Mets’ fan Gregory Sweeney is arrested and charged with reckless endangerment — John Rocker started it! (July 2, 2000)

Tags

2000, Atlanta Braves, John Rocker, July 2

At Shea Stadium on July 2, 2000, Mets’ fan Gregory Sweeney is arrested and charged with reckless endangerment after he throws a ball which Braves reliever John Rocker had tossed into the stands back onto the field.

In a few day later, the 26 year-old Brooklyn man will be exonerated as Queens District Attorney Richard Brown concludes Mr. Sweeney had no criminal intent and was doing nothing more than following a baseball tradition of returning an unsolicited and unwanted souvenir.

At some level, I’m surprised they didn’t arrest John Rocker! 🙂

 

Advertisements

Who was really the first black GM in baseball? Let’s remember Bill Lucas!

Tags

1993, Atlanta Braves, Bill Lucas, Bill Wood, Bob Horner, Dale Murphy, Houston Astros, October 6

On October 5, 1993, Bob Watson replaces Bill Wood as the general manager of the Astros, making the former Houston player the first black GM in baseball history. Bill Lucas had performed many similar duties for the Braves in the late 1970s, but he never officially held the title.

Mr. Lucas was a member of the Braves’ organization for 23 years, he was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2006.

Lucas was born in Jacksonville, Florida. A graduate of Florida A&M University, he served as an officer in the United States Army. He then signed as an infielder with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957 and played for six seasons in the club’s farm system, batting .273 in 655 games.

He joined the Braves’ front office in 1965, working in sales and promotions during the team’s relocation to Atlanta before he switched to the player development department in 1967. Lucas was named the director of the Braves’ farm system in 1972 and promoted to GM responsibilities on September 17, 1976. At the time, the Braves were in last place in the National League West Division, 30​¹⁄₂ games out of the division lead. Lucas’ official title was vice president of player personnel, but owner Ted Turner gave him all the duties of a general manager.

With players like Dale Murphy coming up through Lucas’ minor league system, and the selection of Bob Horner as the top pick in the 1978 Major League Baseball Draft, the Braves began assembling the team that would win the 1982 division title.

But the job of rebuilding the Braves was compounded by Turner’s tempestuous behavior. On May 11, 1977, the owner appointed himself the Braves’ field manager during a losing streak. His dugout reign drew national headlines but lasted only one day before the president of the National League ruled that Turner, as an owner, could not appoint himself manager. Then, starting in 1978, Lucas found himself caught between Turner and players like rookie Horner and veteran pitcher Phil Niekro, a future Hall of Famer, during contentious contract negotiations.

On the evening of May 1, 1979, with the Braves on the road facing the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium, Lucas watched on television from his Atlanta home as Niekro won his 200th Major League game, 5–2. Hours after congratulating Niekro by phone, Lucas was stricken with cardiac arrest and a massive cerebral hemorrhage. He died three days later without regaining consciousness at age 43. At his passing, he was still the highest-ranking black executive in professional baseball.

Knuckleballer Phil Niekro becomes 227th player elected to the Hall of Fame (January 6, 1997)

Tags

1997, Atlanta Braves, January 6, Joe Niekro, Milwaukee Braves, Phil Niekro

Knuckleballer Phil Niekro, who compiled a 318-274 record during his 24 major league career, becomes 227th player elected to the Hall of Fame on January 6, 1997. ‘Knucksie’, who spent two-plus decades with the Braves, also had short stints with the Indians, Yankees, and Blue Jays.

Phil and his brother Joe Niekro amassed 539 wins between them, the most combined wins by brothers in baseball history, and Phil’s 121 career victories after the age of 40 is a major league record. His longevity is attributed to the knuckleball, which is a difficult pitch to master but is easy on the arm and often baffles hitters due to its unpredictable trajectory.

At the age of 48, Niekro was the oldest player in major league history to play regularly until Julio Franco played at age 49 in 2007. He set a major league record by playing 24 seasons in the major leagues without a World Series appearance. His total of 5,404⅓ innings pitched is the most by any pitcher in the post-1920 live-ball era.

He only appeared in the postseason twice, making a playoff start in 1969 and again in 1982, both for Braves teams that lost the series.

 

Braves knock around Phils in 19-hit rout winning 15-2 (March 31, 2018)

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Brian Snitker, March 31, Philadelphia Phillies

Though they generated power to fuel and cap their dramatic Opening Day comeback win, the Braves understand they will more consistently resemble the pesky squad they were on Saturday night, when they aggressively navigated the basepaths and battered a taxed pitching staff while rolling to a 15-2 win over the Phillies at SunTrust Park.

In one of the more bizarre things I’ve seen by a Manager, Gabe Kapler goes to the mound to pull starter Vince Velasquez, who had allowed seven runs — four earned — in 2⅔ innings. But, no one is warming up in the bull pen. So he stalled to compensate for the fact Hoby Milner was not warmed up and ready to replace Velasquez. Crew chief Jerry Layne’s decision to protect Milner by allowing him to throw five warmup pitches once he reached the mound drew the ire of Snitker, who drew his second ejection of the series.

“For whatever reason the pitcher wasn’t even getting ready,” Layne said. “Who got crossed up? I’m not placing blame on anybody because I don’t even know. He just wasn’t ready. He hadn’t thrown a pitch. The last thing I want to do is get somebody hurt. It’s already a messed up situation.”

Here is Snitker arguing. It was to no avail.

Nick Markakis capped the Braves’ largest Opening Day comeback in modern history with a three-run walk-off homer – Opening Day (March 29, 2018)

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Charlie Culberson, Ender Inciarte, Freddie Freeman, Nick Markakis, Opening Day, Ozzie Albies, Preston Tucker

Now this was a great opening day. I got to see it on MLB TV. Go Braves!

Nick Markakis capped the Braves’ largest Opening Day comeback in modern history with a three-run walk-off homer that concluded an 8-5 win over the Phillies on Thursday at SunTrust Park.

What had the makings to be a pitching-dominated game started to turn into a survival of the bullpens during the Phillies’ four-run sixth inning, which began with Cesar Hernandez homering off Julio Teheran, who made his Atlanta-record fifth consecutive Opening Day start. After Knapp capped the top of the sixth with a two-run single off Dan Winkler, Freeman cut into the Phillies’ 5-0 lead with a two-run homer off Hoby Milner in the bottom half of the inning.

Ozzie Albies began the Braves’ three-run eighth inning with a homer off left-handed reliever Adam Morgan. Freeman drew a walk and scored from second following an errant throw from Andrew Knapp while attempting to advance to third base on a passed ball. Preston Tucker then highlighted his Atlanta debut with a game-tying single off Edubray Ramos.

Phillies starter Aaron Nola limited the Braves to two hits and allowed just four balls to leave the infield before his 68-pitch effort ended when Inciarte opened the bottom of the sixth with a double and Albies flied out to right. Freeman scored Inciarte with his two-run homer off Milner.

Charlie Culberson began the bottom of the ninth with an infield hit off Hector Neris and advanced to second base on Ender Inciarte’s sacrifice bunt. After Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked, Markakis drilled his first career walk-off home run.

Chipper Jones interview: 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves with Mark DeRosa

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame, Mark DeRosa

Mark DeRosa at Baseball Nation interviews Chipper. DeRosa was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 7th round (212th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 1998 as a shortstop.

From 1998 through 2001, DeRosa spent much of his time as a backup utility player, playing both infield and outfield. In 2002, though still playing as a backup, DeRosa was starting to play more and more, and enjoyed a successful batting average of .297.

MLB Opening Day 2018: Starting lineup for Atlanta Braves is announced. – Let’s play ball!

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Line Up, Opening Day

So here it is, courtesy of: MLB Opening Day 2018: Starting lineup for Atlanta Braves | AL.com

With Major League Baseball’s Opening Day coming on Thurs., March 29, you may be wondering what teams’ starting lineups look like.

If you’re an Atlanta Braves fan, here’s what the lineup will look like as the season gets underway:

1. Ender Inciarte, CF
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Tyler Flowers, C
5. Nick Markakis, RF
6. Preston Tucker, LF
7. Rio Ruiz, 3B
8. Dansby Swanson, SS

Rotation and closer:
1. Julio Teheran, RHP
2. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP
3. Brandon McCarthy, RHP
4. Sean Newcomb, LHP
5. Anibal Sanchez, RHP
Closer: Arodys Vizcaino

(Note also that projected starting third baseman Johan Camargo will likely be out the first week of the season due to a back injury.)

Major League Baseball has a listing of every starting lineup in the league, and can be found on the organization’s website.

Source: MLB Opening Day 2018: Starting lineup for Atlanta Braves | AL.com

Atlanta Braves Ball Logo

Previewing Braves’ 2018 Opening Day lineup

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Line Up, Opening Day

It is time to think about opening day. Here are some thoughts from Mark Bowman at MLB.com. Previewing Braves’ 2018 Opening Day lineup

“Now that the Grapefruit League season has reached its end, it’s time for the Braves to get a better feel for where they are with their rebuilding process and possibly prove to be one of this season’s most surprising teams.

“This will be a transition season for the Braves, who have the potential to vie for their first winning season since 2013. Top prospects Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mike Soroka should join Atlanta’s roster at some point this year.

“But with Opening Day just three days away, here is a look at how the Braves will look during this season’s early stages.”

Projected Opening Day lineup
1. Ender Inciarte, CF
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Tyler Flowers, C
5. Nick Markakis, RF
6. Preston Tucker, LF
7. Dansby Swanson, SS
8. Rio Ruiz, 3B
9. Julio Teheran, P

Source: Previewing Braves’ 2018 Opening Day lineup

Atlanta Braves roster: Preview for 2018, outlook for 2019

Tags

2018, 2019, Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta Braves, John Coppolella, Matt Kemp, Ozzie Albies

Are the Atlanta Braves ready to contend, now in the 4th year of their rebuild? I’m thinking not. The more I read and from what I’ve seen so far in spring training, they don’t seem to be there.

Consider this from Atlanta Braves roster: Preview for 2018, outlook for 2019 – Talking Chop

The 2018 season is shaping up as a pivotal one for the Atlanta Braves who are entering the fourth year of their rebuild. Much of that focus of that rebuild has centered on reviving a barren minor league system and transforming it into one of the best in baseball. With some of that top talent pushing its way towards the major league level, 2018 is year of evaluation where the team must figure out which prospects will make up its core with a hopeful return to contention.

That is the task facing new general manager Alex Anthopoulos who was brought on to replace John Coppolella following an embarrassing investigation by major league baseball into transgressions on the international free agent market. That investigation resulted in Coppolella receiving a lifetime ban and the loss of 13 prospects along with other sanctions. It was one of the darkest moments of this franchise and one they hope to distance themselves from quickly.

Anthopoulos arrived shortly before the winter meetings and has taken an otherwise patient approach to the offseason. His biggest move to date was unloading Matt Kemp to the Dodgers in a five-player trade that brought veteran pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir to Atlanta along with utility man Charlie Culberson. The Braves accomplished two things with the move. One, it freed up a corner outfield spot for top prospect Ronald Acuna who is slated to arrive at some point in 2018. It also helped clear the deck from a salary perspective which allow Atlanta to potentially make a splash in free agency in 2019.

This year’s team figures to be a younger group and their could be more youth on the way. Ozzie Albies arrived late last season and was impressive in his debut. He is entering his first full season as the team’s full time second baseman. Acuna is slated to arrive sometime after opening day but should be a fixture in the team’s outfield upon his arrival.

Source: Atlanta Braves roster: Preview for 2018, outlook for 2019 – Talking Chop

Fredi Gonzalez has a roller coaster of a ride as a manager and coach. (2011 – 2016)

Tags

2006, 2010, 2016, Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Fredi Gonzalez, May 17, October 13, October 3

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria hires his fourth manager on October 3, 2006 since buying the team four years ago. Florida hires Braves third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez to replace first-year skipper Joe Girardi, who had a well-publicized feud with the owner during the season.

Fredi has a roller coaster of a ride as a manager and coach.

On October 13, 2010, González was officially named the new manager for the Atlanta Braves, succeeding the retiring Bobby Cox.

On October 5, 2012, González managed his first postseason game as a Major League manager. It was a 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2012 National League Wild Card Game at Turner Field. González put this game under protest after the Infield Fly Rule was called by umpire Sam Holbrook on a ball that fell in shallow left field in the bottom of the eighth inning. González earned his first major league postseason win on October 4, 2013, in a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field in Game 2 of the National League Division Series.

After a 9–28 start in 2016, González was fired by the Braves on May 17.

On November 7, 2016, the Miami Marlins hired González as their new third base coach.

The Cardinals, in the first NL one-game winner-take-all wild-card playoff, beat the hometown Braves, 6-3 ( October 6, 2012)

Tags

2012, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Dan Uggla, October 6, St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals, in the first NL one-game winner-take-all wild-card playoff on October 6, 2012, beat the hometown Braves, 6-3, in a game that will be best remembered for a disputed infield fly rule call in the eighth inning.

The irate Turner Field fans show their displeasure with the umpires’ decision on what appears to be a key Redbird error on a dropped pop fly in the outfield by littering the playing field with debris, causing a 19-minute delay while the ground crew cleans up the assorted trash.

Dan Uggla, always a home run threat, comes up representing the tying run with two outs in the ninth. Uggla fouls off Motte’s first offering. 0-1. Motte’s second pitch? Slider outside. 1-1. Motte throws a strike right at Uggla’s knees. 1-2. The Braves are down to their last strike again. Uggla hits a routine ground ball to first and it’s over!

It was Chipper’s last game.  Chipper didn’t want to go out this way. He made a crucial throwing error and never hit a ball out of the infield, his brilliant career ending with a 6-3 loss’

Don’t blame the umps, Jones said. “I’m the one to blame.” In the fourth inning, with the Braves leading 2-0 on David Ross’ homer, Carlos Beltran blooped a single to right for the first hit of the game off Kris Medlen. But the Braves got what they needed from Matt Holliday, a hard-hit grounder to third base that Jones fielded with a nifty backhanded grab.

Luke Walker singled off Atlanta Braves Cecil Upshaw to break an 0-for-39 drought at the plate.

Tags

1972, Atlanta Braves, Cecil Upshaw, July 19

When you are 0-for-39, at some point you are going to break the streak. Unfortunately for the Atlanta Braves, it happened on July 19, 1972 at Three Rivers Stadium. Luke Walker singled off Cecil Upshaw to break an 0-for-39 drought at the plate.

The Pirates’ southpaw pitches three innings of one-hit shutout baseball to pick up a save in the 8-3 victory over the Braves.

Cecil Upshaw, the Braves pitcher that night, started having problems due to an unfortunate incident in 1970. He and two other Braves players were walking down an Atlanta sidewalk and one of the other players bet him he could not jump up and touch an overhead awning. He did reach the awning, but a ring on his pitching hand ring finger got caught on a projection off of the awning and tore ligaments in his hand. He never fully recovered, but was considered one of the better pitchers in major league baseball up to that time.

Do the Braves Have a Future Hall of Famer in Ronald Acuna?

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Ronald Acuna

Okay, this is a lot of hype, but then again, stranger things have happened. Besides, I want to believe, at least at this time of year. It’s spring training and I want to see the Braves do better this year.

“More than 200 players have been voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Membership in the hall is a confirmation of baseball greatness, and when teams convene in late winter in warm climes to prepare for the new season, prospects who possess evident talent become subjects of fan enthusiasm, even speculation about how good, indeed how great their careers might be.

“This year the Atlanta Braves have such a prospect. He is a 20-year-old Venezuelan outfielder named Ronald Acuna. And here is a relevant set of facts: On April 4, 2017, Acuna was assigned to the Florida Fire Frogs (one of the team’s single-A affiliates); on May 9, 2017, to the Mississippi Braves (AA); and on July 13, 2017, to the Gwinnett Braves (AAA), where he finished the year. Acuna thus accomplished the rarity of advancing three levels in a single season.

“As for baseball statistics, an abiding fan interest, in 28 games with the Fire Frogs Acuna hit .287; in 57 games with Mississippi, .326; and in 54 games with Gwinnett, .344. Other important statistics—among them on-base percentage, extra-base hits, slugging, and stolen bases tell the same story of a baseball player upwardly bound. And on defense Acuna may be a real phenom. He is a natural right-fielder with a strong arm who can also patrol center field better than most who play the position now, say baseball scouts.

“Last week Baseball America named Acuna the game’s No. 1 prospect. Sam Meredith of Talking Chop reported that development with the observation that “historically players that have been named number one prospects have gone on to have star level careers.”

“Historically” means since 1990, and the Braves have had several No. 1 prospects who became top players (if not Hall of Famers). They include Andruw Jones, who was Baseball America’s top prospect for the consecutive years 1996-97, and had a great career (thanks to his defensive abilities). And Chipper Jones, Baseball America’s No. 1 in 1991 and the game’s second-best switch-hitter ever (behind only Mickey Mantle), who played mostly third base. Jones will enter the Hall of Fame this summer.

“Someone who has watched Acuna play and will see more of him this spring is Jones, who told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that he doesn’t “say much to Ronald” because “he does nothing I would change.”

“It appears that the Braves have a prospect ready to play every day at a high level. And if he plays at least most of the schedule, that would represent a remarkable achievement for prospect Acuna, who soon could add another name to the lengthening list of the game’s exceptional young players—among them Aaron Judge of the Yankees, Mike Trout of the Angels, Bryce Harper of the Nationals, Kris Bryant of the Cubs, and Corey Seager of the Dodgers.

“The new season cannot arrive too soon, and certainly not in Atlanta.”

Source: Do the Braves Have a Future Hall of Famer in Ronald Acuna? | The Weekly Standard

Braves have second best farm system according to MLB Pipeline

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Farm System, Ronald Acuna

Now here is some good news. We have all been waiting for the rebuilding of the Atlanta Braves to be complete. It still appears to a few years in the future but here is some good news to lighten my heart.

“It is no real surprise that the Braves’ farm system is highly regarded across baseball as well as with the national baseball media. The Braves have a really strong headline grabber in prospect wunderkind Ronald Acuna Jr., a ton of top 100 level talent with around 12 players that have reasonable cases to be on such lists, and a depth of talent that most teams could not even hope to compete with.”

Source: Braves have second best farm system according to MLB Pipeline – Talking Chop

Chipper Jones Opens Up About Legendary Career on “Outside The Lines”

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, Hall of Fame, Mickey Mantle

Atlanta Braves great Chipper Jones sits down with Bob Ley on OTL to discuss his career, relationship with Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox, and Mickey Mantle’s influence and much more.

Chipper ended his career in 2012 with a .303 career batting average, 468 home runs, and 1,623 RBI. He has the most career RBI for a third baseman and holds the Braves team record for career on-base percentage (.402); he ranks third on the Braves career home run list. He spent his entire 19-year MLB career and all 23 years as a professional baseball player in the Atlanta organization.

 

 

Billy Wagner come to terms on a $7 million, one-year deal for the southpaw to become the club’s closer. (December 2, 2009)

Tags

2009, 2010, April 30, Atlanta Braves, Billy Wagner, December 9, July 11, October 3

The Braves and left-hander Billy Wagner come to terms on a $7 million, one-year deal for the southpaw to become the club’s closer, replacing Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez on December 2, 2009. The Boston Red Sox claimed Wagner off waivers from the Mets. After initial reports suggested Wagner would invoke his no-trade clause to veto a trade, he agreed to be traded on August 25 for Chris Carter and Eddie Lora, with the added stipulation that the Red Sox could not exercise his $8 million option for 2010, but could offer him salary arbitration. The Red Sox did offer Wagner arbitration, but he declined so the Red Sox received the first-round draft pick from the team that signed Wagner (Atlanta Braves) and a sandwich pick in the 2010 rookie draft.

The six-time All-Star, who missed most of the 2009 season due to elbow surgery, was traded by the Mets to the Red Sox in late August after the reliever showed he still has a live fastball in his initial appearance off the disabled list in New York.

On April 30, 2010, Wagner revealed that he would retire at the end of the 2010 season to spend more time with his family. In a game against the Detroit Tigers on June 25, Wagner achieved his 400th career save. After the game, he told reporters that he still planned to retire after the 2010 season. On July 11, Wagner was selected as an injury replacement to the 2010 National League All Star roster, which he declined due to an ankle injury.

He played his final regular season game on October 3, 2010, and struck out the final four batters he faced – the last three of whom struck out looking. He concluded his final major league regular season with a career-best 1.43 ERA. Wagner made his final major league appearance on October 8 in Game 2 of the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants. Wagner suffered an injury to his left oblique and left the game after facing just two batters. The Braves eventually lost the series before Wagner could recover.

Chipper Jones On his book “Ballplayer” (Hall of Fame – 2018)

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame, Switch Hitter

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones—one of the greatest switch-hitters in baseball history—shares his remarkable story, while capturing the magic nostalgia that sets baseball apart from every other sport. His new book, “Ballplayer,” takes readers into the clubhouse of the Braves’ extraordinary dynasty, from the climax of the World Series championship in 1995 to the last-gasp division win by the 2005 “Baby Braves.”

The National League MVP also shares pitch-by-pitch dissections of clashes at the plate with some of the all-time great starters, such as Clemens and Johnson, while also delving into his relationships with Bobby Cox and his famous Braves brothers and opponents from Cal Ripken Jr. to Barry Bonds.

From his overnight rise to superstardom to the personal pitfalls that came with fame, “Ballplayer” immerses readers in the best of baseball. Interview at 692 Broadway in NYC for BUILD Series.

In my opinion, Chipper is the best switch hitter ever. You can buy the book here.

John Smoltz: ‘The Success Of The Atlanta Braves Won’t Be Duplicated’

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine

I am a big fan of the Atlanta Braves. What they did by winning 14 division championships is stunning. I agree with John Smoltz. I don’t think it will happen again.

This documentary sounds great.

“All these years later, it is still incredible to think that the Atlanta Braves won 14 straight division titles from 1991-2005. The Braves won the World Series in 1995, played in the Fall Classic five times in the 1990s and had a roster that featured four Hall of Fame players and a Hall of Fame manager. Yet this was a dynasty that was supposed to win multiple championships. The Braves lost in extra innings of Game 7 of the 1991 World Series and blew a 2-0 series lead against the New York Yankees in 1996.

“A new documentary “Atlanta Rules: The Story of the ’90s Braves,” produced by MLB Network, includes interviews with Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Bobby Cox and several others who helped transform Atlanta from one of the worst teams in baseball into a perennial championship contender.”

Source: John Smoltz: ‘The Success Of The Atlanta Braves Won’t Be Duplicated’ « CBS Boston

Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers report today (February 13, 2018)

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, February 13, Freddie Freeman, Spring Training

Great news! Pitchers and catchers report to spring training today.

And, here is some good news about Freddie Freeman.

Freddie Freeman and his fully-healed wrist

The two-time All-Star first baseman’s wrist was the story of the 2017 season as he missed 10 weeks with a fracture, prompting the Braves to acquire Matt Adams. Then, upon his return, Freeman pushed for a move to third base, only to switch back to his natural position after 16 games.

Amid all this, he equated his swing to swinging a wet newspaper, though even with that water-logged piece of print he he still managed 138 wRC+ in August and 126 in September.

But the good news is that at Chop Fest in late January, Freeman said he wrist was back to full strength and he told FOX Sports South that he’s already been swinging in 25-degree temperatures to see if he’d deal with any aches or pains.

He did undergo surgery in the offseason … though it was Lasik, which should prevent the dry eye irritation he’s experienced while wearing contact lenses.

In all, he’s set up for a monster season as he enters the fifth year of his $135 million contract.

Freeman was playing at an MLB-level before his injury, with a ridiculous 222 wRC+ in April and 173 in May before he went down. But the major question with Freeman may not be his health, but whether the Braves can supply him with a right-handed bat in the order to take pressure off.

Source: Ten storylines to define Atlanta Braves 2018 spring training

See highlights from Chipper’s career — Hall of Fame 2018

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame

The Braves show a Chipper Jones tribute video which showcases various highlights from his illustrious career

Chipper Jones, Hall of Famer, is a power hitter with more walks than strikeouts in past 30 years (2018)

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame

Power hitters with more walks than strikeouts in past 30 years

It is generally accepted as fact in 2018 that sluggers do not typically exhibit flawless plate discipline. During the 2017 season, 117 MLB players hit at least 20 home runs but only five of them — Joey Votto, Mike Trout, Anthony Rizzo, Anthony Rendon and Justin Turner — walked more than they struck out. Only one active player with 50 or more career home runs (Albert Pujols) has walked more than whiffed over the course of his entire career.

Chipper Jones joins Pujols in that rarified air. Over the past 30 seasons, only Jones, Pujols, Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Edgar Martinez, Gary Sheffield, Todd Helton and Rafael Palmeiro have hit 300 homers, slugged .500 and claimed more career walks than strikeouts.

Chipper is one of 35 Live-Ball Era players to reach base at least 40 percent of the time in 5,000 or more plate appearances (Hall of Fame)

Tags

Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame

.401: Career on-base percentage

Blame Chipper Jones 14.2 career walk rate, which ranks 12th all-time among players with 10,000 or more plate appearances.

Blame his career .300 batting average from both sides of the plate.

Blame his ridiculous age-36 campaign in 2008 — the only players to post a higher single-season OPS after turning 36: Barry Bonds, Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Ty Cobb — which pushed his career mark to .408 to safeguard it from the inevitable late-career decline.

Either way, Chipper is one of 35 Live-Ball Era players to reach base at least 40 percent of the time in 5,000 or more plate appearances.

Chipper Jones finished his career as one of 21 members in the 400 Homer-150 Steal Club — Hall of Fame (2018)

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame

Players in the 400 HR-150 SB Club

The wheels eventually rusted, but Chipper emerged as a 21-year-old prospect with five tools in 1993.

Before his 30th birthday, Chipper collected 227 career homers, 106 stolen bases, five top-10 MVP finishes and five All-Star nods. (Take away his torn ACL during the team’s 1994 spring training and that stolen base number likely doubles.)

He finished his career as one of 21 members in the 400 Homer-150 Steal Club.

Longtime Atlanta Braves exec John Schuerholz scores Atlanta Sports Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Tags

1990, Atlanta Braves, John Schuerholz

One of the biggest minds behind the Atlanta Braves will receive the Atlanta Sports Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Atlanta Sports Awards.

Former Atlanta Braves general manager and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee John Schuerholz will join other Atlanta legends who have received the award, including most recently Arthur Blank (2017), John Smoltz (2016), Tom Glavine (2015), Tommy Nobis (2014), Chipper Jones (2013), Dominque Wilkins (2012) and Bobby Cox (2011).

The ceremony, which is presented by The Coca-Cola Co. will be held June 7 at The Fairmont.

From 1990 to 2007, Schuerholz served as general manager of the Braves, turning the team’s six-year losing streak around within his first year. Following his 17 years as general manager, Schuerholz spent the next decade as the Braves president. Since 2016, he has served as the team’s vice chairman.

Widely considered one of the most successful and influential general managers in baseball history, John forever changed Atlanta Braves baseball. As both a community leader and a 50-year baseball veteran, John embodies all that the Lifetime Achievement Award stands for, and we look forward to recognizing his achievements on June 7.”

~ Atlanta Sports Council President Dan Corso

In addition to his influence on the diamond, Schuerholz made his mark on the local community as a board member of YES! Atlanta, a local nonprofit that provides mentorship to at-risk youth of Atlanta. A passionate advocate for Yes! Atlanta, Schuerholz donated his name to an annual golf tournament that benefitted the organization, according to the sports council.

As president of the Braves, Schuerholz oversaw the Atlanta Braves Foundation, which provides financial support to local organizations and strives to make a positive impact on the community.

The Baltimore-native began his front office baseball career in 1966 as a personal assistant to Lou Gorman, who was the director of player development for the Orioles at the time. Schuerholz was promoted to general manager of the Kansas City Royals in 1981, leading the team to its first World Series win in 1985. Following that season, he was named the Executive of the Year by Sporting News. Schuerholz was drawn to Atlanta in 1990, accepting the role of general manager for the Braves, a team that had finished last in its division that year.

Under Schuerholz, the Braves made MLB history, finishing first in their division for 14 consecutive seasons (1991-2005), securing five National League pennants and winning the 1995 World Series. Schuerholz was the first general manager to ever win a World Series in both the American League and National League – the Royals in 1985 and the Braves in 1995.

In August 2016, Schuerholz was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame, and in July 2017, he was inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

I am humbled and honored to be given this recognition by the Atlanta Sports Council, and it’s even more special given that this community has been our home for nearly 30 years and the relationships we have made here I truly cherish.It is with deep gratitude that I accept this honor on behalf of the players, coaches and front office team members of the Atlanta Braves who, working together, helped build a championship organization that achieved a level of success of which we are most proud.”

~John Schuerholz

The Atlanta Sports Awards will be held at The Fairmont in West Midtown for the first time in 2018. The awards, created by the Atlanta Sports Council in 2006, highlight the high school, collegiate and professional sports community in Atlanta.

Chipper Jones qualified as a switch-hitter to hit .300 from both sides of the plate (Hall of Fame)

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame, Switch Hitter

Qualified switch-hitters to hit .300 from both sides of the plate

Chipper Jones owned better numbers from the left side of the plate (.947 OPS vs. .889 OPS as a right-handed batter), but he remains one of the most balanced switch-hitters — or hitters in general — in the game’s history.

Here are his career slash lines:

LHB: .303/.405/.541

RHB: .304/.391/.498

Hitting .300 from both sides of the plate is incredibly rare: Only Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch, who retired in 1937, joins Chipper on the list among switch-hitters with at least 5,000 career plate appearances.

In the age of bullpen specialists and pitching-change-happy managers, Jones’ feat stands out in the crowd.

Games above .500 for Braves with Chipper Jones (Hall of Fame) in lineup (2018)

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame

Games above .500 for Braves with Chipper Jones in lineup

Constructing a roster worthy of “Team Of The Decade” distinction extends beyond one player — even one of the best players ever. Still, Chipper Jones made a clear difference for Atlanta over the course of 18 full seasons.

Atlanta posted a 1497-1094-1 record when Jones was in the lineup, winning 57.8 percent of the games he played including a 48-45 playoff record.

Without him? From 1995 to 2012, the Braves won 53.2 percent of their games in Jones’ absence (214-188) including a 1-3 playoff mark when he missed the 2010 NLDS against the Giants. Over the course of 162 games, that win percentage gap is the approximate difference in winning 94 games and 86 games … every season for 18 years.

Former No. 1 overall pick, Chipper Jones, in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame, Ken Griffey Jr.

Former No. 1 overall picks in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Two years ago, Ken Griffey Jr. became the first former No. 1 overall draft pick to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The induction ended a strange streak for the sport. Since 1965, only one of the 53 top picks in the draft reached Cooperstown, and only four have even reached 50 career wins above replacement (per Baseball Reference).

Jones will join “The Kid” on the abbreviated list — with Alex Rodriguez’s numbers warranting a spot in a few years.

And after that? Joe Mauer has a quiet case and Bryce Harper is building one, but it could be a long time until Griffey and Jones have company here.

Chipper Jones (Hall of Fame) — one of the top seven third basemen in baseball history

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Eddie Matthews, Hall of Fame, Third Base

Chipper Jones (Hall of Fame) unquestionably finds himself among the top seven third basemen in baseball history — the order relies on debates over the accomplishments of Jones, Mike Schmidt, Eddie Mathews (a Brave), Wade Boggs, George Brett, Adrian Beltre and Brooks Robinson — but he’s also in the top tier of the sport’s switch-hitters.

His 468 career home runs are the most in National League history and rank third all-time behind only Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray. The only other switch-hitters to reach 400 homers? Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira.

Chipper is in the Hall of Fame — One of a kind (2018)

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Free Agency, Hall of Fame, Reserve Clause

Well … I never had any doubts. I am sure I will have much to say over the next few weeks. The most impressive thing about Chipper, in my mind is:

Zero trades as a prospect. Zero trades as a major-league star. Never bolted in free agency. Never tried the twilight-of-the-career cameo with another franchise.

Chipper Jones was drafted by Atlanta, played every game for Atlanta and retired in Atlanta. That’s rare for a superstar in the modern game. Fifty-one Hall of Famers played for a single team, largely due to the draconian reserve clause practically making athletes franchise property.

Once the reserve clause was struck down and the 1976 collective-bargaining agreement went into effect, however, only 16 Hall of Famers played for just one team (technically Brooks Robinson played his final season in the post-reserve clause era, which would make 17) in the modern free-agency era.

Jones will likely be the final installment in a run of Braves Hall of Fame announcements, but he’s the only one of the group — including John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox — who never donned another uniform.

Chipper Jones

Atlanta Braves rumors: Is Liberty Media preparing to sell the team?

Tags

2018, Atlanta Braves, Liberty Media

Now here is some interesting news. I want to believe it primarily because being a Braves fan, the last few years, has be extremely painful. I’ve always maintained that you can’t fire the owner but … a new owner can buy the team. Maybe that is the answer.

With skyrocketing team values, the recent events surrounding the Braves’ front office, and the recent sale of the Marlins, could these Atlanta Braves rumors be true, with Liberty Media be getting ready to pull the trigger on a deal?

Source: Atlanta Braves rumors: Liberty Media preparing to sell the team?

The Reds beat the Braves at Riverfront Stadium, 6-1 (May 3, 1975)

Tags

1975, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Red Stockings, Dusty Baker, Gary Nolan, May 3

The Reds beat the Braves at Riverfront Stadium, 6-1 on May 3, 1975. This made Gary Nolan a winner for the first time in nearly two and half seasons. The right-hander’s last win came on October 3, 1972 when he beat the Astros by an identical score in Cincinnati.

Dusty Baker, playing right field for the Braves, had one hit and scored the only run off a two out RBI by Mike Lum. The Braves left 7 on base and were 0-6 with runners in scoring position.

Atlanta Braves Table

Batting	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	OPS
Ralph Garr LF	4	0	1	0	0	0	.647
Marty Perez 2B	4	0	0	0	0	0	.587
Darrell Evans 3B	4	0	0	0	0	2	.839
Dusty Baker RF	3	1	1	0	1	0	.781
Mike Lum CF	4	0	1	1	0	1	.619
Earl Williams 1B	4	0	0	0	0	0	.315
Johnny Oates C	3	0	0	0	1	1	.541
Larvell Blanks SS	3	0	2	0	1	0	.693
Roric Harrison P	2	0	0	0	0	1	.733
Max Leon P	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rowland Office PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	.691
Mike Thompson P	0	0	0	0	0	0
Team Totals	32	1	5	1	3	6	.447

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/22/2017.

Jason Heyward becomes the eleventh Braves player in franchise history to homer in his first at-bat (April 5, 2010)

Tags

2010, All Star, April 5, Atlanta Braves, Gold Glove Award, Jason Heyward, Rookie of the Year

Jason Heyward becomes the eleventh Braves player in franchise history to homer in his first major league at-bat on April 5, 2010. The much touted 20 year-old rookie, with the hometown fans chanting, “Let’s go, Heyward!”, hits a three-run homer in the first inning off Chicago’s Carlos Zambrano at Turner Field.

After a rapid ascent through the minor leagues, the Braves invited Heyward to spring training in March 2010. There, his hitting continued to draw notice, as he routinely hit “rockets” all over the field and over the fences, compelling manager Bobby Cox to make him a regular in the lineup. He mentioned that he heard a different, more pronounced sound, of the balls hit off Heyward’s bat. Reggie Jackson, a New York Yankees special assistant, concurred, characterizing that sound as “stereo”, while everyone else was “in AM.” Heyward hit two notable batting practice home runs at the Champion Stadium training complex in the Lake Buena Vista, Florida. One damaged a Coca-Cola truck in the parking lot, and another broke the sunroof of Atlanta Braves’ assistant general manager Bruce Manno’s car. He was initially issued uniform number 71. At the end of spring training, he asked the team for, and received, number 22. He presented one of his jerseys with the number 22 to Ruston to show that he honored her son, which elicited an emotional reaction from her.

After making his MLB debut for Atlanta in 2010, Heyward was named to the National League (NL) All-Star team and finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Baseball America named him their MLB Rookie of the Year. Injuries limited his playing time in 2011 and 2013. With a breakout season in 2012, he hit 27 home runs with 82 RBI and 21 stolen bases while finishing tenth in the NL in runs scored with 93. Also recognized for his defense including coverage in the deepest parts of right field, he won both the Fielding Bible and NL Gold Glove Awards for right fielders in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and Wilson’s MLB Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. He is widely regarded as one of the best outfield defenders in baseball.

 

Greg Maddux headed to Chicago to rejoin the Cubs (2004)

Tags

2004, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux is another one of the most beloved Braves of all time, playing 11 total years in Atlanta, four of which were in the 2000’s.

During that time, Mad Dog went 68-37 with a 3.16 ERA and 605 strikeouts in 900 innings pitched. He also had a 1.123 WHIP and won three Gold Gloves.

In 2004, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs, rejoining the team he started his career with. Maddux returned to the Cubs as a free agent prior to the 2004 season, when he signed with them on February 18, 2004. Maddux got his first win on April 23 after losing 3 consecutive games at the beginning of the season. On August 7, Maddux defeated the San Francisco Giants, 8-4, to garner his 300th career victory.

Maddux was the jewel in the much-vaunted Braves trio of Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz, who pitched together for over a decade as the core of one of the best pitching staffs in the history of the game. The three were the linchpin of a team that won its division (the National League West in 1993 and the East from then on) every year that Maddux was on the team (1994 had no division champions). The three pitchers were frequently augmented by other strong starters such as Steve Avery, Kevin Millwood, Denny Neagle, and Russ Ortiz. In 1995, they pitched the Braves to a World Series title. In 29 postseason games with Atlanta, Maddux had a 2.81 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, but just an 11–13 record.

Greg Maddux – Hall of Fame

Tim Hudson is one of the greatest Atlanta Braves players of the 2,000’s

Tags

2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, April 25, Atlanta Braves, August 6, Greg Maddux, July 26, September 1, Tim Hudson, Tommy John Surgery

After spending his college years at Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Auburn University, Tim Hudson played in the major leagues for the Oakland Athletics (1999–2004), the Atlanta Braves (2005–13) and the San Francisco Giants (2014–15). With the Giants, he won the 2014 World Series over the Kansas City Royals, giving him his only world title.

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.

Before the 2005 season, Hudson was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Charles Thomas, Dan Meyer, and Juan Cruz. On August 6, 2005, Hudson won his 100th career game, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 8–1.

In January 2006, Hudson was named to the Team USA roster for the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

His second season with the Braves was disappointing. He posted career-highs in losses  and ERA (4.86) in 2006. He returned to his earlier form in 2007 however, finishing with a 16–10 record and a 3.33 ERA. He was in the midst of a 9-game winning streak, the second of his career, at one point in the season. Hudson struck out a career-high 12 batters on April 25 against the Florida Marlins.

Hudson is one of only 7 ballplayers who pitched in the NL in 2007 who won at least 12 games in each year from 2004–07, the others being Carlos Zambrano, Greg Maddux, Roy Oswalt, Jason Marquis, Derek Lowe, and Jeff Suppan.

On August 2, 2008, Hudson revealed that he would undergo Tommy John ligament transplant surgery on his pitching elbow, and missed the remainder of the 2008 season. He started the 2009 season on the 60-day DL, and did not play prior to the All Star break. On July 2, 2009, he threw a 90-pitch bullpen session and Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox said: “He’s ready to go. … He’s really come along. He’s got major-league stuff right now, his normal stuff.” But Cox added that the Braves would not rush the timetable on Hudson’s return, which was scheduled for mid- to late-August. Hudson’s first minor-league rehab start was tentatively scheduled for July 19 at Class A Myrtle Beach. After completing several minor league rehab sessions, Hudson returned to the Atlanta Braves starting pitching rotation on September 1, 2009. He gave up only two runs and earned his first win of the 2009 season.

On November 12, 2009, Hudson signed a $28 million, three-year extension with the Braves with a $9 million option for a fourth year. On August 28, 2010 against the Florida Marlins, Hudson set a career high in strikeouts with 13.

On October 5, 2010, Hudson was awarded the 2010 NL Comeback Player of the Year award.

On June 20, 2011, in Atlanta, Hudson hit his second career home run, a two-run home run which provided the only scoring of the game in a 2–0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. On the same day, he got his 1,600th strikeout in the top of the fifth inning against J. P. Arencibia. On July 15, 2011, Hudson was the winning pitcher in the Braves’ 10,000th win in franchise history.

Hudson went 16–7 with a 3.62 ERA in 2012. On October 30, 2012, Hudson had his $9 million option exercised by the Braves.

On April 30, 2013, Hudson became the 113th major league pitcher to reach 200 wins, with an 8-1 victory over the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Hudson went 7 innings, giving up only 3 hits and 1 run while recording 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. Hudson also went 2 for 3 at the plate with a double and a home run. On July 24, 2013, Hudson was pitching a 4-hit shutout against the New York Mets when Eric Young, Jr., who was trying to beat a throw to first base, accidentally stepped on Hudson’s leg above the ankle. This resulted in an ankle fracture that ended Hudson’s 2013 season. After the season, Hudson became a free agent. His record with the Braves was 113–72 with an ERA of 3.56.

 

Braves’ Maddux drops first Opening-Day start (March 31, 2003)

Tags

2003, Atlanta Braves, Frank Robinson, Greg Maddux, Jeff Liefer, March 31, Orlando Cabrera, Tony Armas

Baseball’s road warriors, the Montreal Expos, started with a win, appropriately, on the road.

The Expos sent Greg Maddux to his first Opening-Day loss, defeating the Atlanta Braves 10-2 on Monday behind Jeff Liefer’s four RBI and Orlando Cabrera’s two-run homer. Maddux, 6-0 with a 1.66 ERA in seven previous Opening-Day starts, gave up four runs in the first inning. The four-time NL Cy Young Award winner went seven innings, giving up five runs — four earned — and nine hits.

Tony Armas Jr., in his first Opening-Day start, allowed one run and five hits in six innings to get the win for the vagabond Expos.

“It’s a good way to start,” Montreal manager Frank Robinson said. “We didn’t have a particularly good road record last year, and it’s something we talked about this spring. We have to improve this year on that.”

Greg Maddux

 

Matt Kemp hits 3 HRs, powers Braves to fourth straight victory (April 29, 2017)

Tags

2017, April 29, Atlanta Braves, Matt Kemp

Matt Kemp had a night like he had never had in his career. He was more than happy to share the good vibes.

Kemp homered three times and drove in five runs to help the surging Atlanta Braves pound the Milwaukee Brewers 11-3 on April 29.

“It was everybody’s night,” he said. “Everybody was swinging the bat well. That’s a good sign for us.”

Braves name Alex Anthopoulos as next general manager (2017)

Tags

2017, Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta Braves, General Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays

Hoping this is very good news. We need some help and he has a very good track record.

The Braves are in deep with the league over rules violations in connection with the signing of international players. They are still likely facing big penalties for that and, for the time being, remain in limbo. While there were some noises coming out of Atlanta about who, possibly, might take over as the next general manager, they were decidedly muted.

The big potential move — luring Dayton Moore back to Atlanta from Kansas City — was blocked by Royals owner David Glass who would not grant the Braves permission to interview him. The remaining names bandied about as a replacement GM were less-than-inspiring. Dan Jennings? Ugh.

It appeared as if Atlanta was going to enter this week’s General Manager Meetings with placeholder GM John Hart at the helm. Given that he was likely to be pushed aside eventually, the Braves offseason looked pretty bleak.

According to FoxSports “The Atlanta Braves named Alex Anthopoulos as their new general manager and executive vice president on Monday afternoon — a masterstroke hire for an organization looking to climb out of offseason turmoil and rejoin Major League Baseball’s first class.

“Landing the former Toronto Blue Jays general manager and current Dodgers vice president of baseball operations ends the search for John Coppolella’s replacement and installs long-term leadership in Atlanta, answering waves of offseason question marks surrounding the front office.

“Anthopoulos, 40, will take over baseball operations with “full control” of baseball operations. He signed a four-year contract through the 2021 season.”

Source: Braves to name Alex Anthopoulos as next general manager

Jeff Francouer, “Frenchy”, played around a lot (Braves from 2005 – 09)

Tags

2005, Atlanta Braves, Gold Glove Award, Jeff Francoeur

Jeff Francouer,  known as”Frenchy”, has played around. Starting off with the Braves for a while (2005 to 2009) and then the Mets, Rangers, Royals, Giants, Padres, Phillies, Braves again and Marlins.

His career started off great in 2005, but the end wasn’t as good for Francouer.

On the day that his Sports Illustrated cover came out, Jeff Francoeur learned just how hard the major leagues could be.

It was Aug. 22, 2005, and as Francoeur and his Atlanta Braves got ready to play the Cubs in Chicago, the then-21-year-old outfielder was being billed to the world as “THE NATURAL,” the first baseball player to get that treatment from the magazine since Ken Griffey Jr.

And why not? Starting with his major league debut on July 7, Francoeur had played like the second coming of Roy Hobbs: a .370 batting average, 10 home runs in 34 games, a starring role on a first-place team. A precocious rookie displaying uncommon power at the plate and brilliant defense in rightfield, the Atlanta-area native seemed to have the majors all figured out.

That night at Wrigley Field, Francoeur received an abrupt course correction when he stepped in against flamethrowing Chicago righthander Carlos Zambrano.

“He was throwing 99 to 100 [mph], [and] he struck me out all three times,” Francoeur said. “And I’m like, okay, now I see what some of these guys can do.”

Still, Francoeur had good stats from 2005-09 and deserves to be a highly ranked player for the Braves.

During his more than four years in Atlanta, he hit .266 with 78 home runs and 359 RBI. He also had 653 hits, with 129 of those being doubles, and he scored 310 runs.

Defensively, he won the Gold Glove in 2007 and had 65 total outfield assists in more than four years.

Standard Batting

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	AB	R	H	HR	RBI
2005	21	ATL	NL	70	257	41	77	14	45
2006	22	ATL	NL	162	651	83	169	29	103
2007	23	ATL	NL	162	642	84	188	19	105
2008	24	ATL	NL	155	599	70	143	11	71
2009	25	TOT	NL	157	593	72	166	15	76
2009	25	ATL	NL	82	304	32	76	5	35
2009	25	NYM	NL	75	289	40	90	10	41
2010	26	TOT	MLB	139	454	52	113	13	65
2010	26	NYM	NL	124	401	43	95	11	54
2010	26	TEX	AL	15	53	9	18	2	11
2011	27	KCR	AL	153	601	77	171	20	87
2012	28	KCR	AL	148	561	58	132	16	49
2013	29	TOT	MLB	81	245	20	50	3	17
2013	29	KCR	AL	59	183	19	38	3	13
2013	29	SFG	NL	22	62	1	12	0	4
2014	30	SDP	NL	10	24	2	2	0	1
2015	31	PHI	NL	118	326	34	84	13	45
2016	32	TOT	NL	125	307	33	78	7	34
2016	32	ATL	NL	99	257	29	64	7	33
2016	32	MIA	NL	26	50	4	14	0	1
12 Y	12 Y	12 Y	12 Y	1481	5260	626	1373	160	698
162	162	162	162	162	575	68	150	18	76
				G	AB	R	H	HR	RBI
ATL	ATL	ATL	ATL	730	2710	339	717	85	392
KCR	KCR	KCR	KCR	360	1345	154	341	39	149
NYM	NYM	NYM	NYM	199	690	83	185	21	95
SFG	SFG	SFG	SFG	22	62	1	12	0	4
PHI	PHI	PHI	PHI	118	326	34	84	13	45
TEX	TEX	TEX	TEX	15	53	9	18	2	11
SDP	SDP	SDP	SDP	10	24	2	2	0	1
MIA	MIA	MIA	MIA	26	50	4	14	0	1
NL (	NL (	NL (	NL (	1105	3862	463	1014	119	538
AL (	AL (	AL (	AL (	375	1398	163	359	41	160

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/22/2017.

Freddie Freeman of Atlanta Braves calls Milwaukee Brewers’ Miller Park ‘bad-lit Little League field’ (April 29, 2017)

Tags

2017, April 29, Atlanta Braves, Freddie Freeman, Little League

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman looked forward to the 2017 series finale against Milwaukee on April 29. It was mostly because he was apparently tired of playing at the Brewers’ Miller Park.

Miller Park was completed in 2001 as a replacement for Milwaukee County Stadium. The park is located just southwest of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Miller Park Way. The title sponsor is the Miller Brewing Company. Miller’s contract with the stadium was for $40 million, and runs until 2020.

It is unique in that features North America’s only fan-shaped convertible roof, which can open and close in less than 10 minutes. Large panes of glass allow natural grass to grow, augmented with heat lamp structures wheeled out across the field during the off-season.

I remember the original domed stadium, the Astrodome, in Houston. They didn’t have a convertible roof and thought the grass would grow anyway. It didn’t, thus creating Astroturf.

Speaking before the Braves’ 11-3 win, Freeman was critical of the stadium.

“I think it’s a bad-lit Little League field,” Freeman said, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “I can’t see anything here.”

You have to love the honesty.

Francisco Cabrera helps the Atlanta Braves win the NL pennant series (1992)

Tags

1966, 1992, Atlanta Braves, David Justice, Francisco Cabrera, NL Pennant, October 10, Pittsburgh Pirates, Sid Bream, Stan Belinda

We all remember Francisco Cabrera. A catcher for the Braves from 1989 to 1993, he batted and threw right handed. Origionally from the Dominican Republic and born on October 10, 1966.

With one swing of the bat, he became my hero.

Perhaps unfairly, he was known as a “good hit/no field” label. Hard to live a label like that down. He was used very irregularly as a catcher. In the 1992 NL pennant series last game, he came off the bench to deliver a stunning, ninth inning hit that won the game. He hit a two out single to left off of Pittsburgh’s Stan Belinda to drive in David Justice and Sid Bream. That ended the NL Championship Series. So there. All done!

What a bases loaded hit it was. This would be the second straight NL pennant. This was the first time in history to win a postseason championship for a team that went from losing to winning on the final pitch.

Cabrera was a reserve. He spent most of 1992 at Triple-A Richmond. He had only 10 major league bats in 1992. His hit brought him instant stardom. He even got a key to the city from Mayor Maynard Jackson.

Dusty Baker as an Atlanta Brave outfielder (1968 — 1975)

Tags

1968, 1975, Atlanta Braves, Dusty Baker, Hank Aaron

Dusty Baker became a bitter rival of the Braves but contributed mightily as a player from 1968 to 1975. Dusty was born on June 15, 1949 in Riverside, California. He batted right and threw right.

Dusty kind of got lost in the Hank Aaron era. He was a regular center fielder in 1972 and 1973. He replaced Hank Aaron in right field for most of 1974 when the ‘Hammer cut back on his playing time after hitting number 715 and then again in 1975 when he was traded to Milwaukee.

Baker had a challenging time in Atlanta. In 1972, his first full season in the Majors, he hit a career-high .321. Notice I said career-high. He never repeated that again disappointing many of the fans. In 1973 he batted .288 with 99 RBIs and joined Aaron in the 20-20 club hitting over 20 home runs and stealing over 20 bases. It would take Dale Murphy to do the same again in 1982.

1974 and 1975 saw a big decline in his numbers. Contract discussions became difficult. He became a part of a six person trade the Los Angeles Dodgers. He would flourish there. Go figure!

Some of his career highlights were:

• 2× All-Star (1981, 1982) – Not in Atlanta
• World Series champion (1981) – Not in Atlanta
• NLCS MVP (1977) – Not in Atlanta
• Gold Glove Award (1981) – Not in Atlanta
• 2× Silver Slugger Award (1980, 1981) – Not in Atlanta
• 3× NL Manager of the Year (1993, 1997, 2000) – Not in Atlanta

Dusty Baker – Atlanta Braves

John Smoltz – The most beloved pitcher for the Atlanta Braves

Tags

1985, Atlanta Braves, John Smoltz

John Smoltz

John Smoltz is probably the most beloved pitcher in Atlanta history.

Consider this, from 2001-08 (injured in 2000), Smoltz started 110 games and finished 204 games.

During that time, he was 55-34 with a 3.04 ERA, 913 strikeouts and had 154 saves in 980.2 innings pitched. He also had a 1.127 ERA.

Furthermore, Smoltz is the only pitcher in baseball history to have 200 wins and 150 saves in his career.

Mighty good in anybody’s book. Not bad for a kid who was the 574th selection of the 1985 draft.

 

Atlanta Braves play in the first ever National League Division play off games (October 3, 1995)

Tags

1995, Atlanta Braves, NLDS, October 3

We are used to it now but it wasn’t that long ago there weren’t Division playoff games in MLB.

The 1995 National League Division Series (NLDS), the opening round of the 1995 National League playoffs, began on Tuesday, October 3, and ended on Saturday, October 7, with the champions of the three NL divisions—along with a “wild card” team—participating in two best-of-five series. As a result of both leagues realigning into three divisions in 1994, it marked the first time in major league history that a team could qualify for postseason play without finishing in first place in its league or division. The teams were:

• (1) Atlanta Braves (Eastern Division champion, 90–54) vs. (4) Colorado Rockies (Wild Card, 77–67): Braves win series, 3–1.
• (2) Cincinnati Reds (Central Division champion, 85–59) vs. (3) Los Angeles Dodgers(Western Division champion, 78–66): Reds win series, 3–0.

Javy Lopez – Atlanta Brave from 1992 to 2003

Tags

2003, Atlanta Braves, Javy Lopez

Javy Lopez played for the team for four years during the 2000s and was a favorite among Braves’ fans. He was one of my favorites as well since he was a catcher.

On the final out of the 1995 World Series championship season: “I remember Carlos Baerga was at the plate and I called for a fastball away from Mark (Wohlers). We were trying to stay away from the middle of the plate. When it first left his bat I was thinking he hit it hard, but then I saw (center fielder) Marquis (Grissom) pick up on it quickly and knew we had the out. I then remember running to the mound and jumping on Mark. I don’t remember much after that.’’

During that time, he had a .282 average with 95 home runs and 316 RBI. He had 486 hits, scored 225 runs, hit 81 doubles and had a .500 slugging percentage.

The 2003 season saw him bat .318 with 43 home runs and 109 RBI, earning an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award.

Behind the plate, he threw out 110 of 349 base stealers, which is a little over a 31 percent success rate.

When Javier “Javy” Lopez was growing up in Puerto Rico, he would practice baseball by hitting rocks off the metal roof of his house in Ponce. The loud noise, which used to drive his parents crazy, would eventually lead to Lopez putting his name in the major league record books for most home runs in a season by a catcher, when he hit 43 in his final season with the Braves in 2003.

After the 2003 season, he signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles.

 

John Smoltz’s — watch him rob old friend Tom Glavine of a hit (April 22, 2007)

Tags

2007, April 22, Atlanta Braves, John Smoltz, New York Mets, Tom Glavine

John Smoltz was an amazing pitcher for the Braves. A staple in the Major Leagues for two decades, he spent 16 years pitching alongside fellow Hall of Famer Tom Glavine. They were teammates until Glavine signed with the Mets after the 2002 season.

Glavine was still with the Mets when the two squared off at Shea Stadium on April 22, 2007. It was on that day that Smoltz took the opportunity to show his old friend that he was still as athletic as ever, despite approaching his 40th birthday.

Former Brave Kenny Lofton agrees to a $1.25 million, one-year contract with the White Sox (February 1, 2002)

Tags

1997, 2002, Atlanta Braves, February 1, Kenny Lofton

Kenny Lofton played for a lot of teams. One of them was the Atlanta Braves in 1997. As an impending free agent in 1996, it was Lofton’s last season with Cleveland before being traded to near the end of spring training 1997 to the Atlanta Braves of the National League. On trading Lofton, Hart said, “We had to make this trade and based on the fact that Lofton could be a free agent at the end of this season. We went through it with Albert Belle last year, and Albert left and we had nothing in return. We were not prepared to do that again.”

• On February 1, 2002 Six-time All Star Kenny Lofton (.261, 14, 66) agrees to a $1.25 million, one-year contract with the White Sox.
• The 34 year-old centerfielder, who has played with the Indians, Braves and Astros during his 11-year major league career, had a .302 lifetime batting average.
• Here are the teams he played for:
  • Houston Astros (1991)
  • Cleveland Indians (1992–1996)
  • Atlanta Braves (1997)
  • Cleveland Indians (1998–2001)
  • Chicago White Sox (2002)
  • San Francisco Giants (2002)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates (2003)
  • Chicago Cubs (2003)
  • New York Yankees (2004)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (2005)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (2006)
  • Texas Rangers (2007)
  • Cleveland Indians (2007)

Kenny Lofton

 

Freddie Freeman homer sets Atlanta Braves record for times reaching base (April 19, 2017)

Tags

2017, April 19, Atlanta Braves, Freddie Freeman, Jeff Burroughs

Freddie Freeman had a first-inning walk and third-inning home run on April 19, 2017, against the Nationals to set an Atlanta franchise record by reaching base in 12 consecutive plate appearances, a streak that was snapped when he grounded out in the sixth inning.

Freeman broke the record previously held by Jeff Burroughs in 1978.

Now hear this: The Braves’ rebuild is progressing nicely. Really? I don’t think so.

Tags

2017, Atlanta Braves, Bartolo Colon, Julio Teheran, Rebuilding Season

As a fan, I want the Braves to win. I want them to win this year. It isn’t going to happen. That is more than frustrating. It doesn’t have to be this way.

I disagree with Mr. Bradley. It isn’t proceeding nicely. It is a bust. Corporate ownership doesn’t get it. There is a huge chasm between building (what they should have done) and rebuilding (gutting the core of the team).

“There are times in every rebuild when progress seems so incremental as to be measured in angstrom units. For the Braves, this is such a time. The glow of being a .500 team in mid-July has yielded to reality.

• The Bartolo Colon experiment fizzled.
• Sean Rodriguez played 15 games here.
• Julio Teheran has been terrible.
• Swanson, star of Cobb County billboards, was sent to Gwinnett.
• Johan Camargo, who supplanted Swanson at shortstop, tripped over the foul line.

And yet …

Source: Now hear this: The Braves’ rebuild is progressing nicely. Really | Mark Bradley blog

The new 2012 playoff change does not benefit the Atlanta Braves (March 2, 1012)

Tags

2011, 2012, Atlanta Braves, March 2, November 22, Playoff

Things change in baseball. Sometimes slowly but they change.

On November 22, 2011, a new contract between Major League Baseball and its players union was ratified, and as a result, an expanded playoff format adding two clubs will be adopted no later than 2013 according to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The new format was finalized for the 2012 season on March 2, 2012, and will use the 2–3 game schedule format for the Division Series for the 2012 season only. A new one-game, wild-card round will be added in each league between the teams with the best records who are not division winners.

The new postseason system, which would have allowed the Red Sox and the Braves to avoid their historic collapses. Forced into a one game playoff with Cardinals, the Braves lost 6-3.

The change increases the reward of a winning a division title, but opened the door of the possibility of a third-place team winning the World Series.

Atlanta Braves Logo

Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron Ties Babe Ruth (April 4, 1974)

Tags

1974, April 4, Atlanta Braves, Hank Aaron

It was time. Babe Ruth, the all time home run leader, a player whose greatness and larger than life personality had been the stuff of legends for generations, was about to be caught. Heading into the 1974 season, Atlanta Braves outfielder Hank Aaron was only one home run behind Ruth’s hallowed 714, and only an injury or a miracle would keep that record intact.

As it turned out, neither would happen. In fact, Aaron made sure to make quick work of that chase for 714, doing so on Opening Day (April 4, 1974) against the Cincinnati Reds. With one out in the first, and runners on first and second, Aaron sent the Jack Billingham offering over the wall in left center, tying Ruth atop the all time list.

And so … one more to go to break the record.

Source: Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron Ties Babe Ruth