As the 2024 World Series excitement brews (especially surrounding former Braves star Freddie Freeman), Bleacher Report has tapped into a bittersweet side of the game. They put a spotlight players who left an indelible mark on baseball yet never hoisted the ultimate prize: a World Series trophy.
Tim Kelly’s list of “10 MLB Players We Wish Won the World Series” dives into the recent era’s stars who dazzled fans, set records, and became icons – but, for all their accomplishments, couldn’t quite reach the pinnacle of a championship.
Andruw Jones is among the most memorable players on Kelly’s list. For Braves fans, his story brings back memories of glory and heartbreak. The Braves were lucky to have him for 12 seasons. Jones became a defensive marvel in center field, claimed 10 Gold Gloves, earned five All-Star nods, and won a Silver Slugger award. Yet, despite his early postseason success, the championship ring eluded him.
Jones’s World Series quest began in 1996 when he debuted as a 19-year-old prodigy with explosive potential. That October, he made a historic mark in his first World Series appearance, crushing two home runs in Game 1 and helping the Braves to a decisive 12-1 win over the New York Yankees.
Braves fans saw Jones as a sign of the future, especially as the team went up 2-0 in the series. But fate had other plans; the Yankees rallied, sweeping the next four games and breaking Atlanta’s collective heart with a 6-0 lead blown in Game 4, which could have been a game-changer for the Atlanta Braves.
Jones and the Braves got one more shot in 1999, once again facing the Yankees in the Fall Classic. This time, the Yankees were relentless, sweeping Atlanta and denying Jones the championship once more. Though he had the skills and stats, Jones would not return to the World Series. He played his final postseason game in 2011, this time with the Yankees, but without any October magic left in the tank.
Andruw Jones isn’t alone in his postseason misfortune, as Kelly’s list showcases more stars whose talent outshone their playoff luck. Joey Votto faced a similar fate, along with Jim Thome, Torii Hunter, and Ken Griffey Jr. They all became legends of the game but ended their careers without a World Series victory.
Pitchers like Roy Halladay and Johan Santana also had Hall of Fame-level talent but fell short in their October pursuits. Other players on Kelly’s list, such as closer Trevor Hoffman, slugger Vladimir Guerrero, and the resilient Adrian Beltre, all made unforgettable contributions to the sport without ever touching the championship trophy.
Ultimately, Kelly’s list serves as a tribute to these players’ remarkable careers. It is also a reminder that even the greatest sometimes fall short of a championship. Andruw Jones’ impact on the Braves and baseball was profound. The championship ring may have gone unclaimed, but his legacy in the game is secure.
