Chipper Jones returns to Atlanta Braves as special assistant

The Atlanta Braves are bringing back former All-Star third baseman Chipper Jones to work for the franchise in a front-office role.

The Braves hired Jones as a special assistant for baseball operations. He will report to president of baseball operations John Hart and general manager John Coppolella.

An eight-time All-Star, Jones retired after the 2012 season and spent the past three years away from the game after 19 seasons with the Braves as a player.

"After a few years of decompressing, I came to the undeniable conclusion that I want to be around the game again and, more particularly, around the Atlanta Braves," Jones said. "Because of what we are in the process of building for this city and our fan base, I am extremely excited to be dipping my toe back into the water that is Braves baseball.

"I look forward to working with our players, as my passion for the art of hitting is something I hold near and dear to my heart. My hope is that I can be an 'extra set of eyes' on our players and help supplement an already strong baseball operations department and coaching staff. I am honored to be back working with the Braves."

Jones, the National League Most Valuable Player in 1999, will go to spring training to serve as an instructor and then during the season will focus on helping the team's hitters. He'll also be involved in scouting for the amateur draft in June 2016 and with some evaluation of minor league prospects.

"We are excited to bring Chipper on board as a special assistant," Coppolella said. "He brings a wealth of experience -- from being a No. 1 overall draft pick to having a highly-successful career as a World Series champion, a league MVP and a batting champion to coming back from major injuries. Chipper spent his entire Hall-of-Fame caliber career in a Braves uniform and we look forward to his input with our staff and with our hitters."