The Charleston RiverDogs have announced that Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones will serve as the keynote speaker for the organization’s 22nd Annual Hot Stove Banquet, presented by the Marino Family. The event will take place Friday, Jan. 16, from 6–9 p.m. at the Charleston Gaillard Center.
Tickets are available now at riverdogs.com.
Jones, one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball, spent his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018. An eight-time All-Star, the 1999 National League MVP, and a World Series champion, Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest switch-hitters in baseball history.
“We’re excited to welcome Chipper to Charleston to continue a great tradition of celebrating baseball while supporting charitable causes,” said Dave Echols, RiverDogs president and general manager. “Last year’s event was a record success, and we’re looking forward to building on that this January with a Hall of Famer, Braves fan favorite, and one of the faces of baseball in the Southeast.”
Drafted first overall by the Braves in 1990, Jones went on to become one of the franchise’s all-time greats. His 468 home runs are the most by a National League switch-hitter and rank third on the Braves’ all-time list behind Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews. He trails only Aaron in RBIs (1,623), total bases (4,755), OPS (.930), hits (2,726), and games played (2,499). Jones also holds the franchise record for walks with 1,512.
The Jacksonville, Florida, native made an immediate impact early in his career. In 1995, his first full major league season, Jones led all rookies with 86 RBIs and 140 games played, helping the Braves capture a World Series title. Four years later, he earned NL MVP honors after posting a .319 batting average, 1.074 OPS, and a career-high 45 home runs. Fittingly, Jones recorded both the final hit at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and the first hit at Turner Field, bookending a memorable era in Braves history.
Jones is one of only three first-overall draft picks ever elected to the Hall of Fame, joining Ken Griffey Jr. and Harold Baines. His Minor League journey brought him to Charleston in 1991 as a member of the Macon Braves, when he faced the Charleston Rainbows at College Park in South Atlantic League play.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and silent auction featuring exclusive baseball memorabilia from past Hot Stove speakers, collectibles from RiverDogs Director of Fun Bill Murray, vacation packages, and more. The night will conclude with a fireside-style conversation with Jones.
The Hot Stove Banquet has become one of the RiverDogs’ most anticipated offseason traditions, with past speakers including Bo Jackson, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs, and Goose Gossage.
Ticket Information:
- Individual ticket: $225
- Table of eight: $1,800
- Meet & Greet Add-On (5–6 p.m.): Includes an exclusive opportunity to meet Chipper Jones, a pre-signed baseball, and a photo with the Hall of Famer. Outside memorabilia will not be permitted for signing. Limited availability.
Join the RiverDogs for an unforgettable evening celebrating baseball, community, and one of the game’s greats.