AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWe’ll miss Skip something fierce
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a gaping hole in Braves Nation today, a collective sadness as we reflect upon and mourn the passing of the inimitable Skip Caray.
I didn’t get to cover the Braves when Ted Turner owned the team, and regret that whenever I hear the many stories about the colorful, boisterous billionaire Mouth of the South.
But I did get to spend more than six years on the beat while Skip Caray was in the broadcast booth. My life is a hell of a lot richer for it.
This was an original, folks, and that’s a huge understatement.
Skip was in the pantheon of great baseball broadcasters, in my book. That he didn’t get selected to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown while alive is a shame. If he doesn’t get elected soon it’ll be a complete injustice. Yes, he was that good, that impactful, that important. No doubt.
Of course, if I said that to Skip he’d probably just respond with some profanity-laced line about not wanting to be a member of any club that would have him. Only he’d come up with his own unique way to express that sentiment, rather than simply paraphrase that line like so many of us others would.
Because you’ve got to understand, Skip said original things, brilliant things, off the top of his head that most of us would commit to memory and repeat to others. Lines that we never forget, that made us smile or laugh or shake our head in wonder that he had the cajones to say that on the air.
God, I’m gonna miss him.
There were a few times I sat with him exchanging stories about our hell-raising days and damage wrought, physical and otherwise. He had a lot more of those stories than I did, more interesting ones, over a far longer period.
I’d walk into the clubhouse or dugout before a game, and he’d have a sharp barb about the shirt or shoes I was wearing. Meanwhile he’s sitting there in some loud, flowing Hawaiian shirt that one of his kids or his wife bought him.
He’d bet me $50 that his Mizzou Tigers would beat my Kansas Jayhawks in a football game. And when KU won, he’d come into the writers’ section of the pressbox with a $50 bill stuck to his forehead and make me take it, after making a comment about a prostitute that I can’t write here.
When the Braves looked awful, Skip would say it — he’d spare no words in his brutal assessment of the team to others of us who covered it, and on the air he’d make his point with acerbic humor, rather than express some phony, rose-colored lens view that no one would’ve bought anyway.
The thing is, Skip’s witticisms and criticisms during a five-game losing skid, with the team down 6-1 in the sixth inning, were often so entertaining that you’d keep the radio on just to be entertained. When he did radio, if the TV broadcast wasn’t delayed by too many seconds, I’d turn down the TV sound and listen to Skip’s call on the radio.
He was the perfect partner to Pete Van Wieren. Pete, the smooth-voiced professional armed with statistics, a razor-sharp memory and perspective. Skip, the distinctive-voiced announcer with … well, everything he brought to the booth.
The two of them spent so many a night in years past at the hotel bar or a steakhouse, often entertaining a fortunate table full of folks who knew at the end of the night it was one they’d never forget.
I’m thinking about how, if there was a way to have recordings of those conversations now, it would be as illuminating — and far more entertaining — than spending the day at Cooperstown, believe me. (Of course, you’d need someone to spend a lot of time editing the taps to make them suitable for the kids.)
I remember being in high school and college in the late 70s’ and early ‘80s, and getting two teams’ games on cable TV - the Cubs, with the great Harry Caray bellowing in the booth, and the Braves, with son Skip Caray and his splendid partners. I used to think, how cool that Caray household must have been.
Chip Caray indicates it was everything I’d imagined. And more.
When some of us wondered the last couple of years if Chip might have regretted not staying with the Cubs instead of jumping to TBS a few years back, we were forgetting he did it in large part because he wanted to work with his dad.
Chip knew he wouldn’t be here forever. Chip was smart. He got to spend more time with his pops in last few years than a lot of us have spent with our dads in the past two decades.
When I heard last night, in my hotel room here in San Francisco, that Skip had died, a lump formed in my throat and my eyes got a little damp. I had just spent a half-hour talking on the phone to my mom, who lives in Wilson, N.C. She and my dad had spent the weekend at Emerald Isle, N.C., and she was telling me every little mundane detail about the experience and about my cousins who were there, etc.
Being caught up in my own experiences out here, I didn’t listen as closely as I should have. I rarely do. I’m an idiot for that.
But dad wasn’t in the house when I called her. He was out running some errands. Later, after hearing of Skip’s passing, I realized that I hadn’t talked to my dad for more than a few minutes in quite a while. Stupid.
I’ve got to do better than that. A lot of us do. We don’t get to spend hours at a time sitting next to our dad at work, like Chip and Skip did the past few years.
My dad had triple-bypass surgery a few years back, and he’s still not eating right or doing all he should do to take care of himself. He’s a lot like Skip in his gregariousness and ability to light up a room with a joke, often one unfit for mixed audiences. I really wish my dad had met Skip. They’d have hit it off.
I really need to spend more time with my dad, and am going to regret I haven’t. Chip, I don’t have to tell you how wise you were to come “home,” so to speak, and how fortunate you were, in so many ways.
Skip cared more about others than most people who never met him could ever imagine. They hear that cynical tone, that sardonic wit, that dripping sarcasm, and they assume he was a rude SOB. No, the man just didn’t suffer fools.
And he wasn’t phony. Nothing about him was.
You knew where you stood with him, and you knew how he felt about the team, about baseball and about the corporations and networks that have pumped so much money into the game and hijacked it, for all intents and purposes. They arrogantly believe they can make whatever changes, subtle or otherwise, they see fit to make to further their own interests. They believe that because they can.
Skip hated a lot of that stuff. But he loved the game. Man, how he loved it.
When I started covering the Braves in 2002, he and Pete were bigger stars than anyone on the team other than perhaps Chipper Jones and Greg Maddux. Sometimes when I’d stay in the team hotel, I’d see the team bus arrive or depart, and note the dozens of fans who’d crowd around Skip and Pete for autographs.
People around the country and beyond had seen and heard them do the games for decades on TBS when The Superstation beamed the games off satellites to million and millions of homes that didn’t get nightly broadcasts of any other teams.
But exposure alone didn’t account for that popularity. Greatness did.
Skip was great.
Damn, I’m gonna miss him.
Gonna miss listening to the broadcast on radio as I mowed my lawn on days off back in Atlanta. I think of the times when I’ve been pushing the mower, smoking a cigar, earbud things on, and stopped while laughing out loud at a comment by Skip.
It happened just this summer when the Braves were beating up on Dusty Baker’s Cincinnati Reds, and Skip said, if I remember correctly, “The bases are loaded, and Dusty Baker wishes he was.” He said that on the air? Yes, he did.
We’re gonna miss Skip. We’re gonna miss him something fierce.
The venerable broadcaster, who lived life to the absolute fullest, died Sunday in his sleep.
Rest in peace.
“SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN” by Kris Kristofferson
Well I woke up Sunday morning,
With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt.
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad,
So I had one more for dessert.
Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes,
And found my cleanest dirty shirt.
An’ I shaved my face and combed my hair,
An’ stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.
I’d smoked my brain the night before,
On cigarettes and songs I’d been pickin’.
But I lit my first and watched a small kid,
Cussin’ at a can that he was kicking.
Then I crossed the empty street,
‘n caught the Sunday smell of someone fryin’ chicken.
And it took me back to somethin’,
That I’d lost somehow, somewhere along the way.
On the Sunday morning sidewalk,
Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
‘Cos there’s something in a Sunday,
Makes a body feel alone.
And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’,
Half as lonesome as the sound,
On the sleepin’ city sidewalks:
Sunday mornin’ comin’ down.
In the park I saw a daddy,
With a laughin’ little girl who he was swingin’.
And I stopped beside a Sunday school,
And listened to the song they were singin’.
Then I headed back for home,
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin’.
And it echoed through the canyons,
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
On the Sunday morning sidewalk,
Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
‘Cos there’s something in a Sunday,
Makes a body feel alone.
And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’,
Half as lonesome as the sound,
On the sleepin’ city sidewalks:
Sunday mornin’ comin’ down.
Services »
Comments
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
skip’s 1st
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
skip’s 1st
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
“Fly ball, deep center field, Grissom’s on the run … Yes! Yes! Yes! The Atlanta Braves have given you a championship. Listen to this crowd. A mob scene is on the field. Wohlers gets them, 1-2-3.”
the best day for braves fans and skip was right there to celebrate with us, the braves nation
By 80s Braves fan
August 4, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Skip and Pete were major reasons I love baseball and its history. Listening to the games just won’t be the same.
He’s in a much better place now and our thoughts are with the entire family.
By NCBravesFan
August 4, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Nicely said, DOB. A fitting tribute.
By Dannyboy
August 4, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Great piece Dave. End of an era for many of us who grew up in the south. Feels a lot like when Lewis Grizzard died.
By Ebirt
August 4, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Just a perfect send-off. Well done, DOB.
By Graham
August 4, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Fantastic article DOB! Incredibly fitting song for today’s blog! Rest in peace, Skip! You will be missed!
By crimedogrules
August 4, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, you nailed it: “Damn, I’m gonna miss him.” We all are.
By Lew
August 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
If some Non Technologically challenged Denizen could transfer my last post on the last blog over to this one, I’d greatly appreciate it.
By Vol
August 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Well done, Dave!
Skip is someone I’ll always remember.
By Couch Tater
August 4, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Moving tribute.Kudos.
By OHBravesfan
August 4, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Long-time reader, first-time poster, and I can’t think of a more appropriate time. Ironically, I think Skip would’ve hated blogs and the majority of bloggers.
DOB, I always enjoy your beat reports and blogs, but today’s almost made this Ohio girl shed a tear. We do all take many things in our lives for granted - thanks for the reminder.
Skip helped bring Braves Nation out of the South and into the homes of those of us looking for an alternative to our local teams. The Braves can thank him for their label as America’s team, and I’ll never forget his home run calls and his “choppers to Chipper”. May he rest peacefully with his father - cheers and many thanks to them both, and to their families for allow them to share their talents with the masses.
By David-ATL14
August 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Absolute brilliance in the blog and song selection DOB.
First rate,Thanks for sharing with us here on the blog.
By RC
August 4, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Here’s Lew’s post from the previous blog:
“Scoots-Most of the messages were two or three paragraphs, some a bit longer (around a page). Bravehearts however, was five pages AFTER he trimmed it down-He DOES have much to say at the best of times-usually pretty relevant stuff, as was the case with Skips message. All were extremely heartfelt-much like what youve seen today-all were extremely personal recitations.
I no longer have copies and Im not so sure everyone would have been comfortable having others read them. Only two or three saw them all-including DOB, who made sure that Skip received the drawing and testimonials. His efforts on our behalf are GREATLY appreciated.
I would like to do the same with Hank Aaron sometime in the future and I have MANY more people to contact for their words this time around if Im able to pull off a presentation in the future. I DO keep everyones contact info confidential.
Now the response to these prints has been exceptional. No problem printing them or mailing, but I would appreciate that if someone wants a copy, they get in touch sooner, rather than later, as I still have to address envelopes and make sure I have enough printed. I would like to get them mailed tomorrow, and while I realize some wont even know of the offer to later, I would appreciate yall letting me know now if possible. Contact me at LewHartman@comcast.net Dont forget your blog name, real name and snail mail address.
Several Denizens have offered to pay postage-Thanks very much for the offer, but Ive got it all covered.”
Lew, let me know if any of it got cut off at the end.
By etownbrave
August 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOB Thank you for the fine tribute filled with memories. I’m proud that Chip was able to come home to work side by side with his dad. He is blessed. My nights will be lonesome without Skip’s wit that made the radio so easy to listen to. The banter between Pete and Skip will be missed. Rest in peace, Skip…enjoy the game!
By BA
August 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Very nice piece, DOB. Skip would have loved it. I’m just a wreck. I don’t think baseball for me will ever be the same without Skip. It was just too soon…
By Thrillhouse44
August 4, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
How can you think about Braves baseball and not think of Skip? Atlanta Braves games won’t be the same, but I’m sure Skip will have plenty of games to call where he’s going.
Great one, DOB. In a moment calling for reflection, you captured perfectly how Skip lived life. Sounds like many of us could have learned a thing or two from him.
By 22oz
August 4, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
There is one man i know that hated Skip Caray-he’s retired from the GA DOT.
By lewie
August 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
it’ll never be the same…dob, great choice of song…i listened the the austin sessions this am when i heard the news…
“Jones boys, no relation…”
gonna be missed for sure
By Guggie
August 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Great stuff DOB. Actually just had a 2-hr lunch break with my dad and expressed all the sentiments you wish to share with you dad. The loss of Skip was a topic as we’ve been season ticket holders for 17-18 years. Skip was a part of my life since as long as I can remember. He was my “lullabye” with my dad in my early years — more times than not I’d be carried up after falling asleep watching Benedict, Murph, and Horner. I’ve easily watched hundreds of games with my dad in person or on TV. Skip was the constant. It’s hard to listen to other broadcasts after having my baseball mind molded by Skip and Pete.
He will truly be missed in my household.
By Lew
August 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Scoots-Most of the messages were two or three paragraphs, some a bit longer (around a page). Bravehearts however, was five pages AFTER he trimmed it down-He DOES have much to say at the best of times-usually pretty relevant stuff, as was the case with Skips message. All were extremely heartfelt-much like what youve seen today-all were extremely personal recitations.
I no longer have copies and Im not so sure everyone would have been comfortable having others read them. Only two or three saw them all-including DOB, who made sure that Skip received the drawing and testimonials. His efforts on our behalf are GREATLY appreciated.
I would like to do the same with Hank Aaron sometime in the future and I have MANY more people to contact for their words this time around if Im able to pull off a presentation in the future. I DO keep everyones contact info confidential.
Now the response to these prints has been exceptional. No problem printing them or mailing, but I would appreciate that if someone wants a copy, they get in touch sooner, rather than later, as I still have to address envelopes and make sure I have enough printed. I would like to get them mailed tomorrow, and while I realize some wont even know of the offer to later, I would appreciate yall letting me know now if possible. Contact me at LewHartman@comcast.net Dont forget your blog name, real name and snail mail address.
Several Denizens have offered to pay postage-Thanks very much for the offer, but Ive got it all covered.
By richbrave
August 4, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Scoots-Most of the messages were two or three paragraphs, some a bit longer (around a page). Bravehearts however, was five pages AFTER he trimmed it down-He DOES have much to say at the best of times-usually pretty relevant stuff, as was the case with Skips message. All were extremely heartfelt-much like what youve seen today-all were extremely personal recitations.
I no longer have copies and Im not so sure everyone would have been comfortable having others read them. Only two or three saw them all-including DOB, who made sure that Skip received the drawing and testimonials. His efforts on our behalf are GREATLY appreciated.
I would like to do the same with Hank Aaron sometime in the future and I have MANY more people to contact for their words this time around if Im able to pull off a presentation in the future. I DO keep everyones contact info confidential.
Now the response to these prints has been exceptional. No problem printing them or mailing, but I would appreciate that if someone wants a copy, they get in touch sooner, rather than later, as I still have to address envelopes and make sure I have enough printed. I would like to get them mailed tomorrow, and while I realize some wont even know of the offer to later, I would appreciate yall letting me know now if possible. Contact me at LewHartman@comcast.net Dont forget your blog name, real name and snail mail address.
Several Denizens have offered to pay postage-Thanks very much for the offer, but Ive got it all covered.
By Original Jon
August 4, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
DOB Man, I was tearing up as I read that, great tribute my man, just absolutely great. I can remember that call on that cold October night, I was at work busing tables, but was not working really, I was standing there at the bar with an intent look on my face as I watched Mark Wohlers rear back and let the pitch loose. Fly ball, deep center field, Grissoms on the run Yes! Yes! Yes! The Atlanta Braves have given you a championship. Listen to this crowd. A mob scene is on the field. Wohlers gets them, 1-2-3. I remember jumping up and down and looking at the customers faces, staring at me like I was crazy or something, but I just yelled out, “The Braves have won it all baby, they have finally done it!” Looking back now, I realize that it was Skip’s call on the play that made it so memorable. You will be missed Skip. Rest in peace.
By richbrave
August 4, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
LEW:
Hope that was the one you wanted.
By Cuco Valtierra
August 4, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Im gonna miss his trademarked “chopper to chipper”
By richbrave
August 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
LEW:
Between the time I retrieved and posted your last, it had already been done. Sorry for the repeat.
By tokyobrave
August 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Ostrich Races to peanut rolling to a World Series… The memories of Skip Carey will never end….
By Gary
August 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
DOB, that was a fantastic piece my friend. Standing O for you and Mark Bradley who was up late last night blogging about recollections of Skip. You both should win Pulitzer prizes or whatever they give journalists for these great tributes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paula, Chip, Josh, and the rest of the Carey family. May God Bless you guys. Skip, (from the fan in small town GA) you will be missed dear friend. Sad day in Braves Nation indeed.
By kirknga
August 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
What a sad day. My first memories of Skip was as the voice of the Hawks. I remember being upset that he lest to go be an announcer for the Braves who weren’t very good at the time.
I thought, “oh he just wants to be on tv”.
But after 30 or so seasons, I’m glad he did it, because I got to enjoy him even more.
We in Atlanta have been blessed with so many cherished and venerable voices that have come to mean more to us than mere announcers of games.
One of those has left us and I am glad he is at peace.
Good Bye Skip
By flange1
August 4, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB for that intro to the new blog.
And thank you Skip!
By stamper
August 4, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
well done, DOB. I’m gonna miss him.
By Jimmy H.
August 4, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Absolutely beautiful piece DOB! You reflected my thoughts about Skip in a far better way than I could have. We Braves fans will always miss him!
By ricknole
August 4, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Thanks for many summer childhood memories Skip!!!
By Goodoleboy58
August 4, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
There’s not enough great things we could say about Skip that would give him his due. For many folks we’ve spent more time with him telling us stories then our own fathers. He will be truly missed.
By Jack Lee
August 4, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
I’ve missed listening to Skip the last few years living in Kentucky. However, I loved listening to his subtle humor, which was just one of his admirable traits. Two nicknames he coined which have stuck with me are classics: “Balk-a-Day” Bob Davidson and Steve Trachsell—“The Human Rain Delay” He’ll be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Mr. Caray
By 1987 Braves Fan
August 4, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Eloquent words, DOB. Growing up, I had three tapes that I watched it seems like once a week: the 1991 & 1992 season recaps by Turner Home Video and the 1995 World Series video released by MLB. The best parts of all three videos was listening to Skip’s calls on The Catch, Smoltz and Olsen, When Sid Slid, and Game 6. I was lucky enough to be at Game 6 (at the age of 8) and his call his still one of the most vivid memories I have of that game (and I wasn’t even listening to it live!) Like thousands of other kids from that era, I’m sure, we all tried to imitate that voice describing our performances in the imaginary games we played in the backyard.
DOB, have the Braves released any information on what kinds of memorials will be given to Skip? There are not enough to do him justice, but will there be a special ceremony/moment of silence before the next home game? And I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a patch on the uniforms for the rest of the year.
All the best, Chip, Josh, and the everyone else Skip touched in his life. Rest easy knowing that he touched all of us, too.
By GT80
August 4, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Yes, well done DOB! You brought some good memories to the forefront of my mind.
We’ll all remember the calls Skip made of the big moments, but mostly I’ll remember the little things, the barbs he threw in, ribbing his cohorts, not letting the the jerks in baseball get away with anything. And being able to laugh at himself as well.
I’ve got two good ones that i’ll always remember, one this year when he was mistaking the pitch count on the scoreboard with the balls and strike count. The other one involved Erin Andrews when she first started out doing cut ins on Braves games - God I hope someone at TBS has that bit of footage.
Rest in Peace Skip.
By Herschel Talker
August 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I met Skip once. Rest his soul, but he was one of the biggest jerks I ever met. Terribly rude.
By Lew
August 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks Y’all-I appreciate the help. It all got transferred.
By gfc
August 4, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said. Listening to the audio … simply READING the audio … from the ‘92 and ‘95 calls still bring a chill to me, a lump in my throat and mist in my eye.
Is Luckovich going to do something?
By richbrave
August 4, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
No recitations today. I’m into my second day of a personal wake for SKIP CAREY. Later, if I sober up.
By Random
August 4, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
“witticisms and criticisms” — nice turn.
Good piece.
Thanks, DOB.
By GeorgetownKid
August 4, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Very nicely put Mr. O’Brien. Very nice indeed.
By Murphy
August 4, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
THanks DOB. Thanks.
See this at myfoxAtlanta. Not sure if I can do the link right or not…
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=55363473083D0C3749EF956D08625ED7?contentId=7126706&version=29&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
By BravesinTN
August 4, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
I vote that tomorrow, all across the country everyone wears some sort of Braves paraphenalia (sp?). In memory of Skip Caray. Skip Caray is who I think about when I remember my childhood of listening/watching my favorite team, the Braves. I will miss him…
By jtb
August 4, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
“There’s a big hole in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets.”
“And a fan that traveled all the way from Richmond, Virginia caught that foul ball. I’m glad they got a souvenier.”
By Antonio Gramsci
August 4, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I am about to turn 41 years old and have moved from Atlanta to New Orleans. They give us the Astros on the radio here. I don’t like the Astros. But I still love baseball so the other night while driving I switched the radio over to their coverage and within a split second of hearing the voice I said, “Damn that sounds like Milo Hamilton.”
It was!
How long had it been since he called the Bravos? But I instantly recalled that voice.
And that is what a baseball announcer used to mean to a fan. The announcer and the team and the action were inseparable.
Skip never really was that voice for me—Ernie Sr. will always be. What Skip was was like a guy sitting next to me in a bar, talking about the game on TV while also commenting on the endowments of the waitresses and female patrons, the meal he had last night, the idiot on the interstate during his drive home. This is why he was at his best when the team stunk. He found the humour and the irony in the 162-game long march each summer. Eddie Haas? Chuck Tanner? Russ Nixon? Dave Bristol? Yeech. And the endless parade of horror perpetrated by the front office? Skip was unmatched in saying it without saying it. Vertigo, Bell’s Palsy, Lyme Disease, dislocated thumbs putting on socks, dislocated shoulders waving a guy home, trading one young star after another for washouts—Skip saw it all, and voiced our frustration and anger and finally resignation that it was just that way.
Other than the Bream call, for me, Skip wasn’t the same once the Braves became successful. His ire became a parody of itself on the pregame call-in show, berating a child who suggested a lineup change by saying “Tell your dad if he wants to ask a question to call in and do it himself.” I much preferred Joe, Don, and the Professor, and always longed for the Ol’ Righthander.
I haven’t been able to listen to the games much since I moved here, so sealed in the vault of my memory is the Skip from the dismal days of the late 70s and mid-to-late 80s—the guy sitting next to me at the bar who was saying what we all were thinking.
By brave soul
August 4, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
What a great tribute DOB. I was raised on those sad summer nights in 80’s south MS. There wasn’t a whole lot to do except play baseball and watch Bob Horner, Chris Chambliss and Dale Murphy play against all those NL west teams. Those were painful memories, except Pete and Skip. They made my Dad laugh so I assumed I should laugh. Little did I know that the stuff I was soaking in at age 7 was going to be an influential part of my life. Now my son and I sit and watch Joe and ‘Boog’ shape his young fandom and appreciation for the game. I think most would say this is a sad day, but for me its the true end of my childhood. God Bless, Caray Family.
By Shamus Thacker
August 4, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Wow DOB, when I saw the song choice after the outstanding piece, I had chills from head to toe. Doesn’t happen to my semi-jaded self much anymore. Thank you so much.
Thank you Skip, you were a dear friend. I first heard Skip in the early 70s doing Hawks games. You knew even then he was something special. As an early teen, I’d worry that he’d leave someday, just like I’d fret about a favorite player going elsewhere. He was GREAT calling basketball for those of you who never heard. Pete Maravich was a basketball magician well before Magic Johnson. Skip’s excitement, enthusiasm, and descriptive play-by-play, left nothing to the imagination, even on radio. When Pete made a spectacular pass or acrobatic shot, the description was so rich and full and all-encompassing, that you could see it vividly while staring at the radio. That’s how GREAT he was! “Great” is the most overused word in the English language, but in Skip’s case, it’s an understatement. There’ll never be another Skip Caray. THANK GOD for the one we had…
Not long till Cocktail Hour; I miss you Buddy.
By Reid in EAV
August 4, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
When someone is making the (inevitable) book out of the DOB/MIB blog, this has to be #1 among the entries. Excellent work, and helped make awful news go down easier.
By Dave
August 4, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
All these years of watching Braves games… All of these years of tuning to TBS or TurnerSouth or the radio to hear Skip. I will tell you this, there has never been or ever will be another broadcaster that I would rather hear call a game than Skip. I got XM while in Oklahoma JUST to listen to Skip (when the Braves were at home) and I would listen to the rest of the broadcasters on an away game and think, “Man, these guys are nothing like Skip!”
DOB, thank you for that fitting tribute. And, thanks, for being the “Skip” of this blog (telling it like it is). In many ways, I just “tune in” to see what it is that you say about the team. No one else comes close.
By GTA
August 4, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
it’s definitely going to be weird not knowing I can hear him on the radio or TV during Braves broadcasts. It truly is the beginning of a new era, and not in the good way.
By TennesseePaul
August 4, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Nice DOB. I haven’t see it yet, but has anyone interviewed Don Sutton about Skip? I recall they spent some time together covering the Braves…
By OT
August 4, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Well stated, DOB. I’m reminded of an old send-off Skip used to say before the PC police put a stop to it. You old, long-time Braves fans surely remember the old days as I do when wins were frustratingly infrequent. After every one of those rare W’s, Skip would sign off, “It’s cocktail hour. So long, everybody.”
Here’s a cocktail to you in your honor, Skip. RIP old buddy.
By Steve Davis
August 4, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, i know this is about Skip rather than yourself, but you’ve done a really fantastic job with this today. Was waiting for you to weigh in, knowing that it would be personal and heartfelt, and you didn’t disappoint. Thanks for sharing your feelings. This is the MIB blog at its finest today, friends.
“A run of insurance here…sure would be nice.”
By Interested Observer
August 4, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Excellent tribute, DOB! There’s so much I could say about Skip, but I think it’s best summed up like this: Skip made some very bad baseball fun to watch!
By darren in nashville
August 4, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
would love to see a print of Skip and Harry in Beer Heaven, with ernie harwell and jack buck etc…famous baseball players in the background…talkin’ baseball….kind of a boulevard of broken dreams for sports broadcasters
By BA
August 4, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I have a request, can you bright folks at the AJC delete that disgusting 2:37 post from Hershelazzhat? This isn’t the time or place to show your azz. Please do the world a favor and hang yourself, you miserable b**. You’ve never contributed anything of any value here, and today takes the cake. You’re a worthless f.
By Horner's Corner
August 4, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Braves vs Phillies, Pat Burell batting…
Pete: “You know Skip, last year Pat led the National League in most AB’s that ended with a called third strike.”
Skip: “I don’t know about that stat Pete, but I bet you he led the league in hot girls dated.”
He broadcast games for the guy sitting in the corner bar and I will always love him for that.
By S.A. Williams
August 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
DOB, I have been thoroughly impressed with the fitting dedications written by all of the AJC writers so far. Words hardly express how much we will all miss a voice we welcomed into our lives daily. Never will we want a moment of silence filled with that very voice more than this one.
By Random
August 4, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Murphy’s link above is to a MyFoxAtlanta page that contains a dozen Historic Calls of Skip’s. (Link reposted here.)
You all should check it out.
Thanks, Murphy!!!
By TennesseePaul
August 4, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Nice bit over on CNN
By Bradley G
August 4, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
…and a fan from Hahira, Georgia wound up with a souvenir.
It was stupid…but I listened for his schtick every time a fly ball went into the stands. Always chuckled. Thanks Skip! We’re gonna miss you!
By Cecil34
August 4, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
DOB
Great work today ol’ buddy.
Skip, along with Pete, is the last link to the old Atlanta, old Braves, when things concerning the team were a lot different.
They were so bad, that the only thing that made listening and watching worthwhile was Ernie, Pete and Skip.
As soon as I heard about Skip, I immediately imitated his saying “Verizon Wireless”…That just always made me laugh when he said it.
But he told it like it is, and I admired that in him. I loved his sense of humor.
Another piece of Atlanta sports history gone. I will miss him also….
By Allen
August 4, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Great job David. My prayers are with Skip’s family. He was the one constant over all these years with the Braves. I remember being furious when I heard that TBS was dropping the Braves. Then to hear that Don wasn’t coming back was another blow. Thankfully Joe is in on pretty much all the games and I’ve enjoyed Boog as well. However, the combo of Skip, Pete, Joe, and Don wil never be outdone. Never!
Chip, what a great move to come back to Atlanta and spend all that time with your father. I lost my father when I was 17. I’m 28 now and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a big decision where I wish I had my dad’s advice. Or when I’ve past the point of frustration on some task around the house, something I can’t figure out how to fix, and I would think…dad would have known how to fix this.
Please, everybody, don’t take for granted the time you have with your parents.
By Michael Scharff
August 4, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
DOB, all I can say is thanks, and nicely said.
By SCJ102
August 4, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Wednesday night after the game, I saw Chip and Skip in the car, windows rolled down and “Just the 2 of us” was blaring (yes, blaring!) from the car. I couldn’t do anything but laugh… it was so cute.
By BTP
August 4, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
DOB…i live in Wilson, NC and read your columns…I go to near by Fleming Stadium several times a year to see the Tobs play…so your parents are not the only ones from Wilson that read your articles!
By BossLady
August 4, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Great DOB and fitting tribute to Skip.
My memory of him saying and doing something when in Montreal he was just too disgusted with the bat boy/girls attire. After it got on his last nerve he got up off the air and went and took care of it with someone, purchased something for those kids to wear that was fitting and appropriate. It just bothered him so much to have them look so bad.
His fitting discription of the Braves after they lost the lead was “These guys just cannot stand prosperity” LOL
By Lew
August 4, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Darren-When I originally spoke with DOB about doing the Skip drawing, my first thought was to do it of the three generations of Caray announcers (Josh was not in the business yet). However, I found out reading an old issue of Chop Talk, that he already had an oil painting of the three of them from a Tri-Caray broadcast several years back and it was good enough I could not have improved upon it..
Many on the blog suggested the Justice WS winning Home Run, but I couldn’t find appropriate pictures.
The Sid Slid play, however, was the most requested piece by the Denizens of The Blog and the one where I found the best source material. It WAS a defining call, though.
By MattyO
August 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Great job with the blog DOB. Very well done. I grew up watching the Braves on TBS, like many others, and listening to Skip was always enjoyable. When the Braves weren’t on TBS and forced to watch another announcers, it just wasn’t the same. He was the best! We’ll miss you Skip.
By RG
August 4, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
I will never forget growing up and listening to Skip on TV or Radio with my Grandparents, who never missed a game. I will always treasure those memories.
By Missouri Bravesfan
August 4, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the great post Dave. We who listened to Skip over the years will miss him dearly. It is a sad day for Braves Nation. Rest in Peace Skip.
By Kentavo
August 4, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
I pulled up the ajc site late last night, clicked on Braves'', then I saw the news that Skip had died, and even though everyone in my house was asleep, I said out loud,oh no!”
By Random
August 4, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
BA — why make matters worse by posting here? Don’t you think this would be a good time for you to learn how to make a Comment Removal Request?
The more who make the request, the likelier it is to be removed. I’m going there now.
By rupert
August 4, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
great words DOB, i grew up watching and listening to the guy, i learned a lot of what i know about baseball from him, what’s lost sometimes in his wit and knack for saying things so funny, and so not fit for the air is that he knew a great deal about baseball, he understood the game and was able to relate that to the fans in a way that made for great enjoyment, my favorite line of his is after the braves rally in the bottom of the 8th and take a one run lead and still have runners on etc, “a little insurance couldn’t hurt”, no insurance could replace this great figure, he will be missed
By Tripleplay
August 4, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Fantastic blog DOB. Having just lost my Father to a sudden heart attack 2 months ago at the age of 59, your comments about not talking for more than a minute or two every once in awhile really hit home. I was really guilty of that and I regret it so much. Spend time with your loved ones somehow, even if your half a continent away.
Skip you WERE the Braves for me while I was growing up. We will miss you man.
By Steve-O in NY
August 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Bradley G, I agree with your 3:01 post. I had a girlfriend that asked me how he know where they were from a few times, I laughed every time. He will be missed.
“A lucky fan from Muncie, Indiana goes home with a souvenier tonight”
By Michelle
August 4, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
dob, great blog
rip skip
By Ron Roberts
August 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
As a kid, I remember the Braves’ caravan rolling around the state in the mid-1980s with players who’s names are truly of little consequence, but it was always a delight when Pete, Skip, or Ernie would be there, with the players and signing autographs.
It’s really hard to believe that all three of these guys aren’t enshrined in Cooperstown, frankly. Their emergence, along with Superstation TBS, brought a new era of Braves and baseaball popularity in that era. There was a time when more people were tuned into Braves’ games than a new episode of “Married With Children” on FOX. These guys were stars.
I know there are those, especially in the metro Atlanta area, who thought Skip was rude, short with call-in-show listeners, and such; having worked in radio myself, and often dealing with callers who’s conversations would make you scratch your head til ya drew blood, though, I knew he was just “real.” Sometimes he was “real” short; sometimes he was “real” honest; no matter what, he was real. Ya knew what you got with Skip and it never felt fake.
His humor made watching the 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 seasons worth tuning in for when the product on the field didn’t.
I always got a kick out of his giving us permission to walk the dog when a game got out of hand, too.
I wish/hope somebody kept track of some of his better anecdotes and in-game one-liners to compile a book. I’d pre-order that in a heartbeat. Dude was dead-pan funny.
This is a sad day in Braves’ nation, and what really makes it hard to deal with is, with the loss of airtime on TBS, and the Fox Sports South/Sports South/Peachtree TV dance, it’s rare we’d get to enjoy him outside Atlanta, anyhow, so it’s like he’s been slipping away from fans like me for awhile, anyhow.
Nontheless, a giant among broadcasters has left us; I hope the franchise has planned an appropriate memorial for him. I’d start with naming the pres box level for him, were in a position to. And long live “Skip and Pete’s BBQ.”
Thanks for the piece, DOB. Hardly worth even talking Braves baseball today, otherwise.
By Saltywoody
August 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
An immense man and a great tribute to him.
Remember the Dusty Baker line clear as day, and thinking the same thing: you can say that on air?
I grew up listening to Skip, myself, during my formative baseball years and he was such a huge part of that for me. Like everyone else, I’m sure, he made even the mundane, 12-1 blowouts exciting. And was definitely broadcasting for the guy sitting in the corner at the bar, but also for the 15 year-old who was just really developing a love for baseball. He brought humor that transcended age.
Very sad to hear of his passing. But good to know that the suffering he was enduring has ended.
We’ll miss him dearly but it would be impossible to ever forget him. And his family certainly carries on his legacy.
By Maniac is accurate
August 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Yes, DOB you do need to spend more time with your dad. I grew up working the fields with my dad (or just hanging out with him when I was too young to work) until I graduated from college. But the last few years of his life, the least time I had ever spent. He’s been gone five years now. I can’t ever get that back, David. You and I are about the same age, dude, and my dad had a bypass operation seven years before the passed away. Do it, DOB. Call your dad and do it right now.
By Gary
August 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew, I would like to get one of those Sid Slid drawings. I will email and hope I am lucky enough to get one of those. Also I noticed on your last post that the bloggers thought the Justice piece would have been fitting. It just so happens that I have a picture of Dave Justice hitting that homerun in 1995 that I downloaded years ago. It is in great condition and hanging in my memorabilia room. If you feel a new tribute is fitting please let me know and I can get you a copy of this picture. I also have a closeup of Wholers getting mobbed by Chipper and Javy at the end of Game 6. So if you would like to do some tribute from the 95 win let me know. Sorry as I didn’t blog much back then and could have gotten it for you at that time.
By Randy
August 4, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Does any body know what his last game was?
My favorite Skip quote: “The Mets smoke Bong.”
Skip on the Mets line up facing Jung Bong AFTER a bunch of reports about the Mets and Marijuana use….maybe back in ‘01?
By TURTSNAP
August 4, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
This may sound strange, but I’ll say it anyway. I found out about Skip’s passing around 10:15 last night, as I was winding down for bed. A man that I have never personally met, but his passing affected me so greatly, that I barely slept a wink last night.
Today I have been reading all the tributes I can about Skip and reflecting. All tributes and reflections have been very touching. DOB touched it in the beginning, there is a huge void in Braves Nation today, one that can never be filled again.
The FM station here in Atlanta that carries the ballgames, meets with Skip every Thursday morning during the season. The DJ played back last Thursdays interview one more time this morning. At the end of the call, Skip said he would talk to them again this Thursday. I wish he could.
By Iron Labrum
August 4, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Thanks D… spot on as always.
By Random
August 4, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
“We [the AJC] reserve the right to deny access to this website, … to anyone … who, in our judgment, interferes with the ability of others to enjoy this website …”
By Catfish
August 4, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Skip Carey was one of my all time favorite comedians, and Joe Simpson was the perfect straight man for him. He was simply another reason to listen to Braves broadcasts. May you RIP. You were simply the very best in the business, and I am very sad for the loss.
By Bob
August 4, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
I partly remember one of his classics, I can’t remember the hitter, but it was the end of one of those odd afternoon games when TBS was using the Braves to lead into their prime time schedule. The Braves were home and trailing in the 9th inning and Skip said, “as soon as ???? hits into a 6-4-3 double play TBS will present The Magnificent Seven (at least I think it was The Magnificent Seven)” Well, of course the Brave hits into the 6-4-3 and they finished the broadcast. If anybody can tell me the hitter and if I’m recalling the movie correctly, it would be greatly appreciated
By TK
August 4, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Skip and Harry I hope you both have cold beer, a hot microphone, and clouldless baseball days.
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Hey folks, no word yet on when the funeral and memorial services will be, but unofficially I’m hearing they might have something private Monday and something public on Tuesday. But that’s just tentative stuff I’m hearing. We’ll let you know more when we get something official.
BravesinTn, your 2:42 post reminded me that Jake, the Braves’ radio producer, designed and had made a great T-shirt last year, had a drawing of Skip on it, with “Hello again everybody” on front below his face, and “So long, everybody” on back.
Perhaps Jake can get more made, maybe something could be worked out and they could be sold at the stadium or the Braves’ online store. I have no idea, but it’d be great if it’s doable.
By StingerSplash
August 4, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
The ostrich racing. The motoball in the Goodwill Games. Great Braves teams. Good Braves teams. Bad Braves teams. Braves teams that were so bad they would have to improve to be merely bad. The playful shots at Marty Brennaman and Joe Nuxhall whenever the Reds visited Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium or Turner Field. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to thinking about Skip Caray and what he saw and transmitted to Braves fans around the world.
By Tracy
August 4, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Several years ago I had my picture taken with Skip outside the barbecue shack; it hangs on my refrigerator to this day. I had commented to my mom just yesterday that I still had a dream to have my picture taken again with both Skip and Chip. I asked her if she had heard anything about how he was doing. Hours later I heard the news of his passing; it truly saddens me. I will continue to watch and listen, but it won’t be the same. Skip will be missed at our house. It always cracked me up when he would comment that a ball was caught by a fan from….wherever. I used to wonder how he knew that!
By Alan
August 4, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Great tribute, DOB. Thanks. It has bothered me for years that Skip (along with Pete and Ernie, for that matter) gets passed over every year when the Hall of Fame inducts a broadcaster (I believe it’s called the Ford Frick Award). In fact, this past winter I mentioned it on this blog and urged Braves fans everywhere to go on-line and vote for “our guys.” As usual, not enough of us did and the long-time KC Royals announcer (whose name I can’t recall) was elected and inducted last week. All of us should make sure Skip gets in next year. It’s long past due, of course, but let’s do it anyway - for Skip and his family.
By T'ville Dawg
August 4, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
I’M 46 and Skip was the very first thing that drew me to Braves baseball. During those awful 70’s games I remember the “you can cut off your TV’s and go to bed as long as you’ve satisfied our sponsors”. I will have forever in my memory “there’s a drive” in that voice. THANK YOU FOR THOSE GREAT YEARS! You made the 70’s and 80’s bearable.
By DHD
August 4, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I go all the way back to the beginning here in ATL with Skip. He brought the Atlanta Hawks games alive. I remember “he shoots a 20 footer….shot it 19.” I miss the call in show before the Braves games. how many times did people ask him about the infield fly rule or how do you calculate the ERA? He really enjoyed those calls. Skip will be missed. Thanks for the memories.
By Lew
August 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Gary-Don’t worry. Everyone who wants one and gets in touch will receive one. Definitely send an attachment of the Justice HR-it may yet come in handy. Wish I had the photo of Skip on the Braves’ page when I was doing the drawing.
I’d also like to request from any bloggers, good photos of Hank Aaron. Strangely enough, there are not many available. Now, if he had been a member of The Red Sox, the story would be different. I can find pictures of almost ANYONE who played with them since the Jurassic era.
By Murphy
August 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks for reposting the link Random.
By Mark
August 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Will there be a tribute on the Braves’ unis to Skip? I certaily hope so.
Really enjoyed your piece on Skip.
By Drummerdad
August 4, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
In 1975 while in college I was beset with a case of mono and had to stay at my parents house eating calves liver and collard greens to get well. Thats when I was introduced to TBS, the beginnings of the Americas Team concept, and the ever present face and voice of Skip Caray. I think he had a fro back then and either owned or was the cleebrity face of a sports bar. Hed do TV ads for it and invite folks to drop in just like he would during radio broadcasts if you were in the area. I remember a pre-game boradcast in 1983. Skip and Pete were sitting in empty seats before the gates were opened. The Braves had started the season 13-0 and Skip was really digging it and kicking back looking fat and happy. I felt as happy for them as I did for myself and the team. They had seen a lot of losing up to that point.
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Random, I wouldn’t worry about it. Actually, I think the mere fact that that’s the only person who’s posted anything like that since last night says a lot about Skip’s legacy. Never in the history of this blog have we had such a consensus.
By SeaAtl
August 4, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
DOB - I would LOVE to get one of those Skip t-shirts you mentioned above. Tell us more!
By Drummerdad
August 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Tracy, Pete used to wonder how Skip did that too. I don’t know if you ever heard them get on that but it was funny to hear Pete practice making that call. Skip would tell him to keep trying.
By Savannah Guy
August 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
David O’Brien, of all your good reports and stories, that was the best, most heartfelt lead I’ve ever seen you do. A very touching tribute to Skip and family.
Having lost my dad many years ago, the day after we watched a Super Bowl together, not many days ever go by without remembering him, recalling one of his comments, stories or an experience we had together. Same with Mom, who passed several years ago. I was fortunate to have two of the biggest Braves fans in the world as parents.
You’re right about all of us stupid idiots that took our parents too often for granted. Sometimes it takes a sad event like Skip’s passing to put family in perspective. So, go hang with your folks whenever you get the chance and build some brand new memories.
By Choppin Bob
August 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I will miss some legendary calls & gut busting remarks that had nothing to do with baseball. A class act that will be missed.
Will the team be wearing a patch the rest of the season?
By geauxbraves2000
August 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Great blog DOB, thank you.
After Maddux pitched a brilliant game one day, Skip said, “He’s the best folks, he is the best.” Well, Skip, right back at ya.
Geaux Braves!!
By Ed Glennon
August 4, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I am sorry to hear of the death of Skip. He was the Crackers announcer when my dad was GM. He would mention him once in a while and also my mom. My mom and I loved listening to him especially during the bad years. He was the main reason to tune in. I loved the way he looked at life and the way he didn’t take himself to seriously. I will really miss him
By BA
August 4, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I did it, Random. Probably shouldn’t have dignified it. Kind of hard to think straight today. Hard to believe I feel this kind of grief for a man (Skip) I never met.
Nice touch with the guestbook, AJC.
By Gary
August 4, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Bob, that Braves hitter was Keith Mitchell and yes the movie was The Magnificient Seven.
By Random
August 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Randy: “Does any body know what his last game was?”
I believe it was this past Thursday, 31 Jul 08 — ATL 9, STL 4.
By Lew
August 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
If the other T Shirts are not available, I would be willing to donate the artwork for a Sid Slid shirt- or another design if desired-IF someone else wants to deal with the printing and whatnot.
By McFann O
August 4, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Great blog, Chief.
I remember that line about Dusty Baker.
The Braves next home game is August 12, which would have been Skip’s 69 birthday. They’ll also be on PTV, so Chip will prob’ly do the telecast.
So glad they won on Thursday—Skip’s last broadcast. And they were playing St. Louis—one of the teams his dad announced for.
By Gary
August 4, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Thanks Lew, I will email you as soon as I get home and will make sure the Justice photo is attached. Also, I have a baseball book with some photos of Hammerin Hank and any other Braves or baseball hero you can think of. I bought the book years ago in Pensacola Florida and recounts a year by year history of MLB from the beginnings up to 1995 (the year before I bought the book). I can get you some of those photos as well.
By Random
August 4, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
You got it, Murphy — no prob.
OK, DOB.
By glove51
August 4, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Nice blog, Dave. I have a lot of emotions about Skip’s passing because, like you, I spent my formative years in high school and college in the early and mid 80’s watching allor part of literally hundreds of Braves games with Skip (and Pete & Ernie Johnson Sr.) at the mike.
Also, like you, my dad was around the same age as Skip. Unfortunately my dad passed away about 6 weeks ago. My dad was also 68 when he died and he had many of the same issues as Skip (but not diabetes).
Fortunately my old man lived here in Tulsa, same as me. Also, as my dad’s health was worsening, I spent a lot of time with him the last 3 months or so.
Dave, call your dad whenever you think of him. Spend as much time as you can with him in the off-season.
On a brigther note, here is one Skip Caray story (out of dozens I could probably think of). Back in the VERY early 80’s when Skip was doing the Hawks games on TBS (I always got the impression he was a little annoyed with doing NBA games), a big man by the name of Steve Hawes threw up a hook shot. It was an airball. Skip said, “Well, it looks like Steve Hawes is not the Happy Hooker tonight.”
By beachcomber
August 4, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
David - I’m sure you’ve written greater pieces in your long journalistic career - but none will ever stick with me like the heart felt words above. A sincere thank you.
Agree about your Dad. My Dad alas is long gone. But my son isn’t and we need more time together fishing than we make time for.
One last regret. Never met the man. Have the distinct honor of meeting Pete at a 400 Club event - just figured Skip would show up one year.
If Mark Twain had ever done play by play, my guess is his name would have been Skip.
Thanks DOB.
By Knowitall
August 4, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
As a kid growing up, we lived so far out in the country that we had no access to cable. A friend of mine turned me on to the Braves radio broadcast when I was in high school. Me being a diehard football fan, I wasn’t too eager to listen in. But after listening to one game I was hooked. So, I can honestly say that I started to follow the Braves because of Skip and Pete and I’ve been closely following the Braves every since.
Their broadcast were so entertaining that it made it much easier to suffer through the times when the team wasn’t good.
I’ll always remember the funny stuff and his familiar calls but it also impressed me when he would openly question moving the starting time of a game at the last minute for FOX or ESPN. He always worried that there would be fans who already has tickets to the game but wouldn’t be able to make it because the time change, particularly the Sunday games. I always thought that it was a good example of how he cared about people.
It won’t be the same without you Skip. We’ll miss you.
By CABravesFan
August 4, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
I am an original (first game FCS, 1966) Braves Fan living in northern Ca. for over 30 years. I was so happy to be able to watch the games on TBS for so many years. I love Skip and he will be missed more than I can say, along with the late Bill King of the A’s…2 of the best! DOB, I enjoy your blog very much and learn a lot from the posts!
By j-school dropout
August 4, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Oh, man, this hurts. Skip was the best. I was one of those people who vented every day against Time-Warner when they relegated Skip and Pete to the radio. I lived in Los Angeles at the time, but I was a die-hard Braves fan. I spent many a summer afternoon in the 1980s watching really bad baseball on TBS and wondering why I was doing it, then Skip would just blow me away with one of his quips. He and Pete were the best announcing team I ever heard. I know a lot of people like Vin Scully, but I was always annoyed with his stories of how some guy on the Dodgers was born with six fingers and four toes and other minutia. But Skip and Pete, they just complemented each other so well. They both deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. My best wishes to the Caray family, and today, that means everyone who ever wiled away a lonely night listening to Skip and Pete do their thing on TBS while the Braves stunk up the game. Man, the world just got a little colder.
By Mike H
August 4, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
This affected me. As an older Braves fan who remembers the days when winning 75 games was a roaring success to the glorious pennants, Skip was a constant. I’m not gonna lie, this hurts.
Rest in Peace, Skip. We’re gonna miss you.
By J.D.
August 4, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Great blog DOB, well put. I’m gonna miss that guy, he was one of the best.
RIP Skip
By Carolina Matt
August 4, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
One time describing the dismal attendance at a Hawks-Cavs game in old Richfield Coliseum Skip chimed, “Well, it’s a partial sellout tonight folks.”
If the measure of a man is the amount of people he makes smile in his life, I would challenge anyone to find someone better than Skip Carey…Just like he couldn’t “believe Nixon caught the ball!!” I can’t believe he’s gone.
Thanks Skip.
By Mark Lee
August 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I remember watching that last ‘92 Pirates game, planning a little trip with my family since we would not be going to the World Series that year. Then the ninth inning came around and continued to get more interesting, and then Cabrera’s hit and Justice scoring and I’m yelling, ‘it’s at least tied!’ then Bream chugging around third base, the slide and Skip yelling Safe! Braves Win! over and over again, five times.
The phone rang and it was my Dad. We never called each other. Usually just brusque man talk. But he was laughing a great laugh, saying, “did you see that? Did you see that?”
He died four years later, but that phone call, that play, and Skip’s shared excitement and genuine exuberance is carved into me as a highlight, a top lasting memory of my own Dad, as DOB rightly reminds us not to be thoughtless about.
Thank you Skip. And God bless your family in this time of loss.
By Goodoleboy58
August 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
You Owe It To Yourself
By MattyRoss
August 4, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Haven’t posted in a while, but at the risk of sounding redundant, I felt compelled to.
Skip Caray got me through a lot. I became a braves fan right around the time the magical run got started, so I haven’t experienced some of the dog days that are familiar to many of you. I’m 22 now, and I grew up in a house missing a father, who was more interested in drugs than raising a family. My brother, mother and I moved around a lot, as she was pursuing a career in higher education. We lived in Gainesville, FL after moving from Durham, NC, and those Bulls that would sign bats for me on my birthdays were now playing for the Braves.
This was before the Marlins, so we’d make the six hour drive (we being my mother) to Atlanta to see a couple games every summer. In the meantime, there was Skip. My father died in 1996, the morning after my 10th birthday. There was Skip. We picked up and moved across county. There was Skip. I went back across country to go to college at Syracuse. There was Skip. Most recently, I graduated college and moved out to LA. There was Skip, and there were the Braves, playing the Angels the weekend I got here.
Sometimes in life, events that to the outside observer would seem inconsequential act as a catalyst for bringing forth a lot of emotions. Right now I’m hurting. Maybe it’s for my father. Maybe Skip represents the last bits of my childhood moving from present to past. Maybe the world just lost a hell of a good man.
God bless all of you. (Even you, N8 :) )
Great work as always, DOB.
By Bob
August 4, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Gary, Thank you! He really was a trip. Those late afternoon/early evening starts in the late 80s — I’m up in NY and the Yanks and Mets were both on a higher tier for cable back then and Cablevision was asking another $15 a month, back when the basic cable was only about $25, so I saw more Braves games on TBS than anything else. My mother (a Yankee fan since the 40s) loved watching the Braves in those years — she caught all of TBS’ broadcasts. We’ve missed him up north here with TBS not airing the games for so many years. My deepest condolences to all the Atlanta fans.
By the Stranger
August 4, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Outstanding tribute, DOB. Thank you.
By Random
August 4, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
BA — (me, too)
By prattvillenolzfan
August 4, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
DOB
I know this article you wrote today was a hard article for you to write, we can empathisize with you about the sense of loss you are experiencing. This article reminded me of how the late Lewis Grizzard used to write/talk about his dad.
This article has nothing to do about the Braves, it is simply how one man is publicly grieving, personally, and for millions, across the USA. This is without DOB your finest hour as a journalist. You captured the feeling and spirit of how many 40-60 year olds (mostly men) felt about one of their favorite uncles…..
If by divine fate, as I was reading the part about your dad, the phone rings….I live 200 miles from my dad, see him maybe once every 2 months, talk on the phone maybe once a week for 10-15 minutes…..
Anyway, who was on the phone, you guessed, my dad….He will be 75 this year, and we spent the better part of the last hour talking; Life, his grandkids, never having enough time to get together, and of course our two favorite teams, mine the Braves, his the Red Sox. (He watches them on the computer every night…)
He was glad to see Manny leave, didn’t know who Jason Bay is, and is complaining about how since JD Drew was dropped to 6th in the line-up, he is being pitched around…(I know..he lives in Tallahasse, and has had Seminole baseball season tickets for years….JD & Stephen Drew is his 2 favorite players….I can’t help it..He’s my dad, I love him anyways…)
Point is Dave, your article really touched a nerve with me today, especially you saying how we always take family for granted.
Out of all of the testimonials about Skip, yours certainly expresses the most how most of us out their feel….
By Drummerdad
August 4, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
One of my favorite “Skipisms” happened when watching a relief pitcher from an opposing team preparing to come in the game. Skip noted that the guy made a lot of physical adjustments if you will. He concluded the guy is having a team meeting with himself.
By JeremyL
August 4, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I’ve been thinking of all the great calls Skip made over the years. I remember a tape I bought at the Braves store in CNN Center back in 1993. It was a highlight tape from WSB of the 1992 season. I think I about wore that thing out listening ot it in my truck. Unfortunately, it was in my tape deck when some degenerate broke in and stole it.
Does anyone remember this tape? Does anyone know how to get a new copy of it?
RIP Skip - we all miss you
By CharlieAlphaBravo
August 4, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hands.
… God bless you Skip. You will be missed.
By BillyBrave in Germany
August 4, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I lost a member of my family yesterday. Not in the traditional sense, but just as diffifult to deal with. I have been a Braves fan since they moved to Atlanta.
From listening to the games with a transistor radio tucked under my pillow, hearing the great Milo Hamilton calling the games to last Thursdays game where one of the all time greats called his last game. Through High School and college he was always there, in the background. The nasal, sometimes whiney, always entertaining voice of my team.
When i was sent to Germany as a young Army Officer, i got out of bed many a night to catch the games at 1am in the morning.Later I was very happy to get a box of cassette tapes from my brother who had recorded the games for me. I listened to them over and over, like some people do when they buy a new album. No one was happier than me when the Braves went on their Championship run, except maybe Skip. The famous Sid Bream play was especially funny for me. I was on my honeymoon, and cursing my judgement for getting married during the playoffs. I sneaked out of my Hotel in the Sedona Canyons, and drove to the top of the mesa where the car radio could get the best signal. I screamed along with Skip, both our voices echoing through the canyon. He was more than a baseball announcer, he was family.
By bravos2249
August 4, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
McFann
The Braves next home game is August 12, which would have been Skips 69 birthday. Theyll also be on PTV, so Chip will probly do the telecast.
So glad they won on ThursdaySkips last broadcast. And they were playing St. Louisone of the teams his dad announced for.
Talk about God’s plans, or just the things that align. Skip’s last game was the Cardinals, the team as you said Harry announced for. And the next home game is his birthday vs. the Cubs.
I don’t think Chip will be able to do that game, that will be hard on him.
If he does than he is one HECK of a man, and gains high respect in my book for being able to do the game.
By Big Daddy
August 4, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
“It’s time for my favorite inning: The bottom of the fifth.”
By ncscoots
August 4, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Boys, dads, and baseball…about as simple as such a complex stew can be, really. Skip managed to hit the trifecta there, I’d say, between dad Harry and son Chip and the Braves. Got to be both boy and dad, with baseball the mix in the bricks. And while family is family (you don’t get to choose ‘em) and a job’s a job (you don’t always get to choose THEM, either), it seems to me that Skip did pretty well at both, in the final accounting. I believe I could settle for such a legacy, myself.
By jj white
August 4, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
I am a former Atlanta resident (32)years retired,an listened to Skip & company forever.Of all the announcers I’ve heard he was the best.
By ellaguru
August 4, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Nice tribute, Mr. O’Brien. If there’s any justice this’ll be your most-posted-to blog ever, Dave. And all complimentary, I hope.
It’s strange to say it but his is the voice I’ve heard more than any but my own. Moved here in ‘78 and am a 162-game guy, radio or TV. My fave Skip-ism is, well, was “Trouble if it’s fair.” He also said about Gene Garber that he had two pitches: a change-up and a change-up he takes something off of. Just a million of them. With all respect, the current progeny of our great old baseball announcers have way too much Columbia School of Broadcasting “voice-o-god” delivery for my taste. And they don’t believe there’s ever a reason to—uh, how do I put this?—shut up. Oh, well, all things must pass. We had Skip a long time. I’ll always be a fan but will miss Skip something terrible.
By BamaBrave
August 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Of all the Braves icons who have departed or faded away in the last few years, Skip will be the one I miss the most. He never put on cleats or a glove, of course, but he was always at the core of the Braves experience. He kept it real, funny, and interesting.
Bon voyage, Skip.
By kirknga
August 4, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember the name of that sport that Skip had to announce during the Goodwill Games? Was it motoball or something like that?
By TheCutMan
August 4, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Very nice views. I’ve only been a hardcore Braves’ fan for a few years but found myself more often than not to turn off the TV in order to go to bed and listen on the radio to what Skip had to say.
I was never disappointed or ill-informed as a result. Skip was in a special class of broadcasters and, as Bum Phillips once said of Earl Campbell, “It sure doesn’t take long to call the roll”.
By Jersey Gil
August 4, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
DOB As i was reading your post, tears was coming down, not only here in the State we will miss Skip, but also in my Native of Puerto Rico, Because him and TBS that why my Dad and myself are Braves Fan. I learn little better English just washing The Braves & TBS. All of us we miss you Skip. God Bless… Thanks DOB
By Peter King
August 4, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I love ya Skip. You were my mentor.
By Native Mike
August 4, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I remember when Skip first arrived as a broadcaster for the Hawks. It didn’t take long to figure out that this guy was unique. He always asked “the question” during interviews. He was fearless. Loved his whole act even when he was grumpy. I’ll miss Skip. He should be in the hall of fame.
By Supes
August 4, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
DOB
I think you are right about the blog being united about Skip’s legacy.
Do you think the Braves will wear some sort of a patch on their jerseys in honor of Skip this season or will it be next year. I’m saying this knowing they already have the “beach” for Jim B. who passed away earlier this year and was such a beloved man within the organization.
By Jimmy
August 4, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Man, this sucks. That’s as about as eloquant as I get. Shows us all that we’re getting older and time waits for no man.
I remember when I first got interested in baseball, in the mid 80’s(i’m 34 now). Growing up just outside of Houston, Tx(a little city named Stafford), I remember all the times I would just get home around 3:30 in the afternoon after school JUST in time to catch Harry singing “Take me out to the ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch, on WGN. After the game I would do my homework, and by 6:30ish I would catch some of the Braves game on TBS. I would switch back and forth between the Braves and my Astros. I considered those good days.
By Bryan
August 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
In a tent in Utah
As my grandfather died of cancer
On the front porch of the ranch
Down at the creek by camp mikell
Down I-16, I-75, I-86, I-285, and on Hwy 316, 411, and 441.
Turn down the TV, turn up the radio!
If you don’t like the delay - shut your eyes!
Thank you Skip!
We will miss you.
By wiki
August 4, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I would give anything to get my hands on a tape of a random game that Skip and Ernie did together, radio or TV, say in ‘79 or ‘80….a lopsided game where their entertaining banter really shined.
One Skipism I haven’t seen or heard yet here was back in the 100 loss days when the Braves would string together a two or three game win streak in the middle of a horrific season: “win, win, win….it gets boring after a while”.
By Darren
August 4, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Great Column DOB. I remember that comment from the Reds game earlier this year. Had me rolling also.
He was the best.
By Chop Chop
August 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
While checking around for some Skip Caray clips on YouTube (not as easy to find as you might think), I found that classic “Chicks Dig The Long Ball” Nike commercial.
Ahhh, the good, old days.
By ellaguru
August 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Oh, and lest I forget, Skip was a big part of what was the ultimate day for any Atlanta Braves/Florida Gators football fan. Spent the afternoon watching my Gators put 51 up on the Pups at Sanford Stadium, drove home with Game 6 on the radio and arrived in time to hear Skip tell me the Braves had given me a championship. Doesn’t get much closer to Nirvana than that.
By genuinebravesfan
August 4, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Clanton, Alabama didn’t get cable TV until about 1990. It was then when I started watching MY BRAVES. There was this witty announcer, Skip Caray, that made me laugh like none other. I became a die hard Braves fan for life. I remember a few years back when the “higher ups” tried to take Skip off the air. The fans pitched such a fit that they reversed their decision but still the changes in the broadcast industry took Skip away from the TV coverage of the games except for just a few. Skip called Greg Maddux the best many times. Well Skip, Greg may have been the best pitcher, but as for the best baseball announcer ever, the microphone is silent now. God Bless Skips family. He will be sorely missed.
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Skip had so much unique lines,humor,and great moments. “Alot of room in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets!” or even starting an inning “nobody on nobody out”
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
CHOP CHOP
your link to the you tube was funny, might as well check out the 1st Related films on there. “Tim hudson scares eddie perez”..haha..i miss huddy already
By jtb
August 4, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
DOB
Any ideas on who to get in touch with in the Braves org. to try to organizze a ‘Don’t do the wave for Skip’ day?
By Richard Hutchison
August 4, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the memories!
By Braint
August 4, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
That was a fantastic piece DOB. Very well written and heartwarming.
As a northern California fan, I grew up listening to Skip & Pete on WTBS and was very sad to hear of his passing. My best friend from grade school and I still open our conversations with some Skip Caray reference in our attempt to imitate his voice and comedic timing.
I am going to the park tonight in San Fran (as I do every year when the Braves come to the City by the Bay) and I’m going to enjoy the game regardless of who BC starts or what their line up looks like. I’m not going to complain — just enjoy the game in memory of Skip Caray.
RIP Skip.
By Lew
August 4, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
EllaGuru-Unless you’re a Dawgs’ fan!!
By Tomahawk Matt
August 4, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB - King of Blog & Radio Guests
I’ve spent more time listening to Skip and Pete since I was born in 1975 than I’ve spent with anyone that I personally know.
I met Skip twice. Once at Braves FanFest and once outside Skip & Pete’s BBQ. I was shaking and couldn’t even get good word out other than “Thank you Mr. Caray” and “I love you and Pete.” I feel like I’ve lost a best friend and I know I’m not alone in that.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING SKIP! WE’LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU! GO BRAVES 2009!!!
By Larvell Blanks
August 4, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Perfect song choice, DOB — I’m sure it described many a Sunday morning for Skip. I’ve always thought he never got the national recognition he deserved, but there’s nobody I’d rather hear call a game. And his Cabrera-Bream call absolutely could not be improved upon, which is all the more impressive given that it was completely unscripted (unlike his “The Atlanta Braves have given you a championship” line in 1995).
I suppose he was a taste to be developed over 25-30 years, so it’s a good thing I got to listen to him that long. And now, inevitably, the thoughts turn to Munson …
By true fan
August 4, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
DOB, you should win a award with your posting today. You have indeed struck a nerve in all of us. You and I are the same age and the thoughts about ones family, dads in perticular hit home. As a baseball fan that moved to Atlanta in 1969, my first recollection of Skip was of him doing the Hawks games during the 70’s. The constant flow of the game gave him many of opportunities to insert his Skipisms. Made listening to bad basketball enjoyable. When the Hawks became competitive in the late 70’s under Hubie Brown, assured wins meant it was “cocktail hour”. You knew he said it and meant it. His sarcastic preview on the upcoming post game movie was priceless.Thats back when the Braves were on WTCG Channel 17 before it was TBS. My favorite Skipism was from a few years ago when Skip noted “that the Hooters girls have made an appearance at the stadium tonight, blocking the views of the paying customers down below… and no one seems to mind.” Classic. As fate would have it, I attended Skips last game on Thursday, just my dad and I. He was the first one I called last night when I saw the news. How prophetic. We have all lost a little of our innocence with Skips passing. My God rest his soul. Thank you for the outlet DOB.
By cymbala
August 4, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
His dad was pretty cool!
By john hoar
August 4, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Like many of us I have spent literally thousands of nights and afternoons with Skip, Pete, Joe, and Don. There are definitely more games in the past than there will be in the future and I feel very lucky that so many good hours have been overseen and guided by Skip Carey. It is true that he has gradually withdrawn, but somehow, I always let myself believe that even if he wasn’t there every game, that at least he would be there for some games, for awhile at least. Now, I know that was just wistful thinking, hoping, whistling in the wind. But still, I’ll bet my last dollar that every single one of us will never watch or listen to a single Braves game and not think of him at least once. That my friends, delineates a legacy.. I wonder if he had any idea how much we really appreciated him.
By Tomahawk Matt
August 4, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Here’s two of my favorites memories of Skip:
“And the crowd breaks into a chant of DAY-O for some unknown reason.”
On Bark in the Park day at the Ted - Skip says “and a shih-tzu from Sandy Springs comes away with that foul ball.”
It’s never going to be the same without SKIP CARAY. I love that man.
GO BRAVES 2009!!!
By Lew
August 4, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Denizens-The response to the Skip Memorial prints of the Sid Slid play has been huge. The prints are still available for anyone desiring one. However, anyone from here out that contacts me will have to wait until Saturday before I can mail them. The demand has been great and I just can’t address that many envelopes and still get any more mailed tomorrow. We’re over 30 and still counting!!!!
Keep the requests coming. No one will be denied, but it will take me a bit longer than anticipated. Sorry.
By GSU-Lee
August 4, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, Thanks for such a endearing recollection of Skip and your time with him. That was really classy and refreshing. In a way, the time at which Skip passed in the middle of such a crap season, comes as a good reminder that there are things far more important than a game.
RIP Skip
By Joe
August 4, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, Great work!!! Spend time with your parents,I lost my mom in April, she was only 61,and I should have spent more time with her! I regret it now.
God bless the Caray’s.
By Glen W
August 4, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
My memories of Skip go way back. Anyone remember the Goodwill Games? Ted Turner sent him over to Russia to cover, among other sports, motoball.
Skip described it this way: “It is just like soccer except it is played on motorcycles. And no it is not against the rules to run over the goalie.”
He also made a comment that would never fly these days when he reported that the US men’s basketball team drubbed the Chinese men’s basketball team but for some reason had the craving to beat them again just a few hours later.
By DCDave
August 4, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
I was sitting in the TV Room of a BOQ (Bachelor’s Officer’s Quarters)in some forgotten corner of the world when Skip made the call on Sid Bream’s classic “sprint” into home to clinch the ‘92 Pennant. For 20 years, no matter where I was, Skip brought me home to Atlanta & the Bravo’s. I never realized how loud he roared until he went silent, far too soon. God bless him, and pour him a nice adult beverage to welcome him home.
By Glen W
August 4, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I will also never forget Skips’ pre-game call-in show. He would always say the show will be fine as long as someone does not call in and ask to explain the infield fly rule for the 1000th time.
Inevitably, someone would call in and ask Skip to explain the infield fly rule (seemed like every day).
I think just maybe he loved that.
Chip - I am not sure how often it was said until now… certainly not enough - but your Dad is a treasure.
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Beautiful day at the ‘yard here, sunny and low 60s, breeze blowing off the bay. If Skip were here, he’d probably be grumbling about some protesters who marched past the team hotel (I’m smiling as I type that).
Haven’t heard about what Braves plan to do yet in tribute, but will let you all know soon as I get any news.
By the way, a year later you all wouldn’t believe how they’ve virtually wiped any sign of Bonds from the ballpark. There’s a tiny sign commemorating his 756th home run, out on a brick wall in right-center, dwarfed by a Comcast Sportsnet sign next to it. And that’s it.
His picture is not even among the eight Giants on a mural on the left-field wall that’s labeled “Forever Giants — The ’90s.” Mark Gardner is, and Bonds isn’t.
By Drummerdad
August 4, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
“I was on my honeymoon, and cursing my judgement for getting married during the playoffs. I sneaked out of my Hotel in the Sedona Canyons, and drove to the top of the mesa where the car radio could get the best signal. I screamed along with Skip, both our voices echoing through the canyon. He was more than a baseball announcer, he was family.” BillyBrave in Germany
Skip’s take on that alone would be priceless.
By Mark
August 4, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
After being the Braves Official Scorer from 1986 to 2007, I have 22 years worth of stories about Skip, but nothing that hasn’t already been said.
If he didn’t agree with a call, it wasn’t unusual for him to stroll over from the radio/tv booth to the Press Box in between innings and start with “what kind of a call was that?” and end with “but what the hell do I know about scoring anyway?”
Like DOB said, if he picked on your style of dress, the way you said something or the way you go about your job, you knew you were OK in Skip’s book.
I miss his questioning my sanity already.
Rest in Peace my friend!
By Seven Pitches
August 4, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
It’s by far your best blog ever, DOB: thank you. I am one of those who will miss Skip something fierce. The sound of his voice from Spring Training in March marked the beginning of Spring for me more than any robin or daffodil. For 33 years I spent most Summer evenings with him, and it will never, ever be the same. This morning as I listened to clips from his calls in ‘92 and ‘95, I got the same chills I always do, mixed with tears of true grief. Thanks for putting words to my feelings.
By N. M. B.
August 4, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Skip will forever be a part of my childhood. I remember playing outside and making sure I was home in time to catch the Braves on TBS. His voice is Braves baseball just as his fathers is Cubs baseball.
Heaven has two greats now and Im sure they are side by side calling the best games up there together.
*God bless your family Skip. We will miss ya. *
By Noch-a-homa
August 4, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Skip-ism - At the end of a 9 inning tied game, “We have free baseball in Atlanta folks.”
By Saltywoody
August 4, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
DOB You’d be surprised how Bonds’ name has been stricken from general conversation out here, too.
I go to a bar called “Greens” on Polk Street pretty frequently and it used to be littered with Bonds memorabilia. And now it’s all gone.
San Franciscans certainly don’t miss him. Or at least they don’t let on that they do.
By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN
August 4, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
One thing i will never understand. How did Skip know that the foul ball caught in the 1st base stands was by a fan from Macon, Ga.? He was the best!!!
By Tomahawkin
August 4, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Well Done D.O.B. Skip’s legacy will be forever missed…
There was nothing like listening to the game and Skip would call out a fan who caught a foul ball and he would give out the location of where that fan was from especially the locations of the nearby suburbs of Atlanta
Nuff Respect to Skip and his entire family…
By willie b
August 4, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
I remember like it was yesterday, it was probably 1978 or 79…At the time I was working a part-time job (In addition to my regular employment)
Sears..Cumberland Mall.. Hardware Department. In walks Carey his demeanor was that he was somehow special and we were peasants!
Bye Skip…I won’t miss you…I do wish I had something nice to say about you. but I don’t!
By Mike Bray
August 4, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Skip is at the pearly gates when St. Peter yells “Hey, this guy’s from Sandy Springs.” Skip asks,”How did you know where I’m from?’ St. Peter laughs “Skip, I do have a seating chart.”
Skip, thank you for every game. I’m brokenhearted.
By Big Fred
August 4, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Well Willie B - as has already been stated - Skip called ‘em like he saw them and you were obviously a peasant.
Looks like another great call by Skip!
By flarrfan
August 4, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
I was lucky enough to grow up near St. Louis in the ‘60’s, listening to Harry Caray each summer night. Then I spent most of the 80’s and 90’s in Tallahassee listening to Skip. I miss them both. I’m not much of a fan anymore, lost a lot of interest in baseball after ‘94. But I do have a tape of the 1992 NLCS Game 7…I listened to the bottom of the ninth twice today, and tears came to my eyes each time, as they have whenever I hear the Sid Slid call.
RIP Harry and Skip.
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Caray family put out this statement:
“We are overwhelmed by the number of friends, colleagues, co-workers, MLB players and people in the baseball community who have reached out to us and so grateful and touched by their support and prayers. We are also deeply appreciative by the outpouring of support from the fans who grew up watching him and shared the ride.”
By Steve
August 4, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Superb piece DOB.
I will sorely miss Skip saying “the stretch-the pitch”.
And the Atlanta traffic report when Skip and the Braves were out of town doing an afternoon game: “GA 400 is bumper to bumper, I75 is a nightmare, spagetti junction is just that, and the Grady curve is a parking lot.”
RIP Skip. You made baseball for me.
By flange1
August 4, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I know we have heard rumors that Chip reads and posts on the blog. Maybe you should print this one out for the Carey family.
Got to tell you it’s not been a very good day. I come from 3 generations of Braves fans that loved Skip, my grandmother and both of my parents are gone now and this is one more link to them that is gone as well.
I really have enjoyed everyone’s thoughts and stories. Made my day a little better.
I know the Carey’s know that we are thinking about Skip, already missing him and praying for he family.
Skip you will be remembered…..
By BravesFanChris23
August 4, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Sad day indeed. He will be truly missed. I became a fan of the Braves back in 91. I used to live in GA at the time and I went to my first Braves game and low and behold, that was the first year of 14 consecutive pennants. Anyways, back then when I went to the game (and other games as well that I went to, I went to games in 91 through 94, moved back to FL in the mid of 94), I used to carry a hand held radio to listen to the broadcasts. Skip was the one voice that I always waited to listen to whether I was at the games or at home watching them on TV. Skip held my interest in the game when I watched it on TV or at the game listening to it on radio.
When I was at some games listening to the radio the way he described what was going on was the exact fit and same I was watching in the stands. I loved all of his quips and I will truly miss what he brought to the table. To be honest it still hasn’t sunk in yet and I was literally shocked when my brother told me this morning before I left for my first day back to work from my vacation (I was on vacation last week).
By SR
August 4, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Saltywoody, you going to any of the games this week? I am going to the Wednesday afternoon game, Lincecum throwing for the Giants. Even though I am taking wife and boys, maybe we could see if DOB wants to have a cold one with us!
By Joebrave
August 4, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
I,fear that this season marks the turning of a page,and the ending of an era in Atlanta sports,But no matter how the next Generation of Braves fans fare,We will be Forever Blessed with the Baritone Echos of Skip Caray,and the Enduring Memories of the Most improbable run in Sports Franchise History. As much as it pains to see the passing of the hourglass sands for Our Reknown Heros,Smoltz,Glavine,etc. It seems as if an Emptiness has moved into the pit of My Gut… Skip,You will be missed and NEVER Forgotten!!!!!!! Rest in Paece.. So Sad to see the ending of an era,I remember,the 7:35 spots in the early Years of TBS,and when Skip,Pete,and Ernie along with John Sterling called the Games it was just Harmonious. Age,and time just isn’t fair,and this time She took one of our Prince’s!! May God Bless Chip,Mrs.Caray,and the rest of Skip’s Family during this time of grief, My deepest condolences,and may God speed.
By knowitall
August 4, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
It’s not often that you can read a blog and laugh out loud continously but that’s what I’m doing as I read everyone’s favorite Skipism. That in itself is a great tribute. He can still make us laugh in this sorrowful time.
Steve, I remember the first time I heard Skip’s traffic report and then realized they were on the road. I started laughing so loud that my young daughter thought I had lost my mind.
By Drummerdad
August 4, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
“I was on my honeymoon, and cursing my judgement for getting married during the playoffs. I sneaked out of my Hotel in the Sedona Canyons, and drove to the top of the mesa where the car radio could get the best signal. I screamed along with Skip, both our voices echoing through the canyon. He was more than a baseball announcer, he was family.” BillyBrave in Germany
Skip’s take on that alone would be priceless.
By Greg in TN
August 4, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Evening denizens…
DOB, what an eloquent and wonderfully worded blog today, thank you sir.
And thank you to all the denizens for sharing their thoughts, their memories. I’ve done nothing today except read the collective thoughts of Planet Braves and reflect when I had some chances at work today.
Looks like Peter King checked in at 5:07 and Mark Frederickson also checked in with his thoughts at 6:24. It’s a tough loss to be sure, but it’s also heartening to see many around baseball and folks in the journalism and broadcast professions also paying tribute.
Skip’s last broadcast was a win, as it should be. Keep the memories rolling in folks.
On the AJC home page there’s a clip of Skip calling the last out of Thursday’s victory against the Cardinals and his trademark “So long everybody” sign-off after the loss on Wednesday.
By Saltywoody
August 4, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
SR I’m going all three days. I’ve got good seats tonight and tomorrow, and I’m just gonna buy $10 seats for Timmy throwing on Wednesday.
But, always game to grab a beer…especially if we can con DOB into it.
By bob
August 4, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
An excellent tribute. I listened to Skip when he broadcast the Hawks (I moved to Atlanta in ‘72), became a fan of his then, was glad when he replaced the then baseball broadcaster in ‘76 and have continued to be a fan of his all this time. I would turn off the tv sound and tune into his broadcast every game I could even when the delay was about 6 seconds or so. He helped make my four children Braves and real baseball fans. His love of the game was clear and ever present. I missed his call-in show most of all. His interactions with Joe Simpson were a true riot. I will miss his honesty and integrity and hope he is laughing his a** off at all this maudlin stuff.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
August 4, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
What will I miss most about Skip?? How will I ever find out the home town of each fan that catches a foul ball at the Ted? In my humble opinion, one of the greatest long-running jokes of all time.
By CC1973
August 4, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
I grew up a Cubs fan in the 1980s listening to Skip’s father on WGN. Harry Caray introduced me to propfessional baseball. Then I grew tired of the lovable losers and swithched loyalties to Atlanta when they began to win in the 90s. None other than Harry’s son, Skip Caray, introduced me to the Braves. For over 25 of my 34 years on Earth, a Caray has called the games for my favorite baseball teams. Now they’re both gone and baseball will never sound the same for me… Godspeed Skip, and I’m glad you get to be with your father now. You’re both the best!
By brian
August 4, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
“Braves win! Braves win!” - I hope tonight’s telecast starts with Skip’s famous call
By CaliChopper
August 4, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, that was wonderful, thank you and thank you to everyone here. I’ve been laughing and crying while reading the blog. Skip, gonna miss you man. When you hook up with Harry, please save the bar bill for the second round, I’ve got that one….
By CC1973
August 4, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Oh, and excellent job with the blog/story DOB. You nailed this one, buddy.
By McFann O
August 4, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
bravos2249—
You are so right. (I didn’t even think of it being the Cubs!) God works in mysterious ways.
I think Chip will do that game—for his dad. But it will be very hard for him.
If he does than he is one HECK of a man, and gains high respect in my book for being able to do the game.
My book, too.
By GEORGIA97
August 4, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
My favorite Skip stories:
Braves vs. Cubs: camera pans over to a view of Chip calling the game. Skip says calmly Ugly little booger, isnt he?
Braves on the road against San Fran. Homeless guy walks up to Skip and before the bum can say anything Skip says Nothing for me today, thanks. Skip said the bum goes Jenny Craig is just a phone call away. Classic Skip.
Who can forget the Goodys Home Run Challenge when Skip would say This innings contestant is Geraldine Smith, who lives in a post office box in Willacoochee, GA.
RIP, Skip.
By SR
August 4, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
“Saltywoody”
Wow, all 3 games, you are the man. I was supposed to have the choice 4 company seats for the Wed. game but somehow ended up with only 2 so had to buy cheap ones myself today just to make certain the whole fam could get in.
We can make a plan - maybe hoist a cold one out by the Coke slide. You know I’ll be spending some time out there with my boys!
By Formerly Known as Mark T.
August 4, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Really beautiful piece, DOB. I was going to ask you here what was it like talking to him about the game and the Braves but you’ve covered this. This is a sad day indeed. I have been watching the Braves regularly on TBS since 95(only 31), we didnt have cable tv in my home before then so it was only on CBS I could see the Braves. But since then, his voice has been one I have mimicked every game and every year I’ve been watching. I just wished TBS wouldve honored him by letting him call the playoffs last year. Chip, if you are reading these blogs, I send all of my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your Dad and your mom’s husband.
By chris
August 4, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
“So nice to see all these guys with their daughters at the game today”
Skip Caray, said during a Businessman’s Special in reference to the camera showing many middle aged men in attendence with younger “not wives”.
By Interested Observer
August 4, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Tim Tucker has a new story on the ajc site. You should check it out if you haven’t already.
By Saltywoody
August 4, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
SR Last year, DOB had me walk up underneath the pressbox window (which is readily accessible, assuming you’re able to coerce the extraordinarily rigid seating guards around there…a pretzel usually works) and because it’s wide open, he can actually talk to you right from there.
You oughtta ask him and see if your boys would like to shake the man, the myth, and the legend’s hand so they have a face to put with the blog.
And you just say the word and I’ll meet up anywhere for a beer. Tough to find a Braves fan out here.
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
I just wanted you guys to know that I got an e-mail from Chip. Hopefully he won’t mind me telling you this, but he said was moved to tears by the responses….
Down in the clubhouse, Pete was somber, but said he was moved by all that he’s read online. He said last night it seemed surreal, being wakened by the news and all, and that today it really hit him, the full force of the loss. Said it’s like losing a family member.
By Chris I.
August 4, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
When someone like Skip Caray passes away, all we can do as mere bystanders is remember what role he played in our lives.
Every time I read or hear the words of his famous Sid Bream call I vividly remember watching that game with my Mom. My brother, four years my elder, had gone to bed because the Braves had fallen behind, but my Mom and I stayed up to watch it from my parents bedroom. Even as a 10-year old, I remember thinking the Braves fortunes were doomed when a relative unknown came to the plateFrancisco Cabrera. But then the unthinkable happened. Cabrera lined a single to left field and I leapt to my feet on my parents bed and plead with the painfully slow Sid Bream to score. More than that, I remember my Mom screaming right alongside me, refusing to go to sleep until I was done watching the game. Of course he did score, and the Braves were on their way to the World Series. But the tear is not about the Braves, it is about the time watching that game with my Mom.
Few memories from my childhood stand out as vividly as the one watching the Braves win the 1992 NLCS. That is what Skip Caray meant to me.
By Saltywoody
August 4, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
That’s pretty outstanding that Chip would take time read all the outpourings online.
Think DOB said it best that Skip’s passing marks the first time, maybe ever, that there is a unified collective opinion here…he was quite a guy.
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
thank you for the updates DOB
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s lineup: 1. Blanco, 2. Escobar, 3. Kotsay, 4. McCann, 5. Kotchman, 6. Infante, 7, Johnson, 8. Francoeur, 9, Jurrjens.
By j-school dropout
August 4, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Reading the comments from Skip’s wife reminded me how much Time-Warner sucks. It’s a disgrace what they did to this team and to the man who loved it so much. We were robbed of a lot of great Skip Caray performances by these tools. I wish I could switch to DISH or Direct TV, but my condo association won’t allow a dish.
By bfan54
August 4, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Well done, DOB, you’ve honored a friend as well this can be done. I share your sentiments about this remarkable man, whom I listened to for years with great enjoyment.
By Marty
August 4, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
I actually cried last night when I heard the news. I couldn’t sleep for hours and even after I drifted off, slept only fitfully. I thought that maybe I was overreacting, until I read the comments on Mark’s blog last night (and this one, today). Then I saw the comments posted on all the other incarnations of the story about Skip’s passing on other sites, all of which were more of the same.
To me and many other young men (and women) in their mid-20s to mid-30s who grew up listening to the Braves, Skip was like a cherished uncle or grandfather. He was the one who explained the game to us; the one who told us what was going on when we couldn’t see the game; the one who told us what was really happening. Skip was the comforting voice we knew we’d always hear when we turned on TBS or Braves Radio for the game.
Losing Skip is like losing a piece of myself that I will never get back. It’s a piece of my childhood, a piece of some of my earliest and some of my fondest memories (not the same ones, though). Although he didn’t know it, Skip helped cultivate my deep and abiding love for baseball and for the Braves.
It’s difficult to fathom how a man could so deeply touch and enrich the lives of so many people whom he never even met. That’s what I’ll remember about Skip.
There will be more great Braves moments in the future, but they just won’t be the same without Skip to share them with. We’ll miss you more than you ever knew, Skip…and probably more than we ever knew until today.
By McFann
August 4, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the lineup, Chief! That number four spot looks so much better!
That’s really cool that Chip took the time to read our posts. Our prayers go out to you and your family, Chip!
Chris I.—
Great story about you and your Mom. To me, that’s what baseball is all about—building those family memories that last forever.
By John Petrini
August 4, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB.
Thanks Skip.
By Dan
August 4, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
On top of everything that has gone bad for the 08 Braves, THE VOICE OF THE BRAVES has been silenced. May he rest in peace!!!
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
The entire one-hour plus pregame show is going to be a commercial-free tribute to Skip. Braves have testimonials and tributes taped from Marty Brennaman, Niekro, Murph, Schuerholz, Jon Miller, other broadcasters, etc.
Gonna be a minute of silence here at the ballpark just before national anthem.
By Kelly
August 4, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
One thing that is helping me is to be able to come here and elsewhere and see how many people are as heartbroken as I am. Knowing that I’m not alone makes it a little bit easier.
Marty, your post encompasses exactly how I feel. I’m another one who has listened to Skip my whole life. I know his voice better than that of many of my relatives. For all 25 years of my life, I’ve listened to him call games. No matter what was going on in my life, I could listen to Skip for a few minutes and nothing could wipe the smile off of my face. It takes a special person to be able to do that. I feel like I’ve lost a close friend and family member too, as well as part of my childhood.
Skip was honest, he told it like it was. I’ve always appreciated that about him. He loved the game and was so funny and talented. I learned so much from him and my love of baseball was made stronger because of him. Even when I wanted to stop listening or watching for whatever reason, I couldn’t because I had to hear Skip. He gave me a respite from the mundane or not so great sides of life. The thing I hate so much is that I never got to meet him to tell him how much he meant to me over the years and how I thought the world of him. I had just told some friends a week or so ago that he was my favorite baseball-related person ever. I wish I could’ve told him that.
More than anyone to me, Skip was and always will be the Braves. Prayers are with him and his family. Prayers to all of you who are grieving right now. And thank you for the great post DOB. I’m sorry for your loss as well.
By MattyRoss
August 4, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
DOB and Denizens
Does anyone know if there’s going to be a way to watch that tribute via MLB.TV? Otherwise, hopefully someone can dvr it or something…any thoughts?
PS - I swear to you, as a kid I was consistently baffled that Braves fans had to register with TBS and tell them where they were from in the event that they caught a foul ball…how else would Skip have known??
By Marty
August 4, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Kelly, I’m just glad to know that there are other people feeling the way I’m feeling. And I’m glad that Skip’s family has seen the outpouring of support.
By Jake
August 4, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
I was shocked to hear of Skip’s passing. The first thing I thought about is that I just heard him the other day calling the game so this is so surreal. My prayers go out to his family and everyone who knew him. He personated Braves baseball on TBS and I was glad last year when he got to call the last game we played on there. It just wouldn’t be right if he hadn’t. Skip Carey you will definately be missed by Braves Nation.
By Jeff in Alabama
August 4, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
I come from a radio background - my father has been in the business in Spartanburg, SC, for probably 45 years. For a short while, he was GM of the small AM station that carries the Braves, and may have met Skip at one of the Media Days the Braves hold annually.
I tried my hand at the business for a few years after high school until, tired of being broke all of the time, I went in the Navy to learn how to do more than talk for a living. Now, I work evenings as an industrial maintenance supervisor, and my access to most of the Braves’ games is limited to MLB audio. Radio is my preferred method of “watching” a game, so I don’t view this a liability.
I recall one broadcast three or four years ago during which he asked Joe if he knew the mating call of the great blue heron. Joe was rendered speachless at at this out-of-the-blue question until Skip explained that one of these birds had taken up residence at his recently installed koi pond. Skip was seeking anything that would draw the heron away from the fish buffet. It had nothing to do with baseball, of course, which made the exchange all the funnier.
Armed with an insider’s knowledge of the work that goes into putting live sports on the air, I have long admired Skip’s effortless play-by-play ability, not to mention his wit. To put my feelings about Skip Caray’s death in a simple sentence, he is on the short list of people I wish I could have had a beer with. Thanks for the blog DOB.
By edward
August 4, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
I was so sick when I turned on the computer and read that Skip had died. I was totally emptied of emotion. Not hearing Skip call a game?? I do not think i can turn on the internet broadcasts anymore. Forget the season and all the injuries to date. This is the final straw in a bad season. The calls he made were amazing. The fact the Braves were getting whupped meant little to me. Skip kept me watching the game with his none-too-sutble comments about everything. I loved when he picked on the movies or shows after the game. Sometimes a rant about a particularily bad movie would last an inning or two. I even have the famous call from 92 on my computer. …Sid rounds third, he is he is he iiiiiiissss…..SAFE! BRAVES WIN BRAVES WIN BRAVES WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trust me, no one here in Pittsburgh,Pa likes that call. But everyone remembers it. That was the best call he ever made I think. If those shirts do get around to being made DOB, please write something about it. I will buy a few. Thanks for the memories Skip!
By Lew
August 4, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
JoeBrave-Dude, that was downright eloquent.
By McFann
August 4, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Oh man! Just saw Joe on Braves Live, and he broke my heart!
He died feeding the birdsAll those babies lost a friend, as well. (Newman, too! That poor dog!)
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Glavine at high-A Myrtle Beach tonight: Four innings, three hits, one run, one walk, four strikeouts. Threw 53 pitches and said he felt good.
Wren said his fourth inning was probably his strongest.
By SoWeGa Fanatic
August 4, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
I’ve read this blog with a heavy heart. Skip was Braves baseball. I wish TBS would pull out “It’s a Long Way to October” about the 1981 playoff season. It was good then, it would be a treasure now.
By Marty
August 4, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
McFann - Echoing what you said — Seeing Joe and Pete made me tear up myself.
By jtb
August 4, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Just last week Skip was sneaking into Joe and Boog’s booth to steal a piece of pizza. This is devastating.
By Enuffzenuff
August 4, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with Marty and Kelly. Im 25 also and been a Braves fan since I was five. What made Braves baseball for me wasn’t just the players or the manager or TBS, it was also guys like Skip and Pete and Don and Joe that made the game enjoyable to watch on tv. I’ve never been to a Braves game though born n raised in NC, but because of Skip and the other guys I feel like I’ve been to em all.
By Ryan
August 4, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Be blessed Skip !! Be blessed !! The world will miss you.
By MEB
August 4, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
My heartfelt prayers and best wishes go out to the Caray family, their friends, and to the thousands and thousands that will deeply miss the voice of the Braves. My recollections date back to being a young soldier stationed at Fort Stewart, GA in 1979 and not having the money to do much of anything. Cable television was a luxury that allowed us to watch TBS and that meant Braves baseball. I was in Korea during the worst to first year of 1991 and I was so proud of the Braves and so hurt to end that season with a loss. I was back in the south at Fort Rucker, AL for the wonderful year that ended with a win and I will always associate that victory with Skip Caray as much as Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, McGriff, and Chipper. God Bless you Skip Caray for all the memories!
BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN!
By SoWeGa Fanatic
August 4, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
I wish TBS would pull out Its a Long Way to October about the 1981 playoff season. It was good then, it would be a treasure now. OOOPS, I meant 1982.
By McFann
August 4, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Marty—
I know! Those two justuh, it made me sad!
If the Braves EVER won a game in their history, they need to do it TONIGHT!
(Oh, and I love that clip of him calling the Braves winning the World Series! Dang, I wish I coulda seen that live!)
By Enuffzenuff
August 4, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Im on MLB.TV also and Im not seein the pregame show. Anybody know where I can watch in NC? If not could someone post it on youtube possibly?
By ssiscribe
August 4, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Tonight will be a very, very difficult night for every member of Braves Nation. I sit here, looking at the framed ticket stubs from Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS and Game 6 of the 1995 World Series, Skip’s calls of the two most-hallowed moments in the long and proud history of this franchise echoing in my ears, and the tears keep coming back into eyes.
But then I think of the other moments, too many to count, of sitting in front of the TV with my grandfather, watching the Braves and learning this great game that has shaped my life. Skip’s voice was the background music of my youth. It didn’t matter if we were sitting in the club level of old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, relaxing by the lake at the state park 30 minutes from our home, or lounging in the bedroom at home, one constant always was present:
Skip’s voice, nasal and sarcastic, painting a non-filtered view of the proceedings of the day.
From young child imitating Dale Murphy’s batting stance, to young sports writer trying not to get in the way at Turner Field, to young father sitting up watching the pennant races in 2002 and 2003 with infants cradled in my arms, this team and this game have shaped me so much. Through that process that began way back in the late 1970s, Skip’s voice always was there, interwoven into the fabric of my life and the life of four generations of my family.
And now, he’s gone. The sadness and grief is tempered by a realization I shared with a friend of mine earlier today:
Somewhere in Heaven, there is a game tonight. Harry and Skip are sitting side-by-side, calling the action. And somewhere in the club level, my grandfather is looking through his binoculars, hot dog in his lap, cold beer at his feet.
That gives me peace, even if my heart aches tonight as if I’ve lost a member of my family. And in a way, I have.
We all have.
God bless you Skip. Rest in peace.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By bravos2249
August 4, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
DOB
Do you mean post game? I thought the pre-game had came on tonight @ 9:30.
By Steph
August 4, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
My dad started taking me to games when I was a very young girl. I probably heard a lot of the Skipisms mentioned above and did not get them at the time, but my favorite is the one where so and so from wherever just caught the ball in the stands. I just admitted to my dad during one of the games this year, that for YEARS I wondered how Skip knew where that person was from! Man this has been a rough day. Echoing some of the other bloggers, I started reading the posts on Carroll’s blog last night, moved to the ESPN posts and then back to this one. He touched a lot of people from all over the US.
By StingerSplash
August 4, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Just listened to Pete Van Wieren’s pre-game about Skip. Getting more than a little dusty in here, you know.
By Marc
August 4, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Last season I went to a game and got to meet Skip. I shook his hand, got his autograph, and told him he does a great job. If I would have known this would happen, I would have gave him and hug and told him “thank you for being my hero all those years”. This is a sad day.
By AGTfan
August 4, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
I can’t say anything that hasn’t been said. I’ve been tearing up since I heard the news. Skip touched so many Generations of Braves fans. I remember watching Braves games with my grandmother. She didn’t make it to see the quality teams of the 90s, but no matter how bad the teams were, she always called them HER boys and she loved them. She used to just cackle at some the things Skip would say and she loved him too. I remember watching with my dad and I’ve watched with my daughter. Sometimes in the old days whent the teams were so bad, I’d turn off the TV and go ride around and listen to Skip on the radio. I used to listen to all the Hawks games when Skip did the broadcasts. I still believe he was the best basketball announcer I’ve ever heard. I will miss him just like I would miss any member of my family. That’s what he was. That’s the magic he had. He was able to make himself a part of families he never met.
DOB Whether this was the best thing you’ve ever written, I don’t know, but I’ll remember it the longest.
Lew I don’t know how to go about getting you my information, but I’d love get one of your drawings.
“It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” What a sad tune it was to hear.
By Dylan Kight
August 4, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
As a fan of the Atlanta Braves I grew up with Skip. I remember growing up and not having enough money to go to many games. Skip was my voice since I couldn’t be there. But when I visited my dad downtown we would watch the game and when they did the switch to the radio we would get in my dads dodge truck and keep the game on while we drove to the stadium. We would sneak in the gate because no one watched the gates after the 7th inning and we’d watch a couple innings of free baseball. Skip painted the picture while I anticipated going down to Atlanta Fulton County stadium to see the game. Through good and bad he was always there. My kids won’t ever get to hear Skip but I will be able to tell them about a man who was not only a great announcer but a fan of the Atlanta Braves. A true legend! Rest in peace my man!
By Jeff in Alabama
August 4, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Enuffzenuff The pregame show was on the radio, available on MLB Gameday Audio. A couple of hours after the game is over, the entire broadcast should be available for replay. Hope this helps.
By StingerSplash
August 4, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Not that you may need any prompting in the city by the by, but hoist one in honor of Skip for your denizens this evening (not one for each of us - that could take a while and be potentially harmful to certain body parts. But one, or not one, in unison would be nice).
By McFann
August 4, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Dang itFirst at-bat in a week, and he strikes out for the first time after the break! Sheesh
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
we all should agree with Mrs. Carayshame on TBS for many years Skip won our hearts with his great passion and love for the sport, he deserved whatever he wanted.
By Marty
August 4, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
I’m hoisting an adult beverage for Skip right now.
By Kelly
August 4, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
ssiscribe what you wrote about your grandfather really hit home for me. Last night when I finally gve up and went to bed, I couldn’t sleep at all. Finally I realized that hopefully my grandfather was finally getting to meet Skip up in Heaven. Skip was his favorite announcer too.
For those of us here who have heard Skip our whole lives or most of our lives… I’m guessing y’all agree with me in that it’s just so hard to comprehend not hearing him again when you know nothing other than listening to him. Reading funny quotes or listening to clips of him in the last few hours has been such a testament to the power he had to make people happy, though. As much as I’ve cried since last night, I still can’t help but laugh at things he said. He’s still bringing a smile to my face, as heartbroken as I am.
We’re lucky there’s so many of us because we all remember at least a few of Skip’s stories or quotes that a lot of others might not remember.
By Enuffzenuff
August 4, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Jeff in Alabama,
Thanks a lot.
By AdirondackDave
August 4, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
What I’m going to miss most when I think about Skip is his honesty. The stories were good and his sense of humor of course, but his honesty won me over years ago when we got lots of TBS broadcasts on our cable up here. I mean there is so much insincerity and blathering in and out of baseball… What a special guy.
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
although this applies to all, my heart truly goes out to Pete Van Wieren. Watching Pete during pregame got me very sad. We love you Pete!
By Yokohama Daze
August 4, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
I was absolutely heartbroken to see this news when I woke up this morning. Although work has kept me overseas now for more years than I care to recall, nothing brought me home more than the sound of Skip doing a broadcast (thank goodness for the advent of internet broadcasts!). Through all those godawful years in the ’70s, the sudden, shocking period of success in the early ’80s, and the sustained excellence throughout the ’90s, one constant has been Skip and his inimitable, impish sense of humor. The man could even make listening to Darrel Chaney and John Sterling nearly palatable for stretches! As so many have said, it’s a travesty that the HOF didn’t recognize his time here as Hall-worthy while he was with us.
Skip was simply the best. My condolences to his family, including his “extended family”- Braves Nation. We lost a true original today, and the world is more than a little worse off for it.
By flange1
August 4, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Scribe,
Beautiful words!!!!
By Chief Noc-a-homa
August 4, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Skip, I will miss you. Your voice was soothing like a cold beer on a hot day at the lake. When things are tough at work or at home, I have a tape of the call from game 7 of 92 playoffs that I pull out when my prospective needs changing. I appreciate your honesty. Especially the times you would leave the broadcast booth to have a word with the official scorer when you didn’t agree with a call. Most people would let things pass, but not you. If you saw an injustice, you did everything you could to right the wrong - regardless of whether it was for or against the Braves.
I’m really glad the Braves won the last game you called and the last you probably listened to on Sunday afternoon. Raise a glass. Here’s to the bottom of another fifth! RIP Skip - you were loved and will be missed. If anyone needs to borrow the tape, let me know.
By TURTSNAP
August 4, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Glad to hear the Giants organization has taken down all memories of Bonds, except for that tiny little 756 reminder. Too bad baseball can’t erase the 756 from the record books. Perhaps they will if the findings dictate such!
By J.D.
August 4, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
I think we should all raise a cold one in memory of our good friend in the big sky now
By Steve from OH
August 4, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Tommy Hanson threw six strong innings for Mississippi tonight against Huntsville, the Brewers AA affiliate. Hanson gave up 2 ER on a 2 run homer by Brewers prospect Alcides Escobar. He gave up four hits while striking out 10 and walking 1.
Jason Heyward had a homer tonight for Rome. Jordan Schafer was 0-4.
By grant smith
August 4, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to offer my condolences to the Skip Caray and Braves family on Skip’s passing. I work at a Braves radio affiliate in Cullman, Alabama and began to listening to Skip and Pete in the late 1980’s. When I joined our local Braves affiliate in 1990, the games became more and more meaningful listening to Skip and Pete’s calls. He will be sorely missed by all who listened and tuned in o TBS all those years. Skip was a consummate professional and will be sorely missed. So long, Skip! God Bless and rest in peace.
By chet
August 4, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
first time post, long time reader…great writing, suberb in fact …such a shock to wake to such scocking and tragic news …not a bit ashamed to say there were many tears …really hard to stay composed all day at work, co-workers would ask
By jon712
August 4, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
One TBS game in the seventies, Skip posed a riddle. “What’s red and green all over and goes 40 miles per hour?”
“A frog in a blender.”
I already miss the guy.
By McFann
August 4, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Nice throw(s) by 3BMac tonight.
Joe continues to break my heart. :,(
Gotta shut down, now. Night, all.
By Kelly
August 4, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Listening to Pete and Lemke call the game tonight as they talk about everything reminded me of the first game Skip called on TBS after he and Pete had been “reinstated” on TV. He and Joe were chatting about the game, and then there was either a promo or something they had to do. I can still hear Skip saying something like “You do it, Joe. After all, I’m just a rookie,” with this innocent tone to his voice. I laughed so hard I cried; he got a lot of great digs in that game. I have it on tape somewhere and need to find it.
It’s such a shame he wasn’t given the respect he deserved. They treated both him and Pete poorly. I certainly hope that he’s elected into the HOF now. I’ve voted for him for years in the fan vote that they have, but never any luck. I’m sure he’ll be elected, but it’s wrong and sad that he won’t be able to be there for it.
By M McMillan
August 4, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Was just thinking what I would do to honor Skip Caray if I were the Braves. I think I would do the next Braves home game on television with no broadcast crew in the booth. Just the game and stats flashed on the screen. What better way to say, Skip we miss you.
By RiverDawg
August 4, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
The foul ball was caught by a boy from canton……We will miss you Skip!!!! Thanks for being the voice of my childhood….I have had goosebumbs all day hearing the soundtrack of my early years. You will be missed but not forgotten.
DOB, I hardly ever post however I feel that I needed to let you know that was the best blog/tribute and I cannot wait to spend a week with my dad at the beach in a couple of weeks.
By Tomas
August 4, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
This giants have speed and are using it. A few misplays, and blown call by the ump has given them two runs.
By monty
August 4, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
I miss Skip explaining the infield fly rule to some well meaning but ignorant fan on the Braves call in show!
By StingerSplash
August 4, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Been listening to the call from Bream’s slide home a lot today. My old man grew up a Red Sox fan, but had a soft spot in his heart for the Braves since he was from Boston and thanks to watching Braves games on WTCG beginning in the mid 1970s, we got to be big Braves fans. Watching that play, and listening to Skip’s call on the radio as I engineered getting WSB on the stereo four hours south of Atlanta, and celebrating with my dad is something I’ll never forget.
By bravesfaninmetsland
August 4, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
DOB, An amazing blog today. i echo the comments of most onn here beautiful words for a wonderful man who will be sorely missed.
Great job out of the boys in the booth tonight with the stories too. Loved the coke spot.
By BB
August 4, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
I must say, this is by far the saddest I have ever been during a Braves game. But I love the tributes, please keep them coming. Thank you Skip, we love you!!
By N8
August 4, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
That story that Joe told earlier about the Diet Vanilla Coke, was frickin’ hilarious!
Classic Skip.
DOB
Boog and Joe just gave you props on today’s blog. Not that you care, but that’s pretty cool.
Do those guys read the blog regularly, or did they just read it today, to read the posts about Skip from the fans?
By N Nine
August 4, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
The first game back at the Ted will be celebrated in some way. Note however, the Cubs are comming in on that game.(Skips dad Team) And we all know TONS of cubbie fans show up everytime. Maybe all fans get a large glasses to wear..or anything that has SKIP N HARRY. Any ideas of a good celebration on Aug. 12???
By DAP
August 4, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
little league error by johnson. braves defense has not been sharp tonight.
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Folks attending this game, I just saw your posts earlier. Been hectic trying to get everything filed for East Coast deadline. Just now fiinished and had a chance to get something to eat.
By all means stop by and say hello, tonight or tomorrow. I’m in front row of pressbox, between big Bowman to my left and a woman to my right….
And as I typed that, Kelly let a grounder hit off his foot. Ugly.
By uga-brave
August 4, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
DOB,
absolutely perfect lead in.
st peter is probably learnig a thing or two about motoball or the infield fly rule.
end of a era, that’s for sure.
By EARLINE NOLAN
August 4, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
I NEVERmiss a Braves game, was such a pleasure to hear SKIP and PETE call the games ,Will miss you much. My prayers go out to the Familyof SKIP CAREY.
By EARLINE NOLAN
August 4, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
I NEVERmiss a Braves game, was such a pleasure to hear SKIP and PETE call the games ,Will miss you much. My prayers go out to the Familyof SKIP CAREY.
By SR
August 4, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody
I like the sound of both those suggestions my friend. Years ago when I lived in San Diego, I chatted with Tim Tucker at the Old Murph - he came down to my seats after I sent a message up his way to the Press Box. Would be pleased to meet/greet DOB right underneath the Press Box area and I know my boys would. I would be equally pleased to meet up with you and we can toast the good old days and hopefully see some highlights.
I know you are at the yard now so we can touch base manana. Enjoy the game.
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Now one goes off Kelly’s glove as he dives for ball up middle, costing Braves a run. All of a sudden he’s Dan Uggla at the All-Star Game.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 4, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Joe and Boog are recalling some of Skip’s bloopers. (The replay of the Goodwill Games boxing match is just priceless.)
Here’s one I heard last year. Skip absolutely detested the ad copy for Bullova watches: Time flies, Bullova soars (“whatever that means,” he said more than once).
He must have gotten some grief from the brass about dissing the sponsor and so one time last year he was reading the promo and mistakenly said, “Time soars, Bullova flies” — and caught himself, and without missing a beat, he said, “It’s been nice working here.” Pete was beside himself, he was laughing so hard.
I was driving and almost had to pull over I was laughing so hard. I’ll never forget that.
Thanks for the memories, big guy.
By Marty
August 4, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
The Braves are playing like they did back in the 70s and 80s, in honor of Skip. :)
By Mitchell
August 4, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
all i can say is that the braves need to make a home video/dvd for the fans. i went on a tour of turner field, i emailed dob directly and also emailed gary caruso of chop talk magazine to ask why that is and nobody seems to know. actually that’s not true, i believe the braves have to pay mlb to use the tv clips and apparently they don’t want to. that sucks. all these clips that we’re seeing tonight of skip caray calling great moments are like a distant half-memory.
there’s no getting around the fact that we suck and haven’t had much glory lately but those moments are fading anyway. i have a hard time these days remembering what sid bream’s slide was like and i was there.
braves: make a home video for us! boston, milwalkee(?), atlanta and then ‘91 to ‘05 and so on and so forth. even if it’s just ‘91 to now that thing could go on forever.
and a kelly error leads to yet another run. what else is new?
By RRR
August 4, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
After another Kelly error, and with all due respect, I’ll quote Skip from the ‘80’s:
“WE stink folks….”
RIP Skip!
By Andy K.
August 4, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
I can only imagine what kind of comments Skip must be making as he watches on from upstairs
Bobby, please let Prado play!-My comments
By Kelly
August 4, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Another Skip-ism: “That [play, out, etc.] was close, but close only counts in horseshoes and slow dancing.”
He was the best.
By Tomas
August 4, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Sloppy defense. Kelly had been very good since that drop pop out against philly. But he has been very slow in defense today.
By Steph
August 4, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
That boxing clip is awesome.
By Ron_Paul aka The Dude
August 4, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves have to consider playing Infante more at 2B, after Chipper comes back…see what Kelly looks like in LF?
On a personal note…goodbye Skip…you and Pete were the voice of baseball for me, for the past 22 years, doing games on TBS…you will be missed.
By Firehombre
August 4, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
I was about 10 years old when the Braves moved to Atlanta. I remember Skip when he called Hawks games, and I really enjoyed him doing the basketball games moreso than the baseball games. There were days when I would listen to Skip’s call-in show on WSB and Skip would p** me off so bad with the way he would talk to some people that would call with stupid questions. He seemed to struggle alot with patience. Of course, there was the 1992 call at the plate that caused me to act like a complete idiot as I ran out into the street screaming at the top of my lungs that we were going back to the World Series. Skip gives me goose bumps every time I hear that call. But one thing I know now that I just realized is that whether you loved or hated Skip, you have to hurt with his passing because he really was a part of our baseball family. I don’t mind telling you all that my eyes are very irritated from wiping away tears with these rough hands. Man, what a $hitty day.
By brent a.
August 4, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Seeing the Braves in San Francisco tonight, reminds me of a story Skip once told during a game in Candlestick.
Skip said that he had been walking the streets of San Francisco that afternoon, and had come across a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk. The man asked Skip if he could spare him some money, and Skip declined.
The homeless man looked at Skip and said, “Jenny Craig is just a phone call away.”
By RRR
August 4, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
ps
No matter how bad this year is turning out, I have to say that the passing of Skip puts this season in the proverbial nutshell.
And, oh yeah: Joe Simpson today has earned his keep as a TRUE Braves guy. He’s made tonight’s telecast on SS, as well as the memory of Skip: truly memorable!! His eulogy during the pregame brought tears to my eyes.
By Derek
August 4, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Let me just add my sympathies to the Carey family. I too grew up with Pete and Skip in my living room, and wished that I had been able to hear Skip’s call when Grissom gloved the final out in 1995. More importantly, my three young sons’ baseball lives (as Bravos—that was preordained) will certainly be less for missing out on Skip and Pete calling a game.
I do have one Skipism that sticks with me— mid 90s Braves vs Rockies. Rockies’ pitcher—Armando Reynoso—a former Brave—was getting shelled—Skip’s analysis, ol’ Armando must have eaten a bad burrito—priceless.
Finally—great blog DOB—been reading pretty it faithfully, never posted though.
By chet former 15 yr ATL resident
August 4, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
first time post, frequent reader, really, really great writing today …tough to wake to such scocking news, not a bit ashamed to say there were many tears and hard to go to work & stay composed when a co-worker asked “you seem different today, something wrong??” …all i could say was “Skip Caray passed”, then look away, shake my head, and stroll away w/ my memories of Skip …through the early 90’s i made like 30-40 games a year at old fulton-county stadium (the Launching Pad), always took my radio to listen to Skip and Pete, and during the games i would break-out w/ laugher & get funny looks from fans ‘round me and i would say “Skip just said” one of his countless great lines or comments …he had so many cool lines …”top of another fifth”, “permission to walk the dog”, “win, win win”, “goodnight everybody” and with a sprinkle of rain “an impromptu wet t-shirt contest” …please, please tell us there will a tv broadcast tribute to Skip …must also say i agree 1,000% with Paula Caray’s comments ‘bout cooperstown and the corporate d*cks at TBS, et al …SHAME SHAME on you …rest in peace Skip, we all loved you and you will be sorely missed, especially every time the Bravos take the field …thoughts & prayers for the Caray family …ciao
By Gone Viral
August 4, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Someone needs to post the entire clip of that Goodwill Games boxing match online somewhere. It’s glorious.
By Lew
August 4, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
AGTFan- Email me LewHartman@comcast.net
MLB Extra Innings is broadcasting both the Braves’ and the Giants’ feeds tonight. Glad I got to see about ten minutes of the PreGame and get to see SportSouth’s tribute during the game. This is one night I really don’t want to see any other team’s broadcast.
By Mitchell
August 4, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
uh, ron paul “the dude”?
Kelly in left? are you high?
how bout Kelly in the dugout?
are the braves even going to try tonight? now that there’s one out in the 6th. make that two… easy outs.
By brent a.
August 4, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
GEORGIA97
Just saw your post. Sorry to repeat your story, but at the same time, it kind of makes me smile to know that that little quip, told sometime between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM on the east coast, many years ago made an impact on someone besides just me.
By Marty
August 4, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
DOB - Just noticed during Kotchman’s triple that Bonds (with the number 762) also appears in RCF with, apparently, other Giants home-run leaders.
By dgd
August 4, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
Very moving to read both the terrific words by DOB and all of the comments that followed. Skip touched so many people. My children go around saying “chopper to Chipper” and my dad, who is 73 and in the middle stages of alzheimer’s and can’t remember any player’s name other than Chipper, talked on the phone today about Skip and how great he was. Ironically (I don’t know DOB, maybe it’s not REALLY ironic) we took the kids to Cooperstown this weekend to see the Hall of Fame. We talked a lot about the different players and broadcasters while we were in the gallery of plaques. But sadly we weren’t able to show them a plaque for Skip. Guess we were on the plane coming home when he died. I’ve always thought we’d go back when Glavine/Maddux/Smoltz are inducted. Maybe they’ll put Skip in the same year and it can be an all Braves induction……..
By Kentavo
August 4, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Sad, day. But it speaks volume about the corporate weasel that TBS has become.
Oh yeah, why haven’t we tried to get Randy Winn?
By David O'Brien
August 4, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
N8, thanks. And of course I care.
The Braves are showing some life just as this incredible fog is blowing in. Looks like it’s being blown by machines from the upper deck, it’s so thick.
Oh, forget that. Kelly ended that inning with a strikeout. Not a good game for the 2B, to say the least….
By the way, I just realized that Jurrjens had given up a total of one run in his past four road starts before this. He was 4-0 with a 0.30 ERA in those four.
Oh, and Cain, the king of no run support, was 2-4 in his past seven starts despite a 2.44 ERA. Giants scored no runs while he was in three of t hose games, one run while he was in two games, and two runs while he was in the other two.
This is the the first time he’s gotten more than two support runs since June 20.
By ObiWanKobe
August 4, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Hope he’s getting all the “free baseball” he wants up there
By MightyQuinn
August 5, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
I have read everything everyone has written on Bradley’s, Bisher’s and DOB’s blogs and haven’t seen this pointed out yet. The reason TBS pulled their crap and the reason that the Hall hasn’t called is also the reason we loved him so much: He was not the “corporate type” that is, he told the truth and didn’t suck up (and the fact that he was funny as hell doing it was frosting on the cake). I said it on Bisher’s blog and I’ll say it here; I was driving across Texas today comtemplating life and death and the words of Lewis Grizzard came to me: “Losing hurts worse than winning feels good.” And damn, this hurts.
By SAS
August 5, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Thank you for your article and the reminder of the important things in life. I was introduced to the Braves by my two great-aunts who listened to all the games on the radio long before the Braves came to TV. I learned to love baseball by listening to Skip, Pete, and Ernie call those horrid games in the late 70’s. My kids cannot comprehend that there was a time in Brave’s history when winning a three game series lead to converssations about “a light at the end of the tunnel.” I have felt so sad today. I know it’s not just for Skip, but for all the other avid Braves fans in my life who have now passed on. There aren’t enough words to describe how much the constancy of Skip Carey and the Braves have meant to me over my life.
By Steve in Utah
August 5, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
I’m writing this while watching (and DVR-ing) tonight’s game on SportsSouth here in southern Utah. I can’t remember laughing this much during a Braves game than what I am tonight. All the stories and some of the things I remember seeing on TBS over my 26-plus years of being a loyal Braves fan way out here in Utah. While growing up, there were two things I looked forward each night during the summer, watching my boyhood idol Dale Murphy patrolling center and right fields, and listening to Skip tell the stories with Pete, Ernie, and John, then Don, Joe and Chip. Thanks DOB for the great story. John and Joe are right, this was a great piece. Rest in Peace Skip. You and the Braves were (and still are) appointment viewing, though you will be missed by me and many from around the country that grew to love the Braves because of you!
By Steve in Utah
August 5, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
I’m writing this while watching (and DVR-ing) tonight’s game on SportsSouth here in southern Utah. I can’t remember laughing this much during a Braves game than what I am tonight. All the stories and some of the things I remember seeing on TBS over my 26-plus years of being a loyal Braves fan way out here in Utah. While growing up, there were two things I looked forward each night during the summer, watching my boyhood idol Dale Murphy patrolling center and right fields, and listening to Skip tell the stories with Pete, Ernie, and John, then Don, Joe and Chip. Thanks DOB for the great story. John and Joe are right, this was a great piece. Rest in Peace Skip. You and the Braves were (and still are) appointment viewing, though you will be missed by me and many from around the country that grew to love the Braves because of you!
By GSU-Paul
August 5, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
I spent many games in the stands with a radio just to hear Skip call the games. I couldn’t say how many times I laughed out loud at one of Skip’s comments and people around me would look at me like I’m crazy. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
By Ron in mobile
August 5, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Terrible news…i can say that Braves games will no longer have that Sunday afternoon at your grand parents house feel to it. A very sad day indeed.
Please Braves! Get some runs!!
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
That’s TWO runs that Escobar’s cost them tonight with dropped balls (the would-be DP and that relay throw) and another that Kelly cost them earlier on the two flubbed grounders.
By QUESTION
August 5, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Is Escobar on the take? Does he have overdue gambling debts and therefore making crappy plays? Just askin…. P.s. I will always miss my buddy SKIP.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
Marty, yes, it’s up there on the Giants 500-homer club. Be pretty hard to keep him off that. Bonds, Mays, McCovey, Ott.
By uga-brave
August 5, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
escobar is turning a above average season into a below average season fast.
By Chop Chop
August 5, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
I’d love to see the Braves and Sport South make the pre-game show and this broadcast available on DVD for Braves fans to purchase. I know I’m not the only one that missed the pre-game. I’d snap that up in a heartbeat.
Skip was the man.
By ricflair
August 5, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
DOB I will be there for Wednesday’s game. I live in California. Any chance I could meet you. I actually got married in the 755 club at Turner field On April 7th. No BS. Thanks for your blog I enjoy reading it. If you do not believe me ask Eddie Perez he gave me the scorecard from the game on April 6th.
By Chop Chop
August 5, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Here’s a clip of the greatest sport Skip Caray ever called:
Motoball
By N8
August 5, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
DOB
“N8, thanks. And of course I care.”
I wasn’t implying that you don’t “care” per se.
Just meaning that I’m sure you talk with Joe and Boog on a regular basis, and don’t expect, nor need to have them rave about the blog on the air.
Either way, it’s cool that they mentioned it.
This Skip “memory lane” stuff tonight is fantastic. Gotta love the video and audio clip from the Goodwill Games with the boxer’s name that just made Skip bust a gut laughing. Reminds me of the old ESPN out-takes of Tom Mees laughing his azz off.
Good stuff indeed.
By Marty
August 5, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
You know, I don’t have any children yet, but I assume that my wife and I will someday soon, but one thing that’s already been decided is that whenever I do have a child, he or she will be a devout Braves fan…and it saddens me that my children will never hear Skip call a Braves game. Anyone who never hears (or fails to appreciate) Skip calling a game truly does not know what he is missing.
By chet former 15 yr ATL resident
August 5, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
geez, thanks everyone on here …Skip had so many lines i neglected …such as “chopper to Chipper” and really my fav …”free baseball” …Skip made you feel like he was your best baseball friend… so many grins, and laughter and happy tears tonight watching the game …really wish i could get a radio feed and hear Pete …damn i missed the first 10 minutes of da pre-game …a re-broadcast somewhere, an archive somewhere??
By Marty
August 5, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
ricflair - That’s awesome. I wish my wife (whose birthday is April 6th, btw) would’ve gone for a wedding like that. Oh well, we had to settle for a wedding in St. Thomas — I guess I’ll get over it. ;) Still, wow — what an awesome wedding.
By Couch Tater
August 5, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
To all the folks who dug up all the quotes,clips & quips:
Two thumbs up. (I know you’ve been busting it.)
By BravesFan79
August 5, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Man Skip you will forever be missed!!
I have no idea how many thousands of times i heard that voice as i was about to go to sleep.
And why are so many people jumping on Escobar? I knew he wouldnt have the same fire after Pena was let go. I predicted it. I also will predict he wont be back to normal till spring training next season. Dont worry tho, no doubt Escobar is a ALL Star talent at SS!
By fastasballs
August 5, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
DOB Great blog, in fact I say this is the finest piece of your work that I have read. Great read & tribute to Skip. Thanks for giving us perspective from someone who knew the man on a personal level.
We all got to know the man from years & years of listening to him call literally thousands of games. I think the man was so loved by the fans because didn’t hold his emotions back. He let it all go, well maybe not ALL of it, but what was permitted on the airwaves.
The man had to be character to entertain fans all over the US for what adds up to over a decade worth of futility between the 70’s & 80’s with a brief 3-4 years of good baseball.
I ended up talking to my old man for nearly two hours today about Skip & the Braves. He reminded me of lots of late 70’s & early 80’s moments. Have no idea how he remembers tid bits from 25-30 years ago, yet can’t recall where he parked the car.
I just started to realize some of my best times with my dad was watching the Braves games & listening to Skip. It kinda seems simplistic, but usually the good moments in life are.
By N8
August 5, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
DOB
I just mulled over the “toast” story you wrote (I’m always late to the dance), and have to say it brought a smile to my face.
Ohman should be kept for that gesture alone. Dude seems like a good guy.
Maybe you mentioned so when he did it, but what did Skip and Chip have to say about Ohman’s impersonation of Harry Caray?
Skip doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that would enjoy that kind of stuff, maybe I’m wrong. Skip’s “on air” sense of humor was awesome. For a guy like myself that loves sarcasm the only announcer who is in his league is Harry Doyle…..er…..Bob Uecker.
But I’m sure his off the air humor was more up my alley. But again, he seems like the kind of guy that wouldn’t take kindly to people pokin’ fun of his dad.
By N8
August 5, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Wow. That’s pretty cool. Ric Flair got married at Turner Field in April.
Who was the Best Man? Tommy “wild-fire” Rich? Or perhaps it was the Junk Yard Dog?
By Litigation
August 5, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
but my condo association wont allow a dish.Jschool
take them to court, that’s against the law now
By N8
August 5, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
In tribute to Skip, I’ll point out that there appears to be many fans in SF that appear to have come to the ballpark disguised as empty seats.
One of my favorite “Skip-isms”.
I’ve still got the Braves/Dodgers game from 1983 where Bob Watson hit the walk off HR in the middle of the pennant race on VHS. I used to tape all the games when I wasn’t gonna be home, and that one is the ONLY one that I kept over the years.
I usually watch it once every off-season, but I think I’ll watch it this weekend instead. Better than most of the recent games anyhow.
Hey. Does anybody else think that a “younger” Ernie Johnson (they just showed an old photo of Ernie, Skip and Pete), kinda looks like Mr. Drummond from Different Strokes?
Yikes.
By Chop Chop
August 5, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
N8,
Ric Flair’s best man was “Double A” Arn Anderson. Any fool would know that. Sting was the flower girl. The Black Scorpion did the ceremony.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
By the way, that reminds me of those wonderful promos Skip would cut for NWA Power Hour on Friday nights:
“Let’s see here. Norman the Lunatic…? (pause…with barely stifled snickers) will take on “Mad Dog” Buzz Sawyer and the Rock and Roll Express will take on the Midnight Express in a world tag team title match. Pete, have you ever heard of Norman the Lunatic? (pause…with a few more snickers from both guys) Anyway, stay tuned for NWA Power Hour after the game.”
By chet former 15 yr ATL resident
August 5, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
gosh, i feel so blessed and lucky to have been in the stands for the best of Skip’s greatest calls …clinching the worst-to-first division in ‘91, nixon’s great catch, Sid’s slide in ‘92, and the David Justice HR and Marquis’ Series game 6 catch to win the Championship, to name just a few …as he said countless times… “So Long Everybody” …so long Skip…
By Kelly
August 5, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
Reading about those of you who haven’t made it to Atlanta further makes me realize how lucky I was to at least see Skip from a distance. I’ve been fortunate enough to make 4 different trips to Atlanta, first in 1997 when I was 14. That was the first time I had ever been to an MLB game. We got lucky and got seats near home plate, but instead of walking out to the seats and being in awe of the field, I turned around and craned my neck, asking my mother if she could see Skip anywhere. I was more excited when I saw him looking out over the field than when I saw all of the players I had watched on TV for so long. I think that shows how dearly he was loved by the fans.
The first spring training game I ever saw was in WWoS in 2004, and again, the first thing I did when I got to my seat was look up at the press box, trying to find Skip. I spotted him and Pete and took a picture of them. I’m so glad that I did. I’ll always treasure it.
So many memories. DOB, thanks again for the blog. Reading what you wrote and everyone’s comments in response is so touching. I loved Skip like a member of my family, and I always will. We’ll all miss him dearly.
By Riles In Oregon
August 5, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
Out here our little town on the left coast we finally got cable in about 1982. Of course that meant for us the two superstations, WTBS and WGN. SInce I grew up on Dizzy and PeeWee on CBS, and battled with my father about Cards (his team) vs Yanks (my team), it was only natural to jump at the chance to see more baseball. What made it even closer to home was that the Braves had a young fella by the name of Murphy from Portland. So I started watching TBS and became hooked on the Braves, and my two oldest sons did also. Alas, the youngest watched WGN and Harry, but it did lead for that good father-son rivalry like my father and I had. Skip, Pete and Ernie Sr became a regular part of our household, and when 1991 rolled around we were in ecstasy. I had already been missing Skip because of the decrease in TBS games because I just never thought of an internet radio broadcast. This season we had the Directv package and I was able to hear his Kermit the Frog-like voice a few more times. It is one of the worst parts of growing older (56) that so much a part of your growing up eventually has to go away. Our family’s prayers for peace to the Carey family. Thanks for the tribute DOB.
By hedgedawg
August 5, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
Chop Chop and anyone else who missed tonight’s broadcast of the game and Skip tributes, SportsSouth is repeating it at noon tomorrow if you want to get the DVR set instead of waiting for the DVD
By BravesLover
August 5, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
I make no apologies for being glad that Skip will no longer broadcast games. I’m sorry about his passing but his sarcasm for those who had different opinions, rudeness to callers of all ages, his bragging about being the alcoholic he was, the put downs of his first wife all turned me off to him years ago. He was slovenly and one of the last times I listened to him was when he said goodbye on the TBS broadcast. His words were nice but rang false when compared to the sarcastic, caustic, biting rudeness he displayed for years before that. He was a hollow suit on air.
By ccrider
August 5, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this
We all have our memories and tributes concerning Skip and I just want to add one more. The night in 1992 that “Sid Slid”, I was in my home in Mcdonough, Ga. watching the game with my 9 year old son and 6 year daughter who were both already Braves fanatics like their dad. My 70 year old mother was watching in Stockbridge about 10 miles up toward Atlanta by herself, because my dad had died the year before without ever seeing the Braves make it to the World Series in 1991, and my children and I would get a little too intense(screaming and yelling at the ump,fate,etc.) and make her nervous. So, we are watching and the miracle comeback begins and finally Sid Slids home and my wife ( who’s not a sports fan) is woken up by the recurring chorus of BRAVES WIN, BRAVES WIN!. She asks what happened and we explain and she says how happy she is for us and OH! by the way does your mother know? My kids and I look at each other and realize that my mothers nerves were such that if she thought the Braves were for sure going to lose, she would just turn the TV off and go to bed. WE tried to call her on the phone, but she had apparently taken out her hearing aids and couldn’t hear the phone ringing. We jumped into my car and had one the most memorable experiences we ever had together. All the way to her house people were honking and chanting BRAVES WIN, BRAVES WIN! they were getting out of their cars at traffic lights, running around like maniacs and recreating SID’S SLIDE in the middle of the intersection. WE get to her house, the door is locked and bolted with a security bar, we accidentally shake the door too hard, trying to get her attention, and set off the security alarm. So, since we’ve gone this far, we go to her bedroom window and beat on the panes while yelling BRAVES WIN. She finally hears the commotion comes to the door with tears in her eyes from being both scared and elated at the same time. It was a trip! NOTE: I don’t know if their are people out there in the universe from another world that are listening to the radio and TV signals from our planet like they depict in movies. But if there are, I hope one of the signals they pickup is Skip’s call of Sid’s Slide, because that should tell them so much about the joy, the passion the hope and the love of the human race. It makes me feel a little better today to think that Skip’s call is echoing across the universe, a true lasting legacy to the a person that meant so much to all of us fans, friends and family.
By keef1234
August 5, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
it’s too bad he died instead of TBS
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
N8, you’re right — his off-air humor would’ve appealed to you, if you like him on air. Or even those who might not have appreciated his acerbic wit on-air (I can hardly understand how that’s possible, but know, in fact, it is). Anyway, he was one of those guys who, when you see him coming across the room or down the hallway, you smile. Maybe even start to laugh. He was that funny, that warm.
I’m very pleased that so many of you seemed to have enjoyed this opportunity to share. You folks made this feel right. Seriously, we’ve got a terrific bunch of people here, and it showed today/tonight. Classy comments, touching and, in many cases, hilarious.
By JC (Las Vegas NV)
August 5, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
BOB—I do not know if you will get this as you posted it earlier, but I remember the game you mentioned where Skip correctly predicted the 6-4-3 double play to end the game. The movie WAS the Magnificent Seven and the hitter was Jeffrey Leonard of San Francisco batting against Gene Garber. I believe Skip’s call went something like this: “The Magnificent Seven are warming up in the bullpen and will be with you as soon as Leonard hits into a 6-4-3. (Leonard hit a sharp grounder to short) “Six….Four…Three”.
By BravesAC
August 5, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this
I think the TV broadcast crew and you, Mr. O’Brien did a great job of honoring a Braves’ treasure on the night he truly deserved the attention. Thank you for that.
May Skip rest in peace.
By BravesAC
August 5, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this
My Skip story… I was on the team that did most of the major league scoreboards in the 70’s, 80’s.90’s..including Atl Fulton County and the Phille’s Vet. I was relieving myself one day and Pete VW was standing in the next stall. Gee, I sure wish it had been Skip…just to say I met him. By the way, Tony Kubek and Bob Costas are just regular guys and fun…just like Pete, Ernie, and Skip. Atlanta, you’re blessed to have had them…and the current Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. My Oh My couldn’t hold a candle to Skip for honesty and entertainment.
By chet former 15 yr ATL resident
August 5, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this
hey “bravest over” revel in your dislike of Skip… i am sure you have, and will never have, any faults in your life …but guess what ? …i am very sure 99.9999% of the people here could not care less of your opinion …but, hey you are a “brave man” …and also one without much class …Skip was not “classy”, the point here tonight is the joy he gave to most everyone that he spoke to with his wit, sarcasm, and love (and our love) of baseball and the Braves …sh*t you are prob a mets fan, just go away and don’t let the door hit you in tha azz …ciao
By BA
August 5, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this
I was impressed with Pete Van Wieren tonight, who, along with Mark Lemke, put on a phenominal broadcast in the face of adversity. Pete’s dedication minutes before first pitch was nothing short of brilliant. To Pete Van Wieren: you are the consummate professional, and I’m certain you made Skip and his family proud tonight.
By chet former 15 yr ATL resident
August 5, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this
to BA i am sure hearing Pete and the “Lemer” tonight was priceless and you will treasure the memory forever …just as we that “knew” Skip will treasure his memory and legacy forever
By Tony Dobson
August 5, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this
Just wanted to say nice work on this one DOB. A perfect tribute.
By Bill
August 5, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this
I think Skip had more friends than he thought. It’s just a shock and he will be missed by all. RIP Skip, you are the best. About a week ago I posted that trading Escobar and Johnson to get stronger in other areas. I think Lilly, Prado and Infante could hold down the fort until some down on the farm are ready. After tonight’s shoddy plays, it just might happen.
By Salt
August 5, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this
In Tribute to Skip: No More Wave at Turner Field!
Please, Brave Nation! Make signs, call and email friends, media and Braves officials.
Skip hated the wave. Let’s make it a lasting memorial to The Great One;
No More Wave. Exert peer pressure. Whenever anyone tries to start it , stand up and say, “Stop it! In memory of Skip! He hated the Wave!” and sit down.
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this
Great tributes to Skip last night, both here on the blog, on the front page of the AJC, and on the broadcast and pre-game shows. Listening to the Braves on the radio will never, ever be the same. Rest in Peace, Skip.
By chet former 15 yr ATL resident
August 5, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
to Salt, best idea I’ve heard …NO MORE WAVE !! (@daTed) …it would surely make him smile and be a fitting thing to do …
By Marty
August 5, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Call me old and crotchety at the age of 28, but I hate the wave, too. I go to the park to watch the game.
By P. Rose
August 5, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
The Braves gave up on the season. And so Skip’s heart gave up on Skip. Over? Who says it’s over? Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Come on Braves! The best tribute we can pay to Skip is to go out there and WIN! Let’s win one for the Skipper! GO BRAVES!!
By Shawn
August 5, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
As a Pirate fan living in East Tennessee, I have to say that two of Skip’s more famous calls rip the heart right out of my chest. Being a baseball fan and having access to Braves games on TBS allowed Skip Carey to by my Vin Sculley or Joe Buck. I was never a fan of the Braves (even before 91 and 92) but most of my best friends were. I was, however, a baseball fan and we, baseball fans, lost a great one. God Bless all those who are saddened by his passing. My prayers and sincere condolences go to his family and the organization.
By Dragon5616
August 5, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
My favorite Skip line was “As we go to the top of another fifth …”
Great guy. Great wit. RIP
By Dave
August 5, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
N8,
I was listening to Skip on the way home from Warner Robins, GA during the first game of the St Louis series last week. Skip said that he had watched Will Ohman’s lineup that was broadcast during the Phillies game the previous Saturday. He said that he enjoyed it, told Will that at least he did a better job at imitating Haray than Will Ferrell used to do at Saturday Night Live. Pete then joined in and said that you could watch Will’s lineup at YouTube. It was cool to hear Skip laughing about that.
By Kelley
August 5, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Perhaps my favorite line from Skip (and how do you pick just one?) was: “And the bases have been loaded tonight more than I used to be.”
This fan from Flowery Branch GA will miss him terribly.
By DK5150
August 5, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
I was at FanFest in 2003. I came across the Chop Talk stand, and they told me that if I subscribed, I would be given a free “I Asked Skip” T-shirt. Well, I signed up, and went to have Skip and Pete sign it. I walked up to Skip and he said, “What did you ask me?” I replied, “Nothing, Skip, they just gave me the t-shirt for subscribing to Chop Talk.” He just looked down at the shirt and said, “Figures.” That was one of three times that I got to meet Skip at FanFest. 2002, 2003 and 2007. Those are memories that I will always cherish. My wife and I were watching Braves Live last night, and I was echoing Skip’s famous calls. Watching the Atlanta Braves will never be the same.
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
I agree with Mrs. Carey that broadcasters like Skip Carey should be elected to the Hall while they are around to enjoy it. Why not change the criteria for broadcasters? If one is with a team for say 20-25 seasons, doesn’t that warrant induction? Or maybe a 25/10 rule or something (25 years broadcasting, 10 with the same team).
If a person can hold the same job broadcasting in the majors for 20-25 years, I think it is safe to assume he/she should be immortalized in Cooperstown. It’s not like a player that plays 10-15 years in the majors but may or may not be good enough.
By Lee in S GA
August 5, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I called in by phone years ago when Skip occasionally answered questions prior to the Braves games on radio. I asked him if he preferred broadcasting games on radio or if he preferred television. He really went on for while saying how much he loved radio over television. He was very polite to me and answered my question thoroughly. I will never forget the calls people would do to ask him to explain the infield-pop-fly rule. That would really set him off.
By prattvillenolzfan
August 5, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I’ve got an idea how the fans can honor SKIP @ the Cubs game next Tuesday…
Why don’t EVERYONE who comes into Turner Field bring in a sign stating their NAME & HOMETOWN….
I know, it sounds Corny…but to us out-of-towners, it would look neat…
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
I also agree with Mrs. Carey that Skip should have worked the playoffs on TBS. I supposed a lot of the decision makers saw him like his father, a guy who was lost without doing a home-team game. But I remember Skip doing an NBC playoff game with Joe Morgan; I think it was Yankees-A’s. I think Skip was more in the mold of a Joe Buck than his father—same sophomoric wit as Joe Buck but Skip was more cynical and dirtier.
By Ricardo
August 5, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
My first (and favorite) memory of Skip was listening to him call the Hawks games on the radio. When I was young and my parents would put me to bed I would listen on an old clock radio (the kind where the numbers flipped over each minute) and hear him describe all of the action.
My favorite baseball memory was at the end of yet another lost season. He was on air, but didn’t know it and was yelling to the beer vendor before Ernie (or whoever) shot an elbow to his ribs alerting him he was on tv. I was young, but even then knew it was funny. He’ll be missed.
By sixfourthree
August 5, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
DOB, Thanks for a great, honest tribute to Mr. Skip Caray. Wow, I can’t believe that he’s gone. He was an absolute character in the best sense of the word. I grew up listening to him on TBS (I believe my first game was 1978), so 30 of my 37 years have been spent with Skip. I loved his wit, sarcasm, sharp sense of humor, and brutal honesty. He made the Braves fun even during their most miserable of seasons. Skip, you will be greatly missed! I’m sorry that I took you for granted.
By McFann
August 5, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
.307
And .300 for the year.
Bad game, for sure. :,(
By DirtyDawg
August 5, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, I hate to tell you but when it comes to comparing Kelly to Uggla at the All-Star Game, it ain’t ‘all of a sudden’. The kid may be the worst I’ve ever seen attempt to play the position at the big-league level. Find a place for him or find a team that has a place. As it is he’s gonna become his own worst enemy. I can’t imagine being as bad, knowing it and knowing that my teammates know it.
Plenty has been said about Skip, he was an original and one that I enjoyed - albeit, at times, grudgingly. We shared a love of life and both visited Dr. Dewars more often that perhaps we should…of course, unlike me, Skip was never accused of ‘not being funny.’
Somehow I knew that Luckovich would do a good one for Skip…curious to know if we’ll hear from Don Sutton.
By sixfourthree
August 5, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Sometimes we dont appreciate the best things in life as well as the best people. Its so easy to take our family and friends for granted. I took Lewis Grizzard and Skip Caray for granted-always felt that they would be there tomorrow. Skip will be sorely missed by this fan. He was a classic, genuine person who even made the blowouts interesting.
By brent a.
August 5, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Just saw Turner Field from the train and noticed the flag flying at half mast.
Good to see Skip getting better treatment than the Royal Family wished to give Princess Di.
By 30YrBravesFan
August 5, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
* DOB* One of your finest. I ‘member him on Channel 17.
Boy it hurts, and we will miss him.
By brent a.
August 5, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
I had often heard that Skip was crotchety in person; so, 3 years ago, when I saw him standing in front of “Skip and Pete’s” barbecue, I sent my wife up to shake his hand instead.
I told her, “Go wish him happy birthday” (it had been about 2 days earlier).
She did, and he was quite friendly to her.
So, our experience with Skip was a pleasant one.
A few weeks later, we saw PVW standing in front of the place, and I went up and got his autograph. He was cordial, but not nearly as friendly as Skip, and he also seemed annoyed that I wasn’t patronizing his establishment.
The reality is, we all have varying experiences with the same people for different reasons. It could be us, it could be them, and it could be that you just happen to catch somebody at the just the right (or wrong) moment.
It certainly seems that those who knew Skip best, loved him dearly.
By Doc Holliday
August 5, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Infant hitting above .300 is almost as a good surprise as Campillos ERA. He came out of nowhere. Youve got to wonder, is this guy just a utility player? Could we use him as an everyday LF and trade JF, JoJo and a guy from the minors for a power RF?
Or use him as an everyday 2B and trade KJ, JoJo and some other kd for a power LF???
By N8
August 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
I find it fitting that it took something like this happening for all the “bickering” about meaningless stats and what not to be not only toned down, but literally gone for a day or two.
Just shows that people on this blog while passionate about Braves baseball and their beliefs in how it should be played and which players should be playing, know what really matters and right now in the “Braves family”, the games really don’t mean that much.
I normally would have been all over Escobar last night, and it didn’t even phase me. I only wish the game would have gone into “free baseball” mode, so we could have heard more stories from Simpson and Boog.
I’m actually pizzed at myself for not tuning in on mlbradio to listen to Pete. Had the TV on and was blogging, and didn’t even think about it. Sux for me.
Anyhow, well done everybody.
Dave
Thanks for the comment about hearing Skip on the radio about Ohman’s Harry routine. I know that Will Ferrell’s impersonation got to him a bit, but ultimately I enjoy Will’s as well. I used to LOVE tuning into Cubs games just to hear him mess up a few names.
Classic stuff.
DOB
Any chance that TBS puts out a DVD of some of Skips “moments”? I doubt they will, but they should.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
kelly johnson was pretty burtal at 2nd last night, and yunel had his share of mistakes as well. we also had plenty of oppotunities to score and didnt. same ol’ same ol’.
does anybody think that a player that played really good defense at 2nd base, but couldnt really hit that well would help us win more games?
in other words…does KJ’s offense excuse him being a little weaker in the field?
he isnt having quite as good of a year, but he is still a good offensive 2nd baseman. what do you guys think?
By DAP
August 5, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
doc holliday infante has been a very pleasent surprise. good job by wren for getting him. i like his stance and swing as much as any other hitter on this team. could he play everyday? well, maybe…but it nice to have a utility guy who is good enough to play everyday, you know? hes young, hes a good player, and i think he will give kelly johnson a run for a starting job. kelly needs to step it up.
By MEB
August 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I certainly like the idea of fans bringing a sign showing their hometown. It will make it easier on the rest of the broadcast crew that didn’t have Skip’s amazing recall ability.
I also like the idea of the Braves retiring the number 17 in honor of Skip and the other broadcasters who called all those games during the wonderful years on TBS. Braves fans have been blessed to have Hall of Fame broadcasters all these years. I think it was Boog who mentioned the idea near the closing of last nights game.
BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!!
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
DAP, if Johnson bounces back to what he did last season or even to his career numbers, he does enough offensively to cover up any defensive short-comings.
By Doc Holliday
August 5, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
BTW, Blancos OBP is up to .370, closer to # 2 on the team (Mc) than to #4 (yunel)
By brent a.
August 5, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
N8
You are very correct, I was just noticing this morning that I clicked on the blog to read about Skip, and had been on here a few minutes, and still didn’t even know the outcome of last night’s game.
It didn’t matter.
By patrocket
August 5, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Favorite Skip line during weekday afternoon game:
“Looks like a lot of guys brought their nieces today”
By DAP
August 5, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
shaun would you rather have someone like orlando hudson at second, who has slgihtly better offensive career number and is a gold glover? or would you still rather have kelly because he is younger?
i like kelly alot, im just asking some hypotheticals, becuse he hasnt improved this year like i thought he would.
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
bill trading yunel is not an option. he is young and learning. NO way i would trade yunel period. GO YUNEL!!
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
I hate the wave AND the chop. I don’t mind the tomahawk music, I like it a lot in fact but the actual arm chopping…eh I just don’t like it.
I hope to catch the game Tuesday to see the Braves honor Skip. There should be a lot of Skip signs…ours will be- “So long, everybody” Skip Caray 1939-2008”, if anybody wants to look for us. : )
By Gary
August 5, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Morning fellow denizens. Last night was truly a moving night and a Braves game I will never forget even though they lost. The Braves have always been known as a class act organization and last night showed it. Most of the time we the fan base have been dogged as being lazy and lousy by those who don’t live in or work outside of the city and that the Braves deserve better fans. Well the last 24+ hours have proven those “pundits” totally wrong. The fans, especially those here, have shown how deeply they care about this team and this is a major sports town and we are not the worst as they continue to say. We just lost one of our own and we have come together to grieve and celebrate his life at the same time and forget about all the bad that has happened to this season and in life. Why? Because that is the way Skip would have wanted it. Baseball was simple to him and as the clip from his Braves HOF induction showed, he always believe that we are better off if we lived life as simple as the game of baseball.
On another note, I have a great idea and I am sure the fellow bloggers can agree. The Braves, Turner Broadcasting, and MLB need to dig up any clips of Skip from over the years (all sports, both radio and TV), get interviews from players past and present, his fellow colleagues, and fan letters from across the country, put together a montage of his best games called, and take last nights festivities both radio and TV and put it all together in one complete DVD package and make it available to fans. Also to show that they are not making any money posthumously off of Skip’s name, please make 100% of the proceeds go to both Camp Twin Lakes and Bobby’s Paws for Cause charities. Skip loved animals and he was very instrumental in Camp Twin Lakes so much that he had his estate recently reworked to leave something nice to those good people at the Camp and for all that they do. That would be a fitting tribute to Skip Carey and I am sure all would agree. DOB, if you can get the Braves ear on that idea it would be great.
btw……Joe Simpson is officially now a lifetime member of the Atlanta Braves. His and Pete’s commentaries were definite tear jerkers and fitting tribute to Skip.
By Steph
August 5, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
ccrider:
That story was classic. Just a great, great story. I was a Junior in HS during 1992 and I remember running through the streets with my friends after Sid Slid.
By dave kailer
August 5, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Am I the only one who remembers Skip doing the NFL on TNT? I remember the “suit” at Turner in those days put Skip on the NFL Sunday Night games with Pat Haden for 2 years. It was a big risk, but I thought Skip did well. I also think Skip actually missed the Braves clinching the West in 91 because he was off doing an NFL game. Chip’s comment about Skip knowing he was paying for old “checks that were being cashed” was very poignant…it was good that Skip could reconcile with his family and his past… He might have been a sarcastic pain to his bosses, but he was hilarious to listen to—and as has been written—he was at his best when the Braves were their worst.
By Lew
August 5, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Doc-I’ve been having those same thoughts about Infante as a possible outfield starter for next year. He HAS been a good surprise. Good thing he’s locked up for next year. They need to sign Campillo-NOW!!!!!
BTW Denizens-The requests for the Skip/Sid Slid print are through the roof!!!! Definitely the most requsted Braves’ artwork I ever did-almost 50 requests!!!!!! Anyone else that wants one can still contact me LewHartman@Comcast.net
Make sure you include your real name and address.
By Doc Holliday
August 5, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Agree DAP.
I think Braves need to be a little more aggressive. In order to win in life, sometimes you need to have a cold mind and/or heart. Meaning maybe Braves have to cut their emotions toward KJ and JF and reevaluate the situation. Infante is talking really loud, not only with his bat, he is looking like brooks robinson. Infante, Blanco, Jair and Campillo have been out of this world this season. I know its been a short span, but he sure looks like he know what he is doing, just like the other 2.
I know the JFs situation has been talked before, but I would like to ask (Shaun). I know Braves have to give Jeff a try again, he has earned by previous performances, but if in 2009, april and hal may go by, and we dont see any improvements, what are the braves going to do? Stick to him all year like they did with AJ? I wouldnt do that. And if he stinks half the season next year, what are we gonna get if we try to trade him??? This is a very delicate situation on JF.
KJs situation I think looks much more brighter. At this point and next season, I think we could get more out of him that out of JF.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
run heap run you hate the chop!?! can i really be hearing this? i cant believe you. the chop is awesome.
By Murphy
August 5, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
There are some great stories on the Atlanta Braves website by the way…
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
They need to sign Campillo-NOW!!!!!LEW
i believe he will be under team control for several years. and the DVD is a great idea ill be in line to buy mine.
By USAFCCF
August 5, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Every Braves fan needs to make sure that when the fan voting for the Ford C Frick award at the Hall of Fame comes up that we vote for Skip and Pete. It’s a damn shame Skip wasn’t in yet and we need to correct that now and make sure that Pete goes in with him!!
By BravesFanInRockies
August 5, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Since the Braves have a lot of depth in the middle infield, it would not surprise me to see KJ as a big part of a deal after the season.
I’m a fan of his and have been since he came up in 2005. He’s clearly a valuable offensive player. And if the Braves did not so badly need RH bats I would almost say he’s untouchable.
But they do need RH power and another SP, they have quite viable in-house alternatives at 2B — from Prado to Lilly to even Infante, for that matter — and I would imagine other teams would covet KJ’s offense.
Off the top of my head, I could see the Dodgers, Rockies, Brewers and Mets being very interested.
By Murphy
August 5, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Is there some reason Infante cannot play RF?
By geauxbraves2000
August 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
I am the child of divorced parents. Apparently, at first, my father had custody of me until he dropped me off at my mothers parents house (I believe it was there) and she concocted some sort of scheme to gain custody of me while he was gone (he was in the Navy). After that, I didnt see much of him, and I heard horror stories about him, so I didnt really want much to do with him. About 1994 or so I called him. Well, I had heard that he drank a lot, etc, so I was kind of disappointed when I talked to him and his speech was slurred. It turned out that he was in a very serious accident where he broke his neck and he barely survived, and that was the reason he talked the way he did. Again proving do not believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. It turns out he was a great man, nothing like the stories Id been told. We started developing a relationship after all those years. He and his mother drove from Minnesota to spend some time with us, so he was able to meet his grandchildren.
He passed away a couple of years ago, and I know its not my fault, but I regret the years I missed with him. For any of you who have your father still, do not take advantage of him, for he could be gone before you know it. I envy Chip for the time he was able to spend with his dad, and if I had the chance to do what he did, Id do it to.
Geaux Braves!!
By Mark
August 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know where you can find the link to the ‘95 World Series call by Skip?…Would love to have that archived in my email.
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Boston fans seem to think they’ll be getting Gonzo away from us. As Bobby and Whitney would say…hell to the no.
By FloridaBrave
August 5, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Kelly’s an above average 2B and still has the upside to develop into a good one- a guy capable of hitting closer to .300 and hitting 20 bombs. He’s regressed a bit this year and I know some might never forget that dropped pop-up but many teams would be thrilled to have him as their starting 2B.
I love how people want to replace him with Lillibridge and Prado(I’ve even heard Travis Jones thrown around), and none of them have proven to hit at the ML level. When one of those guys proves themselves with the bat, only then would it be prudent to consider trading Kelly.
By Matt B.
August 5, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
“And a lucky fan from Chamblee, GA gets a souvenir.”
I remember turning down the volume on the TV broadcast during playoff games to turn on 750 and listen to the guys call it.
Godspeed Skip and God Bless the Caray Family.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
doc infante has played at 2nd more than any other position in the majors, so if he is that good at third, i imagine he’ll be pretty slick at 2nd too. i like KJ, but he had better watch out.
as for francouer, unless he hits almost .300 with good power numbers for the rest of this season, i think he has to COMPETE for his job in spring training ‘09. if someone beats him out (example: b. jones) then jeff needs to play in AAA like everyone else. if he clearly isnt ready in spring training next year, and they waste a roster spot on him, i swear im gonna revolt or something.
something else to consider, doc. weve got infante and blanco both playing above expectations. could they be trade bait for duchscherer from the A’s or a power leftfielder? personally, i think we need to hang onto them both, but i think there are some teams that would be happy to have them. kelly could also be trade bait if we think infante would be better.
By Brian
August 5, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
My favorite Skip story happened not too long ago when Ernie Johnson Sr was filling in for one of the announcers (it may have been when Don Sutton was out for a while due to illness). Anyways the conversation went….
Ernie: Now days you get paid $75 per day on road trips for food?
Skip: Yep.
Ernie: (sarcasticly) Geeze, can you make it last?
Skip: Since I quit drinking, I can.
By nolie
August 5, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
I see that some Yankee scouts have been suspended pending investigation into the Dominican signings that Washington is already involved in. I wonder how many teams and scouts will eventually be implicated? Will the Braves end up there too?
NY TIMES Story
By DAP
August 5, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
run heap run Boston fans seem to think theyll be getting Gonzo away from us.
where do you see this? i agree with you. there is no way.
By nolie
August 5, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Why Jason Bay makes the Red Sox a better team by Alex Eisenberg, Hardball Times August 05, 2008
Let’s start with this:
HITTING WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION IS NOT A REPEATABLE SKILL.
In case you missed it, last Thursday Steve Phillips was challenged by Baseball Tonight host Steve Berthiaume when Berthiaume stated that the numbers of Jason Bay and Manny Ramirez were virtually the same. Phillips shot back, stating “Ramirez is hitting .316 with runners in scoring position while Bay is hitting just .216”. I believe Phillips threw in a “it’s not even close”.
Let me say it again: Hitting with runners in scoring position is not a repeatable skill. It’s a worthless stat to look at if you are evaluating a player’s worth going forward. Numerous studies have shown this to be the case. This isn’t to say that different players don’t have different emotions running through their mind in various situations, but it isn’t really detectable.
The implication made by Phillips was that Bay was not as good a hitter as Manny because he didn’t hit as well with runners in scoring position. This would also seem to imply that Bay historically has been a bad hitter with runners in scoring position. However, history proves this is not the case.
Jason Bay RISP (Actual OPS)
2004 - 1.079 OPS (.908) 2005 - 1.074 OPS (.961) 2006 - .838 OPS (.928) 2007 - .793 OPS (.745) 2008 - .651 OPS (.901)
Three-year split from 05 - 07: .883 OPS overall, .902 OPS w/ RISP
A player’s production with runners in scoring position is usually based on a player’s production overall. The better a player hits, the better they do with runners in scoring position. Bay’s 2008 season is simply an outlier and should not be used to predict his performance going forward.
Just to dig a little deeper, Bay has an OPS of 1.251 with runners on first. Does Phillips think Bay’s mind-set changes when that runner reaches second or third? Does Phillips think Bay suddenly cracks under the pressure when that runner gets into scoring position? It’s an extremely flawed argument to making the case Manny is better than Bay.
Compared to Manny, Bay stacks up quite well. I would still give Manny the overall edge as a hitter, but here’s how they compare (all numbers used are prior to the trade):
Batting Average - Advantage Manny (.299 vs. 282) OBP - Advantage Manny - (.398 vs. 375) ISO-P - Advantage Bay (.237 vs. 230) OPS - Advantage Manny (.926 vs. .894) BB% - Advantage Bay - 13.1 vs. 12.5 K% - Advantage Bay - 21.9 vs. 23.6 HR:FB% - Advantage Manny - 18 vs. 15.6
A couple notes:
The difference in OBP is mostly related to intentional walks and hit by pitches. Ramirez has a combined 16 compared to Bay’s four.
Bay has a career strikeout percentage of just over 26, so this year is sorta flukey in that regard.
In any case, it’s not difficult to see Manny probably still has an edge as a hitter, but it is close. Is it really hard to believe Jason Bay, a player still relatively in his prime is about as good as an aging and older Manny Ramirez?
Are Bay’s 2007 struggles behind him?
One concern a lot of people had about Bay was his struggles in 2007.
Bay experienced what was a mentally draining slump starting in June, 2007. The slump lasted through the final four months of the season as things simply snowballed on him and he lost much of his confidence as the year wore on. He didn’t see the ball well coming out of the pitcher’s hand and he didn’t feel confident hitting with two strikes, so he would start swinging earlier in the count instead of being patient and working the count, which is probably the best way to deal with a slump.
Before the season started, I wrote about Jason Bay’s struggles and looked for exactly what happened to him—what caused his downfall. Mechanically, he looked much different than in 2006. What I found was Bay’s timing was off.
In baseball, timing and efficiency are everything. This holds true for both pitching and hitting. If the timing of a player’s mechanics are just slightly off, the output of that player could still be dramatically affected.
The chain of events, from foot plant to the hip rotation to the bat’s first aggressive movement forwardthe actions that help a player produce a powerful swingweren’t being done efficiently. Compare the below clips from Bay in 2007 to Bay in 2008. Both pitches are thrown on the inside half of the plate at similar velocities. The 2007 fastball is hit over the wall near left center, while the homerun in 2008 is more straightaway center. See if you can detect the differences (Bay in 07 is on the left, while Bay in 08 is on the right):
imageimage
When Bay is going well, he plants his front foot aggressively enabling a forceful hip rotation. The hips and hands turn together, the front leg firms up and he uses it as a base in which to turn his hips on.
In these frame-by-frame looks, you can kinda see the points where a forceful action is exerted. In Bay’s case, these points are at foot plant and at the time his leg “firms up”. In the animations below, I mark the frame number in which the force is exerted. For the ‘08 clip, frame three is at foot plant and frame seven is when the leg firms up. For the ‘07 clip, frame five is when the leg firms up. Observe the animations for yourself and see if you can detect the times he applies force to his swing.
imageimage
A couple thoughts
Take note of the ripple in Bay’s pants and use that as an indicator of the force applied when his leg “firms up.”
What you’ll notice in 2007, there was never really a forceful exertion at foot plant. You see a forceful action at a later point, but the distance his bat travels after that force is applied is much less than the distance traveled when the first initial force is applied in 2008. The result is a loss of power.
A lot of people came to the conclusion that it must have been Bay’s knee, which he had surgery on in the offseason before 2007, that was the root cause in the changing of his mechanics. I think that probably had a good bit to do with it, as he admitted to playing in pain at certain points of last year.
However, I also think the changes made by Bay this year illustrate just how important time off and “mental healing” is for a player. Oftentimes, when a player is allowed to clear their head and get away from their struggles, they come back a completely different player. His mechanics were just one of the things that ended up getting completely out of whack.
It’s like in basketball if you’re in a shooting slump—I always found if I took two, three, four days off, I would come back rejuvenated and the slump would be gone.
Given the way Bay has bounced back this year, we can chalk up his 2007 season as a flukey-type season. His true ability is represented by what he put up from 2004 - 2006 as well as 2008.
Of course, hitting isn’t the only factor that needs to be considered when evaluating Bay and Manny:
Defense
Using Myron Logan’s defensive ratings spread sheet and the average being zero runs, Ramirez comes out at -14 runs while Bay is just barely below average (barely a fraction of a run) so far this year. Fenway Park undoubtedly hurts Ramirez’s rating but even factoring in the park effects, Ramirez is still one of the poorest defenders in baseball. Bay is a significant upgrade defensively.
In addition to defense, the following factors should be considered:
Bay is a better runner
Bay is under contract for next season at a very reasonable price
Bay will have a much more positive influence on Boston’s clubhouse than Manny. As Theo Epstein stated, “There was an environment that was not conducive to winning surrounding this club.”
So let’s not get too caught up in the pedigree of Manny. Yes, the Red Sox had to give up a couple of solid prospects and pay a lot of money to unload Manny, but in the end, the Red Sox did just fine in getting Bay—in fact, they may have gotten the better player.
By AAP
August 5, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Dave, Thanks for this blog about Skip and all the extra articles. If you get a chance to talk to Don Sutton, I’d love to hear that feedback - I thought they were fantastic together. P.S. Have you heard Shawn Mullins cover of Sunday Morning Coming Down? Excellent treatment.
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I know DAP I’m a bad fan I guess but I love everything else, just don’t like the chopping arms.
By AAP
August 5, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Dave, Thanks for this blog about Skip and all the extra articles. If you get a chance to talk to Don Sutton, I’d love to hear that feedback - I thought they were fantastic together. P.S. Have you heard Shawn Mullins cover of Sunday Morning Coming Down? Excellent treatment.
By Stuart
August 5, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
DOB,Great job on the blog, denizens, great posts.
The loss of Skip hurts. The braves when I was a 6th grader in outskirts of Selma, AL. I had to listen to the braves on radio since the cable did not come out to my house. I remember staying up and listening to games on an old sony radio.
My favorite Skip memory was going to Valdosta with Dad to move my Grandma out of her house to an assisted living apartment. On the ride down, Dad and I were depressed, we loved Mimi, and hated she had to move, but we laughed so hard because Skip was just going of on Shea Stadium. Once I visited Shea years later, everything he said proved to be true.
I was too young to get all of the jokes at the time, but he was so funny and everyone always looked like they had a lot of fun. The tributes last night proved that suspesion right.
It hurts even more because even though I have never met anyone of the braves or their broadcasters in person, I have spent over half my 29 years listening or watching every game, they are a big part of my (our) life(s). I don’t remember life without the braves or Skip or Pete and Joe for that matter.
Are any of those tributes from the TV broadcast going to be available to watch again?
Skip, you will be missed. Thanks again DOB for a great article and to denizens for doing what yall do best.
By AAP
August 5, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Dave, I have seen several references to Skip’s calling out a lucky fan from “insert small town in the Southeast” just caught a foul ball, but I haven’t seen anyone mention that Skip picked that up from and to honor Ernie Harwell the long-time Tigers broadcaster.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
floridabrave what about infante? you like him enough to trade kelly?
By AAP
August 5, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Dave, I have seen several references to Skip’s calling out a lucky fan from “insert small town in the Southeast” just caught a foul ball, but I haven’t seen anyone mention that Skip picked that up from and to honor Ernie Harwell the long-time Tigers broadcaster.
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
DAP I read it on some website during all the trade speculation the other day, boston fans seem to dominate those sites…I guess because they know their team will spend any amount of money to get the players they want. Just internet fodder, nothing more.
By Lew
August 5, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I hadn’t thought about this until this morning when I was going through some old VHS tapes in preparation for culling the herd and converting to DVD where possible.
The weekend that Joe Simpson’s daughter graduated College, Ernie Johnson Sr. sat in for Joe. I always like Ole Uncle Ernie, who’s play by play was as comfortable as wearing a favorite pair of slippers. This was when the Braves were doing the AOL question between later innings of the game. With Ernie there (who lives in Vermont), they wanted someone from his neck of the woods to submit the day’s question.
I don’t know why I KNEW my question would be selected (maybe it was the heading “From Randolph, Vermont that got their attention), but I had a tape in the VCR ready to roll. My question WAS selected and Skip read it for Ernie to answer. I still have that tape. Wow!!
By McFann
August 5, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Run, Heap, Run!—
What?! You don’t like the Chop?! This hurtsI mean, this really hurts.
Just kidding. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. (Doesn’t make you a bad fan.) I love itWe Chop at home on the couch, we Chop in the car(I’ll admit, one reason I love it so much is because other fans of teams like the Mets and Fillies seem so jealous that they don’t have anything like it! Arizona has a rattlebabies!)
How about the foam Tomahawks? What’s you opinion on those?
I’ll keep an eye out for your sign on Tuesday!
By MT braves fan
August 5, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
I started watching braves games when the big satellites came out when I was a kid. Watching or listening to nearly all of the braves games for 25 years and hearing Pete, Skip and Ernie in the earlier days makes them seem part of the family. Now it seems we have lost a part of ours. The most humorous part of listening to Skip was when he talked about his wilder days on the road. Like when he would wake up and the TV was all fuzz, he was still in his clothes and had a wad of money on top of his nightstand. Great article Dave and all of the guys did a great job on the TV and radio telecasts last night also. I’ll miss not hearing “And theres a drive”, “There’s a chopper to Chipper”, probably the most “So long everybody”. So long Skip and God bless.
By skip
August 5, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Wow I just had to say when I signed up to be able to post here last month I picked a screen name for my own reasons, never dreaming this name was associated with an icon of Braves broadcasting. I really had never heard of him before, but everything I’ve read and heard in the last couple of days makes me wish I would have known about Skip Carey alot sooner. I imagine this is how Sox fans would feel is something were to happen to Remy. My condolences, Braves fans.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Several have asked about Don Sutton. He was one of first guys I thought to call, but he’s changed both his cell and home numbers. Just talked to him last time Nats were in town, but didn’t think to ask him if his cell had changed. We’ll get it today from someone, though.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 5, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Florida Brave,
Not discounting KJ’s offensive potential. BTW, I think 15-20 HR is more likely than 20+, but that’s nothing to sneeze at.
It’s just that the Braves’ OF production is atrocious. (Blanco is a fine leadoff hitter, mind you, but the other spots just aren’t getting the job done.) Infante is not the answer, either. Again, not enough extra-base power on a team that lacks it.
There’s a non-trivial chance the entire OF will hit fewer home runs this year than Frenchy did in a presumably “down” 2007.
I would rather have KJ in the lineup than Lillibridge or Prado IF they’re also getting 20+ HR from LF and RF. If not, and KJ’s a trading piece who can land that power bat, the Braves should seriously consider it.
By Lew
August 5, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Now that there are empty seats in Atlanta, maybe they can put the Teepee back up. It always worked in the past.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
run heap run i wont say you are a bad fan for not liking the chop. just an odd one. (mcfann i do the chop at home, to)
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
DAP, I’d definitely take Kelly Johnson over Orlando Hudson.
Everyone talks bad about Johnson’s defense and his errors. But Hudson actually has only two fewer errors in one more total chance. And Hudson has only one more total chance in about 30 more innings. In other words, Hudson is not really all that different from Johnson defensively.
I still don’t think Kelly Johnson’s defense is as bad as a lot of us think. No way is he a great secondbaseman. He probably can’t be described as a good secondbaseman. But if he’s one of the top four or five offensive secondbasemen, like we would reasonably expect soon, he’s just fine there.
Now, if he hits like he’s hitting this season for the first three months of next season, maybe they should think about a replacement or a platoon option or something. But right now I see no reason to expect he’ll be moved or shipped out (unless of course the Braves get a great offer for him).
Doc Holliday, I think the only reason to compare Francoeur and Johnson is that they are both under-performing expectations. Aside from that, I think they are completely different. I agree that Johnson has a brighter upside. Johnson has always been disciplined with decent power. Francoeur has never been a patient hitter.
I think they definitely stick with Johnson for at least another four or five months. I think they also have to stick with Francoeur for a while, too. He has all the tools to be an adequate major leaguer, and he never really had tools that would lead us to believe he would be the superstar that many expected him to be. I think if we were being realistic, we’d realize Francoeur was never a superstar so he really doesn’t have as far as we may have thought to get to what he’s realistically capable of.
By Doc Holliday
August 5, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Its gonna be interesting Lew: As I said last weeks. There is 1 too many guys in the IF. KJ, Yunel, Prado, Infante, Lilly. Gotay doesnt counts.
You could have a very solid IF in many different ways (Im talking middle, as the corners are untouchables) and get your power OF..
Infante and KJ with Prado and Lilly as backups————Yunel traded.
Yunel and Infante with Prado and Lilly as backups———KJ traded.
Yunel and KJ with Prado and Lilly as backups———-Infante traded.
If Infante is moved to LF you cant trade KJ nor Yunel, nor Prado, that would mean a week bench middle IF.
I would put Infante in 2B and KJ in LF and trade JF. Prado and Lilly as backup in the IF. Infante could play 1B they need to give Kotchman a few days………maybe he has not done that, but his D is so impressive, it would not surprise me.
One more thing……..they other day I hear Smoltz on TV and he said he was considering returning in 2009 as a starters……..I sure hope he was joking, that is to much workload for him. He could give us a close and soriano, Ohman and gonzo as setup men for the 7th and 8th. Then we get moylan midseason. If anybody can think of a bullpen tougher than that, please take a step forward.
Can you picture that? Acosta, Bennett, Boyer and stockman or carlyle as the weak guys? each with more major league experience?
This makes me believe, we are going to send some relievers in some trades……….thats is way to nasty.
SMOLTZ, MOYLAN, GONZO, OHMAN, SORIANO.
BENNETT, BOYER, ACOSTA.
I-N-S-A-N-E.
Anybody knows if Smoltz will be ready for spring training? He sounded as if he could pitch even more than one year……..He doesnt sound exhausted or anything like that………
By JSG
August 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Does Ernie Johnson, Sr. still live in the Atlanta area, or now in Vermont?
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
The last thing he said to me was, ‘Give your girls a hug. See you next time you are in.’ Those were the last words [he said to me],” Sutton sadly recalled.
By Drummerdad
August 5, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
N8, I remember that game in ‘83. That was wild.
As for the “Nature Boy’s” best man, could it have been Black Jack Mulligan, Johnny Weaver or Mr. Wrestling II?
By Lew
August 5, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Doc-This might come as a surprise to you (hell, maybe a total shock, actually), but I would not complain if Francoeur was traded to the Royals as part of a package for Grienke.
I still believe wholeheartedly that Frenchy is NOT a hopeless case, but with the loss of Hudson for most (if not all) of next season, where we once needed a mid rotation guy, it has now become a necessity to get And Ace now, in addition. Hate to see Jeff leave, but Grienke would be a prize, indeed, and Dayton Moore might just bite if the correct package is offered.
By fred
August 5, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Is there some reason Infante cannot play RF?
Yea…Bobby’s illegitimate son plays there.
By Couch Tater
August 5, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
DOB Nice story w/your byline on the Chicago Tribune site.Might want to tell your folks.
By Lew
August 5, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Doc-I almost forgot, but re-reading your post jogged my memory (now if I could get the rest of me jogging, right?). On Sunday’s Sportsouth broadcast, they did an impromptu interview with Smoltzie in the dugout. He stated emphatically that the Braves could NOT depend on either he or Glavine to be able to go next season-didn’t know if they would even be pitching next year and wouldn’t know until the Spring. Said it would not surprise him if they went for someone on the Free Agent market. He was in favor of this approach.
By Lew
August 5, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
JSG-He resides in Vermont and always has when not working, from what I know. I think he’s in Brattleboro (maybe Bennigton-I get mixed up with those B cities south of us).
By McFann
August 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
DAP—
Great going! Don’t Stop the Chop!
By MDPitts
August 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
A lotta room in right-center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets. The 2-1. Swung, line drive left field! One run is in! Here comes Bream! Here’s the throw to the plate! He is…safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!…Braves win! They may have to hospitalize Sid Bream; he’s down at the bottom of a huge pile at the plate. They help him to his feet. Frank Cabrera got the game winner! The Atlanta Braves are National League champions again! This crowd is going berserk, listen!
Audio: “Braves win! Braves win! … Braves win”
By redstategal
August 5, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
AAP, thank you for the mention of the great Ernie Harwell and Skip’s witty little tribute to him. As a Michigander transplanted a long time ago to the South,I have to say that Ernie’s still No. 1 but Skip was a beloved No. 2 — a different type of announcer, sharper around the edges but still a companionable, comforting voice of the Braves. Ironically, I’d just been thinking Sunday that not hearing Skip on TV was one more indignity of this miserable season … then came the sad news that he was gone.
By redstategal
August 5, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
AAP, thank you for the mention of the great Ernie Harwell and Skip’s witty little tribute to him. As a Michigander transplanted a long time ago to the South,I have to say that Ernie’s still No. 1 but Skip was a beloved No. 2 — a different type of announcer, sharper around the edges but still a companionable, comforting voice of the Braves. Ironically, I’d just been thinking Sunday that not hearing Skip on TV was one more indignity of this miserable season … then came the sad news that he was gone.
By ccrider
August 5, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
To: Steph, Thanks for the comment. I think there is a legion of Braves fans that had a similar shared experience that night. It’s truly a memory that will stick with us until we join Skip.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Those who asked about Sutton’s reaction to Skip’s death, I found this in a story by mlb.com’s Jim Molony:
“Skip was one of my tutors and mentors,” Sutton said. “I went from being a ballplayer to a broadcaster. I don’t think it could’ve been any better to have landed with Ernie Johnson Sr., Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren. Each of them taught me something. Skip helped developed the foundation for what I am as a broadcaster. He was a great friend.
“My family went through some trying times with my daughter’s premature birth and my cancer. There wouldn’t be a day that went by where he wouldn’t say, ‘You don’t have to come up and drive. I’ll come get you. Stay at our house. At least come out and eat. We have an apartment over the garage. You and Mary don’t have to be driving back and forth.’ We were 30 miles apart.
“He could be a curmudgeon on the air and he could be a pain in the butt, but he was the generous, lovable uncle that you never wanted to see leave. He was generous, moreso than anybody will ever know.”
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
McFann
Oh you have no idea how many foam tomahawks we’ve collected over the years. It’s the first souvenir everyone in my family got. My son was born in September 1991 and during the play offs and subsequent world series that year my husband worked 2nd shift and I was home with my newborn son and my then 2 year old daughter watching the braves every night and waiting for my husband to get home from work. I can’t remember now if I did this during the NCLS or the world series but my infant son’s bedroom windows faced the parking lot of the apartment complex we lived in at the time and I was so fired up after one paticular game I taped those foam tomahawks all over his bedroom window so my husband could see it when he drove up. In those days they couldn’t listen to the radio at work and only Al Gore had the internet so he would race home every night to find out who won. That night when he pulled up and saw those little foam tomahawks all over the window he knew they won before he even got out of the car. We still have all those foamies, by the way. We just don’t chop with them but oh we did back in the day.
By TURTSNAP
August 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, in all the tributes and memories portrayed on the radio and on TV, I haven’t seen anything (that I can recall) from Ernie. How is Ernie doing? I know he was very close to Skip and Pete as well.
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
We still have all those foamies, by the way. We just dont chop with them but oh we did back in the day Run Heap Run
By ccrider
August 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
To: DAP, Bravesfanintherockies and Shaun; I know we thought Kelly Johnson was going to be the long term answer at 2nd base, but you all need to think back to the successsful run of the Braves in the 91 to 2005 years. The Braves were built on pitching and defense. We need to return to that formula. A great example came 2 saturdays ago when the Yankees and Red Sox faced off with their aces Joba and Beckett on the mound. Two of the best offenses in baseball were shut down. The final 1-0 says in all. The Braves need to replace Kelly, Blanco and leftfield(WHOEVER). Blanco is OK fielding, but doesn’t have the arm for center. Kelly’s offense is not good enough to make up for his errors, lack of clutch hitting and the lack of confidence the pitchers have in him. Check out the reactions of the pitcher and the other Braves when Kelly buthcers another DP or easy grounder. We won’t even talk about how rare it is he makes a great play. I would personally prefer Lillibridge at SS and Escobar at 2nd. I think from what i’ve seen that Lillibridge has better range, as strong of an arm and is much smoother at routine plays. I also think offensively he will eventually hit .270 with 10-15 HR’s and steal 20 to 30 bases(If Bobby will let him run). The up the middle defense along with the acqusition of a big bat in left(??), a No.1 starter(Halliday?) another good starter(Garland),a few more bullpen additions, a better defensive CF and the Braves wil be back in the hunt.
By Blazerpunter
August 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Mike Gonzalez Article
Here is a great article about our closer and what he went through during the 12 or 13 months he wasn’t competing on the field. Shows a lot of maturity and growth and gives me hope that he will be just as good, if not better than he was before the injury. This article also shows how valuable our veterans are on this team. I don’t think anyone can ever put a concrete number on wins, losses, RBI’s or games saved that have come from the knowledge and experience these hall of famers (Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, Cox) have passed on to the next generation of braves. I think these vets have earned the right to hang around this clubhouse and this team as long as they want to. They have given us many great years and are passing on lessons to the others. I think they will all know when to hang the spikes up, but until that time I think we should keep them around for the good of the team both on the field and in the dugout and clubhouse.
Go Braves………… RIP Skip Carey………
By OrlandoFan
August 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Great comments about Skip. I already missed him (in his diminished role), and this will be awful. He was a rare talent who could handle any situation in the game. Outside the Ol’ Diz, Skip was my favorite baseball announcer: “It’s Ladies Day at the ballpark tomorrow. So come on out and bring your wife or your girlfriend. But don’t bring both.”
By j-school dropout
August 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
CCrider:
It’s important to remember that KJ is an outfielder by trade. Moving him back into left next season would be a good idea. Also, Blanco is really a left fielder not a center fielder. These guys are playing out of position in order to save the team money. Do they screw up some routine plays, absolutely? But many of them are doing the best they can playing way outside of their comfort zones. Consider that before you criticize them too harshly.
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Lew, I don’t think there is any way the Royals will part with Grienke without getting a starter with at least his potential and at least as young as he is. Or a starter with close to that potential and that age plus another good young player or two.
Going to be tough to pry Grienke away for at least another three years (that is, if the Royals are smart).
By Gary
August 5, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
TURTSNAP…..The guys over at 790thezone interviewed Ernie yesterday morning and he pretty much said the same things about Skip that we have heard since late Sunday, about how he was honest, witty, a good friend, etc…..Great interview and you could tell Ernie was down about the whole situation. Check out the website for the radio station as I am sure they have the interview up. Pretty good stuff, especially about how Ernie Jr was reluctant to get into broadcasting until Skip told Sr. that Jr has a better voice than either of them and would do great. Ernie Jr said that meant alot coming from Skip and so he pursued the career he has now.
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
ccrider, the Braves have been in the top five in fewest runs allowed pretty much all season, and that’s with Kelly Johnson getting most of the playing time at second and Blanco getting a lot of playing time. So they’ve been pretty good at run prevention with those guys.
By Kentavo
August 5, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Denizens, I meant to post this last night, but…
I went to Glavine’s rehab game in M.B.
It was a weird scene.
One of the largest crowds ever at BB&T Coastal Field, but when Glavine was on the mound, you could hear a pin drop. It’s like people came to watch a museum exhibit. At one point, I let out a woo'' and yelledstrike him out 4-7!” which you could hear echo across the park.
But, all said and done, it was vintage Glavine. He looked sharp except for the 2nd inning when he walked a run in. He bounced back the next inning.
His delivery was as smooth as ever.
By TURTSNAP
August 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
OrlandoFan, just your comment about Ladies Night brings back another favorite comment of Skips, whenever the Braves would have a “Business Mans Special” game, he would usually say something to this effect “We’ll have a lot of business men out here with their younger daughters”…..
God I miss Skip…. something fierce!!
By DirtyDawg
August 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for the words from Don Sutton. It’s good to know that they got along as well as they did, I had always heard that they didn’t exactly ‘gee-haw’…even though it was never obvious during the limited times they were teamed together. Professionals and friends. That makes me feel better.
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
j-school drop out: Its important to remember that KJ is an outfielder by trade.
It’s really, really important to remember that KJ was drafted in the first round as a Short Stop and has started in the infield, prior to this season, in 610 career professional games as opposed to the outfield in 363 games. Additionally KJ, a drafted short stop, has accumulated 2,139.1 innings prior to 2008 in the infield over his professional career as opposed to only 665.1 innings in the outfield.
By trade KJ is an infielder, an up the middle infielder, with more innings at 2B (1,153.1) than any other position and more innings at SS (965) than in the outfield.
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
j-school dropout, Kelly Johnson actually played most of his minor league games at short.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
j-school dropout Its important to remember that KJ is an outfielder by trade.
i would disagree with that statement even if kelly hadnt been drafted as a short stop. he is a major league second baseman, thus, he is a second baseman by trade. but he came up as a middle infielder.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 5, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
ccrider,
I’m not going to get deep into the argument of the relative value of defense vs. offense only to say that over his career, Kelly has more plate appearances than defensive chances. That’s not unusual for a middle infielder.
And even if he were the worst 2B in the majors — and he’s not — the runs he produces would more than make up for any runs he surrendered.
Basic stat — in his two seasons at 2B, he’s made 25 errors and hit 25 HR. (That’s not counting singles, doubles, runs scored, RBI, etc.)
He’s an average or slightly below average defender and an above average hitter. He’s much more valuable on the field than on the bench.
A lot of people seem to think that a slick glove man who can’t hit much is more valuable than a poor fielder with a big stick. I disagree.
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Payne: But if hes one of the top four or five offensive secondbasemen, like we would reasonably expect soon, hes just fine there.
Second base has traditionally been a weak offensive position. So keeping that in mind, this statement seems to imply that as long as the player is in the top 15% (4 or 5 out of 30) or so of offensive production at that traditionally weak position it doesn’t matter if he is the bottom rung of defense. Is that what you are saying?
It’s been an interesting question, how much offense off sets terrible defense? A LF I could see taking the bottom of the barrel in defense for top notch offensive production, but a 2B is pretty critical to a large portion of plays on the field. Especially for a team (which is pretty much every team) that desires to have ground ball pitchers.
Secondly Payne, you site the defensive stats as a comparison to other more well regarded defensive players. Yet I’ve seen you at other times dismiss these stats as unreliable. Could it be that the statistical “evidence” of KJ’s performance is not quite as accurate as one would like and therefore the possibility is real that KJ does indeed hurt the team more with his defense than his offense helps?
By Doc Holliday
August 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Read your posts Lew.
Thanks for your reply.
I think moving JF could be a good move……..maybe he becomes another Joey Devine, but,…………we need pitching and he is not producing………plus we have some young guys to cover RF. and our team is not full of rookies anymore.
KJ, Mc and Kotchman are not kids anymore.
Blanco and yunel will only get better…………
Infante is entering his prime.
We could insert a power bat in RF to replace jeff, play infante in lf and add an ace……….
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Boy, plenty of KJ trade talks today. ok, he had a bad game..but he has value. I remember Frank Wren said during or just before spring training how there was more inquiries about Kelly Johnson compared to others. kelly’s numbers are expected to get better (we think at least). Frenchy on the other hand its a toss up. His past and age gives him a chance to rebound.(we hope)
By Moby Grape
August 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Its important to remember that KJ is an outfielder by trade.JSchool
No, it’s more important to remember that Kelly Johnson was a shortstop as a young player not an outfielder.. He started playing the outfield in 04 but played more SS in the minors than anything else.
By JOE
August 5, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, we were forced to live in Baton Rouge,La with 12 members of my wife’s family including the in-laws. The only thing that kept me sane was going outside at night on the porch and listening to the Braves Games on Satellite Radio.Skip, Ernie, Pete and Don kept me upbeat every night in the most down time of my life..I will miss Skip..
By McFann
August 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Run, Heap, Run—
That’s great! I wish I still had my first Foamy—the one I got when my Dad took me to my first game. But I do have three, and they’re arranged on my headboard on my bed. I don’t use them to chop, either, but the next time they go to the play-offs
But that’s a great story about putting the Tomahawks in your son’s window! I would love to see the city of Atlanta go crazy over this team again like they did in those days!
By TNJeff
August 5, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Would have loved to ask him to explain the In-Field Fly rule and await the abuse!
That always brought me a chuckle when some unsuspecting fan would ask. I also echoed his utter disdain for the wave in the ballparks.
My kids have grown up outside of Georgia but they now echo me often as we proclaim Braves win, Braves win, Braves win, Braves win Braves win
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
We could insert a power bat in RF to replace jeff, play infante in lf and add an ace DOC
Fuego infante really hasnt proved he can handle a full schedule. Hes been to DL twice and really can’t be counted on for power. With that aside, yes..he is an asset and should be big part of 09 season. Hes super versatile and should back up entire team. we know people do get hurt. The key is how are we getting an ace and what do we have to give up in return.
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, like someone pointed out earlier, Johnson has 34 career homers versus 25 career errors. He has 1367 plate appearances versus 1266 total chances in the field.
He has 513 career total bases and 161 career walks. He has 12 career SB minus CS. That 686 bases that he’s accrued on offense (give or take a few because of possibly good or bad baserunning).
I seriously doubt he’s botched enough plays on defense for the other team to gain anywhere close to 686 bases (give or take a few).
By Carroll Rogers
August 5, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Hey…Kudos to DOB for such a heart-felt and passionate blog, a fitting tribute. I’ve enjoyed reading all your posts and sending lots of your funny Skip stories to my boyfriend, who only became a Braves fan in the last few years. He instantly loved Skip, of course. I’m just sorry he won’t get to hear more. For him, and for all of us.
I also thought I’d include a bit from a story I did off the pre-game shows last night that included what Don Sutton had to say in a radio interview:
Former Braves broadcast partner Don Sutton, now with the Washington Nationals, was interviewed on the radio show. And he couldn’t help but use the present tense with Skip.
“He has a style of his own,” Sutton said. “He’s a man of his own.”
When trying to put his relationship with Caray into words, he described the night in 1993 when during a game he found out that friend and former Dodger teammate Don Drysdale had died.
“Somebody slipped him the note in an inning I was doing that Don Drysdale had died,” Sutton said. “At the end of the inning, he put his arm around me and said, ‘I’ve got bad news. Your friend Don Drysdale has died.’ He said, ‘Why don’t you take the rest of the night off, and let me handle this and call me and let me know you made it home OK.’”
The tears were welling by then.
“Did we have great times together?” Sutton went on. “Yes. Was he a curmudgeon? Yes. Could he be a pain in the butt? Yes. But did you love him at the end of the day? Yes. And are we going to miss him? You’re darn right we are.”
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Now having written all that I’ve gone back to CCRiders’ post…
The up the middle defense along with the acqusition of a big bat in left(??), a No.1 starter(Halliday?) another good starter(Garland),a few more bullpen additions, a better defensive CF and the Braves wil be back in the hunt.
That’s a crap load of “holes” to address.
I think improved defense at 2B wouldn’t hurt. If KJ’s offense is strong enough to offset weak defense, than it would stand to reason that a player with slightly less offense but more defense could replace KJ as a wash right? For some reason this idea seems to be shunned. Is there absolutely no trade off in that direction?
I’m not all about trading KJ because I don’t like him, or think he sucks, or hate his defense above all else. I like the guy. Love his offense. But I do see him as a potentially big “chip” that might assist with improving some of the more important and glaring holes this team has. So I’m not opposed to the idea of trading him. Moving him around the field doesn’t make sense, but trading him I wouldn’t rule out.
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Payne: like someone pointed out earlier, Johnson has 34 career homers versus 25 career errors. He has 1367 plate appearances versus 1266 total chances in the field.
Like I stated earlier, in that post, you have said yourself that defensive stats are unreliable. Isn’t it a distinct possibility that KJ has erred more than is recorded in his defensive stats? That he has in fact had more “chances” than recorded in the stats? That he should have more chances than are listed if he were a more proficient defender? Isn’t it possible that his lack of defensive consistency effects the team in other ways that are not directly recorded in the defensive stats?
I’m not saying he is the soul reason this team has tanked. Nor am I saying he is responsible for a large portion of losses. Merely asking if it is a possibility that his defensive stats don’t fully and accurately reflect his actual impact with the glove.
By flange1
August 5, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Afternoon All,
I don’t know about everyone else, but the furthest thing on my mind yesterday was the Braves game.
I watched for the tributes to Skip, probably the first time in 10 years that I wasn’t really interested in the game or it’s outcome.
I find it hard to put into words, but for some reason Skip’s passing has affected me more than any thing I can remember other than my parents deaths.
It will be hard to listen to Braves games on the radio without Skip, so I will try to do that tonight to help me get through it.
Maybe we can start talking baseball some today.
DOB, any chance of a new blog so that we don’t soil this one with our minor trivialities?
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, all I’m saying is that if Kelly Johnson does what we would reasonably expect him to do at the plate next season, the Braves shouldn’t worry about putting him at secondbase or trading him (unless they get a great offer).
I seriously doubt it’s possible for any decent major league hitter to hurt his team more on defense than he does help on offense. He would have to botch a ton of plays and give the other team a ton of bases for it to equal out.
Michael Bourn is probably the worst offensive player with enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title. He has 133 total bases plus walks (that’s not including steals or anything). I seriously doubt any major league player has botched enough plays this season to give the opposing team close to 133 bases.
I guess a good way to look at it is would the net bases Kelly Johnson is worth be less than another decent and realistic option for the Braves at secondbase next season?
By DAP
August 5, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
N Nine Fuego infante really hasnt proved he can handle a full schedule. Hes been to DL twice and really cant be counted on for power.
in 2004 he was 22, and had just over 500 ABs. he hit 16 homers and 55 RBIs, while he batted .264.
i dont think he is the same hitter he was at 22, but i expect he has gotten better, not worse. so, if he got 500 ABs this year, or next year, i think it would be reasonable to assume he would hit 15HR, 75RBIs, with about a .285 average.
his DL time this year has been from getting hit in the hand with a pitch, which is a freak accident, and a hammy strain, which was his first ever.
so you might be right that he hasnt proved he can hadle a full schedule, but the only time he was given a chance, 4 years ago, he produced fairly well for a 22 year old. he cant prove he can do it, until someone gives him a shot.
By Murphy
August 5, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Is there some reason Infante cannot play RF?
By BravesFanInRockies
August 5, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
TennPaul (2:39),
We pretty much agree about the potential gain the Braves could get from trading KJ. Earlier this year I thought it might be an OK idea to move him back to LF. Now while he would be an offensive upgrade over today’s internal options, it would be even better to use him to find a genuine power producer in LF. Especially because Prado or Lillibridge should be a reasonable enough offensive replacement, and probably a much better defender.
In other words, moving KJ to left and playing Prado at second would improve the offense. Trading KJ to a club that needs a 2B for a power hitting LF who would produce more than KJ and playing Prado at 2B would be even better.
BTW, I’m assuming that Blanco will be the everyday CF next season and that Kotsay won’t be with the team.
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, I guess the big “if” is Kelly Johnson’s offense. If he hits like he’s capable of, I doubt the Braves will find a secondbaseman who can offset his net production on offense and defense (at least not unless someone like Chase Utley or Ian Kinsler becomes available).
You bring up a great point: It’s not about whether his defense offsets his offense (that’s pretty much impossible for any major league regular). It’s about whether his net contributions (offense, defense, baserunning, etc.) are likely to be better than someone else’s net contributions. And, again, I don’t think so unless one of the upper-echelon secondbasemen suddenly become available for some reason.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
but i also must say, a guy that can play every position but catcher and first pretty well is very valuable as a super utility guy. the braves best use for omar might be how they are using him now. he isnt chipper, but he is a good enough hitter that we dont have a black hole when our best hitter is out. thats valuable.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By re-enrolling in j-school
August 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Okay, I get it! Kelly was, is, will always be an infielder!
By Murphy
August 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Is there some reason Infante cannot play RF?
By brent a.
August 5, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
It’s hard to know how many bases a player allows/ or gives away.
We recognize that even without committing an error, a defensive player can fail to make a play, which allows another team to accumulate “extra” bases.
Additionally, similar to the concept of an unearned run, if a player fails to make a defensive play (with or without being “awarded” an error) the “extra” bases accumulated by the team after that play was not made, can be (whether directly or indirectly) attributed back to that player, due to his inability to make an earlier play.
Then, of course, there is the cumulative in game and season-long effect of a player not making plays defensively, which leads to the pitcher having to throw more pithces, more innings from the bullpen, etc., which leads to fatigue, injuries, etc.
Who would be interested in actually taking the time in trying to quantify how a single defensive player contributes to all of this?
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, I’m certain that defensive statistics (at least the most basic ones) don’t accurately reflect a player’s impact with the glove. I’ll agree with you there.
But again, I do not think it’s likely at all that a major league regular could cost is team defensively anywhere near the bases even the worst regular contributes with the bat. I don’t think you really need precise defensive stats to see that.
I suppose anything is possible (for example, you put Frank Thomas in center and he also has a bad season with the bat). But it seems to me to be only possible in theory.
Look at just Kelly Johnson’s total bases this season. I seriously doubt he’s had enough errors or botched plays or lack of range to give the other team 160 bases (that doesn’t include his walks nor his baserunning).
By DAP
August 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
shaun i dont really think johnson’s defensive miscues outweigh his offense, but i dont think your measure is the the best. a defender should not have to give up more bases to the other team than he himself gains before he is considered a bad defender, or before it can be said he is hurting his team.
other than guys who played for a short period of time, id bet that no player in history of baseball has given up more bases due to errors than they collected for themselves on offense.
By FloridaBrave
August 5, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
DAP,
Infante’s had a fine year but he’d be exposed as an everyday player. He has good value to this club as a super utility player but a quick glance at his career numbers shows that he would not be able to handle a starting role.
BravesFanInRockies,
He’s a 15-20 HR hitter now. He’s only going to get better.
And why do we necessarily have to trade Johnson? We have zillions of other pieces to trade in our farm system than our starting 2B- our young, controllable, cheap, above-average 2B.
Sure you fill a need by getting the power bat in LF but you open up a hole at 2B for a bunch of unproven players who have yet to hit at the ML level.
You deal from positions of strength. 2B is not a position of strength yet. If Lillibridge and Prado destroy the ball in their utility roles/AAA and Hicks and/or do the same in Mississippi, then it’s an option.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Murphy,
This year, Infante is a better offensive player than Francouer. That doesn’t mean his offense is good enough that a team would consider making him their everyday right fielder.
Even if he was a better hitter I’m not at all sure he can throw well enough to put him there every day.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
August 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
My Skip memory is from spring training 1992, the year after the Miracle Season. Him and Pete were doing a radio broadcast of a Braves/Astros game at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. The Braves were in a spring-long hitting slump. I go up to the press box and in between innings, I’m talking to Skip and ask him, “So when are we going to start hitting?” Typical Skip response to me, “June.”. He always took time to talk to fans during spring games, signing autographs, making them feel important. So many of my happiest sport memories involves Skip, Pete, TBS and the Braves. Simply can’t grasp the fact that Skip is no longer with us. A really sad couple of days, just adding to the absolutely lousy season it has been.
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Payne: I seriously doubt its possible for any decent major league hitter to hurt his team more on defense than he does help on offense. He would have to botch a ton of plays and give the other team a ton of bases for it to equal out.
Not necessarily. An extremely weak defender could eventually lead the team to re-aligning its defense in an attempt to cover more areas. A weak defender leaves a bigger hole in the defense. More hits could get through because of this. The defenders stats wouldn’t reflect any of that. A weak defender could lead a pitcher to attempt to pitch to the left side of the defense which in turn could lead to more missed spots and subsequently more hits or walk or whatever, without any of it showing up as an error for the defender or even a “total chance” on his part.
So there you go Payne. Now, to prove this is not the case, pull up the last few years of stats for each game. Compare them with KJ and without KJ. Figure out Hits, OBP, AVG, SLG, BB, IBB, Pitching stats and so forth see if there is a difference.
Secondly, you seriously doubt it because I don’t think any team has ever pulled up the absolute lowest level of defense possible. I’m fairly certain we could put in an extremely bad defender at short that hits .250/.333/.400 and see him have an absolutely atrocious affect on the game.
By ccrider
August 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Shaun, Bravesfanintherockies and others: I made the statement reguarding Kelly because, yes he did start out as a shortstop but was moved to leftfield because his defense was terrible in the minors. He was a bad leftfielder, who didn’t hit near enough for a corner outfielder. He was tried at second as a last resort. Offensively, Kelly is in the middle of the pack, not up with Utley, Uggla, Kinsler, B. Phillips, Cano, Pedroia and not down with the offensively challenged. Defensively, he is not Uggla, but he is closer to him than to the top 2nd basemen. Age wise he is probably the hitter he is going to be and not much more. Did you see last nights game? Jair Jurrjens looked at Escobar and Kelly after the errors, as if to say, “I made the pitches, What else do I have to do: field the grounders TOO! The pitchers have to have confidence in their fielders to make the plays behind him or if they don’t have that confidence, they press and try to strike batters, which often leads to pitching mistakes. I guarantee you the pitchers do not have that confidence in Kelly and if Escobar doesn’t tighten up his soon they may start looking askance at him as well. I don’t dislike Kelly, I just don’t think he is a major league starting 2nd basemen and as I said the Braves need to get back to what made them special, Pitching and Defense!
By brent a.
August 5, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
By the way, was anyone watching the other night (Thursday or Friday), when they put Skip on camera for a brief moment, after snagging some food that the caterer had just brought into the booth?
It was a funny scene, with Chip and Joe calling the game on TV and Skip, stealing away after grabbing a mouthful of food.
Hard to believe that that was Skips last moment on television, as incidental as it was, it was still nonetheless, Skip Caray, being himself, with his son in the shot to boot.
My favorite Skip call was the David Justice homer off of Rob Dibble in October 1991, which put the Braves in the lead, completing a comeback from down 6-0, and sprung the Braves to the NL West title that week-end.
Coincidentally, my father was at that game in Cincy, and was actually in the shot of the ball clearing the fence.
They replayed it last year during the top 10 moments of the Braves on TBS, so thankfully, I was able to get it recorded, so I can watch it regularly.
My father is now long gone, and now, so is Skip. But thankfully, I have that video of that one moment, where two of my favorite people, and two of the most influential figures of my childhood, were brought together in one moment, and one of the biggest moments in Atlanta Braves history at that.
By Randy
August 5, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Random Thanks for the info. So glad to know we sent him out a winner!
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Below is a brief look at the initial pitching results when KJ is at 2B. It’s crude. I didn’t take into account partial games played. I haven’t compared it to individual pitching results per pitcher. But these are the averages. TR = Total base runners. TB = Total Bases. Eff = Effective Result over the total innings KJ has played and the difference between the averages for when he is on the field vs when he is not. For instance, for the hits, the average difference between the two combined with the number of innings KJ plays resulted in an effective increase in total hits of 63 hits over 2007 and 2008.
w/KJ w/o KJ Eff ERA 4.13 3.89 H /IP 0.97 0.94 63 BB /IP 0.38 0.35 55 HR /IP 0.11 0.10 27 XBH/IP 0.33 0.31 41 TR /IP 1.48 1.44 90 TB /IP 1.56 1.48 162By TommyB
August 5, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
What a couple of days. I’m still pretty surprised at the effect on little ole’ me so far.
Yesterday morning about 6-ish in the morning, I was in a cab heading south on 2nd Avenue in NY, on the way to La Guardia. I saw the Skip story on the LCD tv on the back of the front seat. Boom. Knocked out of orbit. Phoned my mom. Phoned my wife. Got to La Guardia, fired up the laptop and data card, and loaded all the possible articles I could so I could read them on the flight back to ATL. Whew. I watched the pregame on SS last night. Watched the game. ALL just to be connected with others going through whatever in the hell it was/is that I’m going through… and from what I can discern, I’m part of a pretty large group of folks.
OK. My story highlights are these… at least those that seem to have hooks into what DOB wrote about and what so many others have, as well. It’s the “Dad” thing, basically.
My dad and I didn’t have much to say/talk about since my early childhood on. That is, until baseball seemed to turn it around. I did little league… didn’t play more… turned into a rocker/musician type… and wound up in Spain/Europe in the lat 70s/early 80s. At some point, I found myself reading box scores out of the International Herald Tribune, sitting at bars in Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza, and so on. Finally dawned on me I must be homesick. So, I eventually made my way back home… with a highly charged love of baseball. Dad was still in Tennessee. When I’d visit, we watched and yammered baseball. LOTS. From then on, it seems, we had a real connection that was vibrant and verbal. Yep, all that watching, almost exclusively, was Channel 17 and Braves, and narrated by Skip.
Our phone calls when I was not visiting, were almost always around baseball, and more often than not, Braves. Skip this, and Skip that.
Dad passed on in April of 2006. Skip’s broadcasts have taken on more meaning ever since. WPCH became my favorite Braves channel this year, and I’m sure it’s obvious why.
OK. Today, I’ve been going through my old VHS tapes from the ‘91 season. Lots of interesting things I’m (re)discovering. Such as… McDowell relieving for the Dodgers. Who remembers that?
Anyway, I’ve hit two TBS broadcasts so far, but the first was Chip and Pete; the next one was Pete and Don… no Skip so far.
Anyone happen to know why? Was Skip off doing something else in September of ‘91?
TommyB
By royceb
August 5, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I saw Skip before a game this year in front of the BBQ place. I asked him when he was going to write a book about his baseball stories. He told me he was waiting for a country with no extradition treaty! LOL! I told him I loved his old commercials talking about the old days. Told him if he ever wrote a book I’d buy it. He quickly replied that he’d write atleast one copy then!
What a guy.
By scottbravesfan
August 5, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
With Skip’s passing it’s making me even more angry that they took the Braves off of TBS. Time Warner will regret that decision. I know they want a more national following but the Braves should always be on TBS and the Cubs should always be on WGN.
By NO MORE BOBBY
August 6, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
Watching all the clips yesterday of Skip from the 90’s made me realize how good we had it as a Braves fan. I will appreciate the other announcers a lot more now as they really are a big part of Braves baseball.
So…..thank you guys.
By braveboyfromblairsville
August 6, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
does anyone remember skip broadcasting the 0-11 pre-bowden fsu football season..there were some hilarious quips late in the year…RIP skipper…you were the best
By keith
August 7, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
I still love Skips line:
The official state symbol of Georgia should be the orange traffic cone.
Classic Skip! RIP, we will miss you.
By keith
August 7, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
I still remember back as a very young tot listening on the radio to Skip and Pete (because my parents wouldn’t let me stay and watch the game)announce Bob Horner’s first game. They were just gushing. They couldn’t believe a major leaguer would call them “sir”. Skip and Pete even made Matula, Washington, Benedict, Mahler, Hubbard and the rest of the 100 loss seasons “fun”. Thank you.
By sportsnut4
August 10, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
http://www.total-e-sports.blogspot.com
By Филлин
September 8, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Интересно, а комменты которые не нравятся автору тут удаляют? :)
By джaн
February 10, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
Благодарю за информацию, почитал с интересом