John Rocker – An amazing closer for the Atlanta Braves but all ruined by an intolerance for others and the rules

Tags

1974, 1993, 1998, 2001, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, John Rocker, June 23, Macon GA, October 17, Steroid

John Rocker – Atlanta Brave

Man, John Rocker could pitch and what a closer he was. John Loy Rocker (born October 17, 1974) is a relief pitcher who played for the Atlanta Braves, the Cleveland Indians, the Texas Rangers, and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as well as the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He threw left-handed and batted right-handed. He is a native of Macon, Georgia and lives in Atlanta.

In high school, he was a pitcher for First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, Georgia.He threw three no-hitters during his high-school career. He was soon drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 18th round (516th overall) of the 1993 Major League Baseball Draft.

In 1998, he was promoted to the major league club. In Rocker’s first season in the Major Leagues, he was 1–3 with a 2.13 ERA in 38 innings pitched. The following year, an injury put Atlanta closer Kerry Ligtenberg on the DL, moving Rocker into the role of closer, where he was 4–5 with 38 saves and a 2.49 ERA. In 2000, he was 1–2 with 24 saves, posting a 2.89 ERA, but in June 2000, Rocker was demoted for threatening a reporter.

John on whether he would ever play for the New York Yankees or the New York Mets.

I’d retire first. It’s the most hectic, nerve-racking city. Imagine having to take the 7 Train to the ballpark looking like you’re riding through Beirut next to some kid with purple hair, next to some queer with AIDS, right next to some dude who just got out of jail for the fourth time, right next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids. It’s depressing… The biggest thing I don’t like about New York are the foreigners. You can walk an entire block in Times Square and not hear anybody speaking English. Asians and Koreans and Vietnamese and Indians and Russians and Spanish people and everything up there. How the hell did they get in this country?

Braves fans were initially willing to support him; however, as Rocker received intense taunting from opposing teams’ fans, his pitching performance declined. On June 23, 2001, Rocker, along with minor-league infielder Troy Cameron (Atlanta’s first-round draft pick in 1997), was traded to the Cleveland Indians for right-handed relievers Steve Karsay and Steve Reed, along with cash. 

I abhor the “steroid era” in baseball. In March 2007, Rocker was implicated in a steroid ring that included Applied Pharmacy of Mobile, Alabama. In December 2011, he admitted to using steroids, saying “Yeah, of course I was [using steroids]. I mean who wasn’t? Let’s be honest here, who wasn’t?”

So long to the Braves and so long to what little respect I had left for him. An amazing closer but all ruined by an intolerance for others and the rules.

John Rocker

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	IP	G	GS	R	RA9
1998	23	ATL	NL	38.0	47	0	10	2.37
1999	24	ATL	NL	72.1	74	0	24	2.99
2000	25	ATL	NL	53.0	59	0	25	4.25
2001	26	ATL	NL	32.0	30	0	13	3.66
2001	26	CLE	AL	34.2	38	0	23	5.97
2002	27	TEX	AL	24.1	30	0	19	7.03
2003	28	TBD	AL	1.0	2	0	1	9.00
6 Seasons				255.1	280	0	115	4.05
ATL (4 yrs)				195.1	210	0	72	3.32
TBD (1 yr)				1.0	2	0	1	9.00
TEX (1 yr)				24.1	30	0	19	7.03
CLE (1 yr)				34.2	38	0	23	5.97

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/10/2017.

Braves All-Stars (July 11, 2017)

Tags

2015, 2017, All Star, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, December 9, Ender Inciarte, July 11

God bless Ender Inciarte for getting elected to the All Stars game in Miami on July 11, 2017. It is well deserved. On December 9, 2015, the Diamondbacks traded Inciarte, Dansby Swanson, and Aaron Blair to the Braves for Shelby Miller, and Gabe Speier. Inciarte started for the Braves as their center fielder and leadoff hitter on Opening Day

We seem to be entering a drought here. Only 1 player going to the All-Stars each of the last 3 years. If you look back over the last 20 years, you will see a different story. Sending only 1 would have been embarrassing. The culture has certainly changed in Atlanta.

At least we have a new stadium!

The lasting impact of the Expos trade for Bartolo Colon (June 27, 2002)

Tags

2002, Atlanta Braves, Bartolo Colon, Cleveland Indians, June 27, New York Mets

On June 27, 2002, Colon was traded from the Cleveland Indians to the Montreal Expos, who fancied themselves contenders for the National League wild card and NL East races despite deficits of 5 and 6.5 games respectively at the end of the day.

Bartolo has bounced around a lot. Of course, the Braves just released him. Here is the list (courtesy of Wikipedia):

• Cleveland Indians (1997–2002)
• Montreal Expos (2002)
• Chicago White Sox (2003)
• Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2004–2007)
• Boston Red Sox (2008)
• Chicago White Sox (2009)
• New York Yankees (2011)
• Oakland Athletics (2012–2013)
• New York Mets (2014–2016)
• Atlanta Braves (2017)

Source: On this date: The lasting impact of the Expos trade for Bartolo Colon

Who is the Freeze and how did he became an Atlanta Braves Sensation

Tags

2017, Atlanta Braves, Groundskeeper, Nigel Talton, The Freeze

Who is The Freeze and how did he become so popular?

Talton is a track athlete who has his eyes set on the 2018 World Indoor Championships in England. He is working 2 jobs right now and works all night. Doesn’t seem to slow him down though.

“The Freeze, whose real name is Nigel Talton, is a grounds-crew member for the Braves, but between innings he becomes a superhero. Fans challenge him in a race from foul pole to foul pole, and the Freeze gives his opponents a sizable head start — often five or more seconds — before turning on the jets.”

Source: How the Freeze Became an Atlanta Braves Sensation – The Ringer

“Chicks Dig the Long Ball”, a Nike Commercial, airs starring Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux (May 2, 1999)

Tags

1999, Atlanta Braves, Greg Maddux, Mark McGwire, May 2, Tom Glavine

Now this is classic. On May 2, 1999, Nike’s ‘Chicks Dig the Long Ball’ commercial, starring Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, airs for the first time.

The television ad depicts the Braves hurlers, both who have won multiple Cy Young Awards, as pitchers-who-want-to-become-worshipped-home-run- heroes after becoming frustrated over the attention being shown to Cardinal slugger Mark McGwire by Heather Locklear and a friend.

hi

Rafael Furcal – Number 6 Greatest player of the 2000’s

Tags

2005, All Star, April 4, Atlanta Braves, December 7, Rafael Furcal, Rookie of the Year

Some fans may not be as happy with Rafael Furcal after there was what seemed like a verbal deal in place to bring him back to Atlanta in 2008. But, Furcal backtracked and re-signed with the Dodgers. I know it saddened me to no extent.

Outside of that, Furcal was one of the better Braves between 2000-05.

An injury to Braves shortstop Walt Weiss prior to the 2000 season led to Furcal improbably making the jump from “A” ball to the Major League roster. He made his Major League debut on April 4, 2000 against the Colorado Rockies, getting 2 hits in 4 at-bats. His first hit was against Rockies pitcher Rolando Arrojo.

Furcal went on to hit .295 with 40 stolen bases for the Braves and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award that year.

During 2000 to 2005, he hit .284 with 57 home runs and 292 RBI. He also had 924 hits, 554 runs scored, stole 189 bases, had a .348 on-base percentage, hustled for 38 triples and knocked 160 doubles.

Furcal won the 2000 Rookie of the Year and was named a 2003 All-Star.

On December 7, 2005, Furcal signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for three years and $39 million. In September 2006 Furcal was selected as the inaugural winner of the Roy Campanella Award, given to the Dodgers player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher. The award was voted on by only his teammates.

Source: Atlanta Braves History: Greatest Players of the 2000s | Bleacher Report

Atlanta Braves played in first-ever ‘Fort Bragg Game’ at new ballpark to celebrate military Fourth of July Weekend

Tags

2016, Atlanta Braves, Ft. Bragg, July 3, Miami Marlins

This was quite a moment in history for the the Atlanta Braves. They faced the Miami Marlins in a regular season game at a newly constructed ballpark July 3, 2016 at Fort Bragg, N.C., to celebrate America’s servicemen and servicewomen.

It took a year’s worth of planning and a frantic construction schedule to make the Atlanta Braves-Miami Marlins contest a reality. The 5-2 Marlins victory was played in a temporary ballpark constructed at the nation’s largest military base here.

Source: Atlanta Braves to play in first-ever ‘Fort Bragg Game’ at new ballpark to celebrate military Fourth of July Weekend – Atlanta Business Chronicle

Mike Hampton’s injury prone second time with the Atlanta Braves (2007 – 2008)

Tags

2007, 2008, April 2, April 3, Atlanta Braves, December 3, July 26, March 7, Mike Hampton

Mike Hampton

On April 2, 2007, right-hander Mike Hampton, who signed the richest contract ever given to a pitcher, makes his Rockies debut, getting the victory when the team beat the Cardinals, 8-0. The $123.8 million man will get off to a quick 9-2 start for Colorado, but will finish his stay in the mountains 12-27 over the next one and half seasons before being dealt to the Braves for the second time.

The Braves were hoping for Hampton to be ready to rejoin the rotation in time for the start of the 2007 season. The rehab was on schedule until Hampton tore his oblique muscle on March 7, 2007, which was to sideline him until at least May. Soon after, the Braves signed Mark Redman to be a left-handed starting pitcher for them in case Hampton was not able to return to action soon. After Hampton threw a bullpen session on April 8, the Braves shut Hampton down due to recurring elbow pain and said that he would see Dr. David Altchek, who had performed his Tommy John surgery in 2005. The next day, it was announced after having another left elbow procedure, that Hampton would miss the entire 2007 season.

Hampton reported to “Camp Roger” on time in late January 2008. He threw off the mound for Bobby Cox and Roger McDowell, both of whom were impressed with Hampton’s steady progress. Hampton arrived a day before pitchers and catchers were due to report at Lake Buena Vista. He ran sprints and played catch with teammates, and continued to pitch off the mound, and threw to live batters: Mark Kotsay, Tim Hudson, and Corky Miller.

On April 3, 2008, Hampton was scheduled to make his long-anticipated return to the Braves rotation in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. While warming up, however, Hampton strained his left pectoral muscle, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

On July 26, 2008, Hampton made his first major league start since August 2005 against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he was soon injured again, and finished the season with only 13 appearances. His final 2008 stats included a 3-4 record and a 4.85 ERA.

On December 3, 2008, Hampton signed a 1-year contract worth $2 million with the Houston Astros.

All I could say at the time was “Good riddance”.

 

Hank, Rico and Orlando (April 2, 1972) plus a side note on the designated hitter

Tags

1972, April 2, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Charlie Finley, Hank Aaron, Oakland Athletics, Orlando Cepeda, Rico Carty

Orlando Cepea

On April 2, 1972 Hank Aaron, Rico Carty, and Orlando Cepeda all start in an exhibition game. It is the first time the trio of sluggers, sidelined with a variety of injuries over the past two seasons, have appeared together in the Braves lineup since 1970.

As a side note, in July, Cepeda was traded to the Oakland Athletics for Denny McLain. After playing for a week, he was hospitalized and underwent a second surgery on his injured knee. Cepeda remained in Oakland three months before returning to Puerto Rico.

Upon arriving he received a telegram from Charlie Finley, the Athletics’ owner, telling him that if he didn’t respond within three days he would be released from his contract. Cepeda decided not to call, intending to retire from baseball. In 1973, the American League established the designated hitter role, hoping to improve attendance. The Boston Red Sox contacted him, telling him that his role with the team only required batting. Cepeda became the first player to sign a contract to exclusively play as a designated hitter.

His first hit with the team was a walk-off home run to beat the New York Yankees. Cepeda had an average of .289 with 20 home runs and 86 RBIs in 550 at bats. He was also named Designated Hitter of the Year. Cepeda’s twentieth home run established a major league record, making him the first player to hit twenty or more home runs with four different teams. He went to Puerto Rico and prepared to play in the 1974 season, but the team decided to release him and Luis Aparicio during spring training. After briefly playing in Mexico, he was offered a contract by the Kansas City Royals. In his last season, Cepeda had 107 at bats, batting .215 with one home run.

The pitcher who hit two grand slams in one game (July 3, 1966)

Tags

1940, 1966, Atlanta Braves, August 13, Bobby Bragan, July 3, Tony Cloniger

Tony Cloninger

Sunday, July 3, 1966…this was the day we should all remember as one of the best performances an Atlanta Braves pitcher has ever had.  The Braves took on the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park in an afternoon ball game in front of 27,000 fans.  When the fans

The Braves took on the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park in an afternoon ball game in front of 27,000 fans.  When the fans arrived to the facility, they had no idea what they were about to witness.

The Braves and manager Bobby Bragan sent a young 25-year-old right hander named Tony Cloninger to the mound.  He came into the game with an 8-7 record and a 4.35 ERA and had a .200 batting average.  On this night, he would improve all of those categories.

Cloninger was born on August 13, 1940, in North Carolina and was signed by the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent in 1958.  The righty pitched with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves from 1961-1968, Cincinnati Reds from 1968-1971 and the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972.

It is the first inning. Tony comes to the plate with bases loaded. Tony does the unthinkable and hits a grand slam. Call it a day and go home.

But … Tony is there to pitch and pitch he does.

He comes up again in the fourth. And boom, another grand slam. Cloninger became the first player in the National League, and the only pitcher to date, to hit two grand slams in the same game!!

As the game ended, Cloninger finished his complete game with five strikeouts and picked up his ninth win of the season.  He was the player of the game, going 3-5 with nine RBI’s and a complete-game win on the mound.  The Braves won this match up against the Giants 17-3.

Crazy stat…just five starts prior, Cloninger went 3-5 at the plate with hit two homers and five RBIs.  He also pitched a complete game on this night and only gave up five hits and one run.

One Additional Crazy stat…on Cloninger’s first start of the 1966 season, he threw a complete game 13 innings and gave up 10 hits, three runs, three walks and had 12 strikeouts.  Talk about saving your bullpen.

Source: Atlanta Braves flashback Friday: The pitcher who hit two grand slams in one game

Atlanta scores seven runs in seventh inning (April 4, 2003)

Tags

2003, Andruw Jones, April 4, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Gary Sheffield, Miami Marlins, Montreal Expos

Andruw Jones

In one inning, the Atlanta Braves wiped out three games’ worth of frustration. The Braves scored seven runs in the seventh, highlighted by Andruw Jones’ three-run homer, and went on to beat the Florida Marlins 12-7 on April 4, 2003.

It was Atlanta’s first victory after an 0-3 start — the team’s worst since 1988.

We relaxed and did our thing. We’ll be OK. We got the jitters out. Now we can play our game. That was obvious in the seventh inning. ~Marcus Giles who had three of Atlanta’s 16 hits

The Braves were swept by Montreal in the first series of the year, getting outscored 17-2. Atlanta, which had won 11 straight division titles, had not started so poorly since going 0-10 in 1988. All that changed in the seventh, when the Braves pounded on Marlins relievers Blaine Neal and especially Vladimir Nunez (0-1).

Trailing 5-2, Atlanta started the inning with five straight hits. Gary Sheffield had a run-scoring single, Chipper Jones hit an RBI double off the center-field wall and Andruw Jones followed with a three-run homer into the center-field stands off Nunez.

 

R. A. Dickey is closing in on two milestones in 2017

Tags

2017, Atlanta Braves, R. A. Dickey

Dickey is closing in on two milestones: 2,000 innings pitched and 1,500 strikeouts. He’s currently at 1,883.2 and 1,341, respectively.

So… he needs 116.1 innings and 159 strikeouts. Both are possible this season, especially the innings, but I wouldn’t bet on either, especially the strikeouts.

Dickey hasn’t K’d more than 126 each of the last two seasons, even after start totals of 33, then 29.

As far as the innings are concerned, it’s tough to say. While he has pitched at least 169.2 innings each of the last seven seasons, there is a lot of competition to make the Braves’ rotation this year.

This could mean a few different scenarios playing out this season:

• Dickey spends the whole year in the Braves’ rotation (gets to 116.1 IP).
• Dickey gets traded at some point this season (then gets to 116.1 IP with another team).
• Dickey loses his starting spot, then moves to the bullpen.

If Dickey is better than expected, or the guys who are close to a call-up are worse than expected, he could see himself reaching both of these milestones in Braves’ uniform because the Braves will most likely exercise their club option on him after this season.

 

Braves begin new ballpark chapter at SunTrust Park with 5-2 win (April 14, 2017)

Tags

2017, April 14, Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Hank Aaron, Jimmie Carter, John Smoltz, Phil Niekro, Tom Glavine

It was a great day in Atlanta Braves history. Once again, a new stadium.

Chipper Jones sat in the Atlanta Braves dugout Friday afternoon, a few hours ahead of the Braves’ first regular-season home game at their new stadium, SunTrust Park, the future Hall of Famer fielded a question about what fans might be saying as they entered the ballpark for the first time.

“I would venture a guess the word mumbled the most — maybe not even mumbled — would be ‘Wow,'” the Braves’ icon said.

“I mean, look at that video board. Look at the LED lights, the incredible green grass, this incredibly orange clay. They watch how balls fly out of here and they see the skyline and everything, and they say, ‘Wow.’ I said it. Everybody else is going to say it. …This is very impressive.”

In addition to Jones, Braves legends Hank Aaron, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro, John Smoltz were present. They were honored as theirs and other retired numbers were unveiled. Aaron threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Cox. A prominent fan, former President Jimmy Carter, also was in attendance.

And the Braves beat San Diego 5-2.

 

Some fun Opening Day facts about the Braves (April 3, 2017)

Tags

2017, April 3, Atlanta Braves, Greg Maddux, John Smolts, Phil Niekro, Tie Game, Tom Glavine, Tony Cloninger

I love opening day. There is nothing like it.

Here are some fun facts!

• Going back all the way to 1876 when they were the the Boston Red Stockings, the Braves have a total record of 78-62-1 on Opening Day.
• Their first Opening Day game, according to Baseball Almanac, was against the Hartford Dark Blues (old time baseball names are weird) which they lost 3-2
• Tie games are rare in baseball these days, but that didn’t stop the Braves from playing the Phillies to a 2-2 tie on Opening Day 1950
• The Braves pitcher with the most Opening Day starts in the franchise’s history is Phil Niekro with 8. Greg Maddux came in a close second with 7.
• Speaking of Maddux, between 1990-2003…the only pitchers to make Opening Day starts for the Braves were Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz to the surprise of exactly no one. Who was the pitcher who broke the streak? Russ Ortiz
• Julio Teheran is about to make his 4th consecutive Opening Day start for the Braves. The other two pitchers for the franchise since it moved to Atlanta to accomplish the same feat? Rick Mahler (1985-1988) and Greg Maddux (1993-1996)
• The Braves played an insane Opening Day game in their game in Atlanta where Tony Cloninger pitched 13 innings (!) while striking out 12 batters and future skipper of the Evil Empire Joe Torre drove in the Braves only two runs on a pair of solo shots. It is worth noting that the Braves lost the game despite Cloninger going 13 innings which had to feel…..not great assuming he had any feeling left in his body after that start.

Source: Some fun Opening Day facts about the Braves – Talking Chop

Luis Salazar loses his left eye (March 9, 2011)

Tags

2011, Atlanta Braves, Carolina League, Luis Salazar, Lynchburg Hillcats, March 9

Luis Salazar was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center on March 9, 2011 after being struck in the face by a foul line drive hit by Brian McCann. He was standing in the dugout in the first inning of a Braves’ exhibition game in Lake Buena Vista.

Salazar joined the Atlanta Braves organization in 2011 and was poised to serve as the manager of their Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate, the Lynchburg Hillcats of the Carolina League.

The 54 year-old minor league manager sustains a concussion and will lose his left eye as a result of the injury.

Salazar was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2010.

Luis Salazar

Atlanta Braves establish a franchise-record 14th straight victory (May 1, 2000)

Tags

2000, Andruw Jones, Atlanta Braves, May 1, Quilvio Veras

Quilvio Veras

The Braves establish a franchise-record 14th straight victory on May 1, 2000, with a 2-1 victory at Dodger Stadium.

Quilvio Veras’, playing second, third-inning homer proves to be the difference. Signed by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent in 1989, Veras made his Major League Baseball debut with the Florida Marlins on April 25, 1995, and appeared in his final game on July 13, 2001.

Andruw Jones will bat 2-4.

Atlanta Braves Table

Batting	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	PA	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Quilvio Veras 2B	4	2	2	1	0	0	4	.330	.412	.420	.832
Andruw Jones CF	4	0	2	0	0	1	4	.304	.398	.554	.952
Chipper Jones 3B	4	0	1	0	0	0	4	.297	.393	.516	.909
Andres Galarraga 1B	3	0	1	0	1	0	4	.294	.375	.671	1.046
Brian Jordan RF	3	0	0	0	1	1	4	.208	.309	.313	.622
Javy Lopez C	4	0	0	0	0	1	4	.263	.313	.408	.721
Bobby Bonilla LF	3	0	0	0	0	1	3	.292	.346	.521	.867
Trent Hubbard LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.190	.320	.381	.701
Walt Weiss SS	4	0	0	0	0	1	4	.302	.412	.349	.761
Kevin Millwood P	3	0	0	0	0	3	3	.000	.091	.000	.091
Rudy Seanez P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
John Rocker P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Team Totals	33	2	6	1	2	8	35	.182	.229	.303	.532

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/10/2017.

Going into his 20th MLB season, Colon is closing in on Juan Marichal‘s record for most wins by a pitcher from the Dominican Republic

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Bartolo Colon, Dominican Republic

Going into his 20th MLB season, Bartolo Colon is indeed closing in on Juan Marichal‘s record for most wins by a pitcher from the Dominican Republic.

Colon is sitting on 233 career wins, just 10 behind Marichal’s 243. Are 10 or 11 wins this year obtainable? Certainly. 

In the six seasons since missing the 2010 season with elbow surgery, Colon has averaged 13 and a third wins per. If the Braves’ offense doesn’t lay an egg every time he’s on the mound (see: Shelby Miller, 2015), then Colon could reach this milestone with the Braves this season.

Also, a fun number to track this year will be his strikeouts.

Colon is currently 135 away from 2,500. Similar to the wins, if he hasn’t lost anything from last year, then this is possible, as well.

Source: Atlanta Braves Veterans Closing In On Significant Milestones

SunTrust Park will have grass on its field this week (March 2, 2017)

Tags

2017, Atlanta Braves, Grass, Opening Day

So, one of the things that you need the most in order to play baseball in a ballpark is a grassy playing surface. It’s kinda imperative, wouldn’t you say?

Anyways, with Opening Day looming — and a dress rehearsal coming at the end of the month, no less — the AJC is reporting that SunTrust Park will finally have its sod placed down at some point this week.

Good timing!

Stu Miller traded to the Atlanta Braves will only throw 1.3 innings before retiring (April 1, 1968)

Tags

1967, 1968, April 1, April 30, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, May 14, Mickey Mantle, No Hitter, Steve Barber, Stu Miller

Stu Miller

The Braves purchase Stu Miller from the Orioles on April 1, 1968. I’m guessing Stu didn’t see it as an April fool’s joke but then again ….

The 40 year-old right-hander will throw only 1.3 innings in two appearances for Atlanta before retiring from baseball.

Before that Stu had a fairly good 16 year career. It seemed his later years plagued him.

On April 30, 1967, Steve Barber and Miller combined to pitch a no-hitter for the Orioles against the Detroit Tigers, but would lose 2–1 because of a wild pitch and an error allowing two runs to score in the ninth inning.

On May 14, 1967, he gave up Mickey Mantle’s 500th career home run.

Rick Cerone moves from Atlanta to Milwaukee (March 5, 1986)

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Rick Cerone, Ted Simmons

On March 5, 1986,  the Braves and Brewers swap backstops with Atlanta acquiring Ted Simmons from Milwaukee in exchange for Rick Cerone and a pair of minor leaguers, David Clay and Flavio Alfaro.

The offensively talented Simmons will spend three years with his new club before retiring after the 1988 season with a lifetime .285 batting average.

Cerone spent the 1985 season with the Atlanta Braves, splitting time Bruce Benedict as the Braves catcher, as Cerone appeared in 96 games, hitting .216 with 3 HR and 25 RBI.

“When it came to making things happen just the way he wanted them to, Greg Maddux was a complete savage.” ~Josh Brown

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, Greg Maddux

No doubt about it, Greg Maddux was just stunning. His stats are off the chart being the first to achieve a number of feats and records. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years (1992–1995), matched by only one other pitcher, Randy Johnson. During those four seasons, Maddux had a 75–29 record with a 1.98 earned run average (ERA), while allowing less than one baserunner per inning.

But it is not all about the stats. One time Bobby Cox visited Maddux on the mound with runners on second and third and two outs. Bobby was worried about the situation, hence the mound visit, and wanted to calm Maddux down. Instead, Maddux calmed Bobby down. When Bobby suggested to Maddux that he intentionally walk the batter, Maddux explained to Bobby exactly what he planned to do.

Maddux told Bobby not to worry and laid out the sequence of his next three pitches. He told him that he’d get him to pop up foul to third base on the third pitch. Which is exactly what happened, bringing the inning to an end.

The man knew what he wanted to do and then he did it. As a batter, you knew he owned you. It was kind of sad if you weren’t a Braves fan.

Greg Maddux wasn’t just great, he was a complete freak of nature. There has never and will never be another one like him. He might not have looked like an elite athlete that completely dominated his competition during his career, but he most certainly was.

Source: Atlanta Braves Legend Greg Maddux: The Greatest Savage Ever

CF Ender Inciarte, Atlanta Braves agree to five-year extension

Tags

2017, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, December 23, Ender Inciarte

Now here is some great news on the re-building front. The Atlanta Braves have reached agreement on a five-year extension for center fielder Ender Inciarte worth $30.525 million, according to multiple reports.

The deal, first reported by FanRag Sports, also includes an option for a sixth year.

Inciarte, the National League Gold Glove winner at his position, hit .291 with three home runs, 85 runs, 29 RBIs and 16 stolen bases last season. He had a .341 batting average and scored 59 runs after the All-Star break.

The Braves acquired the 26-year-old Inciarte prior to last season as part of the five-player trade that sent Shelby Miller and minor-leaguer Gabe Speier to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Inciarte, shortstop prospect Dansby Swanson and pitching prospect Aaron Blair.

Ender Inciarte

 

Eddie Matthews hits number 500 (July 14, 1967)

Tags

500 Club, Atlanta Braves, Eddie Matthews, Houston Astros, Juan Marichal

July 14, 1967 is a stunning day for Braves with Eddie Matthews hitting number 500. Against Juan Marichal at Candlestick Park, Eddie Matthews hits home run #500 as an Astro on July 14, 1967.

The former Brave third baseman, who hit 493 homers playing for the franchise in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta, becomes the seventh major leaguer to reach this plateau.

A year later, Hank Aaron would hit his 500th. What are the odds of that?

Troy Glaus signs with the Atlanta Braves to end his career (January 5, 2010)

Tags

2010, Atlanta Braves, January 5, Troy Glaus

On January 5, 2010, Troy Glaus and the Braves come to terms on a $1.75 million, one-year incentive-laden deal that will shift the four-time All-Star third baseman to first base. After arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder a year earlier, the 33 year-old infielder appeared in only 14 games with St. Louis at the end of the season.

After a rough April in which he hit below the Mendoza Line, Glaus rebounded to become Player of the Month in May, hitting .330 with 6 home runs and 28 RBI. As of August 9, Glaus was hitting .242 with 14 home runs and 63 RBI.

Glaus’s production faltered in July and August. After Atlanta acquired Derrek Lee on August 18 to play 1st base, Glaus was placed on the DL with knee fatigue. Glaus had a Trofew setbacks, but returned to Atlanta in a back-up role behind Derrek Lee and rookie Freddie Freeman.

Glaus made only one appearance at 3rd base during the regular season, but was used at 3rd in game 2 of the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants starting a key double play. Glaus then started game four of the series at 3rd.

 

Previously, Glaus played with the Anaheim Angels (1998–2004), Arizona Diamondbacks (2005), Toronto Blue Jays (2006–2007), St. Louis Cardinals (2008–2009), and the Atlanta Braves (2010). Glaus lettered in baseball while attending UCLA.

In thirteen seasons Glaus hit .254 with 320 home runs and 950 RBI in 1537 games. In 19 postseason games, he hit .347 with nine home runs and 16 RBI. Glaus has been selected to four All-Star Games, three with the Angels and one with the Blue Jays.

Hank’s rainy night in Georgia (April 8, 1974)

Tags

1974, 715, Al Downing, April 8, Atlanta Braves, Dusty Baker, Hank Aaron

April 8, 2014 was the 40th anniversary of Aaron’s 715th career home run, the one that eclipsed Ruth’s amazing record of 714. In my family, we had all waited for this night. Hammerin’ Hank would finally do it. It was break Babe Ruth’s home run record of 714 home runs. Hank now had 715 and the record.

It was a cold and rainy night. There were three rain delays in that game. They were determined to get the game in.  Hank was not to be deterred. It was going to happen on April 8, 1974.

We have the word of what went on from Dusty Baker, the Braves’ 24-year-old center fielder, who was in the on deck circle. Baker clearly recalls Aaron’s words as he headed toward the plate to face Dodgers veteran Al Downing in the fourth inning.

“Hank told me he was going to do it.Hank was a student of hitting; he always studied pitchers, their tendencies. As he went up to hit, he said, ‘I’m going to get this thing over with right now.’ After he hit it, I didn’t want to go to the plate. I was closer to the catcher and pitcher than anybody, but that was Hank’s moment — a great moment. He earned it.” ~~Dusty Baker

So, Dusty saw it all and waited for his turn at bat. They had a long ceremony honoring Hank.

“After they had the ceremony on the field for him that night, I was the next hitter. I heard the clicking of seats, people leaving, when I went up to hit. It was the coldest night I can remember in Atlanta — and one of the greatest nights of my life.”

Al Downing, the pitcher for the Dodgers, drew the honor of serving up the home run pitch. The first time he faced Hank that night, he walked him. Can’t blame him for that. There is some honor in escaping the evening untarnished. But he couldn’t hide for long. They both wore number 44 that night.

I was first introduced to him by [to Hank byYankees catcher] Elston Howard in Spring Training in 1963, in Florida. “The Braves were in West Palm Beach. I remember Elston introducing us and thinking, ‘This is the nicest, most gracious guy for a superstar.’ Hank never really changed.

I walked him first time up, and everybody booed me. It was the second pitch [in a 1-0 count], and I was trying to get the double play. I wanted to get a fastball down in the strike zone, hoping he’d roll over. It was elevated — and ‘The Hammer’ put the hammer on it. ~~Al Downing

Davey Lopez was playing second base for the Dodgers that evening.

It couldn’t have worked out any better, really. Al is such a secure person, he understood the big picture. It was like when Rickey Henderson was Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout victim. Rickey embraced it. Al was never bothered at all by being part of Hank’s big moment. ~~Davey Lopez

And so magic happened that night. I remember the joy I felt for Hank. He had done something we thought no one would ever be able to do. He did it for himself but it also did a lot for Atlanta.

“I played 19 years in the bigs. How many people can say that?” ~Chipper Jones

Tags

2012, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Retirement

You have to love Larry “Chipper” Jones. Chipper spent his entire 19-year career playing for the Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves.

In 2002 and 2003, Jones played left field before returning to third base in 2004. He currently holds the Braves team record for career on-base percentage (.402), and on July 5, 2007, he passed Dale Murphy for third place on the Braves all-time career home run list.

Jones ended his career in 2012 with a .303 career batting average, with 468 home runs, 1,512 walks, and 1,623 RBIs in 2,499 games with 8,984 at bats.

I miss the game, but I’m loving retired life. After seven knee surgeries and two ACL replacements, it was time to go. It was starting to get to the point where I’d be on the road and didn’t want to be there. I had my time. I played 19 years in the bigs. How many people can say that? I had a lot of success and great memories, but it got to a point where I didn’t know every morning if I’d be able to play that day or not, and that’s a lot of undue pressure on the manager and team if I won’t be able to play. And when it got to the point where it got to me only playing 100 games a year, I felt like I was doing more harm than good.

I have no regrets, no urges to go back. People have asked me about coaching, and I have absolutely zero desire to get back in uniform right now, because the lifestyle is still part of it. I lived out of a suitcase for 23 years as a professional athlete, and I like my life right now. I like being rooted down and not having to pack my suitcase every three days.

Chipper Jones, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 draft, played for the Atlanta Braves from 1993-2012. He won the 1999 National League MVP award, made eight NL All-Star teams and helped the Braves make the postseason 13 times.

via Chipper Jones on state of the Braves, NL East race and retirement – MLB – SI.com.

Ted is suspended for a year (January 2, 1977)

Tags

1977, Atlanta Braves, Bowie Kuhn, Gary Matthews, January 2, Ted Turner

Ted Turner

There may never be another owner of a team like Ted Turner. He was a one of a kind character. The good news is that he loved his team and invested in them.

There were lots of sides to him. Ted was suspended for one year on January 2, 1977 by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, due to tampering charges in the free-agency signing of Gary Matthews. The rumor is that Ted spent much of baseball’s winter meetings seemingly drunk out of his mind and threatening to kill Kuhn. Eventually, two of Turner’s company officers had to drag Turner out of harm’s way, and Kuhn suspended him for the entire 1977 season.

So what does Ted do? Well, the Braves’ owner, an accomplished sailor, uses his free time to pursue another goal, winning the this year’s America’s Cup, which he accomplishes in September.

I’m thankful he didn’t order me shot! ~Ted Turner

It sounds like some weird things happened for the Atlanta Braves to sign Ron Washington

Tags

2016, Atlanta Braves, Ron Washington, Texas Rangers

It might not be a conspiracy theory – I think there’s a very specific reason the Braves brought in Ron Washington.

via It sounds like some weird things happened for the Atlanta Braves to sign Ron Washington — Breslanta

Ron Washington is a great manager. He is a great addition.

Atlanta Braves say goodbye to “The Ted”, aka Turner Field (October 2, 2016)

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Ender Inciarte, Freddie Freeman, Julio Teheran, Turner Field

I wish I could have been there. I thought about flying. My wife suggested we drive. Maybe I’m just too old now but the prospect of a 24 hour road trip in two days was just too much. What has happened to me?

I decided not to go. I watched it on my laptop via MLB.TV.

It is the end of so much and the start of so much more. No more baseball in downtown Atlanta. It was always an adventure. How to get there. Where to park. When to leave to not get stranded.

The good news, for a really horrible season, is they leave with a win. Teheran pitched one of his finest games, going seven innings and giving up three hits, one walk and no runs. He struck out 12, tying his career high.

Freddie Freeman drove in Ender Inciarte on a first-inning sacrifice fly. That would be all that is needed. A perfect end to the history of it all.

And so it goes! A new stadium, new hopes, new dreams.

The first pitch was thrown by Atlanta Braves starter Julio Teheran to Detroit Tigers leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler at 3:13 p.m ET, with the game-time temperature at 80 degrees.

Source: Atlanta Braves say goodbye to Turner Field – CNN.com

Last game at Turner Field, moving on again …

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Turner Field

The Braves have played in lots of stadiums. Eight to be exact.

Today will be the last game played at Turner Field.

Sad, but they are moving on. I have many fond memories of games from Turner Field. But I remember Atlanta – Fulton County Stadium as well.

Here is the list from the past:

• Turner Field (1997– 2016)
• Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (1966–1996)
• Milwaukee County Stadium (1953–1965)
• Braves Field (1915–1952)
• Fenway Park (1914–1915)
• South End Grounds (1894–1914)
• Congress Street Grounds (1894)
• South End Grounds (1871–1894)

Tom Seaver’s contract with the Braves voided (March 2, 1966)

Tags

Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Tom Seaver

Now imagine if the Braves had Tom Seaver. Think on that for a while.

On March 2, 1966 Commissioner William Eckert, citing a rule that prohibits clubs from signing players during their collegiate season, voids the Braves’ contract with USC standout Tom Seaver, who had signed with Atlanta for a $50,000 bonus a week earlier.

The Mets will be awarded the future Hall of Famer’s signing rights in a lottery that includes the Phillies and Indians, who also were willing to match the Braves’ terms.

About the Braves and Tebow: Is curiosity the same as ‘interest’?

Tags

2016, Atlanta Braves, Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow

This is a great distinction. Interested or curious?

I’d say curious.

But … if it happens and he actually plays in the majors for even one game, it will make a great story. For that, I am all in.

The guess here is that the Atlanta Braves do — as Pedro Gomez of ESPN has reported — have interest in Tim Tebow. They did, after all, send both Brian Bridges (current scouting director) and Roy Clark (former scouting director) to Los Angeles to monitor his ballyhooed workout, and Gomez reports that they were one of five teams to meet with Tebow afterward.

So: There’s interest, yes. But this would seem to me to be interest, meaning curiosity, as opposed to outright We-Gotta-Have-Him lust.

If the Braves were to sign Tebow — still a significant “if” — I’d imagine their offer would be a minor-league contract, period. No promise of promotion to the majors in a year’s time. (The man hasn’t played baseball since 2005, when Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur were rookies.) No guarantee of even an invitation to spring training.

Just a minor-league deal, the sort MLB organizations offer all the time with rather less fanfare. But that’s the thing: Where there’s Tebow, there’s fanfare — chiefly from ESPN, once his personal network and currently his employer.

If Tebow would be invited to spring training, it would sell a few tickets, sure. If he were to be placed on one of the Braves’ rookie-league teams — meaning next year; minor-league seasons are all but over — it would help that entity at the gate. It would also be a sideshow that threatens to become the show itself, and that’s what all interested MLB parties, not just the Braves, have to weigh: Is there enough potential in a 29-year-old footballer to warrant the distraction?

It wouldn’t surprise me if Tebow does sign a Braves’ contract. (Nothing the Braves do in the asset-allocation department surprises me.) It would be a shock if he lasts long in any organization. Baseball is hard. You might ask Michael Jordan.

Source: About the Braves and Tebow: Is curiosity the same as ‘interest’? | Mark Bradley blog

Braves come back from 9-0 down to beat the Nationals in the eleventh (July 20, 2012)

Tags

2012, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Dan Uggla, Danny Espinosa, Fredi Gonzalez, July 20, Paul Janish, Washington Nationals

After trailing the Nationals by nine runs after five innings of play on July 20, 2012, the Braves take the lead, 10-9, when the team plates two runs in the top of ninth.

Washington will knot the score in the bottom the frame on Danny Espinosa’s home run, but Atlanta will complete its amazing comeback with an unanswered run in the eleventh inning.

Atlanta was down 9-0 after five innings with Washington Nationals star pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the mound. The Braves came back to take the lead in the top of the ninth. After the Nationals tied it, Atlanta pulled out a wild 11-10 win on Paul Janish’s run-scoring bloop single in the 11th.

Chipper Jones

“I don’t even know where to start,” said Chipper Jones, who drove in two runs with a single in the Braves’ four-run eighth inning. “I still can’t believe it. I mean, 9-0. That’s never happened to me since I’ve been here.”

In the top of the 11th, Dan Uggla led off with a single against Tom Gorzelanny (2-2), advanced to second on Ryan Zimmerman’s throwing error and then went to third on a passed ball before scoring on Janish’s bloop that just barely fell in past shortstop Ian Desmond’s outstretched glove.

“A really crazy game, but it counts, right?” Janish said. “All that matters is that we end up with one more than them, so it worked out.”

It was the Braves’ largest comeback since 1987 and pulled them within 2 1/2 games of the Nationals in the National League East.

“It’s a big series, and there’s no way we were just going to go down without a fight,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

The nine-run lead was the largest ever given up by the Nationals franchise, including the games played as the Montreal Expos.

65 runs in 5 games (July 18, 2006)

Tags

1930, 2006, Atlanta Braves, July 18, New York Yankee, St. Louis Cardinals

With a 14-5 victory over the Cardinals on July 18, 2006, the Atlanta Braves become the first team since the 1930 Yankees to score ten or more runs in five consecutive games.

During the streak, that includes two 15-run victories, Atlanta had tallied 65 runs.

This is stunning. And on my birthday to boot. 🙂

Rico Carty was first write-in All-Star (July 7, 1970)

Tags

1970, All Star, Atlanta Braves, July 7

Rico Carty, the National League’s leading hitter, becomes the first player voted to play in the All-Star Game as a write-in candidate on July 7, 1970.

The Braves outfielder name was left off the ballot that was drawn up by managers and general managers before the start of spring training.

Carty signed a contract with the Milwaukee Braves as a free agent in 1959. While he was an excellent hitter, he had very poor defensive skills. Originally a catcher, Carty was converted into an outfielder in order to lessen his defensive liabilities and to get his bat into the everday lineup.

After four years in the minor leagues, Carty made an impressive major league debut in 1964, finishing second to Roberto Clemente in the National League Batting Championship with a .330 batting average and, finishing the season as runner-up to Dick Allen in the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year Award ballot

How bad were the Atlanta Braves in 1986? July 6 tells the tale.

Tags

1986, Atlanta Braves, Bob Horner, Chuck Tanner, July 6, Montreal Expos

Bob Horner

OK, 1986 was a VERY bad year for the Atlanta Braves. They had a 72-89 record, finishing sixth in the NL west. An amazing 23 1/2 games behind the leader. It was Chuck Tanner’s first year as manager. I am sure it was NOT how he wanted to start out.

So, how bad were they that year? So bad that in one game, Bob Horner hit four home runs against the Expos on July 6. Pretty spectacular. They lost anyway, 11-8.

Horner was the 11th man in history to hit four home runs in a game. He was the first to do so and lose.

Tim Hudson signs for $47 million (March 1, 2005)

Tags

2005, Atlanta Braves, March 1, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Tim Hudson

Deciding not to file as a free agent at the end of the season, on March 1, 2005, Tim Hudson (12-6, 3.53) agreed to a four-year, $47-million, contract extension with his new team, the Braves. Even for then, that was a whole lot of money.

The 29 year-old right-hander, who was acquired in a trade with Oakland in the off-season, grew up near Atlanta and rooted for the local team as a youngster. It is always an honor to play for your home team.

During his 17-season career, Hudson established himself as one of baseball’s most consistent pitchers and until 2014 had never had a season where he suffered more losses than wins. Hudson was also named an All-Star four times: twice with Oakland, once with Atlanta, and once with San Francisco.

Before retiring in 2015, Hudson was the winningest active Major League pitcher, as well as one of four active pitchers with at least 200 career wins. With a win against the Oakland A’s on July 26, 2015, he has won a game against every team in the majors, the 15th pitcher to do so. Hudson is one of twenty-one pitchers in Major League history to win at least 200 games, strikeout 2,000 batters and have a win-loss percentage above 0.600. Of those twenty-one, fourteen are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Atlanta rookie David Hale sets a franchise record with nine strikeouts in his major league debut, but does not collect the victory (September 13, 2013)

Tags

2013, Atlanta Braves, David Hale, Marietta Georgia, San Diego Padres, September 13, Will Venable

In a much anticipated start on September 13, 2013, Atlanta rookie David Hale sets a franchise record with nine strikeouts in his major league debut, but does not collect the victory when San Diego stages a late rally off the bullpen to overcome a three-run deficit to beat the Braves at Turner Field, 4-3.

Hale was recalled from the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves on September 5, 2013. In the debut, he opposed the Princeton’s Will Venable who struck out leading off the game for the San Diego Padres. This was the second matchup between a Princeton pitcher and a Princeton batter in major league history. Hale made the Braves’ NLDS roster in 2013. He only appeared in one game as a reliever.

The 25 year-old right-hander from Marietta, GA surpassing the previous mark of eight shared by Bob Dresser (1902) and Kenshin Kawakami (2009).

The Atlanta Braves selected Hale in the third round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. The Braves added him to their 40-man roster after the 2012 season.

Hale spent the majority of the 2014 season in the Braves bullpen after beginning the season as a starter. He started 6 games before shifting to the bullpen, where he ended up appearing in 39 games. Overall, Hale finished the 2014 season with 45 appearances and a 4-5 record with a 3.30 ERA in 87.1 innings.

The Marlins beat the Braves 20-1 setting a new record for runs scored (July 1, 2003)

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Ivan Rodriguez, Luis Castillo, Miami Marlins, Miguel Cabrera

The Marlins set a franchise mark, on July 1, 2003, for runs scored. They tie a team record with 25 hits, with Miguel Cabrera, Ivan Rodriguez and Luis Castillo collecting four each.

The celebration of the 20-1 victory over the Braves is tempered when a photographer is injured and is airlifted to a hospital as a result of being hit by Darren Bragg’s bat, which slips from the outfielder’s hand and flies into the stands.

Andruw Jones, John Schuerholz elected to Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame

Tags

2016, 2017, Andrus Jones, Atlanta Braves, August 19, John Schuerholz

The Atlanta Braves have announced two new inductees to the Braves Hall of Fame.

“Now that I got the induction, I can officially say that I am retired,” Jones said, per Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan. “[I] will try to focus on helping the youth.”

Jones, 38, spent 12 years with the Braves, hitting .263 with 368 home runs and 1,117 RBI. He spent 17 years in the big leagues in total—including stints with the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox—finishing his career with a .254 batting average, 434 home runs and 1,289 RBI.

Schuerholz, meanwhile, was the team’s general manager during its 14 consecutive NL East titles in the ’90s and 2000s. He became the team’s president in 2007 and has now been in baseball for 51 years and with the Braves for 26 years.

A game to watch (April 27, 2016) as A. J. Pierzynski gets hit 2,000

Tags

2016, A. J. Pierzynski, April 24, Atlanta Braves

Today (April 27, 2016) was a game to watch as catcher A. J. (Anthony John) Pierzynski secured hit 2,000.

He collected three hits on Friday (April 22, 2016) night in a loss to the New York Mets at Turner Field and now stands at 1,999 hits in his career. He didn’t play on Saturday.

Homer History: When Jim Leyritz halted hopes of a Braves dynasty (October 23, 1996)

Tags

1991, 1996, Andruw Jones, Atlanta Braves, Jim Leyritz, Mark Wohlers, New York Yankee, October 23, World Series

Jim Leyritz

In the Homer History series, writers re-tell the stories of memorable home runs from their perspective. In this installment, Yahoo Sports’ Jay Busbee talks about the 1996 World Series homer that sank the Braves’ chance at a dynasty.

The Atlanta Braves of 1991-2005 will go down in history as a dynasty that wasn’t, alongside similar ‘90s relics like the would-be Super Bowl champion Buffalo Bills and the would-be President Al Gore. Sure, they rolled off 14 division titles, an accolade which carries all the weight of 14 straight perfect-attendance awards, but when it mattered the most, the Braves came up small, year after year after year.

Barry Bonds, not Greg Maddux, was Atlanta Braves’ first choice in 1992

Tags

1992, Atlanta Braves, Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Jim Leyland, John Schuerholz

I am so glad Barry Bonds never was traded to the Atlanta Braves. Apparently it came very close to happening.

Yes, I am still angry that Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s home run record. Yes, I am convinced it was done with the help of steroids and shouldn’t count. And so, I am very glad the Braves got Greg Maddux instead of Barry Bonds.

Murphy caps big Nats debut with go-ahead hit in opening day win against the Atlanta Braves (April 4, 2016)

Tags

2016, April 4, Atlanta Braves, Freddie Freeman, Julio Teheran, Julio Tehran, Washington Nationals

The final Opening Day at Turner Field. That’s right. The final one. This should have been exciting. It was not. It was sad. Sad to see a team trying to “not win” by rebuilding. I won’t apologize for feeling betrayed by corporate owners who don’t want to lose money.

Baseball is about winning. Not at all costs but we should play with the intent to win. We need that from owners, management and players. We need to be in the game.

The Atlanta Braves lose the first ever League Championship game to the Mets 9-5 (October 4, 1969)

Tags

1969, Atlanta Braves, League Championship Series, New York Mets, October 4

In the first ever League Championship Series playoff game on October 4, 1969, the Mets beat the Braves 9-5 in Atlanta.

The League Championship Series  is the official name for the semifinal round of postseason play in Major League Baseball which has been conducted since 1969. In 1981, and since 1995, the two annual series have matched up the winners of the Division Series, and the winners advance to meet in the World Series

The League Championship Series was promulgated in 1969, when both the National League and the American League increased in size from ten teams to twelve with the addition, via expansion, of the Montreal Expos and San Diego Padres to the former and the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Pilots (now the Milwaukee Brewers of the NL) to the latter. As a result, both leagues formed Eastern and Western Divisions, the first-place teams from which faced off in the LCS.

Atlanta Braves 25-Man Roster for opening day (April 4, 2016)

Tags

2016, April 4, Atlanta Braves, Opening Day, Roster

Finally! It is opening day. This is the last opening day at Turner Field. I have so many fond memories of Turner Field. Hard to believe they are leaving such a great venue. While I don’t live in Atlanta anymore, it would be so cool to see at least one game there this season.

Dale Murphy COMC Pickups

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Dale Murphy

Some great cards of Dale Murphy. Too bad he hasn’t made it to the Hall of Fame.

Bean's Ballcard Blog

I’m bad deciding that I want to go back and collect players I did in the past.  Some of the names of players I’ve collected pretty intensely over the years are Russ Davis, Will Clark, Jedd Gyorko, Bob Sura, Chris Enochs, Darrell Whitmore, Steve Seabol, Steve Kline and Dale Murphy.

While I stopped trying to chase everything of all of those guys, I didn’t get rid of most of them.  However, I did with the Dale Murphy stuff and I can’t even explain why.  He was my first “favorite” player.  I’ve liked some of the recent sets he has been in and picked up a few cards.

1986 Leaf #60 Dale Murphy

This one isn’t a new card, but I just like it because it’s Leaf and not Donruss.  Growing up they were much tougher to come by.  This pickup was purely nostalgic.

2011 Topps Kimball Champions #KC91 Dale Murphy

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Does “The Crime Dog”, Fred McGriff, deserve to be in the Hall of Fame?

Tags

1993, 1997, All Star, Atlanta Braves, Fred McGriff, Hall of Fame, Home Run Derby, World Series

Fred McGriff

I really enjoyed watching Fred “The Crime Dog” McGriff. Fred was a very good baseball player for a long time. I think he does deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.

Fred was an Atlanta Brave from 1993-1997. McGriff hit a home run in his first game with the Braves, who acquired him to replace the struggling Sid Bream in at first and provide an offensive spark, and was a key player in the Braves’ 51-19 finish to overtake the San Francisco Giants and claim first place in the National League West for a third consecutive season. He finished with a career high 37 homers and fourth place in the NL MVP voting. In the strike-shortened 1994 season, McGriff was batting .318 and had 34 home runs when play ended in August 1994. He won the All-Star Game MVP Award that year after hitting the game-tying home run for the National League, after the NL trailed 7–5 in the bottom of the ninth inning. McGriff was runner-up to Ken Griffey Jr. in the 1994 Home Run Derby.

Fred remained with the Braves in 1995 and continued to be a successful cleanup hitter. He hit two home runs in the 1995 World Series en route to his only World Series championship ring. Fred hit .295/.365/.494 with a career-best 107 RBIs on his way to another World Series appearance in 1996. With 22 home runs in 1997, McGriff appeared to be in decline. He was called out on strikes by umpire Eric Gregg on a pitch 3 feet outside thrown by Liván Hernández during the 1997 NLCS, which was the last significant event for McGriff as a Brave. The team allowed him to be picked up by the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays after the season.

He made 5 All-Star teams while winning 3 Silver Sluggers, 2 league home run titles (one in each league…the first to pull off that feat), and won a World Series ring. His career WAR of 52.4, while not earth-shattering by any means, is as good or better than 62 players CURRENTLY in the Hall, including Lou Brock, Sandy Koufax, Kirby Puckett, Ralph Kiner, Jim Rice, and Phil Rizzuto.

Not that long ago, his 493 home runs as well as his long and consistent career would have essentially guaranteed that he would have at the very least gotten strong consideration for enshrinement even if there are reasons he isn’t a lock.

My my, how times have changed. It is hard to figure out the Hall of Fame voting some days. OK, it is hard to figure it out on many days.

When the voting results were announced in 2015, McGriff, despite being a worthy candidate on paper, only appeared on 20.9% of ballots in his 7th year of eligibility. While a decent jump from the previous year’s 12.9%, much of that can be attributed to decreased number of voters this year due a recent purge of the voting members’ ranks. The end result is that while its not outside the realm of possibility he gets close to induction, its a long shot. The relative snubbing hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Andrelton Simmons trade another gut punch for Braves fans

Tags

Andrelton Simmons, Atlanta Braves, Craig Kimbrel, Gold Glove Award, Shortstop

I appreciate teams need to decide which players to keep and which to trade. I must be honest that it irks me to see the Braves trade away great players for what appears to be financial considerations under the guise of “rebuilding”. He had five seasons left to play for us. FIVE I say. Nothing to sneeze at. Imagine the great plays during the next five years.

How good a shortstop is he? Simmons has won a National League Rawlings Platinum Glove Award, two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards for shortstops, and a Wilson MLB Overall Defensive Player of the Year Award.

So … this made me sad. Just one in a long string of bad trades over the last couple of years. Will it end soon? Hard to say but maybe not.

I long for an owner who wants to win and will spend “wise money” to make it happen.

And that’s my take.

For a big portion of Braves fans, trading Andrelton Simmons, the best defensive player in baseball, was a gut punch similar to what they felt when Craig Kimbrel was traded on the eve of Opening Day.To some, it was even harder to take, given that Simmons is an every-day player, signed for five more seasons, and quite literally the kind of player who was worth the price of admission because there was a good chance he was going to make a spectacular play or two at any game you attended.

Source: Andrelton Simmons trade another gut punch for Braves fans | Atlanta Braves blog

 

The Braves and Cubs use 14 pitchers (June 3, 1978)

Tags

1978, All Star, Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, Chicago Cubs, June 3, Phil Niekro, Wrigley Field

Phil Niekro

This is stunning. It is hard to imagine happening. I am sure Bobby Cox was going crazy.

The Braves and the Cubs tied a major league record on June 3, 1978, using 14 hurlers in a single game. Each team uses seven pitchers when Chicago beats Atlanta at Wrigley Field, 8-6.

The pitchers for the Braves were Phil Niekro (starting), Craig Skok, Eddie Solomon,  Adrian Devine, Jamie Easterly, Dave Campbell and Rick Camp.

Phil was 39 in 1978. He would end the season with 19-18 record. He would pitch in the All-Star game. He would have a 2.88 ERA. Pretty good for 39.

Batting	AB	R	H	RBI	BA
Jerry Royster 2B	5	1	2	0	.275
Bob Beall 1B-CF	4	2	2	1	.162
Rowland Office CF	3	0	2	0	.253
Barry Bonnell PH-CF	1	0	0	0	.226
Biff Pocoroba PH-C	1	0	0	0	.260
Jeff Burroughs LF	4	0	0	0	.331
Gary Matthews RF	3	1	2	3	.258
Joe Nolan C	2	1	1	1	.200
Dale Murphy PH-C-1B	1	0	0	0	.199
Darrel Chaney SS	5	0	1	1	.307
Rod Gilbreath 3B	3	0	0	0	.234
Phil Niekro P	1	0	0	0	.235
Craig Skok P	0	0	0	0	1.000
Jerry Maddox PH	1	0	0	0	.000
Eddie Solomon P	0	0	0	0	.167
Cito Gaston PH	1	1	1	0	.196
Adrian Devine P	0	0	0	0	.000
Jamie Easterly P	0	0	0	0	.286
Dave Campbell P	0	0	0	0
Pat Rockett PH	1	0	0	0	.128
Rick Camp P	0	0	0	0
Team Totals	36	6	11	6	.306

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/6/2016.