AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USChipper’s having himself a season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With a solo shot in the sixth inning last night, the Braves’ third baseman took a big step toward replacing the question mark associated with the words “Chipper” and “Hall of Fame” with a period.
As Jon Sciambi would say, Chipper had himself a night, hitting his 400th career homer while going 4-for-5 and raising his average to an incredible .418. He’s the third Brave in the 400-homer club (Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews are the others) and the fourth active player with at least a .300 career average, 400 homers and 1,300 RBIs, (Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and Frank Thomas).
Chipper has had his ups and downs with the fans here (last night’s was only the second curtain call of his career), but surely even his biggest critics have to admit that he’s doing something special this year. And this quote from Dave O’Brien’s story in which he says he wants to retire a Brave rather than go for the big money in the free-agent market is definitely refreshing: “I’m never going to turn my nose up at $11 million. I understand that I’ve had the luxury of playing in the same place for a long time, for the same manager. I made my money.”
He may come off as a good ole boy who rubs some people the wrong way, but he’s the guy the writers go to when they want a straight answer and a thoughtful quote — he’s well-spoken and a lot smarter than some want to believe. And this year, he’s really got it going on.
I’m one Braves fan who’s happy to see him having such a great year and finally getting some of the national attention and respect he’s earned.
On an unrelated but extremely interesting note, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Frank Fultz, has been replaced. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, minor league strength and conditioning coordinator Phil Falco was told about his promotion Tuesday night and Fultz made his decision after a meeting with Braves officials on Wednesday morning.
Hmmmm … That doesn’t sound a lot like the “resignation” that GM Frank Wren called it, does it?
Have a great weekend, everybody! Go Braves!
Upcoming TV Schedule
Friday: vs. Phillies, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Phillies, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. Phillies, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
Tuesday: at Cubs, 8:05, Peachtree TV
Wednesday: at Cubs, 8:05, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: at Cubs, 2:20, Peachtree TV
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Comments
By Lithoman
June 6, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I sure wish I could see the Braves on TV. Since Im in South GA. I dont get peachtree tv. Yet i can watch them play the cubs next week on WGN, go figure.
By bravesfan in KC
June 6, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Chipper will be in the hall, no doubt about it. I’m looking forward to this phillies series. the phillies have been red hot, but they are playing the braves at their impenetrable fortress of turner field, so who knows. 2 out of 3 would be nice. The Braves could have swept the marlins if it wasn’t for acosta sucking it up in the ninth. the braves aren’t where i want them to be (1st), but you can’t ask for much more from such a banged up club, particularly the pitching staff. the offense is another story (at least on the road).
By bravesFan
June 6, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
You can watch the Braves PeachTreeTV games on channel 617 (DirecTV) if you are outside of the Atlanta-metro area and within the Braves blackout zone. I live in North Carolina and I haven’t missed a game.
By joe
June 6, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
mlb.com is the answer on your computer. The deluxe package is about 89.00 for the rest of the year. the games come in loud and clear.with no TBS games, it is the only way i can watch in new orleans. After the game, they interviewed Chipper and he revealed he goes back two full games and watches every pitch of a pitcher he is going to face that night in a game.looking for tendencies and favorite out pitches.. Wow. the young guys could sure learn from that preperation.. go braves
By graham
June 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Congrats to Chipper! Smoltz hits 3000 strikeouts, Chipper hits homerun #400, and we still have not hit the half-way mark of the season! Good times!
On another note, does anyone know when you can get in the stadium to watch batting practice, get autographs, etc?
By Kris in NC
June 6, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
I live in North Carolina also bravesfan and guess what, I don’t get Peachtree TV in my area so I was not so lucky to get to see Chipper’s 400th HR and that really sucks.
What is it with Peachtree TV and all the games coming up? Come on.
To be blessed to have seen Smoltz’s 2000th strike out but to have missed Chipper’s 400th HR, I am disappointed.
To read that Chipper would rather retire a Brave then take the Money and run, finally a player who plays for the “love of the game” and knows loyalty to the team he was drafted by. Something the younger stars of today need to learn. Here we are, 6 days into June and Chipper is still hitting over .400 and healthy, unbelievable. I think we are looking at the 2008 NL MVP barring anything major coming up. He is letting his bat do his talking.
Now imagine if everyone got hot at the same time and Chipper stayed that way, this lineup would be amazing.
By roger
June 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
I see Tom Glavine is making money as a male clothing model for Macy’s. I guess the electric bill at his sprawling mansion is too much for him. Looks like $7 Million doesn’t go far on his budget.
By Jesse
June 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
If your such a Braves fan, why don’t you spend $89 for MLB package? There is no reason Atlanta games should be broadcast in other states. The days of ‘super station’ games are long gone.
By Jeff321
June 6, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Here in Florida, I subscribe to MLB Premium and get all the Braves games.. But, have been watching the Braves/Marlins on SUN Sports/FSN Florida because I don’t really like hearing the cheerleaders on every game.
With that said, I can sympathize with some of you who don’t get certain Braves networks.. Seeing that I had to switch from Brighthouse to Directv in order to get FSN Florida. (Cable has SUN Sports but very rarely shows the baseball. You get stuck with fishing on the alternate feed.)
By Moore Hater
June 6, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Moore, Are you being positive about something for a change? Don’t start bashing him if he goes down to .350. You are a bang wagon Atlanta fan.
By Edward
June 7, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
This entire team(except Chipper and McCann,who actually give a damn about fighting and winning a game) BLOWS!!
By Jeff
June 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Our season ended last night when our third base man could not make a play that a five year old could make.
By Jeff
June 7, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
As a Braves fan I am disgusted by the way we play. this team has no heart. We are better than the Philles its just that Phillies have more heart than us Our season is over. Its not cause we played bad but because we QUIT. I want responses
By TERRI
July 8, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
i want to watch the braves every nite but live in SE Ga and have DISHNET do not like Direct TV. What can i do?