnt stop Brian McCann and other Braves from razzing him after Jones returned Thursday from two days of fishing. He hadnt heard about the photo until he got back.
Macs so happy now, Jones said, because [at Turner Field] every time that little kid from Sandlot comes on [the video board] before we start the game play ball! I say Hey, Mac! That little chubby kid.
As for his sunburn, Jones said the last time he had one as bad was the last time he went fishing. Asked about sunblock, he said the only time he ever uses it is on his lips.
