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!
