Chipper Jones, Rick Ankiel won’t play in NBC World Series in Wichita

Chipper Jones was removed from the Kansas Stars roster for the NBC World Series for what he called “contractual obligations.”

“I was really looking forward to putting on the (uniform) and hanging out (with) some of the guys again,” Jones wrote on Twitter.

Jones, 44, was the most recent addition to the 26-man roster, which has dropped to 24 players as former Royals outfielder Rick Ankiel will miss the tournament due to injury. He tore a wrist ligament in a softball game, according to a team source. Both players will be replaced.

Jones was one of the Stars’ headliners, along with 53-year-old former Cy Young Award winner and MVP Roger Clemens. In 20 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Jones hit 468 home runs with a .303 batting average and 1,623 RBI. He was National League MVP in 1999 and was an eight-time All-Star.

“My apologies to the fans that were going to come to the park to see me,” Jones wrote. “I’ve tried to make it work out logistically but I just can’t make it happen.”

This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 9:51 AM with the headline "Chipper Jones, Rick Ankiel won’t play in NBC World Series in Wichita."