RICHMOND, Ky-- Eastern Kentucky University head baseball coach Jim Ward has announced that Atlanta Braves All-Star third-baseman Chipper Jones has accepted an invitation to be the featured speaker at the annual Diamond Dinner. Jones will speak at the Keen Johnson Building on the campus of EKU, Saturday Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

"We are excited about Chipper Jones appearance as he projects a positive image on the profession of baseball and a positive role model for young players throughout the country. He is truly one of the most popular players in the game and we're thrilled that our players, the University and Madison County community will have the opportunity to hear Chipper speak about his experience in baseball," said Jim Ward.

Jones has been in the majors for three seasons and participated in the World Series on two occasions. Jones was the overall first pick in the 1990 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. He played four seasons in the minors before making his debut in 1995. Jones was named National League Rookie of the Year in a poll of players conducted by The Sporting News.

Jones played an important role for the Braves as they won the 1995 World Championship. He hit .364 with three homeruns and eight RBI's during the World Series.

For information and tickets, contact the EKU baseball office at (606)622-2128.

JG/jg