AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > September > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFresh chance granted to team, its fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The season opened with John Smoltz allowing a grand slam in the first inning, exiting not long after with a 32.40 ERA stamped on his forehead, and the Braves losing, 9-0, at Florida.
“You want a mulligan,” Smoltz would say later.
See. This is why we don’t compute magic numbers after Opening Day.
“I guess the cowbell rang a little late for us,” Chipper Jones said Tuesday night.
Smoltz got his mulligan — he went on to win 14 games, pitch over 200 innings and lower his ERA by more than just a digit (3.06).
The Braves got their mulligan. What they completed Tuesday night borders on fantasy.
Feel good about this one, because No. 14 is different. Yes, players and coaches and the manager and the general manager will tell you: they’re all different, they’re all special. But seldom do seasons start with such a disaster, evolve so improbably and finish like this.
“Everybody had a reason why we weren’t gonna win,” Smoltz said.
Feel good about this one, but feel even better about what’s about to happen. The Braves go into this post-season with a commodity they didn’t have a year ago: a starting pitcher.
Tim Hudson threw the first pitch of Tuesday night’s 12-3 win over Colorado. How appropriate. Smoltz, returned to the rotation to give the team some power in the post-season, has been stored in bubble wrap until Game 1. Hudson was acquired to give the team a second threat (and briefly a more certain one, given Opening Day.) He went six innings and won his 14th game, tying Smoltz.
“I knew coming in we were gonna clinch it,” Hudson said. “I took this as a playoff game. I went out there with the kind of mentality and the kind of fire you need in a playoff-type atmosphere. You need guys who are able to turn it on in that atmosphere. I don’t know if I did anything special, but I wanted to be out there and I wanted to let guys know that I wanted to be out there.”
Feel good about this team because of this: The first three pitchers in the playoff rotation will be Smoltz, Hudson and Jorge Sosa. Last year, they went into the post-season with Jaret Wright, Mike Hampton, John Thompson and Russ Ortiz. That was their downfall against the Astros.
Since 1991, this team has been about starting pitching. Suddenly against Houston, starting pitching was the four-headed question.
Wright was pounded in his two starts. (Hey Yankees: You can have him.) Hampton looked strong but left his start with forearm tightness, ominous foreshadowing. Thompson’s oblique muscle decided the playoffs would be a great time to blow up. Ortiz was smoked for five runs in the second inning of his start. After the inning, he was told to sell his house.
Feel good about this — even if Braves’ officials didn’t seem to start the celebration.
Officially, the team clinched at 10:08 p.m. when Philadelphia lost to the New York Mets, 3-2. But there was no immediate announcement in Turner Field. The out-of-town scoreboard still indicated the Phils and Mets were in the eighth inning. (The team didn’t even show the game on the screen during the rain delay.)
It wasn’t until 10:24 that an announcement was made — after pitching changes, after “Kiss Cam,” after a camera shot of a fan banging the drum in center field, after a fan hung a makeshift “2005” title pennant in centerfield, after the playing of “Y-M-C-A.” (The dancing old couple was cheered.)
When the announcement was made, the crowd stood and gave an ovation.
The mulligan was complete.
“I don’t think people understand what we’ve been through,” Smoltz said. “Leaving spring training with the team we had, then with the team we have now. This has to be the most special in my 14 years.”
Last year the Braves won two playoff games. The winning pitchers were relievers — Antonio Alfonseca and Smoltz. The Braves didn’t bring either one back to their bullpen.
Fireworks went off after the final out Tuesday night. This one was special. Enjoy it. And feel good about what may come next.
Permalink | Comments (55) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
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By Donny
September 28, 2005 01:09 AM | Link to this
You gotta love Smoltz, Hudson, and Sosa(the Sosa prior to his last start) in a 5 game series. Clemens, Petitte, and Oswalt are good but unlike the Astros(assuming Phils dont make it) the Braves can hit too!!!!!!
By Harold
September 28, 2005 03:02 AM | Link to this
I love the way the “Baby Braves” hustle on EVERY play. They play the game the way it is supposed to be played. Congratulations to everyone from the GM to the manager, to the coaches, and most of all to the players. I have been a fan since the Braves moved to Atlanta in ‘66, and this run has just been fun and also incredible.
By Skip
September 28, 2005 07:43 AM | Link to this
This is absolutely the best. I was a kid in ATL in ‘66, and I’ve suffered thru it all. From my playing and coaching days, I see the one thing in this team that makes them different, that makes any team a winner. They are having fun. And you’ve got to love the hustle. This team is a tribute to the entire Braves organization, from top to bottom, and a real treat for the fans. Thanks guys. Keep smilin’!
By Stuart
September 28, 2005 08:19 AM | Link to this
Last night was as much fun as I have ever had watching the Braves clinch. As a kid that in the country that lived just outside Selma, AL I did not have cable until I was 15 years old. During the 91, 92, and 93 years when I was in grade school, I would listen to the Braves on AM radio and fight my dad for the morning paper just for the box score. This has been the most fun year of them all for me. Because of the kids, my hero Smoltzie coming back to the rotation, for my fellow Auburn alum Tim Hudson and the fact that this team has played ball the right way all year.
I remember taking a business trip to Jackson, Mississippi in July and going and watching the Mississippi Braves both nights was there. The first night Blaine Boyer was the SP and McCann caught and Francouer played RF. I was not sure if the hype was true. But after that same team came to here to Chattanooga and Francouer put on a clinic, I knew then that we had something special. I did not think it would be this soon.
I have been watching, living, and dying with every pitch since 91. We are going to battle with a 3 vets, 3 bald pitchers, a SP who couldn’t crack the D-Rays rotation on a regular basis, the Tigers backup closer, and a bunch of babies. Y’all know what, I would not have it any other way. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By HAHAHAHA
September 28, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this
You guys are a bunch of delusional, ignorant redneck hicks.
How is this year any different, sister-kissers?
It ends the same way it has for the last 10 years!
With another loss. This one more than likely in the first round to Houston… AGAIN!
Woo-Hoo!
I’ve never known a bunch of idiots to keep on being satisfied with winning a bunch of crappy divisional titles which never lead to the REAL prize… THE RING!
The Craplanta Braves and you Craplanta fans have your priorities all screwed up, like I knew you would.
Enjoy your “title,” cause like every other year, it’s the only title you’ll win.
Meaning, you haven’t won anything, because you won’t win it all.
Idiots.
HAHAHAHA!
By Marty
September 28, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this
Jealousy is wonderful thing, isn’t it?
Go Braves! What a special year.
By MEB
September 28, 2005 09:27 AM | Link to this
Thank you Atlanta Braves for 14 wonderful years. What fantastic memories you have provided to my entire family. From “Worst to First” to the “Baby Braves” what an awesome accomplishment. I think Smoltz was correct when he said this is a record that will never be broken. Let’s win the World Series and get after 15 next year. GO BRAVES!!!
By Lew Hartman
September 28, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this
HAHAHA-You are still and always will be a complete a*e.
By Go Braves
September 28, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this
Obviously the anonomous blogger is a fan of a team that isn’t even in the playoffs or else he/she’d be blogging on his own team’s hometown website. Sore loser, sour grapes, whatever you want to say.
I agree with Smoltz, this one is special. I was just a 15 year old kid in 1991. I had watched the Braves on TBS ever since we got a better TV antenna sometime in 1986 or 87. So I saw all the losing teams and watched the young guys like Glavine/Smoltz/Avery all cut their teeth. I remember vividly the pennant race, the last game where the Braves waiting on the field watching the screen and the results from the Dodgers game. I remember the awesome pitching of Smoltz and Avery against the Pirates. And I cried when game 7 ended in extra innings against the Twins. That was a special season. And I haven’t felt as attached to a team the way I am to the current one. I got choked up when I saw Francouer’s debut and saw how energized the fans and team were. It was as if I was that 15 year old kid again, dreaming of October again. This team has an energy that has been missing for 10 years. We may exit again early, but I don’t think this team will lay down that easy.
By Pete
September 28, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this
mission accomplished
LOL!!
By Lew Hartman
September 28, 2005 09:54 AM | Link to this
Just so no one thinks that was ace, HAHAHA, it was a*****.
By John
September 28, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this
Maybe Bobby Cox will finally get the recognition he has deserved for so very long. What a guy! What a team! Way to come through again guys! Atlanta needs to be very proud and very supportive as the playoffs begin.
By bandman
September 28, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this
Stuart is right. Other teams’ rejects, our aging vets, and a bunch of rookies who are playing hard and with enthusiasm are winning. Why are they winning? Simple, Bobby Cox has created and maintained an atmosphere of winning. They are the ultimate example of ‘Winning Breeds Winning.’ This is Cox’s best coaching job. He deserves manager of the year. Other teams use as many rookies and aren’t even thinking playoffs(Rockies & Dodgers). Bobby Cox never even thought otherwise. That’s a winning attitude and it shows in the team and the organization.
This postseason will be fun to watch, win or lose.
Go Braves!
By Jim
September 28, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this
I am very happy for the “youngsters” who have been Brave fans since 1966. I’ve been an Atlanta fan since 1942 when they were the Crackers and played at Ponce De Leon park. The attitude of this team of Braves is the best I’ve ever seen and I hope it continues!
By John Reid
September 28, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this
quote “I have been watching, living, and dying with every pitch since 91. We are going to battle with a 3 vets, 3 bald pitchers, a SP who couldn’t crack the D-Rays rotation on a regular basis, the Tigers backup closer, and a bunch of babies. Y’all know what, I would not have it any other way. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” quote
That is gospel, we’re entering the playoffs with our most motley crew yet, they will show the passion and fire that has been missing for years. Our rotation does matchup well with Houston, and our hitting will be clutch (no Beltran, no chance this year)!
HAHAHAHA, obviously you graduated from the Skip Bayless school of slander.
quote “’ve never known a bunch of idiots to keep on being satisfied with winning a bunch of crappy divisional titles which never lead to the REAL prize… THE RING!” quote.
hmmmmmmm…..Anyone else remember October 1995? Thought so, so you’re dismissed;come up with relevant facts before you even think of stepping up with a remark son.
By Rodger
September 28, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this
Congratulations, Bravos! Before we get too carried away, lets remember this-while Cox is probably the best manager ever at keeping his players consistent for the long season, his short series record is not so great. Again this year, on numerous occasions, we saw some pretty questionable pitching choices. Please, lets leave Kolb, Reitsma, Brower & Foster off the post-season roster. Anytime I see them warming up I get queasy, and they usually end up making me sick!
By Puppet, Please!
September 28, 2005 10:50 AM | Link to this
Thank you Bobby for putting together another winning team. I think we have the mix this year to go all the way, if we can somehow get someone in the bullpen to step up in the 7th and 8th innings. I always thought that we needed to dump some of the high priced veterans and keep infusing the team with young talent to keep the energy level up on the team and keep the team loose. Thats what we’ve been missing in the playoffs. If we can get past Roger ‘Roid Clemens (big if) I think we have a great chance to go all the way. Hey Laughing Man— I hope you’re a Yankee fan otherwise you don’t have any room to talk. And if you are, its been a while since you have won “THE RING” yourself. No excuses, as you say, SO SHUT THE “F” UP! GO BRAVES!!!!
By Tami
September 28, 2005 10:52 AM | Link to this
Sounds like “HAHAHAHA” could be a fan of a NL East rival, who LOST THE DIVISION AGAIN! Sounds like the Braves’ fans get the last laugh, HAHA. You know: Any NL East team could have reached in for the Braves’ juggler at any time pre-All Star Break when one major player after another went down to injury, smelling the sweet, rare scent of at last defeating the NL East Champ Braves from their NL East throne. THEY DIDN’T! Ha, ha, ha right back at YOU!
Anyway, to the rest of the Braves’ Bloggers: Having never been in attendance for any of the season clinchers these past 14 years, my brother, sister-in-law, 3 1/2 year-old nephew and I were in attendance last night. A special night, indeed. I simply love just watching and observing the camaraderie that this team has, reminiscient of the 1991 team. Admittedly, I don’t know how far the 2005 team will go in the playoffs. But, I’ll never forget this season: The emergence of a team of very special rookies likely to be front-page material for years to come; John Smoltz, the amazing, Hall-of-Fame bound pitcher that he is; the resilience of this team and their ability to find a way to step around any obstacle that pops up in front of them, etc. Too many tiny special moments that make up a special season. Way to go, Braves! All the best to you during the postseason!!
By Hairydawg
September 28, 2005 10:58 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the veterans and kids too.Many of you mention that Bobby Cox is the only “constant” throughout the 14 years. But did you know that Bobby is under contract only through the end of the year?
By Lewis
September 28, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this
Congratulations on an extraordinary season! I just hope that with this mix of rookies and veterans, that it is not beneath any of the hitters to BUNT when they face good starting pitchers.
Go with Smoltz, Hudson and Sosa for the starters and have Davies, Ramirez McBride, Boyer and Farnsworth in the pen.
You only have a 5 game series in the first round. Sweep the 1st three and get out of there!!
By Marty
September 28, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this
What has been really exciting to me about this year is the fact that Atlantans are starting to embrace and love their Braves again. As a diehard fan throughout this great run, it has always pained me to hear people criticize the Braves for their lack of fan support, and it has hurt even more to have to admit to myself that it was true. This year, though, it seems like the excitement of the rookies and everything else has brought a lot of people back to the ballpark, and has engaged some who had continued to come but didn’t seem to know why they were there.
I have long since learned not to make predictions about the baseball playoffs in the Wild Card age. Even so, I love my Braves and I wish them the best of luck. LET’S GO BRAVES! LET’S GO ALL THE WAY!
By Ken
September 28, 2005 12:46 PM | Link to this
HA HA… You are right about one thing. You have never seen a bunch of idiots celebrate so many division titles in a row. That is because it has never been done before, by any team in ANY sport.
We will just keep celebrating and appreciating the team we have while others can just become more and more bitter with each passing year. Enjoy
By HAHAHAHA
September 28, 2005 01:08 PM | Link to this
You guys are just proving my point that you all are a bunch of inbred idiot rednecks.
I’m MAKING FUN OF YOU!
I’m laughing at you Craplantans and your Craplanta Braves.
When your team wins another division “title” and I see the delusional hicks “packing” half of that amusement park celebrating, I laugh.
I laugh because I know how it all ends. With yet another October Choke-Fest.
Jealous?
How about deleriously giddy.
It’ll be just over two weeks from now, and you all will be crying, b***, and moaning, and once again try to come up with ways that your team doesn’t choke, doesn’t suck, and talking about how “great” your choke-tastic manager is.
I’m laughing at you, not with you.
You bunch of sister-marrying morons.
By Lew Hartman
September 28, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this
HAHAHA- In two weeks we may be crying yet again but you will still be an a***** and a moron-and not because your team lost in the playoffs. Just who is your team, anyway? I notice you never identified them or used your real name. What a waste of human? DNA you are. I guess you’re qualified to talk about inbreeding, because you yourself are obviously inbred. Go home and go to bed and leave the rest of us to our team who has won 14 STRAIGHT DIVISIONAL TITLES-something no one else, and certainly you have never done.
By Ken
September 28, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this
HA HA… You don’t have to tell us that you are TRYING to make fun of us.
It always works the same way. The guy with the least intelligence has to resort to ridiculous stereotypes and names to make himself feel bigger.
Be careful, don’t hurt yourself with the big words like delusional. As you try to convince yourself that you are smarter than any redneck that walked the face of the earth, you just might find that delusional defines you. You really are an impressive guy, tho, really. I mean it. HA
By Mick
September 28, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this
Haha sure sounds like a Mets fan to me. I guess he can get back to enjoyng the Wild World of Wrestling after this weekend while the Braves fans are storing up some more champagne for the playoffs and series.
By Jon
September 28, 2005 03:31 PM | Link to this
Rodger, I agree with you. Congrats to Bobby for another wonderful, wonderful regular season. That’s 14 feathers in his cap, to be sure. But, as we saw in the last game of the Philly series last week, the late-inning strategic moves that are so oftne crucial in the postseason goes lacking. I’m for having Bobby for 162 games every year… then someone else for the postseason!
By Bill
September 28, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this
The best part is knowing those young guys will be around for a while. What a way to reload! Go Braves!
By Brad
September 28, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this
Hey HAHAHAHA us “Craplantans” are laughing straight to the record books with one finger raised. To you…..guess which one. WAY TO GO BRAVES
By BB FAN
September 28, 2005 03:55 PM | Link to this
HAHAHAHA, What team do you cheer for? I have asked you that about 5 times and you still have not answered. Are you hiding something? You probably are a Mets fan. Trust me, every team in baseball wishes they could be the Atlanta Braves. And in case you do not remember, the Braves won the ring in 1995. They actually earned it. Unlike the great Yankees teams. Even the Marlins bought the ring in ‘97. The Braves organization is in the top 3 in all of baseball when it comes to value.
I thought I would let you know this because your child like insults and accusations hold no water. And they really make you sound like a complete idiot. But if you add in the fact that you are afraid to admit what team you cheer for, you really sound like an idiot. You are the only one laughing at the Braves, but ALL of us are laughing at you. Because anybody who has any intelligence at all can see that the Braves have a great organization and are the envy of every MLB team.
So keep writing your child like blogs because evrybody can see that you really are not very bright.
By Donna
September 28, 2005 03:56 PM | Link to this
Everyone I have ever heard put down the Braves has the same response. They always win the division but can’t win the World Series, insinuating that they are losers. All I can say is that you can’t win the World Series if you can’t make the playoffs. At least the Braves do have that chance every year while most of the other times are back home watching. The jealousy is quite obvious. I have only been a baseball fan for about 4 years and the Braves have been my team all along, the Cubbies are my 2nd favorite team. It’s been a lot of fun this year. You see the veterans get excited about wins. Andrew finally had a year that we all knew he was capable of. The rookies are so much fun to watch. Best of luck in the playoffs. GO BRAVES!!!
By brvsfan
September 28, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this
I thing that HAHAHAHA is a St Lois fan, he only wishes the cards could do the same as the braves every year. So will you ever share with us the team you cheer for, HAHAHAHA?
By Peerless' Mama.
September 28, 2005 04:32 PM | Link to this
Hello again,
I actually still read the on-line version of this paper even though some of it’s writers were instumental in running my son out of town.
I belive I read before that HAHAHAHA is a Marlins fan.
I am worried about Matthew. Is he out there? I am waiting for him to twist this into an anti Terrance Moore blog, since that is all he seems to write about.
Ignore HAHAHAHA.
Congrats to the Braves fans and GO COWBOYS!
By Fred
September 28, 2005 05:00 PM | Link to this
It seems haha is yet another disgruntled Mets fan, fuming because the boys from Hotlanta remain steadfast in their division dominance and is, more than likely, still bent out of shape from that bonehead Rocker’s comments back in ‘99. Yes, Rocker was/is a moron, I’ll give you that.. But you gotta move on, haha. I know it must be rough when deep pockets (highest payroll behind Yanks and RedSox, I believe) don’t make for a successful ballclub… You could always ‘morph’ into a Yankees fan like so many Mets fans seem to do when it’s convenient.
However, while division titles are fine and dandy, nothing less than a World Series trophy/rings will cut it. The Braves are showing a certain chemistry unlike anything I can recall in years’ past. And it’s obvious they’re having a blast right now. Lead the way, veterans! And for the rookies, you’ve shown that you can play like champions, now let’s seal the deal!
By Kevin
September 28, 2005 06:52 PM | Link to this
What an accomplishment, winning the division title with a bunch of rookies. We should have started this youth movement years ago. Go Braves and good luck in the postseason.
By Tina
September 28, 2005 07:15 PM | Link to this
Hey HAHAHA…you need a life. Or maybe a hobby. How about baseball? I’ve heard that the Braves are a pretty good team to root for….
For the rest of you bloggers, all I can say is GO BRAVES!!!
By Lester C
September 28, 2005 08:13 PM | Link to this
GO BRAVES. I remember going to see the Crackers play at Ponce de Leon Ballpark. I remember watching Sandy Koufax pitch against the Braves on a summer afternoon in 1966. I remember perservering through the drought of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. I love the Braves, but have been frustrated for most of the last 14 years as they returned to October play, only to lose out fast. Bottom line for me: The Braves of 2005 have been more special, more fun to watch, more fun to listen to while driving across lonely South Georgia highways, than any Braves team since 1991. They have spirit that has been lacking for many years. GO BRAVES.
By brvsfan
September 28, 2005 09:55 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say what an awesome year the Braves have had with such a young crew.
I just read the newest article on the website and I can’t believe that Bobby Cox is even considering to have Kolb on the post season roster. He has lost more games for us than any other reliever this year. He certainly isn’t my choice.
HEY PLAYERS, LET’S TAKE IT TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!
GO BRAVES!!!!
By brvsfan
September 28, 2005 09:59 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say what an awesome year the Braves have had with such a young crew.
And I just read the latest article on the website and I can’t believe that Bobby Cox is even considering Kolb for the post season roster. He certainly wouldn’t be one of my choices.
HEY PLAYERS, TAKE US TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!
GO BRAVES!!!!
By brvsfan
September 28, 2005 10:01 PM | Link to this
OOPS, IT POSTED TWICE, WHAT HAPPENED THERE…HEHE :)
GO BRAVES!!!
By Mel
September 28, 2005 10:24 PM | Link to this
To HAHA-
A true fan will support and cheer for their team no matter how many games they win or lose! That is what it means to be a true fan, you stand behind your team.
We don’t care if you like the Braves or not…we still do. They would still be my favorite team even if they were in last place. True Braves fans are not fair-weather fans.
Go support your team.
GO BRAVES!!!!
By Josh
September 29, 2005 02:51 AM | Link to this
HA, you know what….i’ve been scared of Houston for the past few days. But just now I realized we took them to 5 games last year w/a sub-par starting rotation, no clutch hitting AT ALL, and they had Carlos Beltran on fire.
This year WE HAVE a 1-2-3 pitching combo who can shut them down.
We have the power line-up, and we have a different guy every night who can and WILL step up and win us ballgames.
Houston is much weaker offensivley, and they are still having to scrap to make the post-season while we rest up.
WE ARE GOING TO BEAT HOUSTON, MAKE SURE WE SELL TURNER FIELD OUT TO WATCH IT HAPPEN!!!
By geechee
September 29, 2005 03:26 AM | Link to this
“Later, Sen. George Allen, R-Va., made a not-so-veiled reference to Bonds, who has denied using steroids: “As far as Hank Aaron is concerned, if a certain player breaks his home run record, it’s not a question of an asterisk. … There probably ought to be an ‘RX’ next to it.”
By Brady
September 29, 2005 05:11 AM | Link to this
HEY BRAVES FANS: Dont pay attention to HEHE or HAHA or whatever he calls himself. He is just a distraught Yankee fan that used to get picked on in school with his thick bottle cap glasses and his Yankee pocket protector. The fact that he even takes time out of his dull, pathetic life to talk smack about the Braves just once again proves how great the Braves really are and no other team can hold a candle to them.
By BB FAN
September 29, 2005 08:16 AM | Link to this
It’s the same for every fan of any baseball team. Except most fans can only get exited and thrilled about their team in Spring Training. Then once the season starts, it’s over. Even though teh Braves have won “only” one WS ring, they have a chance every year. And us Braves fans can be exited throughout the year and into the post season.
And if there comes a time when JS and Cox can not field a competitive team, we will still be cheering them on. Though I can not imagine that JS and Cox will fail some day, it likely will happen.
And as much heat as Cox takes for supposedly not being able to win the big one (though see 1995 to disprove this), he really only has one weakness, if you even want to call it one: He is sometimes too loyal to his veterens. And even though at times, I and many other fans might second guess him, he has a pretty damn good resume. So in the end I trust his moves. Most managers would love to be Cox because not many can say he has a WS ring and 15 divisions and 5 league titles. People forget that 29 of 30 mangagers/teams fail to win a WS ring every year!
By PERRY
September 29, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this
COME ON JOHN ROCKER, QUIT POSING AS HAHAHAHA AND ADMIT IT. YOU’RE REALLY A BRAVES FAN JUST *ISSED OFF BECAUSE WE WONT LET YOU PLAY ANYMORE. “GO BRAVES BABIES AND VETS.
By T Robb
September 29, 2005 12:27 PM | Link to this
Folks, when a troll comes along, do what I do - scroll down! That way they don’t have the satisfaction of getting under your skin.
Go Braves, take it to the house!
By eddie
September 29, 2005 01:20 PM | Link to this
someone please tell me how this braves season is more special than the Astros bouncing back from 15 GAMES UNDER .500? The braves win divison championships, but if we all though about it, outside of a “homer” status, we all know who the real team of destiny is. Got to love them ‘stros.
By Josh
September 29, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this
The Astros SUCKED, then got good. The Braves were just good the whole season. I’ll side with Atlanta
By Marty
September 29, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this
What the Astros have showed again this year is the big problem with the Wild Card system. Why bother winning your division if you can suck for two thirds of the year and still make the playoffs? Regardless, as Andruw Jones said, our Braves have to beat whomever they face in the first round — whether they deserve to be in the playoffs or not. Either way, let’s sell out Turner Field this year. I will be there for at least 2 of our three home games in the NLDS. Will you?? GO BRAVES!!!
By Shaun R.
September 29, 2005 08:34 PM | Link to this
14. Congratulations Braves! We did it again. I’m so proud of this team. Its been really fun watching from TV and at the Ted. I only have 2 requests for this year’s playoffs: 1) Fans, PLEASE come out to the games this year. Its embarassing to see all those invisible fans with seat colored shirts on in the postseason. And stay for the whole game for a change 2)Mr. Cox, please leave Kolb on the bench. Don’t you think he has done his fair share of damage this season? How many more game-ending grand-slams do you plan on seeing? I think I saw 4 of those this year.HAHA {aka “Im a Mets “fan”“}. Sounds like you dont know baseball history. The Brooklyn Dodgers only won 1 big one in ‘55, but will probably go down in history as one of, if not the, most beloved franchise ever. The Cubs, never, but look at their fans. Boston, finally after 80+ years (courtesy of a yankee choke) So GET OFF OUR BACKS!!! And that goes for the rest of you spoiled fair-weather Braves fans. We have one of the most successful baseball franchises EVER. And the future looks bright.
Once again, PLEASE come to the games! Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By brvsfan
September 29, 2005 09:17 PM | Link to this
It’s a bummer that I live so far away. I’ll have to settle for watching the Braves on T.V. So Sorry Shaun R, can’t be there, but I’ll be watching every moment either from home or work.
Go Braves!!!! :)
By Josh
September 29, 2005 10:52 PM | Link to this
SELL-OUT TURNER FIELD. PLEEEASE!! I already have my game 1 and game 2 tix….it’s gonna be rockin next week!
By TONY HARMON
September 30, 2005 07:45 AM | Link to this
THE YEAR WAS 1969 WHEN I FIRST BECAME AN ATLANTA BRAVES FAN. MY OLDER BROTHER WAS A HARDCORE BRAVES FAN AND IT RUBBED OFF ON MYSELF. IN 1969, THE TWO DIVISIONS WERE PUT INTO PLACE. THE EAST AND THE WEST.
THE BRAVES WERE LOADED WITH LUMBER. THEY HAD THE LIKES OF HANK AARON, FELIX MILLAN, RICO CARTY, SONY JACKSON, CLETE BOYER,ORLANDO CEPEDA,BOB TILLMAN ETC.
HOWEVER, THE BRAVES ONLY HAD PHIL NIEKRO AS THE ONLY LEGITIMATE STARTING PITCHER. ALTHOUGH RON REED HAD A FEW GOOD YEARS. THEY WERE LOADED WITH ALL OF THOSE 300 HITTERS AND HOME-RUN HITTERS. BUT PITCHING DID THEM IN BY THE MIRACLE METS, WHO WENT ON TO DEFEAT THE POWERFUL ORIOLES IN FIVE GAMES.
AT THE TIME, I WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD. I THOUGHT, WE WILL GET THEM NEXT YEAR. NEXT YEAR CAME IN 1982. AGAIN, THE BRAVES HAD DALE MURPHY, BOB HORNER,GLEN HUBBARD,RAFAEL RAMIREZ,CLAUDELL WASHINGTON, CHRIS CHAMBLISS ETC. BUT, THEY ONLY HAD PHIL NIEKRO. THEY LOOSE TO THE CARDINALS IN A SWEEP.
SO, THE BRAVES HAVE NEVER HAD THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF PITCHING, HITTING, SPEED AND DEFENSE UNTIL THIS YEAR. AND IF COX CAN COME UP WITH THE RIGHT BULL-PEN COMBINATION, THEY WILL BE A FORCE IN THE PLAY-OFFS.
SO, YOU SEE. I KNOW ALL ABOUT THE BRAVES, SINCE 1969. THIS TEAM IS MUCH STRONGER THAN THE TEAM OF 1995. ALL THEY NEEDED WERE POWER PITCHERS WHO CAN BLOW THROUGH HITTERS. THEY WILL SCORE. THEY HAVE A LIGHTS OUT CLOSER. IT’S A MATTER OF TAKING THE RIGHT PITCHERS TO THE DANCE. BRAVES IN FOUR!
By kelly
October 4, 2005 04:03 PM | Link to this
To HAHAHA: I remember what a redneck is, when my grandfather and my dad and his five brothers plowed fields and picked cotton in the hot, sweltering sun. Just to let you know what the real meaning is, they were some of the most Christian and wonderful men I have ever known. (And NO, no one EVER married a relative) GO BRAVES!!! We Love you!