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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > August > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCaray should stand tall at Turner Field
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They’ve got a statue of Harry Caray outside of Wrigley Field. So, given the death this week of Skip Caray, Harry’s son and the Braves’ broadcasting icon for more than three decades, you know where I’m going with this.
Somewhere, near those Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro and Ty Cobb statues in Monument Grove at Turner Field, there should be a fresh one of the younger Caray.
It’s a no-brainer.
Consider this: Dale Murphy, along with Aaron and Niekro. Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Ted Turner. Chief Noc-A-Homa. When it comes to the combination of longevity and notoriety regarding “Atlanta” Braves baseball, the name “Skip Caray” surpasses them all.
Now consider this: There were two comings of Skip Caray. The first Skip mostly was a wisecracker whose mission was to keep you watching and listening despite a slew of dreadful Braves teams during the 1970s and 1980s. The second Skip kept the one-liners coming, but he proved often throughout the Braves’ record sprint to 14 consecutive division titles that he was a wonderful baseball announcer, too.
“Here comes Bream …
“Here’s the throw to the plate …
“He iiiiiiiissss …
“SAFE.
“Braves win!
“Braves win!
“Braves win!
“Braves win!
“Braves win!”
Finally, consider this: You can make the case that Skip was more legendary with the Braves than Harry was with the Cubs. After all, Harry spent 16 seasons with the Cubs while Skip was with the Braves more than twice that long (33 seasons). Sounds like statue material to me.
I’ll end with a couple of personal remembrances of Skip. First, after his father died 10 years ago, I wrote a column about my splendid dealings with Harry through the years as a fan and then later as a reporter. Skip sent me a touching letter of appreciation.
Second, I last chatted with Skip about a week ago in the home dugout at Turner Field. He told story after story (humorously, of course) about covering the Moscow Games in 1980. Despite his fragile appearance — courtesy of his various illnesses during the previous few months, he sounded like the old Skip.
That is to say, Skip sounded like a guy who should never be forgotten by the chopper and the chanters. A statue would do the trick nicely, thank you.
Permalink | Comments (49) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB
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Comments
By Stephen Smith
August 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Terrance,
Your best column in years! No doubt Skip deserves a statue.
By john hoar
August 6, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Right with you, Terence. Is there an address available that we could petition with effect, rather than just randomly trying different approaches?
By DOG THE MAN
August 6, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
If the Braves have any sense at all(WHICH I DOUBT), the statue is already on the way.
By Zeke
August 6, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
SKIP WOULD HATE THAT! If you really knew him, you would know he would not like a statue of himself. Yes, he would be honored but he was not an egocentric man.
Why not retire number 17 in honor of his years of work on Channel 17?
By johnw
August 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
I hope this happens before the end of this season. It’s just not going to be the same anymore without Skip Caray. Rest in peace to the voice of the Braves.
By captain Midnight
August 6, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
If any fans did not appreciate Skip they should have had to listen to Milo Hamilton who preceded Skip. They would have learned to appreciate Skip in a hurry. Skip loved the Braves. The only thing Milo loved was Milo.
By KM
August 6, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Terrance, this is the first time I have ever agreed with you. Nice Post!
By Justin
August 6, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Skip deserves any and all honors that the Braves can give him, as does Pete. Perhaps the statue could be of Skip and Pete sitting in the booth. Or like I heard on WSB the other day the #17 should be retired in honor of Skip, Pete and Ernie.
By Pompano
August 6, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
It figures that a member of the media would tout their own self-importance. Just check out the Ga Sports Hall of Fame - there are more non-players than players in the Hall.
Skip was a fine broadcaster but a statue is way over the top for someone that never stepped onto the field.
By jtb
August 6, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Zeke
Wouldn’t retiring the number 17 honor Ted Turner more so than Skip? I mean Ted owned channel 17. Skip just announced for them.
By Glenn Smith
August 6, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Great idea! It would be a fitting tribute to Skip.
By Tami
August 6, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
All I needed was to see the title of this article to respond. My vote is: UNhesitantly….YES!!!!
Now…can we get this done in time to be unveiled at the Braves’ 2009 season opener next April?? That would be the goal, in my humble opinion.
Great suggestion!
By Mahi mahi
August 6, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
I think a statue of Skip is a fine idea. When a couple of million little old ladies around the Southeast love you, you must’ve been a good one. My grandmother and lots of aunts loved watching Braves baseball and Skip was their favorite. There are a lot of Pearl Sandows out there and they all love Skip.
By Tami
August 6, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
I agree with Justin….but! Why not do both??
In response to John W: I don’t think a statue can be created in time for the end of the season. My previous post suggested unveiling it at the Braves’ 2009 home opener. Perhaps that might be more realistic? Just a thought.
By Peadawg
August 6, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Who wrote this for you? LOL just kidding. I totally agree with you on this on. He was a GREEEEEEEEEEEEAT anouncer.
By a.s.
August 6, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Terrance where has this wisdom been? Great Idea!
By Van
August 6, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Pompano must not be from here. And yes Skip probably wouldn’t want any fanfare, but he’s as much a Hall of Fame part of thie town, this team, and even what used to be the superstaion as any of the owners. He helped build all of it. He will be missed in more places thatn just the booth. Our thoughts go out to Pete, and his family.
By varoadrunner
August 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Has Skip been inductewd into the MLB HOF? When that happens, erect the statue. I’ve been an avid Braves fan for as long as Skip was announcing games and as much as I liked to listen to Skip, there are as many reasons I dodn’t like to lisxten to Skip. His drunkeness on the air made it hard to understand him. I have no complaints, just a question, is he “statue material” really?
So long Skip, I WILL miss you, but I’m not quite sure you deserve a statue.
By Cheech
August 6, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Amen!!
By JCSmalls
August 6, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Agreed, Nice work Terence!!!
By james schroeder
August 6, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
“If he hits one there, we can dance in the streets.”
That should be on the statue
By what are you thinking?
August 6, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
What are you talking about? Skip was always rude to callers and hated the people he spoke to ( that were not ball players) Don’t get me wrong, it was great watching the braves, but I always did it with the volume turned off. NO WAY to building that guy any type of memorial.
By Dave
August 6, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
I’d rather see the Braves “retire his mic” like St. Louis did for Jack Buck. On the outfield wall, along with the Cardinal great’s jersey retried numbers, is a old fashoned mic. It was perfect.
By Pocoroba
August 6, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
I think a statue of Skip and Pete together would be more appropriate, since they started the same day. Pete, though not as provocative, is as beloved by Braves fans as Skip. Maybe throw Ernie Sr. in there too. Skip would approve of a group statue rather than a solo.
By T-Bone
August 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Great idea, TMoore. I think it is the best way to honor him. Wouldn’t it have been great if it had been done BEFORE Skip had died? Let’s don’t allow Pete to die before we honor him. So let’s do a statue of them both, in a broadcast booth, calling the ‘92 NLCS or the ‘95 Series winner.
By Mark
August 6, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Best thing Terrence has ever written…I would add that I think Skip and Pete should have a statue together.
By nachos
August 6, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
FOR ONCE I AGREE WITH TERRENCE! (caps on purpose)
By TBraveFan
August 6, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore - you are correct - it’s a no-brainer…
now let’s get going on it for unveiling during the first game of 2009!!!!
By TBraveFan
August 6, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
The #17 jersey cannot be retired - it has and does belong to Glenn Hubbard and, even as much as I loved Skip, one must not deminish what Glenn’s brought to the Braves organization by asking him to retire HIS number…
By Lew
August 6, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Mr.Moore-I don’t always agree with your opinions, but you are right on with this one. We DO need a Skip statue-just not with that weird hair style from when he first arrived in the City-any more than an Ernie Johnson statue should have him in that table cloth inspired sport coat.
By Ted Taylor
August 6, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
I think that is a great idea. Thank you, Mr. Moore.
By Gary
August 6, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
I know it sounds like sacrilege for me to say this on a Brave’s blog, but I don’t think Skip Carey is worthy of a statue. Not that I agree with varoadrunner who I think has confused Skip with his dad Harry, but because to me, Braves baseball broadcasts and telecasts were a team effort with four of the best announcers in baseball. The fact is, I enjoyed listening to Pete, Joe, and Don more than Skip. Does Skip deserve a statue because he was the first to die? Or just there the longest? I sympathize with the entire Braves community over the loss of one of their own, but he was only one of many icons for the Braves. If you put up a statue, it needs to pay tribute to all of them.
By Peter
August 6, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
A statue is a piece of carved rock. How is it you have to “deserve” a piece of carved rock? Also Skip didn’t wear #17. How do you retire a number that a guy never wore? Finally who gives a rat’s a$$ if you agree with Moore or not? Here’s a piece of advice, if you don’t like the guy don’t read the column.
By Richard Gallo
August 6, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
There is no question in my mind that there should/must be a Skip Carey statue at Turnner Field. The inly person more deserving is The Hammer. Ted Phil and Tye are very welcome in my mind but nome more than Skip. He was the fans connection to the team.
I am not a flag waver but tell us what we can do to move this along.
By Tron5000
August 6, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
I’ve spent all of my 27 years in Georgia (Gwinnett), so I have literally grown up with Skip. He is in my earliest memories. I fondly recall my father taking me to Fulton County around the age of 4 or 5, and handing me his headphones to listen to Skip for a couple innings during the games. His death has affected and upset me more than I care to admit.
I feel like I’ve lost a family member. From Murph to Mad Dog, Crime Dog to Tex, Ted to Liberty Media, worst to first, Skip was the one constant. He will be and already is dearly missed and revered.
By al davis
August 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Agreed!
By Boclive
August 6, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I listened to him for the better part of 30 years and whether they erect a statue or not; whether they put him in the hall of fame or not; I believe he was the best baseball play by play man I’ve ever heard.
As far as I’m concerned, he set the standard for anyone that sits down in front of a microphone to call a baseball game.
My condolences to his family and friends on their profound loss.
By BillyBrave in Germany
August 6, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Nice job TM, jumping on the bandwagon three days afterwards. It is always about you….
By Marty
August 6, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
I agree with Terrence, but also agree with the suggestion of some of the other fans on here of doing a statue of both Pete and Skip (and possibly Ernie, although he’s mostly before my time). Pete and Skip ARE Braves baseball.
By Maniac is accurate
August 6, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
I think the statue should be Skip, Pete and Ernie.
By Lynn
August 6, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Terrance…Your best column ever!!! Where do I sign the petition for the Skip Carey Monument???? I echo the thoughts of a lot of folks on here…Skip was like a part of the family. I grew up listening to Skip call the Braves’games. I’d rather listen to him and Pete on the radio than watch it on tv. In my mind when I think of Braves baseball I think of Skip, Pete, and Bobby Cox. There are a lot of people mourning Skip Carey in the Braves Nation this week. His death puts the exclamation point on this whole miserable season.
By More of Moore on Caray
August 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Terence this by far has surpassed everything you have ever done. I wouldn’t have even thought about this idea until just now so thank you for taking the time to tribute THE braves announcer. A+
By Jeff R
August 6, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
A Skip Carey statue in tandem with an Ernie Johnson, Sr., statue would be appropriate. Let’s not forget that EJ Sr. was important in the booth, too, from the beginning of the Atlanta Braves and for many years.
By Matt
August 6, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Amen! I hope to see it by the start of next year!
By J-School Dropout
August 6, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Sign me up. The man deserves this honor.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
August 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Well, Terence, you’re getting the white vote but they still can’t spell your name. I’m sorry Skip has passed away but he wasn’t a very good announcer. He spent more time dwelling on corny inside jokes than calling a game. If something must be erected in his honor please make it as small and insignificant as his talent.
By USAFCCF
August 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
The statue should go up as long as the family agrees and it needs to be done and in place NLT the start of next season
By No Way Jose
August 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
No, no and NO. Have you seen the statue of Harry Caray outside Wrigley? That thing is awful (not to mention they pick a Caray statue but no Ernie Banks?). It would look downright corny.
And I’m the minority on this one, but will everyone stop praising Skip with the Bream sliding into homeplate moment? Think about it, anyone calling the game could have shouted “Braves Win” five times and had been a legend too.
By stanley sisson
August 6, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
SKIP you will be sadly missed best announcer that ever called the game. the braves should retire the number 33 that is the number of years he called braves baseball.GOD BLESS his whole family.you may walk the dog now.