Pretty much every kid who swung a bat in the state of Georgia in the 1990s idolized Chipper Jones. The switch-hitting, smooth-fielding, do-it-all MVP of the dynasty-era Atlanta Braves inspired a generation of young ballplayers.

Byron Buxton has given a lot of thought lately to the concept of “home.” He probably used no word more often than that one during his hourlong question-and-answer session Monday, ahead of his appearance in the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game,

Kirby Puckett hit for the cycle, and Bert Blyleven struck out 15 batters in a 10-1 win over the Oakland Athletics on August 1, 1986. It was a good day in

Buxton is the son of Felton and Carrie Buxton. His father, Felton, made his living as a truck driver, eventually owning a trucking company. Byron has paid homage to his father with a truck driver celebration after home runs.

Seattle’s Cal Raleigh won his first All-Star Home Run Derby after leading the big leagues in long balls going into the break, defeating Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero 18-15 in

Buxton is 31, owed around $45 million from 2026-28 for a team that counts pennies, and has dealt with wrist, thumb, groin, head, toe, shoulder, hip, hand, and knee injuries, just to name a few, which too often have hindered one of the most-hyped prospects ever in an 11-year career.