AJC > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 14
Friday, October 14, 2005
Keep on keeping on
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A friend of mine who disagrees with Tom Hanks’ character in “A League Of Their Own” in that she believes there is crying in baseball, especially when the Braves inevitably seem to blow it in the first round of the playoffs each year herelately, says it’s absolutely, unequivocally, 165% time for Brian Jordan to hang ‘em up and retire.
Granted, the guy’s got the heart of a lion and his will to win, in my opinion, knows no bounds. But his body just isn’t having it anymore. Despite the final few bursts of Makin’ It Happen that I saw from BJ — mega-hustle at the Colorado game where that 14th NL East pennant we’ll have to make do with for another offseason was raised; his outstanding left field catch in Game One of the NLDS against Houston; more hustle when it counted in the do-or-die Game Four against the ‘Stros when the Braves didn’t do enough and ended up dying — I think my friend is right. It’s time for new backup blood in the outfield.
That Jordan was emotionally hurt when Schuerholz traded him to the Dodgers for Gary Sheffield always struck a chord with me. He wasn’t grandstanding about that; I totally believe he felt cast out by a team he loved, suddenly sent away from a city he’d made his own, from fans he enjoyed playing for — no, make that trying to win for. He wanted the Braves, he wanted Atlanta, he wanted us and he didn’t understand why he wasn’t wanted.
Sitting out in right field, which is now Francoeur Field after the hometown rookie’s stellar breakout performance this season, my friend and I screamed loudly during that late September Colorado game, rooting on our man Jordan. During pre-inning tossarounds, he’d turn around and joke with us, flipping balls our way, trying to make sure the folks in all parts of our section got their fair shot at a coveted free souvenir. We appreciated it. We love No. 33.
We talked all night about where next we’d like to see him in the Braves organization. Coaching third? He understands baserunning. Bench coach? He’s got the fire. Fielding instructor? He’s patrolled some turf in his day. The Babies need this man around to mold them into Men. Jordan, as we know, is the man. He’s got to keep on keeping on at what he does best: Being Brian Jordan.
But when it’s time, it’s time. And we wish we could turn back that cruel baseball clock that ages our favorites all too fast. Because Francoeur is our future but there’s this little part of us that’s not quite ready to let Jordan hang ‘em up just yet.
But it’s time. It’s time.
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