future Major League stars Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome. Thome and Jones would eventually go on to develop a good friendship over the years. He also changed his position from shortstop to third base, following the guidance of the Braves organization. Major league career (1993–2012) 1993–1998 Jones made his major league debut on September 11, 1993, as the youngest player in the league. In 1994, he was expected to compete for the starting left field job after veteran Ron Gant broke his leg during an offseason dirt bike accident. However, Jones suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee in spring training. As a result, he spent the entire strike shortened 1994 season on the disabled list. In 1995, Jones led all major league rookies in runs batted in (RBIs; 86), games played (145), games started (123), plate appearances (602), at bats (524), and runs scored (87). That year, he finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year Award balloting behind Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo. In addition to achieving a level of personal success, Jones played in the 1995 World Series, in which the Braves won in six games over the Cleveland Indians. He also played in the 1996 World Series, in which the Braves lost to the New York Yankees in six games. Jones recorded the last official hit at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium before its closure and demolition in 1997, as well as the first hit in Turner Field history. In 1998, Jones came in ninth in the voting for the National League Most Valuable Player Award, as he scored 123 runs and had 96 walks (both fourth best in the league). 1999: MVP season In 1999, Jones won the National League MVP award after becoming the first player ever to hit over .300 (.319) while slugging 40 or more home runs (45; 3rd in the NL) and doubles (41), drawing 100 or more walks (126; 3rd in the league), notching 100 or more RBI (110) and runs scored (116), and stealing 20 or more bases (25). Ironically, Jones was not selected for the MLB All-Star game that year. He was also walked intentionally 18 times; 2nd in the league, and his .633 slugging percentage was 4th best in the NL. A major factor in his selection as MVP was his performance against the Braves' chief competitors, the New York Mets. The Braves