The Bert Show: Vault – Interview with Chipper Jones
Date: October 29, 2025
Podcast: The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting)
Episode Focus: An open and entertaining interview with MLB legend Chipper Jones, exploring baseball culture, team optimism, and the quirks of sports stardom.
Episode Overview
In this episode, the Bert Show crew welcomes Atlanta Braves icon Chipper Jones for a candid and humorous conversation. The discussion covers Chipper’s loyalty to the Braves, what it’s like living with perennial World Series expectations, the psychology behind sports optimism, and lighter moments about video games and being in the public eye. The hosts keep the mood energetic and authentic, making for a personable look at a baseball superstar.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Life with the Atlanta Braves
[02:34] Chipper discusses his day-to-day as a lifelong Brave, including unique routines and locker room culture:
- Typical arrival time at the ballpark is 7:00am, but after a night game, the schedule is relaxed (credit to coach Bobby Cox).
- Pride in organization loyalty: "You've only been in the Braves organization, correct?" – "Correct, correct." (Podcast Host & Chipper Jones, 02:43–02:48)
2. Contrasting Optimisms: Winning Teams vs. Underdogs
[02:49–03:22]
- The host, a lifelong Padres fan, jokes about perennial disappointment:
“It’s been God awful for 20 years.” - Chipper acknowledges Braves fans may be “a little spoiled” but recognizes the importance of optimism for all teams:
“It’s great for baseball that those teams have that optimism... year in and year out, there’s one team that is sort of the Cinderella and, you know...who’s to say what team that’s going to be?”
— Chipper Jones (03:22)
3. The ‘This is Our Year’ Mindset
[03:22–04:11]
- Chipper reflects on the Braves’ high expectations and the pressure that comes with constant contention:
“There aren’t too many teams in baseball nowadays who can boast of having World Series aspirations. And we’ve had it for the last 12 years. And to be honest with you, more than half the time or almost half the time we’ve been there in the World Series.”
— Chipper Jones (04:33) - He stays optimistic about future championships:
“If we give ourselves enough opportunities, we’ll certainly win another one one day.”
— Chipper Jones (04:52)
4. Defensive Prowess and On-field Fun
[05:10–05:18]
- Chipper admits enjoying his role in the outfield:
“Probably had one of my better games last night. I robbed a home run from Jim Thome. Made a couple nice running plays. So, I’m having fun with it out there.”
— Chipper Jones (05:10) - The energy after a win carries into the players’ psyche and performance.
5. Catching Yourself on TV
[05:31–05:54]
- Hosts ask Chipper if he watches his highlights:
“You better believe it... I will catch the 10 o’clock version, the 12 o’clock version, 2 o’clock... then I’ll wake up really early cause they play it every hour on the hour.”
— Chipper Jones (05:35, 05:43)
6. Chipper Jones: Video Game Avatar
[06:01–06:48]
- Chipper discusses seeing himself in video games:
“I have actually. Not too much. It was just kind of a little experiment type thing. I’m not real heavy into video games.”
— Chipper Jones (06:07) - Compares his real-life abilities with his digital counterpart:
“Who’s better, the real Chipper or the animated Chipper?”
— “Well, that depends on what year you’re talking… 2000, 2002, I probably got a little pop. Probably go deep off field.”
— Hannah & Chipper (06:18–06:22) - The hosts joke about 11-year-olds being able to outplay him as his avatar:
“Without a doubt. Because if they’re not in school, they’re probably in front of the tube playing Xbox and all those other games.”
— Chipper Jones (06:48)
7. Lighthearted Banter: Bromance & Aspirations
[07:07–07:17]
- The host confesses his "guy crush” on Chipper:
“I got like this big old guy crush on you, man. I mean, it’s not. It’s not like a physical thing. I just. I would like to be Chipper for a day.”
— Podcast Host (07:12) - Chipper responds with witty surprise:
“Well, I’m speechless. I’ve never been hit on by a man.”
— Chipper Jones (07:17) - Banter continues about wanting to be Chipper’s “shadow for a day”—co-hosts joke about crossing into “stalker” territory.
8. Farewell & Season’s Wishes
[07:49]
- Hosts wish Chipper luck for the new season, encourage him to check back anytime.
Notable Quotes and Moments
-
Chipper’s Wisdom About Baseball Optimism:
"Year in and year out, there's one team that is sort of the Cinderella...who’s to say what team that’s going to be?"
— Chipper Jones (03:22) -
On Lofty Goals:
“We’ve had [World Series aspirations] for the last 12 years. And to be honest...almost half the time we've been there.”
— Chipper Jones (04:33) -
On Watching Himself on ESPN:
“You better believe it.”
— Chipper Jones (05:35) -
Responding to the Host’s Admiration:
“Well, I’m speechless. I’ve never been hit on by a man.”
— Chipper Jones (07:17)
Segment Timestamps
- [02:08] – Interview kicks off, Chipper joins the show
- [02:34] – Braves routines and organizational loyalty
- [03:00] – Underdog mindset vs. championship expectations
- [04:05] – Braves' consistent success
- [05:10] – Chipper on recent outfield heroics
- [05:35] – Chipper on catching his TV highlights
- [06:07] – Playing as himself in video games
- [07:07] – Host’s “guy crush” revelation and playful banter
- [07:49] – Interview wrap-up, well-wishes for the season
Tone & Style
The episode delivers classic Bert Show banter: lively, playful, and authentic. Chipper Jones’ humble, good-natured responses make for an engaging listen, and the hosts' self-deprecating humor balances fan admiration with sports realism.
Summary Takeaway
This episode gives listeners a fun, relatable window into the mind of a baseball legend, discussing the realities of winning culture, the importance of optimism in sports, and what it’s like to see yourself—digitally and on-screen—as a professional athlete. Chipper’s down-to-earth attitude and the Bert Show’s candid enthusiasm make this a must-listen for baseball fans and casual listeners alike.