Fred Tenney (1894-1907, 1911)

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1894, 1907, 1911, Frank Selee, Fred Tenney, July 3, November 26

Fred Tenney

Fred Tenney played for the Braves when they were know as the Beaneaters, Doves and Rustlers (1894-1907, 1911).

He was a first baseman, outfielder, catcher and pitcher. Clearly very versatile.

He was born in Georgetown, Massachusetts on November 26, 1871 and passed away on July 3, 1952.

He batted and threw as a lefty.

He was truly one of the pioneers in the early years of the game. He was also an amazing first baseman. The Beaneaters great manager, Frank Selee had already won 3 pennants when he spotted Fred. In that day, he was a pretty rare prospect as a left handed catcher.

But Selee could spot talent and Tenney would help him win two more pennants and a place in history as the greatest team in the 1890’s.

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Chipper Jones popup leads to triple play (June 15, 1996)

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1996, Chipper Jones, Delino Deshields, Eric Karosto, Juan Castro, June 15, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mark Lemke, Marquis Grissom, Triple Play

Triple Play

In the first inning of their 6-2 victory over the Braves on June 15, 1996, the Dodgers turn their first triple play in forty-seven years.

After making a running, back-to-the-plate grab of Chipper Jones’s popup to short left with runners on first and second, Juan Castro throws to second baseman Delino Deshields to double up Marquis Grissom, then the ball is relayed to first baseman Eric Karosto to get Mark Lemke, who was also running on the pitch.

You know Chipper had to feel bad about that one.

Dave Bancroft ruptures his appendix (July 1, 1924)

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1924, Boston Braves, Dave Bancroft, July 1, September 10, Short Stop

Dave Bancroft – Boston Braves

1924 wasn’t a great year for the Boston Braves (now know as the Atlanta Braves). With a 53-100 record, they would finish 8th in National League.

On July 1, the Braves’ player-manager Dave Bancroft ruptures his appendix. The future Hall of Fame short stop will not play again until September 10.

Some years are just like that. In baseball you can go from bad to worse. All you can do is persevere.

Dale Murphy – An athlete who cared

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Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Constitution, Barry Bonnell, Dale Murphy

Dale Murphy – Atlanta Braves

Dale Murphy’s clean-living habits off the diamond were frequently noted in the media. A devout Latter-day Saint, or Mormon, Murphy did not drink alcoholic beverages, would not allow women to be photographed embracing him and paid his teammates’ dinner checks as long as alcoholic beverages were not on the tab.

He also refused to give television interviews unless he was fully dressed. Murphy had been introduced to the church by Barry Bonnell, a teammate early in his career.

For several years, the Atlanta Constitution ran a weekly column, wherein Murphy responded to young fans’ questions and letters. Murphy both advocated and financially profited from his reputation with frequent endorsements of family-friendly products such as milk, ice cream, and cameras in television commercials.

In 1987, he shared Sports Illustrated magazine’s “Sportsmen and Sportswomen of the Year” award with seven others, characterized as “Athletes Who Care”, for his work with numerous charities.

A gutsy move by Harry Wright (1877)

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1877, Ezra Sutton, George Wright, Harry Wright

English: Ezra Sutton, Boston Beaneaters, 3rd Base, 1879 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ezra Sutton started with the Braves (then known as the Boston Red Caps) in 1877. He came to the Braves from Philadelphia. Manager Harry Wright placed the infielder in the lineup as a shortstop. That was a gutsy move since his brother George was currently playing the position. He moved George to second base. It was the only year George would not play shortstop.

It paid off for Harry. Sutton drove in 39 runs that year. That was good enough for third in the league that year. The Braves ended up winning the pennant 7 games ahead.

Dave Bancroft argues with his manager (May 20, 1920)

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1920, 1924, Chicago Cubs, Dave Bancroft, May 22, Philadelphia Phillies

English: 1921 Exhibits Baseball Card of Dave Bancroft of the New York Giants (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When Dave Bancroft was at Philadelphia‚ on May 22, 1920, the Cubs outslug the Phils‚ 15-8. Renie Martin pitches the entire game for the Cubs‚ with both teams collecting 16 hits.

Phils manager Gavvy Cravath lifts shortstop Dave Bancroft because of poor playing and the ensuing argument between the two almost comes to blows. Cy Williams has three hits‚ including a double a triple‚ and 4 runs scored.

He would come to the Braves in 1924. We could only hope he wouldn’t repeat this type of play.

Chipper Jones: Baseball cards 1991

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1991, Atlanta Braves, Baseball Card, Chipper Jones, Rookie

Many manufacturers would start to get into the Chipper Jones baseball card business in 1991. For obvious reasons, the Classic cards were considered minor league in quality and collector attention. When the 1991 sets from the major manufacturers were released, collectors across the country began to stock up on Chipper Jones cards. If he lived up to his promise and proved to be the second coming of Cal Ripken, Jr., then collectors everywhere would be able to put their children through college by selling a handful of Chipper cards.

From a numbers standpoint, Chipper’s career will eclipse that of Ripken. His rookie cards, however, can often be bought for mere pennies. It isn’t Chipper’s fault of course that Topps and Upper Deck were caught up in the era of rampant over-production. Although many collectors love to blame the 1994 strike for the collapse of the baseball card market, that was simply the moment the bubble burst. Value requires scarcity, and Chipper Jones rookie cards are as plentiful as water and air.

Pictured here are two of the better Chipper rookie cards. The Topps card is the classic bat on the shoulder pose. 1991 design isn’t overly impressive, but at least it doesn’t get in the way of the photograph. The Upper Deck card is even better. The picture showing Jones manning shortstop is especially nice. More than anything, I like that it looks like something is inflating inside his cap. Less successful is the card from Score. Generally speaking, cards with the backgrounds removed are almost always worse, but that’s not the only problem with the card. The design is bland, bordering on amateurish. There’s something off about the look on Chipper’s face. It just isn’t a very good card.

April 19, 1919 second game of double header on opening day

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1919, April 19, Boston Braves, George Stallings

And here are some details of the opening day game. George Stallings was managing.  They would end up 57-82 that year. Not a great start and not a great finish.

2B: R Maranville (1); A Wilson (1).

HBP: W Holke (1); J Kelly (1).

TB: B Herzog 3; R Maranville 2; A Wilson 2; R Powell; R Smith; T Miller; W Holke.

RBI: J Scott (1); B Herzog (1).

Team LOB: 12.

Fielding

E: R Smith (1); W Holke (2); J Riggert (1); R Maranville (3).

Baserunning

SB: J Riggert (1, -1st base off  POCS).

 

Dave Bancroft selected for the Hall of Fame (January 31, 1971)

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1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1971, Boston Braves, Dave Bancroft, January 31

January 31, 1971 was a great day in Atlanta Braves history. The Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee selected 7 men for enshrinement: former players Jake Beckley‚ Joe Kelley‚ Harry Hooper‚ Rube Marquard‚ Chick Hafey‚ Dave Bancroft‚ and executive George Weiss.

Dave Bancroft was a Brave manager from 1924 to 1927. They finished 8th, 5th, 7th and 7th.

I’m thinking he got into the Hall of Fame for being a player not a manager.

“Bancroft is one of the greatest shortstops in the history of the game. He can go equally well to his right or left, has a great arm, and is a good hitter. In addition, he is pretty fast on his feet. The best hing about Bancroft is, he can think. He uses his brain. He is more than a great mechanical player. A player like Banny at short means everything to a ball club.” – Hughie Jennings

Hank Aaron hits number 500 (July 14, 1968)

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1968, Atlanta Braves, Fulton County Stadium, Hank Aaron, July 14, San Francisco Giants

Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron is amazing. In 1968, he is just moving along, hitting home runs and helping the Braves win.

Hank hit home run number 500 off Mike McCormick becoming the eighth major leaguer to reach this milestone on July 14, 1968.

Hammerin’ Hank’s three-run homer over the left center field fence proves to be the difference as the Braves beat the Giants at Atlanta Stadium, 4-2.

Dale Murphy – Some after retirement activities

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Dale Murphy, Retirement

Dale Murphy – Atlanta Braves

Some players struggle with what to do after retirement. It can be a challenge when most of your life has been playing a sport. After retiring from baseball,  Dale Murphy served from 1997 to 2000 as president of the Massachusetts Boston Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He was said to be considering a run for Utah governor in 2004, but failed to generate enough interest within the Republican Party. In 2008, he was appointed to the National Advisory Board for the national children’s charity Operation Kids. He currently lives in Alpine, Utah. Murphy serves as a National Advisor to ASCEND: A Humanitarian Alliance.

In 2005 Murphy started a non-profit organization called the iWontCheat Foundation to promote ethical behavior, and deter steroid use and cheating in youth athletics. Since 2008 all players from the participating teams at the Little League World Series wear the “i WON’T CHEAT!” embroidered patch above the Little League Baseball logo on the left sleeve of their jerseys.

Big money didn’t help (1888)

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1887, 1888, Boston Beaneaters, John Morrill, King Kelly, Money Ball, Triumvirs

Mike “King” Kelly

Sometimes owners think you can throw money at the problem and it will work. History teaches us that in sports, sometimes that helps and sometimes it doesn’t. The whole premise of “Money Ball” documents that myth.

The Triumvirs (the owners) brought in King Kelly in 1887. It didn’t help. In 1888 the Boston Beaneaters (now the Atlanta Braves),  had a 70-64 record in John Morrill‘s fourth and last year as manager. They finished fourth in the league, 15 1/2 games behind. The Triumvirs preceded Ted Turner in being willing to pay for great players. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.

In 1888, it didn’t and Mr. Morrill would be shown the door. It wasn’t a problem of money as much as it was talent.

Braves lose to the Rangers and I was there (September 12, 2014)

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Andrelton Simmons, Atlanta Braves, B. J. Upton, Chris Johnson, Jason Heyward, Ryan Doumit, September 12, Texas Rangers

Freddie Freeman vs Texas Rangers 2014

I am not a big fan of Inter-league play in Major League Baseball. I do make one exception. Occasionally the Atlanta Braves make their way to Dallas to play the Texas Rangers. That was the case on September 12, 2014. Unfortunately they lost in a very close game, 2-1. I was thinking that with the Rangers having the worst record 955-92) in MLB this year so far, we might pick up a few games in the Wild Card standings for post season.

It was a fun evening though. Nothing like baseball at the ballpark. My wife and I were able to sit behind home plate in some great seats. I ate my fair share of hot dogs.

Singles by B.J. Upton and Simmons and Jason Heyward’s ground ball produced the Braves’ run in the third inning. Holland retired Justin Upton and Doumit with the bases loaded.

Texas tied it in the sixth on J.P. Arencibia’s double, Beltre’s single and Rua’s groundout.

At first I was hopeful as we were going into the eighth. With two outs,  Beltre and Rua hit consecutive singles against David Carpenter (6-4) before Chirinos lined a single to center to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead.

Rookie Phil Klein (1-2) recorded two outs for his first major league win and Neftali Feliz pitched a perfect ninth inning for his ninth save in 10 opportunities.

Atlanta had a runner on third with one out in the eighth when Klein struck out Justin Upton. After an intentional walk to Ryan Doumit, Klein struck out Chris Johnson to end the inning.

The game ended when Atlanta’s Andrelton Simmons flied out to right fielder Michael Choice on the warning track. Atlanta’s Alex Wood allowed only one run and four hits in seven innings.

And so I left dismayed that the Braves lost. Pretty much how I have felt most of the 2014 season.

“You can’t expect to beat anybody in the big leagues. They’ve got big leaguers, too, and can play good at any moment. We have to make sure we do our part and play solid baseball, play solid defense and produce runs.” ~Andrelton Simmons

The last player Denny pitched to was Pete Rose (September 12, 1972)

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1972, Atlanta Braves, Denny McClain, Pete Rose, September 12

Denny McClain

In his final appearance in a big league uniform, 29 year-old right-hander Denny McLain, who will finish his ten-year career with a 131-92 record, is tagged with the loss when he gives up three runs in the ninth inning without retiring a batter in the Braves’ 7-5 loss to Cincinnati at Atlanta Stadium on September 12, 1972.

Now here is some irony. The last batter the one-time 30-game winner, rumored to have been involved with gambling and bookmaking during his time in the major leagues, will face is Pete Rose, who will be banned from baseball for life for wagering on the game.

Denny will eventually be convicted on charges of embezzlement and served time in prison.

Lack of pitching (1880)

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1880, Boston Red Caps, ERA, Harry Wright, Tommy Bond

Tommy Bond – Boston Red Caps

It is typical of a slide in performance for the Boston Red Caps (now known as the Atlanta Braves) and it was true in 1880 as well. Lack of pitching.

The Red Caps had a combined ERA 0f .308. It would sound good today but not then. Buffalo had .309 ERA. The top teams that year had ERA’s about a full run lower. That will end you up in sixth place for sure.

Tommy Bond seemed to be running out of steam. Harry Wright had him pitch in 63 games that season. He started 57 of those. He had a long four seasons with Boston. He averaged 61 games for those four years. He was wearing out.

He still managed to win 26 games however.

Sounds pretty good but not when you consider 15 less than he averaged the previous three seasons. He also lost 29 games in 1880 as well. So with a below .500 season they Braves ended up 27 games behind the leader.

Now he was colorful (1914)

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1913, 1914, Boston Braves, Connie Mack, Dick Rudolph, Johnny Evers, Lefty Tyler, Miracle Braves, Rabbit Maranville, Seattle Bill James, September 8

Rabbit Maranville

He was a Hall of Famer. He was one of the most accomplished defensive shortstops of all time. And, most important, a part of the miracle Braves of 1914.

The Braves performed one of the most memorable reversals in major league history, going from last place to first place in two months, becoming the first team to win a pennant after being in last place on the Fourth of July. After finishing in fifth place in 1913 with a record of 69 wins and 82 losses, the Braves were not expected to be contenders. They spent the first part of the season in last place, posting a record of 26 wins and 40 losses in early July. Led by three pitchers, Dick Rudolph, Seattle Bill James, and Lefty Tyler, the team began to win games, taking over first place for good on September 8. Their record over their final 89 games was 70-19 for a winning percentage of .787. Infielders Johnny Evers and Rabbit Maranville led the league in double plays. The Braves went on to sweep Connie Mack‘s heavily favored Athletics in four games in the 1914 World Series. The team became known as the “Miracle” Braves and remain one of the most storied comeback teams in baseball history.

Rabbit Maranville played with the Braves from 1912-20, 1929-33 and in 1935. He was mainly a shortstop but also played second and third. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on November 11, 1891 and died on January 5, 1954. Batted right and threw right.

He was very animated and energetic. Just like the energizer bunny. His Christian name was Walter but he went by “Rabbit”. He picked up that name in the minors and it stuck with him. A little girl saw him warming up. He was prancing and dancing around. She said he “jumped around just like a rabbit”.

It was true and it stuck. No more Walter. Only Rabbit. And a key to the miracle of 1914.

Hank falls down (September 7, 1968)

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1968, Doug Rader, Hank Aaron, Houston Astro, September 7

Hank Aaron – 1974

You have to love this story.

Heading toward home plate with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on September 7, 1968, Hank Aaron falls down and is tagged out by Houston’s third baseman Doug Rader.

The last-place Astros come back for an improbable 6-3 victory over the Braves when they score three runs in the top of the tenth frame.

“Baseball is like church. Many attend few understand.” ~~Leo Durocher

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Leo Durocher

Leo Durocher

You have to love this from Leo.

“Baseball is like church. Many attend few understand.” ~~Leo Durocher

Joe Adcock and Al Sprangler help Phillie lose 20 in a row (August 17, 1961)

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1961, Al Sprangler, Art Mahaffey, August 17, Joe Adcock, Milwaukee Braves, Milwaukee County Stadium, Philadelphia Phillies

Joe Adcock – Milwaukee Braves

This is not the kind of record you want. On August 17, 1961, Philadelphia lost 20 in a row, a Major League record. It took 11 innings at County Stadium but they lost to the Milwaukee Braves 7-6. Al Sprangler singled home the winner.

This had to be discouraging since they had a 6-4 lead in the 8th when Joe Adcock slams a 2-run homer off Art Mahaffey to tie.

The Braves snag Billy Southworth (1921)

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1921, 1923, Bill Cunningham, Billy Southworth, Boston Braves, Casey Stengel, Dave Bancroft, Rabbit Maranville

Billy Southworth

In January of 1921, the Boston Braves finally snagged Billy Southworth — one of three Pirates traded to Boston, with $15,000, for Rabbit Maranville. Billy wasn’t happy to be moving from a winning team to a loser. But he wound up signing a contract a few days later and was named captain of the team.

Southworth hit .308 for Boston that year. He was limited to 43 games in ’22 due to a dislocated knee, but in 1923 he accumulated a career-high 611 at-bats and hit for a .319 average. After the season, however, he was part of a trade with the Giants. It was a multiplayer deal, with Casey Stengel coming to Boston along with Dave Bancroft and Bill Cunningham in exchange for Southworth and hurler Joe Oeschger.

John McGraw had coveted Southworth since 1921, according to New York Times sportswriter Arthur Daley. But he waited until Billy had demonstrated that he had recovered from his knee injury.

Dale Murphy – He is also an author

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Atlanta Braves, Dale Murphy

Dale Murphy – Atlanta Braves

Dale Murphy is talented in many ways. He has written three books. The first, The Scouting Report on Professional Athletics, elaborates details of the professional athlete’s lifestyle. Murphy discusses balancing career and family, working with agents, managing business affairs, serving one’s community, and preparing for retirement.

In his second book, an autobiography entitled Murph, he talked about his religious faith. He discussed the struggles of his early baseball career and how he overcame problems.

In 2007 Murphy wrote his third book, The Scouting Report for Youth Athletics, in response to what he saw as the increase in negative behavior in youth sports resulting from poor examples set by professional athletes. Included with each book is a 50-page insert which includes contributions from, among others, Peyton Manning, Dwyane Wade, Tom Glavine, and Danica Patrick. In a question-and-answer format, they discuss the lessons they learned from youth sports and how they apply the lessons today. There is also a physician-penned section about illegal performance-enhancing drug use in sports.

Murphy and his wife, Nancy, have eight children. They are sons Chad, Travis, Shawn, Tyson, Taylor, Jake, McKay and daughter, Madison. His son Shawn has played football for the National Football League.

Fred Tenney in the most controversial game ever (September 23, 1908)

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1908, Chicago Cubs, Fred Tenney, Harry McCormick, Joe McGinnity, Johnny Evers, New York Giants, September 23

Fred Tenney

On September 23, 1908, Giants Pitcher Mathewson and Cubs Pitcher,  Three Fingered Brown, battle in the most controversial game ever played. Now, I would love to meet a pitcher named Three Fingered Brown.

The score is 1-1‚ with 2 outs in the last of the 9th. The Giants’ Harry McCormick is on 3B‚ and Fred Merkle (19‚ and making his first start of the year)‚ is subbing for the sore-legged veteran Fred Tenney‚ on 1B. Fred played for the Braves from 1894 to 1907.

Al Bridwell singles‚ scoring McCormick. Halfway to 2B‚ Merkle turns and heads for the clubhouse in center field. Johnny Evers secures a ball (Joe McGinnity swears he picked up the ball that was in play and threw it into the stands) and touches 2B as the crowd overruns the field. Umpire O’Day at 1B claims he didn’t see the play‚ but that evening he rules the run does not count‚ and the game ended with a tie score.

Years later‚ in an interview‚ Merkle will describe it this way: “When Bridwell shot that long single‚ I started across the grass for the clubhouse. Matty was near me. When Evers began shouting for the ball‚ he noticed something was wrong. Matty caught me by the arm and told me to wait a minute. We walked over toward 2B‚ and Matty spoke to Emslie. ‘How about this‚ Bob‚ is there any trouble with the score of the play?’ ‘It’s all right‚’ said Emslie. ‘You’ve got the game. I don’t see anything wrong with the play.’ Matty then took me by the arm and we walked to the clubhouse confident that we had won the game.”