Sports Columnists

By T Robb

September 12, 2005 01:50 AM | Link to this

Bulls#%t.

First, Aaron didn’t say it wasn’t a great achievement, Terence. You did. Hank may have pointed out some valid differences, but he did not draw the conclusion you did.

Andruw’s season has been a fabulous season, one for ages, for so many reasons.

Why am I even blogging? This is just another attempt by Moore to stir up the masses. Nobody could possibly think this, unless he was a contrarian just trying to stir the pot.

By Marty

September 12, 2005 07:49 AM | Link to this

Why do you always have to do this, Mr. Moore? Why is it that whenever there’s a great story in Atlanta sports, you have to try to find an angle to diminish the accomplishment?

One point I have to address: I have all the respect in the world for Mr. Aaron and his truly awesome career, but this argument that it is easier to hit now because the pitching is worse is just preposterous. You two are far from the first to raise this “theory,” but it remains ridiculous. What, you think that 40 or 50 years ago, there was “X” amount of good pitching, and that amount was exactly enough to cover the number of teams that existed then, but has remained unchanged since and is being stretched too thinly now? That is such crap. Back then, we had almost no international players. Back then, players were paid much less, so many people who could have pitched or played in the majors did other things.

The only thing that surprises me about your article, Mr. Moore, is that you didn’t manage to find a way to accuse someone of something untoward due to his or her race. Saving that for next week’s column?

By CC

September 12, 2005 08:04 AM | Link to this

I wonder what Terence’s take on this would have been had Andruw been an African-American? A little different I suppose.

Also Terence didn’t point out that Mr. Aaron never had anybody as weak as Adam LaRoach batting behind him. I’m surprised Andruw ever sees a good pitch. This is a big-time accomplishment.

By Joe Roman

September 12, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this

No other city in the country is as negative about its sports teams as Atlanta. The drumbeat of “yes, but” ANY TIME ANYBODY OR ANY TEAM DOES WELL IS DEAFENING. Andruw hit four homers in three games, and only two other players are within eight homers of him, yet Moore can’t work up the inspiration to get excited. I’m convinced the Braves could go 162-0, sweep every game in the playoffs and World Series, and the players could win every conceivable individual award, but the collective sports media and fans would only yawn and say something like, “Oh, I’ve seen better. The competition was weak or I hate Andruw’s sunglasses.”. Get over yourselves, folks. If there was any justice in this world, Terrence Moore and the rest of you sports snobs would be transported to Kansas City or Pittsburgh. Then you all could wallow in your negativism without looking so ridiculous.

By AL

September 12, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with Joe Roman. Normally it bothers me to hear the fans bash Mr. Moore’s columns the minute they are written, but this one is truly ridiculous. Sports are about the here and now, to be enjoyed on a daily and yearly basis. Why are you writing a column comparing Andruw’s accomplishments to those of a batter who played 50 years ago? What’s the point? Can we not just enjoy the fact that Andruw is having a phenomenal season THIS YEAR? Isn’t that why we watch?

If this were New York (where I am currently living) Andruw’s face would be on the back pages everyday and there would be a huge HR counter in the middle of Times Square waiting for his next bomb. Instead, in Atlanta, we have columnists belittling his achievements because he may or may not be facing equivalent pitching from 50 years ago when there was a) much less competition to go along with the fewer teams; b) fewer players who trained year round (without steroids but with the advances in modern sports science) and c) the crushing media exposure, internet and television pressure (although I will of course concede that few players in sports had to deal with what Hank Aaron dealt with as he was shattering records).

Let’s enjoy the positives of this season, and focus on the issues that are of true concern - namely our bullpen.

By alan

September 12, 2005 08:59 AM | Link to this

What a complete load of crap.

Terrence is p** because Andruw, while a minority, is not African American. You all might remember his argument a few years back that there isn’t enough minority representation in MLB because he only counts African Americans as minorities.

You have to wonder why this guy became a sportswriter, as he obviously doesn’t enjoy sports. He just likes taking something sublime and trying to make it seem less so, like the smartass in second grade who couldn’t wait to tell everybody there was no Santa Claus.

You’re the Eddie Haskell, Terrence.

By Mark

September 12, 2005 09:28 AM | Link to this

Although it is entertaining, comparing ANY player to another era is meaningless. It’s comparing apples and oranges. The game has changed too much over the years. A player may have benefitted or suffered depending on a wide range of circumstances: the advent of the DH, changes in pitching mound height, pitcher-friendly ballparks vs. hitter-friendly, and it’s true, all of the other factors Hank and Terence mentioned. That’s why I’d rather we debate who the best hitter or pitcher of their generation is, instead.

By Marc

September 12, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Terence,

I agree with all of the above. How are you still a writer in Atlanta? Your racism is blatantly evident. Embrace Andruw do not spoil his accomplishments.

By Michael Pursley

September 12, 2005 09:58 AM | Link to this

Terence Moore is the primary reason I cancelled my subscription to the AJC a few years ago…and now I remember why as I read his pathetic on-line column about Andruw Jones’ breakout season. He is the WORST sports writer I have ever read…and that ranking would hold up in any era. AJC, you lose money with this man on your staff.

By jason

September 12, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this

I wonder how many split-finger fastballs either Mr. Aaron or Mr. Matthews had to face? Presumably zero. I wonder how many of Mr. Aaron’s hits or homeruns came after facing the same pitcher for four or five at-bats in the same game? They never really dealt with the phenomenon of a fresh relief pitcher with an entirely new repertoire. I wonder how many night games they played. The point is, you can use any number of criteria to argue that today’s accomplishments pale in comparison to yesterday’s, or vice-versa. I don’t think anyone is accusing Andruw of taking steriods. Same can’t be said of Barry Bonds, friend of T. Moore.

By doc

September 12, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this

wow refreshing, enlightening, it really caught the essence of the moment, the achievement, the man. i am so glad to hear how andruw came from an isolated island, overcame cultural and language issues, worked hard in the off season to sharpen his game to take it to the next level in spite of his detractors. how he stepped up and said put me where i can do what is expected of me, ill perform. how he over and over plays the game the way it was supposed to be played as a member of a team though a star. maybe how he could have taken more money back a few years ago and left the system that he came up in. how he perservered embarassment of youth to mature and now acts as a general on the field to position players in the outfield so they can make the plays he innately has the instincts to do and shows tremendous enthusiasm when others achieve, more that the enthusiasm for his own achievements as though he is embarassed by them. really warms my heart to read all this the morning after witnessing the ascendance to the greatest single offensive season in the history of the franchise. and i first became a brave fan in 1957. i am just so overwhelmed that i heard it here in the ajc.

maybe, furman will step up to the plate and write something worthy of the occasion, too.i just love his grace for the moment.

By Tami

September 12, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this

I’m responding to Joe Roman’s blog…I agree that it seems like the majority of fans around here tend to be negative about any of the pro teams around here. However, there are a lot of positive fans you never hear from. I tend to skip over or virtually ignore the nay-sayers as my personal rule. I’ve been a huge fan of the Braves for years, and have never been part of the group that has taken any of their winning seasons for granted as the so-called experts tend to lump me and others like me into. I thoroughly enjoy watching them, even when the bullpen coughs up the lead. What we’re being privileged to watch now are some potential Hall of Famers at their peak or just beginning their careers, and they’re playing together for our Braves. Although I had been somewhat skeptical at the start of last season and this season about the Braves repeating as Division Champs while cheering them on anyway, I’ve been humbled. I will no longer allow myself to be skeptical, and will continue to enjoy this ride as long as it lasts. Why don’t we all do that? Believe me…we could have a FAR WORSE team as our hometown MLB team (and we have). Going back to Mr. Moore’s article: I respect Mr. Aaron’s and Mr. Mathews’ records, and that’s why Andruw’s breaking or nearly breaking any of their records are so special. I believe it to be much harder to break those records today because the pitching is more “specialized”. CONGRATS TO ANDRUW, and GO BRAVES!

By Tami

September 12, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

I’m in TOTAL AGREEMENT with Doc. Well said, sir!

By ND

September 12, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this

I’d like to punch T Moore in the face. Why doesn’t he ever come to his own defense after writing such garbage?

By doc

September 12, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

tami, by your note of exasperation shows you among many others get it, you are and have been watching or participating in something really special. yeah, there are a lot of down times even winning and a lot to complain about but to not step back and really appreciate the big picture from time to time especially as it happens…. have a blessed day.

By pruss

September 12, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this

It cracks me up how everyone gets so bent out of shape about what T.Moore writes. The reason he writes these articles is to invoke emotion one way or another and to spark discussion. To me that makes a good article. I hardly ever agree with what he writes but 99% it gets my brain flowing to come away with reasons why he is wrong. Thats what makes his articles fun to read. It is much the same way that Schultz writes to get a laugh, T.Moore writes to get a response.

By Mark

September 12, 2005 11:32 AM | Link to this

No Pruss, T. Moore writes articles like this because he’s a jerk.

By Scott

September 12, 2005 11:37 AM | Link to this

So many positive angles for a story could have been written about Andruw. How he came from a poor island. How he matured into a superstar and had to try and live up to everyone elses expectations at such an early age. Yet nothing but negativity. Such a shame. At least the fans responding are enjoying Andruw’s season and savoring every minute of history. Oh and Hank Aaron was no Andruw Jones in the outfield. But I guess no need mentioning that because that would be something that Andruw is way better than Hank at. How about, we as Braves fans, enjoy the accomplishments of Andruw, Hank, and Eddie Mathews as these three truly are all time Brave greats.

By DruwCrew

September 12, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this

The worst thing about Terence Moore’s sloppy column is that he takes Aaron at his word that “[knockdowns] just don’t happen as much as they did when I played”. The league may now be more strict on knockdowns, but the numbers - which sloppy TMoore could have tracked down in 5 minutes - speak for themselves, and Andruw clearly has much more reason to be concerned about getting hit by a pitch now than Aaron ever did. In 22 seasons, Hank Aaron was hit by a pitch 32 times. In 9 seasons - excluding this year - Andruw Jones has been hit by a pitch 47 times! This year Andruw’s been hit 12 times already, whereas in 1971, when Aaron hit his 47 HRs, he was only hit by pitches twice in the whole season! With numbers like those, are we really supposed to beleive that Hank Aaron would have had a lot more HRs if he hadn’t been worried about getting hit by pitches? And why didn’t Terence Moore do a quick check to call him on that bogus theory?

By Calvin

September 12, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this

I have bet my whole life savings on the Falcons beating the Eagles tonight in the Georgia dome. My confidence is as high as T.O. thinks he’s great. Also, I gave points to some Eagles fans that really do think they own my dirty birds. Tomorrow, I know for a FACT I will come to work tomorrow with a big smile on my face and a fat pocket…Who’s next? New England?….you know my e-mail.

By Sara

September 12, 2005 12:37 PM | Link to this

Andruw has now lived up to the hype and bally ho we’ve been waiting for from for so long and YOU poo poo it. What do you want? The New York Yankees? They’re not so great this yewar and certainlly do not have anyone who can compare with Andruw Jones, not as a hitter nor in the field. When is great NOT a great achievement?

By Pem Cooley

September 12, 2005 12:38 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t you have waited until the end of the season to issue these comments? Besides, nobody is saying that Jones is Aaron or Mathews, but then again I wonder if either of those legends meant as much to the team in any one season as Andrew has to the Braves this season.

By HB

September 12, 2005 12:42 PM | Link to this

How can he (Terence) make a statement ‘He is definitely no Hank Aaron? Who know what Andruw is until his relatively young career is over. The Hammer was a great one. I think even he would concede that Andruw could be on his way to who knows what in the future. One thing is for certain - records are made, and records are broken!

By Joe Roman

September 12, 2005 12:55 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear from a positive, true fan Tami. Please don’t be part of the “silent majority” anymore. Join me in counteracting these people who make Atlanta a laughingstock on the national sports scene. Do you know this fine city has a reputation for the WORSE sports fans in the country? My parents watch the TBS games religiously in Louisville. They are dumbfounded when they see all the empty seats. I don’t blame Terrence Moore. He’s just giving people what the paper believes they want. The rationale for that belief comes from the negative blowhards who dominate column commentaries like this, the vents and especially talk radio. We need as many positive voices as we can get. Thanks again!

By DC

September 12, 2005 01:08 PM | Link to this

I happen to agree that, the time spent doing this article, Mr. Moore could have used the time to praise Andruw. Since starting to test for steroids no one has hit 50 big ones and Andruw is on the verge of this major accomplishment. Until lately, 50 was beginning to look like the 30 hr of the past because it was happening so often. Baseball along with all Braves fans should be happy to see the achievement.

By BB FAN

September 12, 2005 01:11 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing people saying that in the 50’s and 60’s, the records counted…but not today’s. Here a list of the top 4 reasons that it is tougher today to play pro baseball than it was in the 50’s and 60’s:

1. In the 50’s and 60’s, there was a lot less travel. There were not many cross country road trips, let alone numerous ones.

2. In the 50’s and 60’s, there was a lot less media scrutiny. There are so many “know it all sports reporters” today bothering players and keeping track of every single thing they do. Trying to dig dirt up on them, saying there records don’t count. Blah, Blah, Blah.

3. In the 50’s and 60’s, the starting pitchers pitched into the 8th and 9th innings most nights. Therefore, a batter saw the SAME pitcher 4 or 5 times a game. Today, a batter is lucky to see the same pitcher 3 times in a game. Today, there is a relief specialist for every situation. A batter regularly faces 3 different types of pitchers in a single game.

4. There were hardly any international players in the big leagues in the 50’s and 60’s that there is today. The best of the dominican players, the korean, the japanese, the chinese, and so on are playing in the big leagues today. And it is great to see the best of the best.

I’m sure there are many more.

And if anybody brings up Babe Ruth. Well, he never had to face any african american pitchers so his stats might not be “real” either.

The point is all great players and their records are awesome. Each player was great for their eras and all time. I would never think less of the accomplishments of Aaron, Mantle, Mays, Ruth (and all the other greats of yesterday) because of the 4 reasons I listed above.

Mr Moore, I usually like your articles because of the thought provoking they usually start. But this one is absolute trash. You should be ashamed to even put your name on it. What Andruw Jones has done today is amazing. He broke the Braves HR record fairly and he did it in the middle of a pennent chase. And without anybody protecting him all year. He did it without Chipper Jones hitting in front of him for half the season as well. He carried this team all year under these circumstances and you have the nerve to question his acomplishments!? You are unbelievable!

By BB FAN

September 12, 2005 01:14 PM | Link to this

Mr Moore, your garbage reminds me of the stories my father used to tell me when I was kid. He said he used to have to walk to AND from school up hill both ways in 3 feet of snow, year round. The only difference is he was always joking!!!

By Lew Hartman

September 12, 2005 01:14 PM | Link to this

In a discussion I recently heard regarding selection to the Hall of Fame, a point was made concerning records from different eras, and is relevant to this issue. The point was that you should compare any given player to his own era. For example, Ryne Sandberg’s election to the HOF. I always thought he was a good, but not great player. However, he was definitely the pre-eminent second baseman of his generation and because of this, deserving of election. You just can’t compare apples and oranges. I saw Aaron and Mathews and Andruw play. Guess what? Andruw now holds the single season HR record for the Braves, not Aaron or Mathews: both great players.

By Lew Hartman

September 12, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

I forgot. As far as Aaron never facing a split-finger pitch, Elroy Face, a Cy Young winner for the Pirates in the early ‘60’s, threw a fork ball-what is now called a split finger fastball. The Pirates also played at Forbes Field which had a 460 foot center field fence. Try hitting a homer under those circumstances.

By AZBravoFan

September 12, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this

Maybe Terrence ought to ask Mike Piazza about knockdowns….

By Tami

September 12, 2005 01:37 PM | Link to this

To Joe Roman and Doc: Thanks for the validation. Glad to be on board with true Braves’ fans.

By Finbar

September 12, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of crap from Mr. Moore. Andruw Jones is a superstar and deserving praise for exceeding a record that has stood that long.

By Marty

September 12, 2005 01:40 PM | Link to this

I want to point out one more thing on the issue of whether pitching is “thinner” now than it was a few decades ago. How about the tremendous leaps in conditioning and sports medicine? How many of the great pitchers of the last 20 years would have had their careers cut short had they played back then? Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz, some of the best pitchers of this era, come to mind. Each has had extensive arm problems…so extensive that they may not have been able to continue had they played in the 1950s and 60s, given the state of medicine then as compared to now.

The whole argument that pitching is “thinner” now is just ridiculous.

By jeff hutchison

September 12, 2005 02:08 PM | Link to this

Mr Andruw Jones for MVP Mr Bobby Cox Manager of the year Mr Francoor Rookie of the year

enough said

By John Horton

September 12, 2005 02:19 PM | Link to this

I am a major Hammerin Hank fan - as are my sons, but I think you are wrong about Andruw.

If you feel that Andruw’s accomplishment is somewhat unimpressive, I would be interested in knowing what you think of McGuire, Sosa and Bonds? I don’t think anyone is accusing Andruw of using substances to boost his performance.

By James Baldwin

September 12, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this

Excellent article! You have once again managed to find the cloud for ths silver lining! As writers go, great for your time? No. Great for all time? Not a chance.

By Chase

September 12, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this

I too remember the article Terrance posted a couple years ago on minority representation in baseball, and i must say it was the most rediculous article i’ve ever read. Andruw Jones is putting up these numbers this year because he did finally take advice from Terry Pendleton and Willie Mays and countless others on widining his stance at the plate. If he would have implemented this earlier in his career maybe another record of Hank’s could have been tested by Andruw later on in his career. So to say that he is not worthy of putting up such numbers because the ball is tighter, or any other excuse Terrance has to mask the performance of a Non African-American is ludacris. And as far as the pitching aspect is concered, “knockdowns” don’t mean anything, if they did affect players than all of them would have ridiculously huge body armor like Terrance’s boy Barry the Balco Spokesperson. But obviously they dont so quit using that excuse. The only thing you have to hold on to is the asterisk, you believe every record these broken these days needs one next to it, how bout if your favorite player Barry Bonds hits 756, im sure you won’t want an asterisk next to his name even though everyone one knows a needle and his rear have become quite fond of one another of the past 10+ years. It is also not Andruw’s fault that baseball lawyers can arrange better contracts these days, and teams have bigger payrolls to complement. All in all I’m sure Terrance completed a ballot for the Allstar game and chose Jim Edmond’s to start in center field just like the rest of the idiot fans who vote just on popularity and not on numbers. Or did he vote for Kenny Lofton who has horrible numbers but deserves to start because of his race?! It is a shame that they let you write for the AJC but at the same time I understand because I dont expect anything less from such a liberal paper. If Andruw Jones doesn’t win the NL MVP than it will be a crime against baseball. As well as a crime against the paper and the city for letting you have the last laugh. If I were your boss you wouldn’t have been hired.

By JOHNNY EVANS

September 12, 2005 03:53 PM | Link to this

i am cau and 65=been a brave fan for man many years= i too echo, news media negative comments. maybe i missed it.If kolb and reitsma, along with a couple of others, the Braves would have had this already wrapped up. i do not see you making comments about mr kolb. i think the news media is a mayor problem for the USA on any subject, they do not know how to report positive elements. and but again you are in the news media comments==look at mr. b. bonds.. he thinks he is mr baseball. out all year now comes back on his time table. wonder if he has his body cleaned from the s words. I think hammering Hank was the greatest. puzzled why you would take the time=to question andruw’s year.. to me the media has ruin the support of helping the storm victims. You know Mr Moore, there are some good things happening in this world. sorry you choose to miss out on them==mainly=you are media guy==what you think is right=no matter what johnny evans chesapeake, va

By Angus

September 12, 2005 03:58 PM | Link to this

As great as Andrew’s accomplishments have been this season, the thing that impresses me the most is the fact that he has made everyone around him better. Andrew and Chipper have both stepped up and become true leaders, ala John Smoltz. I will always miss Maddux and Glavine, but I feel that this new core has the potential to dominate baseball for several years to come, and Andrew is still young enough to be the heart of the Braves for the next decade, and the young talent will keep Atlanta in contention for his entire career…then he will join Chipper, Smoltzie, Maddux, Glavine and Bobby in the Hall of Fame (although I hope that Bobby is still managing the team in 2050…).

By Nilusca

September 12, 2005 04:04 PM | Link to this

I am from the island of Curaçao and we are very proud of Andruw.

It hurts to read the article of mr. Moore. Andruw was very young when he had to split from his family and live abroad. He made mistakes like every young man, but he overcame a lot.

He had do deal with a new world with a lot of temptations and things he had never heard or see before. He felt and stood up and for that reason I’m proud of him.

He never said he would become the next Willie Mays, he just wanted to play the game he so much loves. He is no Hank Aaron, he is Andruw Jones.

Mr. Moore, give him the chance to enjoy his tremendous season and just don’t compare him with anybody. He is Andruw, no one else. Remember how much games he had played since being inthe MLB and how being sick an all he always wants to be in the game. I call that being a man of honour.

As for the people of Curaçao, we love him and are proud of him just because he’s doing his best, with 1 or 50 HR.

I want to ask the braves fans to go to the games, scream for and applaud your team. Don’t let the world think that you’re not interested, because when we see the empty stadium, that’s what the we see.

God bless you mr. Moore. God bless you Braves fans. Go BRAVES.

By richard m royal

September 12, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this

TERENCE,

By richard m royal

September 12, 2005 04:49 PM | Link to this

terence, in past time who wad worth the price of admission at the ballyard? Mantle, Killbrew, Bob Gibson, Stan M. Say Hey Mays, Ernie Banks.Koufax etc. Fastforward Terence. andruw is the most underated 5 tool player playing today.whats the odds of making it to the world series at 19 years,breaking mantles record by over one year, in the house that Ruth Built.

Next homer #50 and #300 at age 28,is ho-hum with you! Your mixed up mind, is commenting on a Future 500 hr club. 8,10,12,14 Gold Gloves.

This year andruw will post another, triple, Double Figures in two areas. exceeding AROD. 52 Home Runs, 130 plus RBI,100 plus runs. But it not about a command performance.Clean your glasses, this is 05,He brings excitement to the game, your Articles fail badly at that attempt. Hum what were you doing in October 96? Hum..

By Dennis

September 12, 2005 06:20 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore is a true “Over Achiever”. Given his mind, most people would never learn to write. Go Andruw! Go Braves! And please go, Terence Moore!

By Brian

September 12, 2005 07:56 PM | Link to this

If we just ignore Terence Moore will he finally go away? One of the worst sports writers ever. The reason Atlanta sports fans have to suffer his half-witted opinions is that the AJC barely qualifies as a rag of a newspaper on any counts. Oh, for some daily paper competition in Atlanta!

I also live in NYC and this metropolis has 22.3 million people with over 40 daily papers. Granting that only about 6 or 7 can be considered major dailies, that still averages to one daily for every 3.4-7 mil residents. Atlanta’s metropolitan area has 4.7 million and still only one paper of note. We are 1 million residents overdue for another one. Then maybe we can actually read sports columns from people who support Atlanta teams.

By Ken Waller

September 12, 2005 10:55 PM | Link to this

I am an Atlanta native and truly enjoyed watching Hank play in the 60’s and 70’s. His accomplishments and contributions to baseball were numerous and significant. Today’s column is the most insulting, disrespectful article on an Atlanta professional athlete I’ve read in a long time. Why is there a need to over-analyze, qualify, place an “invisible asterisk” or otherwise denegrate a stunning new record by an incredible young athlete? Atlanta fans should all be grateful for his offensive heroics in light of so many injuries earlier in the season. C’mon, be positive for once. Remember what your granny always said… if you can’t say something nice…..

By ted

September 12, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this

Terrence,

I too think that you are grasping at straws in trying to explain away the 49 (so far ) HRS that Andruw has hit. As a little white kid who came of age in the 60’s and 70’s in the South, Hank Aaron’s poster was above my bed. He was my hero. It upset me back then when pundits tried to explain away Hank’s 755 hr’s as compared to Babe who did it in fewer at bats. It disappoints me that Aaron allowed himself to become involved with your typical crap.

By Roy Tweed

September 12, 2005 11:50 PM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Moore, The Bible says”despise not the day of little things”.I,m from the island of Curacao, yes the same one that Andruw is from and we have been in the little league contention and have prevailed. No big thing for a tiny island? One of the “sons of our soil” has transcended baseball barriers yet unknown to many in our community. But he has made us proud and has caused us to become fans of a city were 95% of the population has never been. But what has sparked this allegiance ,this fever ? Well it,s the unimpressive accomplishments of one of our sons, excelling where challenges untold swallow the weak and devour the fearful. But our “son” has been to the plate and has struck the cheeringbutton of this tiny nation time and time again. And along with the precious fans in Atlanta who feel about it like we do here, we will cheer him on to the next broken record and so on till he lays down his golden gloves in the Hall of fame, afterall the espised can also prevail. God bless you.

By skin

September 13, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

To whom it may concern: Please put an end to Moore at the AJC. He not only sounds like an idiot 99% of the time, but he’s also extremely offensive. Is there some sort of tenure that he has earned or how is he still allowed to write a column? This is why the AJC is one of the lowest rated major newspapers in the country. Editor- why wouldn’t you listen to your readers and stop this crap? Has Moore ever received positive feedback? The AJC is a joke!!

By BB FAN

September 13, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

I do not blame Aaron for Moore’s garbage. His statements could have been taken out of context. Aaron has always supported the fact that his records were made to be broken. Just like the ones he broke.

By Eric

September 13, 2005 12:17 PM | Link to this

Mr Moore / Editors,

I have set here and read every comment wirtten regarding Mr. Moore’s comments on Andrew Jones and just continue to be amazed. How does this man, who consistantly berates the accomplishments of the sports teams and their fans here in Atlanta continue to be employed. I ahve lived in the Metro Atlanta area for just over four years and am just floored by the lack of support that the Sports Writers in Altanta give to these teams. I lived in Florida for 14 years prior to moving here and must say that the coverage of the Braves in the Media was far superior, honest and entertaining than in the city where they play. Isn’t there something wrong with that picture? Let the players and fans enjoy the accomplishments of the Hometown sports hero’s like Andrew. Why bring up anything from the past? As far as support for the teams by the fan, let’s think about that. I have been a long time fan of the Braves and for the first ime I purchased a series of tickets to games prior to the season as I could finally afford to do so, I was therefore given the opportunity to purchase playoff tickets, but when the cost of those same seats are 31/2 times the cost of the tickets that I had already purchased and past history has shown that the Braves tend to end up with more Day games than night games, how could I go and support the team I love. I do have a jobn and a family. Let me end by saying, GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Peter

September 13, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this

Hilarious!! He doesn’t even respond anymore but he has more respondants than ever. He’s touching a nerve and THAT’S ALL HE SHOULD DO!

Say your piece and move on. It’s not like it’s a pay site anymore.

By T Robb

September 13, 2005 03:20 PM | Link to this

Nilusca and Roy: Thanks for sharing your brother with us.

He’s brought this city - and your island, apparently - a lot of joy over the years and this year has been simply unbelievable.

I’m sure Puerto Rico feels similarly about Albert Pujols, but after watching Andruw carry this team to the pennant, no one will ever convince he is not the MVP.

Don’t worry about Moore’s comments, he’s off his medication again. The truly disgusting thing is that the paper probably gives him kudos for “stimulating discussion” instead of firing his race-baiting, sorry, lazy a$$.

By Chip

September 14, 2005 05:55 AM | Link to this

No Peter touching a nerve is not all he should do. He should do his job for one & that’s write a decent article with a slight hint of objectivness. WHen will the media & the hater fans in Atlanta atart supporting Andruws great career & the team? I live in California & have loved the Braves for 17 years. I only get to see them live when they play @ SF. I wish I had the chance to see them in Atlanta. It so sad that so many so called “fans” don’t go out & show their support more.

By bigcooterb

September 14, 2005 10:35 AM | Link to this

I too am surprised that Moore wasn’t able to bring race into the home run issue. I don’t know who is more racist, Moore or Jesse Jackson.

By Shiney

September 14, 2005 02:01 PM | Link to this

I THINK TEARANCE MORE IS A GOD RITER AND DESERVES R RESPECK U GUYS THAT CALL HIM RACIEST DON NO WAT U R TALKING BOUT.

By James

September 14, 2005 03:11 PM | Link to this

Why would we ever expect the AJC to support a local team? It isn’t “cool” to like the Braves right now (unless it is a Braves rookie).

This is the same newspaper that (before it was cool to like the Falcons again) handed out AJC branded New Orleans Saints banners at a Falcons home game. Way to go “home town” newspaper. Absolutely pathetic…

By Tony

September 16, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this

Mr. Moore;

Once again you did your job, obviously from the numer of responses. What everyone has failed to understand is his job is to arouse passion.

Anytime a record is broken there are those of us who are happy and those of us who want to explain why it isn’t the same.

Congratulations Andruw!