I will admit I chalked up yesterday’s game versus the Phillies as another loss. Seriously, five runs in the first given up by Paul Maholm, and Cole Hamels dealing? I had about all I could take. I had no explanation other than the Braves look out of gas. Let’s not forget that Fredi Gonzalez choose to bench Brian McCann and Dan Uggla due to their lack of production. A move that Uggla had no problem voicing his displeasure about. Being strongly against leaving early, I decided to seek shelter from the heat and humidity in the 755 Club with friends old and new.

As we attempted to solve the Braves problems to no avail, the crowd got smaller and smaller. All the sudden there seemed to be a bright spot, Peter Moylan had made his way back to Turner Field. 11 months removed from shoulder surgery, many fans did not realize the Aussie had been called up. Seeing Moylan on the mound seemed to be our reward for having waited it out, but not so fast my friend!

Let’s fast forward to the bottom of the ninth, two outs, bases loaded, and Martin Prado up to bat. (Well, maybe I should mention Dan Uggla was to pinch hit, but was pulled when Jonathan Pappelbon entered the game in favor of Lyle Overbay. Overbay was called out on strikes, but I digress.) As he has done all year Prado delivered with a bases loaded double that set the table for none other the @RealCJ10 Chipper Jones to get the GW #mammo. For those of you who do not follow him on Twitter, Chipper hit a game winning three run homer.

There are very few times I am able to show emotion at the ballpark, but last night standing in left field in a spot honoring the achievement of the great Hank Aaron, I jumped up and down like a little kid. It was something I a cannot adequately describe, but it was one of those times that I just felt something special was about to happen, and it did. As @RealCJ10 put it, Shame on fans that left game-kudos to those that stayed! Never kno when somethin cool gonna happen, like GW #mammo!Yessir!

The Best Of Marc Ryan’s Opening Drive – Live & Recorded Episodes:.

I am lucky enough to spend a couple mornings per on Atlanta’s Best Sports Talk, Marc Ryan’s Opening Drive on AM 1100. Last Friday I got a special treat in getting to interview Hall of Famer and former Brave Gaylord Perry. See what he had to say about Craig Kimbrel and the Cy Young.

Hank Aaron: Content of Character

The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Hank Aaron for more than a passing hand shake happened to be at Major League Baseball’s announcement that Atlanta would host the Civil Rights Game.  In a moment that can only be described as surreal for me, I stood between Hank Aaron and Martin Luther King III.  On the day we celebrate the memory of Martin Luther King Jr, I suggest you take a moment to get a glimpse of what Hank Aaron endured to play game of baseball.

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read more:http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr_2.html#ixzz1jh0mSfSu

As I tweeted last night, short of someone giving birth in the Suntrust seats, I don’t think much more could have happened in and around the Braves/Cubs game!  I stepped away from writing because something felt very irreverent to include that statement in a story that includes the passing of one Braves legend on the night that honors another.  Then I thought  that Ernie may get a chuckle out of the irony upon irony of this night as he kicks back with a Manhattan and a long lost friend.  After all, if ever you want to see a snapshot of the circle of life, August 12, 2011 is a date to look to -MLB style.

Ernie Johnson, Sr was the Braves to many, and although bittersweet, it is fitting that he would pass on the night honoring a man who he admired and supported for so many years.  To add to the significance of the day, August 12th would have been his long time partner Skip Carey’s 72nd birthday.  Johnson wanted to be at the ceremonies inducting Bobby Cox into the Braves Hall of Fame and the retirement of his number, and from the inexplicable feeling at Turner Field, he was.

The sad news of Ernie’s passing was not known during the retirement ceremony of #6, which is the way Ernie would have wanted it even if the man being honored would have gladly showed the spotlight.  Respect was the theme echoed from everyone present.  The words of John Smoltz seemed to ring true to many people when he said that a short time with Bobby Cox could change a career, but 20 years with him changed his life.  Cox joined Tom Glavine, (47) Greg Maddux (31),  Hank Aaron (44), Eddie Mathews (41), Dale Murphy (3), Phil Niekro (35) and Warren Spahn (21) as the only Braves to have their numbers retired.

Now that we have taken a sappy road down memory lane, let’s continue around the circle to the present.  Dan Uggla put to rest the “will he/won’t he” drama early by continuing his streak in grand fashion.  Uggla hit the first of two home runs in his first at bat.  Carlos Zambrano showed he was not impressed with Uggla’s accomplishments and 3 for 3 night by plunking him in the hip.  Chipper Jones retaliated in the best possible way- he followed Uggla with a three run shot.  This seemed to stir the big man, but Uggla hitting his second home run following a Freddie Freeman shot sent Z over the edge.  The first pitch Chipper saw buzzed by nearly hitting him.  To add insult to injury, Zambrano once again tried to hit Chipper with the very next pitch, but failed to find his target.  As the Atlanta bench cleared, the home plate umpire decided it was time for big Z to take a shower to cool his temper.

Zambrano took his ejection a step further by cleaning out his locker, taking his name plate, and telling the trainer he was retired.  No word yet on how Zambrano got back to the hotel.  If you have ever been in Turner Field traffic on a sell out night, you know cabs are hard to find.  Who knows, maybe he took the MARTA shuttle back to the team hotel!

Also responsible for Zambrano’s bad mood was speedster and number 8 hitter Jose “Georgie” Constanza (who seems to be living in bizzaro world).  Georgie hit another home run and maintained his .408 batting average.

Yes, it was indeed an unforgettable night at Turner Field, and maybe, just maybe that magic can carry the Braves on through the post season.  One thing is for certain, there are two old friends raising their glasses for a job well done, and doing all they can to make sure the party continues!

This article has been harder to write than I imagined.  I expected this to be a positive piece about how far we have come as a society, but reactions to Civil Rights weekend have made me think the opposite.

First, when I posted a link to MLB’s Civil Rights Weekend page, the majority of the responses regarded negative racial and cultural stereotypes.  Then Saturday’s attendance was disturbingly low for a weekend game- especially with a major recording artist performing.  Then the final straw, Georgia’s response to Carlos Santanna’s scolding stopped me in my tracks.  My struggle has come from how I walk this line of my beliefs and  keeping this a baseball page. » Continue reading “How Far Have We Really Come?”

In Major League Baseball, you can be blown away by all of the promotional days they have at the ballpark. Bobbleheads, free t-shirts shot out of t-shirt cannons, prostate health and bark in the park. The MLB has it covered.

While they already have Jackie Robinson Day, happening within the first few weeks of the season to celebrate baseball’s first and most popular African American baseball players in history, they also have The Civil Rights Game, which the Atlanta Braves will be taking on the Phillies today in Atlanta, the hub of the civil rights history.

Last year with it being held in Cinncinatti and as exhibition games in 2007-2009, the game and events are held to celebrate civil rights history on and off the field, and to garner more African American fan support to baseball.

» Continue reading “The Civil Rights Game: More than just representing the past.”

The Atlanta Braves had a longer Spring Training than most teams this year- at least it seemed that way!  The Braves left the warm weather of Florida, skipped over the custom ordered weather of Masters Week, and headed north for cold nastiness.  I don’t just mean the weather.  The Braves did not play horrible, but the bats, Tommy Hanson’s location, and Mike Minor’s confidence did not make the plane.    All that makes facing Cliff Lee for the home opener look like a party.  Perfect timing because the Braves had many things to celebrate.

Much has been made about Bobby Cox not being in the dugout for the first time in recent memory.  The Braves handled the changing of the guard beautifully.  Bobby threw the first pitch to none other than the Fredi Gonzalez.  This was the follow up to Hank Aaron throwing to Jason Heyward last year.  Aaron and Braves fans were also celebrating the anniversary of  Hank becoming the true “Home Run King”.  April 8, 1974 Hank Aaron hit home run #715, and April 8, 2011, Chipper Jones gets hit #2,500.   Only nine other switch-hitters have reached 2,500 hits.  He now is three RBIs from joining Eddie Murray’s club of 2,500 hits and 1,500 RBIs.

Did I mention that the Braves Country Hometown Hero was pitching against the most celebrated free agent acquisition of the off-season?  Tim Hudson may be in the #3 spot in the rotation, but he is a #1 talent.   Many argue the move to put him in that spot, but that’s for another story.  Hudson struggled early giving up three runs.  In Hudson fashion, he settled in, and his team followed.   Cliff Lee was not as true to his reputation.  Lee hung pitches in the strike zone, and the bats that did not make the plane, were waiting at Turner Field.    The Braves got production out of Nate McClouth who had already started the fan base grumbling about his play.

Braves fans hope that the Braves can ride the wave of emotion and stay on track in the NL East.

Philadelphia 3

5-2

Atlanta 6

4-4

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Philadelphia	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	8	0
Atlanta	0	3	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	6	12	2    Box Score Courtesy of Sporting News

What's my name?

My Pop always said that animals, dog especially need to earn their names.  They will tell you what their name is, not the other way around.  Today I brought home the best Valentine I have ever had, and he is (like most men in my life) confusing me!  Since it is the first day of Pitchers and Catchers, and I am who I am, there must be a baseball reference.  So let’s review what else we know about the little guy and go from there.

When first we met, he ran to me wagging his tail, and I knew this was my baby.  He was attacked by a dog that outweighed him by at least 100 pounds while I was filling out paperwork to make him mine.  He didn’t show his fear and fought back.  He whimpered like a baby when the bully was out of sight though.  After I left, he apparently barked non stop until I returned to adopt him today (two days later).  He stopped barking and wagged his tail like crazy when he saw me.  He is definitely a curious George, but is right at home.  He surveyed the entire house, and after finding it satisfactory has not left my side.  He has not made a sound- especially after we went for a walk.  It is obvious he cherishes sleep and is quite the bed hog!  I am not touching that with a ten foot pole as it relates to ball player nicknames!

This story has taken on a life of it’s own, so I am going to publish it in two segments: past and present.  They have a different way of describing that in the Big 10 don’t they?  For the past, I am including icons from around baseball because so much of my life has been influenced by baseball as a whole, but mostly by St Louis.  The present, which will come later, will be focused on the Braves.

Braves:
Wags/BWags:  Billy Wagner
He wags his tail like crazy when he sees me , and he does not seem to want to play ball just like Billy!  Although Wagner still appears on the 40 man roster, Braves fans are going to have to let go hope that he will return.  My first step is putting the Sandman in the past segment- even though I would gladly move him back to the present!  The Braves will miss his lights out fastball.  Wagner recorded 422 saves, 1196 strike outs, and a 2.31 ERA.  Those numbers cannot describe the impact of the mere sound of Metallica had in late innings!

(Black &) Decker:  Donald Harold Sutton
Though he is in the Hall of Fame as a Dodger and his #20 is retired, he is an adopted Brave in the hearts of Atlanta fans.  He has been a broadcaster in Atlanta off and on since 1989.  Sutton’s major league debut came April 14, 1966, the day Greg Maddux was born.  In his 23 year career, he compiled 324 wins, 3574 strikeouts (7th all-time), 58 shut outs, 4 All-Star appearances (All-Star MVP 1977), and 1354 at bats without a home run (most at bats without a HR).
Other Options:  BD, Blackie

Hammer:  Henry “Hank” Aaron
He was in a fight the first day I meet him!  This guy is definitely a home run and a king!  Not only is Aaron the true home run king, but he also holds the records for most RBIs (2297), most extra base hits (1477), and is third in career hits (3771).  Hank was quoted “I had the Giants’ contract in my hand. But the Braves offered fifty dollars a month more. That’s the only thing that kept Willie Mays and me from being teammates – fifty dollars.”  Maybe the dog should be named “thank you Jesus!”  Another plus is that my Paps’ middle name is Henry.
Other options:  Homer, 755, King (King Kelly played for Boston and Cincinnati.  I’m not sure that’s the best choice!)

Cha Cha:  Orlando Cepada
He’s a Chihuahua, and Cepada played for the Braves and the Cards.  ChaCha may be a bit feminine for this one though!

Cardinals:
Dizzy:  Jay Hanna “Dizzy” Dean
Dizzy & Paul “Daffy” Dean were from Lucas , AR, and the Dean family has a special place in my heart.  Dizzy was also called “The Great Man”, and let’s face it, he is my dog, of course he is great!  The Dean’s are best known for being part of the 1934 “Gashouse Gang” that won the World Series.  Dizzy’s number 17 was retired.
Other Options:  Daffy, Bo (Daffy’s namesake Paul Dean goes by Bo- that’s a trivia question for you!)

Pac(k):  Pack Robert “Bob” Gibson, PAC:  Pitcher and Catchers
Gibson was a great St Louis pitcher whose number 45 was retired.  I got little man on the first day of pitchers and catchers!
Other Options:  Gibby, Hoot (another nickname of Gibson)

Pop:  Jesse Joseph Haines
He was a right-handed knuckballer. He played briefly in 1918, then from 1920 to 1937, mostly for St Louis.  I am not sure how I feel about naming my dog Pop, but I had to include it!

Stan (the Man):  Stanley Frank Musial
This legendary Cardinal is held in such high esteem that his picture hung in our home.  In fact my brother in law thought we must be related! 24 time All-Star, 3 time World Series Champ, 3 time NL MVP, Lou Gehring Award Winner, .331 Batting Average, 3630 Hits, 475 Home Runs, 1951 RBIs, MLB All Century Team, #6 Retired.  Stan Musial was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest award that a civilian can receive, today by President Obama.

Whitey:  Whitey Herzog
The first Cardinal manager in my memory.  Little man has a white nose, neck, and chest.

Ozzie:  Ozzie Smith
The greatest shortstop of all time and you will never convince different, so do not try!

Buck:  Jack Buck

Jack Buck’s legendary voice was, and still is to many, synonymous with St Louis Cardinal Baseball.

Also Rans:
Cy:  Denton True “Cy” Young
I am claiming him for St Louis because he did play two years in the great city!  Cy Young’s recoed 514 wins will never be matched, but he also holds the records for innings pitched, games started, and losses.  I think you are getting the hint how he relates to my dog!
Other Options:  Cyrus (Cy came from teasing about his country background.  Cyrus was shortened to Cy.  I would not want my dog to be confused with Miley or Billy Ray)

Cool Papa:  James Cool Papa Bell
St Louis Stars.  He’s my dog!  Pop’s is middle name James, and he was a cool papa!

Slick:  Whitey Ford
He’s a Chihuahua!  However fitting it may be, my dog cannot be named after a Yankee!

Sparky:  George Lee “Sparky” Anderson
This guy definitely fits the name!  He does not back down would be well suited to be named after the iconic manager.  I could justify naming him after someone known primarily for managing in the American League because he did manage the Big Red Machine.  It is still not at the top of the list!

Foxx:  James Emory “Jimmie” Foxx
The second major league player to hit 500 career home runs, after Babe Ruth, the second youngest behind A Roid, oops, Rod to get to 500 at age 32 years 336 days.  He has three career MVP awards are tied for second all-time.  Most importantly, he managed the Fort Wayne Daisies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League for one season in 1952. Tom Hanks‘ character Jimmy Dugan in the movie A League of Their Own.
Other Options: Duece, Dos, Double XX (Two is a reoccurring theme in Foxx’s life), Jimmie, League

These are some of my ideas, and reasons for them.  Please comment to cast your vote, but tell me your reason!