Where are the '98 Braves now? Checking up on "them big three pitchers; Andruw and Chipper"

Country artist Morgan Wallen has broken his time off-media with the release of his new album, where a song titled "'98 Braves" is perhaps one of its most interesting pieces. The song explores the author’s breakup by comparing it to the 1998 Atlanta Braves’ defeat to the San Diego Padres as an analogy to his failed relationship.

"Got put out by them damn Padres, I guess destiny ain't always meant to be. Kinda like you and me that day" - Morgan Wallen

The country song started off with Wallen mentioning that there was no way "them boys wouldn’t win", between, "them big three pitchers" (referencing Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz); "and Andruw and Chipper" (the so-called "Jones brothers") before explaining how heartbreaking it was when Atlanta lost the 1998 NLCS to the Padres.

What has happened to Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and the Jones?

"Them big three pitchers" from the Braves:

Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz are three pitching legends. All three players have retired from baseball, but they have continued to stay involved in the sport in various ways.

After retiring, Gregg Maddux worked as a special assistant to the general manager for the Chicago Cubs. He also served as a pitching coach for the United States national baseball team during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Maddux was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

Tom Glavine also worked as a special assistant to the general manager for the Braves after retiring. He also served as a television analyst for games on Fox Sports South. In 2015, Glavine was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, joining his former teammate Maddux as one of the all-time greats.

John Smoltz has had a successful career as a television analyst for MLB Network and Fox Sports. He has also served as a color commentator for various games and events. Smoltz was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015, along with Maddux and Glavine.

John Smoltz after being inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame

"Andruw and Chipper":

Andruw Jones, who was known for his excellent fielding and hitting abilities, played for the Braves from 1996 to 2007 before moving on to play for several other teams. After retiring in 2015, he began working as a special assistant to the general manager for the Braves. In this role, he helps with player development and scouting. Jones has also served as a coach for the Netherlands national baseball team.

Chipper Jones, one of the greatest third basemen of all time, played his entire career for the Braves from 1993 to 2012. After retiring, he became an analyst for Major League Baseball on Fox Sports South. In 2018, Jones was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, joining other greats in the game. He has also been involved in charity work and has supported organizations such as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

Perhaps the '98 Braves were as heartbreaking as Morgan Wallen’s breakup, but one thing is for sure, unlike their relationship, what Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and the Jones did for baseball will be forever.

Andruw Jones with the Yankees in 2012