Got to see Chipper up close many a time in 1991 when he played for the Macon Braves. He hung out at one of the few college bars that existed back then a time or two as well but always had an entourage of sorts with him that chilled conversation. John Rocker OTOH was raised, at least in part, in Macon and was a very approachable nice guy.
Those were some great summers. Lots of unsung heroes like Belliard, SIIIID, Terry P, and the Lemmer. You had the flash in the outfield with Prime Time and Otis. And the stars that have already been mentioned here. We had an old wooden cabinet TV that we kept on the front porch to sit outside and watch the games. That thing weighed a ton and was bulky. Once or twice a week I would find it halfway to the street sitting in the front yard. I bet there's still lots of broke back porch thieves hobbling around Maconga.