AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > September > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTip your cap to the Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
The streak that began on the giddy afternoon of Oct. 5, 1991, is days from its end. The Braves are four losses — or four Mets victories, or any combination thereof — from elimination in the NL East race. Yes, the issue was essentially decided months ago, but the official attachment of what John Schuerholz calls “that funny mark by your name that means you can’t win anymore” should have a special and somber resonance here.
Not since September 1990 has that unfunny mark been affixed to the Atlanta Braves. Not since 1991 has this franchise completed a full season and finished anywhere but first. Not since Schuerholz arrived from Kansas City in October 1990 has a team of his making failed to win its division. And how, with the run of titles about to conclude at 14, does the architect feel?
“Disappointed,” he said Thursday. “And saddened. And proud.”
The Braves assembled a team this season that was, for reasons ranging from design flaws to rotten luck, not good enough to finish first. Such seasons befall other organizations all the time, but for 14 seasons every other group of Braves overrode injuries and down years from individuals and challenges from beefed-up rivals and even Old Lady Luck to finish first every blessed time.
The people — and there are some out there, wrong-headed though they be — who came to insist that division titles didn’t mean anything simply don’t understand the nature of baseball. Those who do regard the Braves and the hallowed 14 as an outrageous benchmark. Said Schuerholz: “You don’t know how many general managers and managers and star players have said to me, ‘You can’t do what you’ve done. What you’ve done may be the most remarkable feat in sports history.’ “
Certainly it qualifies for consideration. No other franchise in the four major sports based in the U.S. and Canada — not the Yankees, not the Cowboys, not the Celtics, not the Canadiens — has finished first 14 times running. Over that ridiculous span, the Braves moved from the West to the East and saw seven organizations finish as runners-up, but the team atop the standings never changed. The players did, the Braves remaking themselves a half-dozen times, but each batch of players produced the same outcome.
Until this bunch. But the wonder of it isn’t that this one team failed — it’s that all the others found ways to succeed. “We’ve had problems and we’ve fixed them and we’ve patched them and we’ve found alternate strengths,” Schuerholz said. “Last year we jettisoned Plan A and went with 18 rookies.”
No player was an active part of all 14 titles. (John Smoltz missed the 2000 season after surgery.) Chipper Jones arrived in September 1993 as part of the vaunted Next Wave of Braves — Ryan Klesko and Javy Lopez were classmates — and has since seen several more waves come and go. For 14 seasons, it didn’t really matter what names the Braves ran out there; what mattered was that they were Braves.
Just being the Braves wasn’t enough this season. (Schuerholz holds out hope of his team winning 20 of its last 23 games to grab the wild card, but even he concedes the improbability of that.) “If reality sets in,” he said, “we’ll deal with it. … It just didn’t work this year, but that doesn’t mean the spirit is broken or the mechanism is broken.”
Maybe next year will be better than this one, but nothing in our lifetimes will ever approach the extended splendor of what we’ve just beheld. Said Schuerholz: “When the disappointment of this season passes — and it will, though it’s palpable now — I should think that any honest-thinking person would say, ‘What a remarkable accomplishment.’ “
If a player gets a hit every third time at bat, he winds up in the Hall of Fame. The Braves hit their target 14 times in 15 seasons. That’s a batting average of .933, and that’s not just Cooperstown material — that’s Valhalla stuff. We around here have been honored to bear witness to the longest run of excellence pro sports has seen, and in its passing we should tip our figurative caps.
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By kyle
September 7, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
hats off.
I will forever be a braves fan if for nothing else, the past 14 years.
An entire generation of kids has never known another leader in the NL east. They brought a championship and a reason to celebrate our city which is more than any other team in our city can say.
By kyle
September 7, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
hats off.
I will forever be a braves fan if for nothing else, the past 14 years.
An entire generation of kids has never known another leader in the NL east. They brought a championship and a reason to celebrate our city which is more than any other team in our city can say.
By Wedgie Evans
September 7, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
The last time the Braves didn’t finish first, I was 4 years old. I don’t remember the 1990 season — my first baseball memories were in the 1991 world series. Props to the Braves for 14 great years.
By william cranman
September 7, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
Well said Mark. What the Braves have done over the last 14 seasons has been remarkable. My hats are off to everyone who has put on a Braves uniform since the second half of 1991. This was the most remarkable run in sports history and every true Braves fan when its all said and done this year should stand up and cheer.
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 7, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this
Bull$hit!…Being the best in the weakest league in baseball, and the weakest division in that league over the last 14 years—with only “1” World Series Championship is one helluva of a run of underachievement!!!…GO D**!!!…
By Michael
September 7, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this
Great column, Mark. I can’t think of any major sport anywhere that such a streak has occured in. If any Braves fans think there is room to complain, check this out:
The Falcons have never had two consecutive winning seasons (nor won a Super Bowl).
The Hawks have never made it past the second round of the playoffs (in Atlanta).
The Thrashers, albeit a young franchise, has never made the playoffs.
The Atlanta Silverbacks (USL Soccer) have made the playoffs twice in their 11-year history.
Even Tiger Woods doesn’t win them all.
By Kenny
September 7, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this
True. All true. But no mention of the playoffs. If there were one more World Championship at least, the final 16 home games of this pathetic season would be a well deserved curtain call. But with only one World Championship, and thank the Lord for it, the Braves and Braves’ fans find little comfort in the 14 titles. Why? Because baseball is about the World Series. That’s what it’s about. That’s the measuring stick. And during the Braves’ amazing run the Marlins outdid them for world championships from within their own division. Braves’ fans know it could have been so much greater. That’s why Bobby Cox is not as beloved as he should be. He failed to win the big ones. Braves’ fans know that the World Series and chances to get there may not come again for a long time. And when they had so many golden chances (remember being up 3-0 on the Yankees?) the Braves blew those chances big time.
By coach
September 7, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
Southern Jack A*’s name is perfect if you add Ignorant to the beginning. One would have to be ignorant to not understand the magnificience of the Braves’ run of championships.
By Kenny
September 7, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
They’re not championships. That’s the world series moron.
By Brad
September 7, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
I still would rather have 14 chance and only win once, than to have 2 chances, win both, and suck the rest of the years. At least we had a team that was good every year. Some years, we wern’t that good, but at least the division was weak in those years. But I don’t think this is it for the Braves. I think they will be back strong next year. I’m not predicting a division championship or WS title, but atleast a .500 team.(btw, outside of the month of June, the braves have played 9 games over .500) So they haven’t been that bad of a team if you take out June. But of course you can’t take a month out so we not winning anything this year. But next year, there is a good team in place. We will have a good year for the next few years. We have a good buch of young talent that will develop and because good baseball players.
(BTW, the Braves were only up 2-0 on the Yankees.)
By The Man
September 7, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
KENNY LIKES MEN
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 7, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
I understand perfectly, “rube”!!!…GO TIGERS!!!…
By brave one
September 7, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
i was in the 2nd grade when the braves started this remarkable streak and i attended several of those playoff games from the 91 season and have appreciated everything schuerholz and cox has done ever since then for the franchise i hate the national media doesn’t recognize the accomlishment this franchise has made if the cubs,red sox and yankees had done this it would be talked about on espn constantly props to the ‘91-‘05 teams for a great run and hopefully we can start a 15 year run beginning in ‘07
By Charlie
September 7, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
To not understand how impressive what the Braves have done would take someone who has never competed in team sports or even checkers for that matter. Winning tournaments, that’s what the postseason is, is more about momentum, timing and luck as opposed to pure skill. Winning a 162 game season for straight 14 years is all about guts and guile. No question, it would be great to have won 4 or 5 more championships while also winning all the division titles. Then we could use the big D word, dynasty. Dynasty or not, I couldn’t be prouder to call myself a 30+ year Braves fan. The last 14 beats the heck out of the prior 14. Go Braves!!! New streak begins in 2007.
By Bob
September 7, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
Yes, more than one World Series title would be nice, but that was not the case. However, putting together a winning team 14 straight years is quite remarkable. Especially when you consider how it’s been done. Free agents, prospects, trades…any way a team could be put together, the Braves have been over the span of titles. And really, I thought the measuring stick was the playoffs in baseball. How many teams want to just make it to the playoffs? In Atlanta, our goal has become to win the World Series, but that’s just because we’ve made the playoffs for so many years.
By metsfanforlife
September 7, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Hooray!!! Go Mets! Here’s to not only an NL East crown but a world series title!* wooo hooo!*
By Steve
September 7, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Oh please Bradley. Those 14 years, the Braves were in a week division, and yet they still choked 13 times.
Strange to me, that when the Bills lose 4 Superbowls, the country calls them chockers, but when the Braves lose 13 of 14, we are tipping our hats to them?
Sorry, the Braves are the biggest chockers in sports history !!!!
By Gaye
September 7, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
I am so proud of the Atlanta Braves. They have accomplished a feat that no other team has. I am 68 years old and have been a baseball fan since age 10. At that time I began to listen to Yankee games, progressed to television some 15 years later, watching every Yankee game possible. I even attended a Sunday afternoon doubleheader in Yankee Stadium in May of 1956 and watched the Yanks beat the White Sox in both games by 4-0 score. That was great but it still does not compare to the Braves (who I began following in the mid 80’s)winning 14 division titles and seeing the likes of Dale Murphy, Jeff Blauser, David Justice, the Jones boys, John Smoltz, and so many great players during that time. My only regret is that in the years to come there will be fewer games to watch since I do not receive Turner South in Louisiana and TBS will be cutting back on TV time. Love the Braves, win-lose-or-draw. I AM SO VERY PROUD OF EACH AND EVERY PLAYER WHO HELPED MAKE THIS STREAK POSSIBLE.
By brave in NY
September 7, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this
Valhalla stuff? come on Mark dont make me puke. With the best rotation in history….give me at least ONE other WS.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 7, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
The end of the streak brings a tear to my eye but there is so much to be proud of. I know that there are some folks on here that will tirelessly bring up the fact there was only 1 WS title and so many postseason failures. However, what this team has done for 14 years cannot be trivialized. I get so tired of hearing that the Braves were in a weak division. So, what’s your point. The Cardinals play in a weak division and they haven’t won 14 straight division titles. The A’s play in a weak divison and haven’t won 14 in a row. The Indians played in a weak division and couldn’t win 14 in a row. What the hell is the point of that comment? Do people have any idea how hard it is to put a team good enough for 14 straight years to actaully contend for a title? I imagine its not too easy. The “they played in a weak division” argument simply doesn’t hold water. They didn’t play in a weak division every year. How does one explain 91 (Dodgers and Reds), 92 (Dodgers), 93 (Giants), 95 (Expos), 97 (Marlins), 99 (Mets), 2000 (Mets), 2003 (Phillies and Marlins), and 2004 (Phillies)? That is like saying the Yankees’ run is insignificant because they played in a weak division where only Boston was a true obstacle.
I agree that some years the NL East was awful. However, it takes a great amount of skill to put the right pieces in place to win. Any of those years another team could have toppled the Braves. Any of them!!!!!!!!!!1
As for the one WS title, I am as disappointed as anyone. I think this team should have at least 4 more titles (‘91, ‘96, ‘97, and 2003). Does the one title mean they are losers or were underachievers? No. Don’t give me the crap about the Marlins have two titles in that time? Lets not forget the 97 NLCS was all about given to them on a silver platter and in 2003 they were the hot team. It kills me when people dismiss the notion that the best team doesn’t always win. I got news for you. They don’t. Does anyone think the ‘03 Marlins were better than the Yankees or the ‘01 D-Backs. The ‘96 Yanks weren’t better than that Braves team. Even in ‘02 the Giants were better than the Angels. That is why if the Marlins or the Phillies get into the playoffs this year they will get into the WS. Last year the Astros got in over the Cardinals. The Astros weren’t better than the Cardinals. Please! They were hot.
I’m not making exucses but the truth is the truth. Another fact is that Cox got more out of his teams than anyone could reasonably expected. As great as the ‘91 team was, they were not better than the Dodgers on their merit alone. Cox made them believe in themselves. The same could be said of the ‘93, ‘98, and ‘00-‘05 teams. I have my issues with Cox and some of his decisions. But, the man can manage. What he did with that team last year was amazing. The only ohter manager in baseball that could have maybe done better is Girardi. I guarantee you that Torre couldn’t handle a team that young and cheap.
This run is to be admired because nothing like it will happen again. Even the Yankees won’t win 14 in a row. I realize they are on number 10 right now, but rest assured that between the Orioles, Red Sox, and Blue Jays someone will make sure the run is stopped. The Yankees are an old team with very little in the minors to bring up. Yes, they have all the money but Torre won’t be around for another 4 years and a lot of guys are witnessing what is happening to A-Rod this year and probably wondering if it would be worth it.
I, for one, think that this team will be back next year. If some good solid moves are made in the offseason, this team will be fine. If a good speedy leadoff hitter, some bullpen help, a closer, and an adequate bench is obtained this team will be fine. The task isn’t that daunting. The bench is already in good shape with Daryl Ward, Thorman, Langerhans, Diaz, and Aybar as potential cornerstones. I believe some painful purging may have to take place (Andruw getting traded and Giles as well), but this team will get it together and come to spring training ready. I actually believe this season will help this team. It will teach the young kids that it takes more than simply putting on the Braves’ uniform to win and the veterans that winning isn’t some sort of right of passage but has to be earned. I think all of these guys will be better in the end. They will come to spring training ready to get the taste of this season out of their mouth and to prove to everyone that Braves’ baseball and the great dynasty is far from dead.
By Young
September 7, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this
The Yankees will better this record.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 7, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
I have to say I don’t think the Yanks will better this record. I think just like the Mets this year made it their life’s mission to stop the Braves, the Red Sox, Orioles, or Blue Jays will make it their life’s mission to stop the Yankees. If the Red Sox go get another good starter in the offseason, they will overtake the Yanks. Don’t forget the Red Sox fell apart when Varitek and Nixon went out of the lineup. If Jason Varitek doesn’t get hurt, the Red Sox are still in 1st place right now. Besides, the Yanks and their free spending ways will and have already begun catching up to them.
By Young
September 7, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this
This team will be back in the last place like it used to be in the late 1980’s because they Braves cannot keep up with the high paid players and the farm are out of good players because they were traded. This will be the new Atlanta Hawks of the MLB in Altanta. Go Mets, Nats and Marlins.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 7, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
Whatever! This team will not be the Atlanta Hawks of baseball. That is ludicrous and a bit ignorant to even say. With a nucleus of Francoeur, McCann, LaRoche, James, Prado, McBride, Davies, and Diaz or Thorman this team will be competitive for years to come. Not to mention that after 2008 a lot of payroll releif will come. Don’t underestimate JS. Don’t be at all surprised if Andruw isn’t traded this winter for some very good younger players. JS has learned his lesson and won’t make the same mistake twice.
By Young
September 7, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this
We neglected watching our children grow up and wasted time on the Braves for the last fifteen years. Now, the Braves are where they should be, it is time to return tending our children again if they still remember us.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 7, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
I guess its time to jump off the wagon and jump on the Mets wagon. The Braves are losers and the Mets are winners.
Oh, wait. Let me wake up. The Mets had one good year and will either get their butts kicked in the NL playoffs (if they’re lucky) or go to the WS and embarrass the NL more than any Braves team could have ever hoped to. They will go into the season next year with a starting rotation so old and senile that Wilford Brimley would not even deal with them. This offseason will not even get close to producing the fruit that this past off season did.
By Young
September 7, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
Francoeur is a good player and will win the gold gloves for the next six years but he will never bat higher than 270. McCann is a solid player and will be the MVP of the team for next three years and will move on because the Braves will not be able to sign him, however, he will never be win any gold glove no matter how hard he tries. LaRoche will hit 280 or better, 30 home runs or more, batted in around 100 and will win two gold gloves starting next year, but he too will leave because the Braves cannot afford to sign him, James and Davies are average pitchers and will win 12 to 15 games combined, however, they too will give up more than four runs a game. It will be good that Andruw will move on to another team because he will never bat higher than 270 again, he will still win gold gloves, however, he is getting fatter every year so it will too end. As for Diaz and Thorman, they will 265 hitter and 10 home runs and around 45 RBI. Do not get your hope to high because it may be a deep free fall.
By Ron Roberts
September 8, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
Y’all act like we only played the teams from the NL East during the regular season.
1991 1992 1995 1996 1999
Over a third of those 14 years, the Braves were best team in the National League, once winning a World Series, so stop with the “weak division” argument. The SF Giants weren’t exactly “weak” in 1993, as I recall, either. Hell, we beat the 2000 Mets to win the NL East that year and they went to the World Series, how was the division weak that year? Or how about the two Marlins title years? Was the division so weak then, when it had two playoff teams?
You can argue the Braves have been playoff under-achievers (they have), but you can’t argue they won titles over weak division foes all those 14 years, too.
By Knockahoma
September 8, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this
I give the Braves credit for 14 straight Division Titles, but let’s quit making it out to be the greatest record in sports. There are 6 Division winners every year but only one team that walks away the champion. JS continues playing his game of telling the fans and his deadbeat bosses at TW what a successful season is. I would love to have the ability to tell my boss and customers what they were going to get from me whether they liked it or not. Little League is about how you play the game but MLB is about winning WS Titles- that’s why Little Leaguers make nothing and MLB players make millions. Hitting the postseason 14 years in a row and finding the WS 5 times, one WS Title is well short of successful. JS should be measured by how many parades he brings to Atlanta. My count still shows one and that was 10 years ago. If these AJC writers were not bought and sold by the likes of JS, you would see more articles reflecting just how pathetic these Braves have been in the postseason. If the Braves get an A for the regular season, let’s be honest and give them a D for their performance in the playoffs. Just keeping it real folks.
By Knockahoma
September 8, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
Robert: How can the Mets embarass the NL any worse than the Braves? You must have forgotten than the Braves are WINLESS in their last EIGHT Worldseries games. Just a microcosm of the big elephant sitting in your living room that you refuse to see.
By Greg
September 8, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this
14 consecutive times in the playoff is impressive. 30 other baseball teams cannot say that. Yes, it was disappointing that the Braves won 1 World Series title. In those losses the Braves missed 1 or 2 players or failed to make 1 or 2 plays or pitches which made the difference. What is impressive that people overlook is that the Braves won 5 pennants or National League championship titles! It is too easy to criticize a team that has 14 playoff appearances and 1 WS title. Most organizations would trade the feat the Braves had for 14 losing seasons and 2 WS titles. That is hard to do. The Braves cannot be put in the same category as the Yankees of the 20’s, 60’s, 70’s or 90’s. No team will ever be as grand as the Yankees, that’s just the way baseball existence in this country happened.I honestly believe the Braves should have won a couple more WS titles: (1991 vs the Twins and 1996 against the Yankees)I just believe the American League is just stronger than the NL. And as for the 2006 season, the Mets were just better, I give them props! The Braves have a stronger future than the Mets, Phillies, maybe not the Marlins or Nationals. If Schurholtz makes some moves to strengthen the bullpen, get a lead off hitter, add a quality starter, and players get health the Braves should win the 2007 NL east. Yes, the Braves are dead in 2006, but for only 1 year!!!
By Knockahoma
September 8, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
Greg- The Marlins & D-Backs beat the Yankees for WS Titles and neither were staked to a 2-0 series lead heading home as the Braves were in 1996. Yes the AL tends to be stronger but winning 1 Title in 5 trips is inexcusable. It all boils down to Cox making bonehead decisions by playing guys mired in slumps while hot bench guys sit around to hand out gatorade. Cox still thinks the playoffs are a 162 game series.
By Brian
September 8, 2006 06:41 AM | Link to this
As a Phillie fan, I’ve had nothing else than to look up at the Braves for 11 of these 14 division titles. And, yes, I do have to tip my cap to the Braves. However, there is a very strong chance that this will no longer be a phenominal feat fifteen or twenty years from now.
There’s another team in the other Eastern Division that is about to run their streak to 9. Barring twenty-five untimely accidents to all twenty-five guys similar to that episode of the Simpsons, this streak will be nothing compared to the one that the Evil Empire could potentially string together a generation from now. I don’t like that any more than you guys do.
As a fan for another NL East team, I hope that the Braves will be able to keep a claim to the longest streak in professional sports when this one’s remembered in the baseball history books.
By batrol
September 8, 2006 06:45 AM | Link to this
If anyone needs an example of why the Braves only won 1 World Series look at the lineup of game 6 of the ‘98 NLCS. Cox managed that game like it was the 2nd game of a June doubleheader. He managed lots of the postseason games just like that-no sense of urgency.
By br
September 8, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this
Robert, I respect your opinions and you are a true Braves fan, kudos for that. BUT, if you’re going to say the 1997 NLCS was given to the Marlins on a silver platter then I guess you’d have to say that 60% of the Braves victories from 1993-2001 were handed to THEM on a silver platter. Did Livan get a wider strike zone? Sure he did, but so did Glavine, Smoltz, and especially Maddux in the games they pitched (for about 10 seasons, too!)…and you know it!
Also, how do you know if the Yankees won’t top 14 in a row? How do you know that the Mets will be a 1-year wonder? How do you know the Braves WILL win the division next year? As a Braves fan, you have every right to be optimistic, but so do fans of other teams, and fortunately, games are not decided by Robert, they are decided ON THE FIELD! In other words, let’s wait ‘til next year before we make hasty predictions, shall we?!
By bevsouth
September 8, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing to read the comments of the uninformed who do not appreciate what a remarkable acheivement the Braves streak is. Perhaps those of you who denigrate what the Braves accomplished should speak with fans of the Cubs who are about to celebrate their 100th year since winning a World series.Or the Red Sox who until 04, went 86 years with out one. It’s interesting that the uniformed harp about the Marlins and never mention the Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers,Reds Tigers or event he White Sox who prior to last season last won in 1908!!!
By Megawatt
September 8, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this
As a senior in high school, I remember how excited me and my friends were when the Braves won the NL West back in 1982. They lost the NLCS to the Cards in three straight games that year …and that bunch of Braves never won another division title, finishing 2nd in ‘83 and by ‘85 it was back to the all-to-familiar 5th and 6th place finishes.
With that in mind, 1991-2005 (less 1994) has been truly remarkable, unbelievable really. True, there was only one year of winning the World Series, and things would have been better if the Braves could have somehow squeezed out either a ‘91 or ‘92 championship (Toronto probably had the better team in ‘92, but I think the Braves were better than the Twins in ‘91) and really, the Braves did blow the ‘99 series to the Yankees, and from a playoff standpoint, really never seemed to recover from that.
All that being said, my hat is off to the Braves. In my lifetime, from the age of 26-40, the Braves won a division title each and every completed MLB season …that will never happen in, not only MLB, but any professional sport, again.
By mart
September 8, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this
Yaa, yaa, yaa… Braves won 14 straight and what’d it get them—-ridicule, mainly, for their playoff ineptness. For the sake of trivia, the streak’s impressive, otherwise it’s just a reminder of what could’ve been.
By tim- braves lifer
September 8, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
i’m 43 years old and hav been a Braves fan since i was 9. even when they were terrible.im proud to have been a fan for so long and seen what i’ve seen.just because this year has been a struggle is no reason to forget the great things like Otis Nixons catch,worst to first in 91 and still the greatest ws i’ve ever seen,the title in ‘95 and especially last year with the “baby braves”.Do you know what Pirate fans or cub fans or “you fill in the name fans” would give to be where Brave fans have been.I hope the last game of the season at home, fans will show up and stand and pay tribute to this accomplishment and we’ll be back next year.
By Gene
September 8, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
If the goal of the team is to win the division, then the Braves accomplished that goal. It is an impressive run. However, I think I remember that Bear Bryant’s goal was to win the national championship each season, and he considered the season less than successful if Alabama did not accomplish that goal. After about 1995, it seemed that the Braves were perfectly satisfied with taking the division championship, then heading for the golf course.
By Lisa
September 8, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
To the Atlanta Braves - past, present and future: Thank You! You are a class act and will always have a special place in my heart.
By Mike
September 8, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
When the Braves host Houston on Sunday, Oct. 1, in the regular-season finale, fans should pack Turner Field to salute the achievement of this franchise. Yes, it will be a meaningless game for the 2006 team, but it will be a truly meaningful tribute to a franchise that has set the standard for duplication of excellence. Pack the Ted on Oct. 1!
By Falcons Fan
September 8, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Like Gene and many have already said, the streak of 14 is “nice” — it definitely took some good play, philosophy and day-to-day focus.
But they REALLY let themselves down — particularly the choky “hitters” when the playoffs and WS rolled around. These guys just wouldn’t hit in the big games and it was actually amazing to to watch other teams play in World Series’s, actually score 4 or more runs and win. We got very lucky to win the one we did — thanks to a brilliant performance by Glavine and Justice being clutch. But Bobby made that one closer than it had to be, remember? Keeping the weak-hitting Belliard in to hit with the bases drunk twice.
Nah, the final epitaph on that team’s run will be:
Good General Managing - getting good players
Good regular season managing on an even keel for a 162-game grind
Great Pitching coaching (Thank you Leo!)
Great pitching (Thank you Tom, Smoltzie and Doggie!)
And choke hitting (rasberries to you, Gant, Terry and most of all, “Mr. Unbothered by Choking” Chipper)
I know there was one year we had a powerful offense but less pitching. But the overall run was characterized by ridiculous “patient” batting, getting behind in the count taking the first two pitches each at-bat. They never seemed to figure out that MLB umpires were not going to give a team the title by a bunch of walks but that they’d have to swing their bats to get it. I think the lowest of the low points came when they made Sterling Hitchcock look like some clone of Bob Gibson / Sandy Koufax.
Overall, “Thanks” and “Congratulations” to you Bravos for a “nice” accomplishment. But there is a strong sense of disappointment and underachievement to this era that is inescapable.
By Mr. Joe Quervo
September 8, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
It’s the head of the dragon that makes the decisions and dictates emotion. Let’s see about that—Steinbrenner vs. Time Warner.
Time Warner has been the head and as a result, the Braves players are nothing but Corporate Lieutenants. Make waves, we’ll move you…..Dave Justice, Deion, Jermaine, Marquis. Walk into any publicly traded corporation…do you see any Mavericks…not for long!
Smoltz had a rude awakening with the way he was treated by Scheuerholz. Welcome to the real world Smoltzie with us Commoners. Take your multimillions and shut up!
Braves, based on the Mission Statement of your Owner, CONGRATULATIONS ON ACHIEVING YOUR MISSION OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS!
By RJ
September 8, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
* Jack A* you are no Braves fan ! How long have you been in Atl ? I have been a Braves fan since ‘69, yes thats the year they played the Mets in the playoffs. I have seen many times when they had 3,000 fans for their games.But a real fan stays with them. There are alot of teams that would love to have won their division 14 times in a row. You need to be a Cubs fan, as negative as you are,you would have all kinds of things to criticize….Move to Chi town, you could start complaining by July each season….GO BRAVES
By RJ
September 8, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
* Jack A* you are no Braves fan ! How long have you been in Atl ? I have been a Braves fan since ‘69, yes thats the year they played the Mets in the playoffs. I have seen many times when they had 3,000 fans for their games.But a real fan stays with them. There are alot of teams that would love to have won their division 14 times in a row. You need to be a Cubs fan, as negative as you are,you would have all kinds of things to criticize….Move to Chi town, you could start complaining by July each season….GO BRAVES
By mountain_jim
September 8, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
Next year how about we START the season with a functional CLOSER, John S!
This season’s failure is totally on John S, ‘the architect’, for not having a closer or a bullpen for the first half of the season.
By Greg
September 8, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
How can Scheuerholz be disappointed with this team. He fielded a horrible bullpen, mediocre starters, no leadoff hitter, and he let Leo get away. We should be in last place and homeboy knows it.
By RJ
September 8, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
* Jack A* you are no Braves fan ! How long have you been in Atl ? I have been a Braves fan since ‘69, yes thats the year they played the Mets in the playoffs. I have seen many times when they had 3,000 fans for their games.But a real fan stays with them. There are alot of teams that would love to have won their division 14 times in a row. You need to be a Cubs fan, as negative as you are,you would have all kinds of things to criticize….Move to Chi town, you could start complaining by July each season….GO BRAVES
By Jerry
September 8, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
Time to have a Faith Day.
By Burt Perry
September 8, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
Stupid Lewises
By John Michael
September 8, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Braves are like a PGA golfer who doesn’t care about winning tournaments because he can make a nice living finishing 7th. Of course, it doesn’t surprise me that all this talk of division titles comes up in the swansong of the Braves run because it is their best accomplishment. They certainly weren’t going to highlight their pathetic postseason record. The Braves totally underachieved at least 10 of the 14 years. I think the fans have every right to complain as they spend the money and frankly not everyone accepts mediocrity. In the end, WS Titles become history and division titles become Sportscenter trivia. Braves run will be good for a “Did You Know” segment 20 years from now on the 11:00 PM Sportscenter. Great job guys!
By olcottr
September 8, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
Most teams would kill for 14 seasons above .500 We had 14 seasons at the top of our division. Awesome work! Let’s rebuild and do even better the next 15 years.
By John K
September 8, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Great column Mark. I have been a Braves fan since the days of Oberkfell, Mahler, Horner and Murphy, and have thoroughly enjoyed the past 14 years. But, on October 2, it will be time to look ahead and determine what needs to be done to correct this season’s failures. I hope JS does not spend the winter reminiscing about the past and figures a way to get back on track. It’ll be difficult…but not impossible.
By Don
September 8, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
All spin aside, the best comment I have seen is the analogy that the Braves earned straight As in law school but couldn’t pass the bar exam. As an attorney, I fully comprehend just how insignificant those straight As are in the overall picture. Say what you will indefense of Cox and Schuerholz but they were only allowed into the courtroom for a short stay in 1995. All the other years, they were clerks.
By Jim
September 8, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
I would give my hats off to the Braves for their great 14 years run a NL East Champ. Out of 14 years, they only have one World Series title to show for it? The only other thing is the Braves should be listed in the Sports Record book as the only Baseball team with 14 straight NL East Champ because I never seen any team has a long series like that in Baseball.
By John Holmes
September 8, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
This is truly funny!
1 for 14 is not!
The Braves franchise will go down as one of the greatest choke organizations in the annals of baseball just slightly behind the 2004 NY Chokees.
Instead comparing them to anything but excellence Mark Bradley and company should start looking at the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills for comparisons
By rob
September 8, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
After suffering through some miserable seasons in the 70’s and 80’s, I will take 14 out of 15 anytime, and so would any other team’s fans. Even the mighty Yankees can’t beat this streak!
By Jeff
September 8, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
Actually, losing the division meas one of two things for Braves’ management. Either they try to patch up the team they have, thinking that patching is all that’s needed to get this team back in contention, or they push ahead with the process of rebuilding around the core of good young players already on the team. Let’s hope they do the latter, even if it means one more poor to fair season. Better to make short term sacrifices to build a team that can contend for another decade.
By Larry
September 8, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
Like all fans, I would like one or two more rings for the 14 trips to the playoffs. Yet for bad luck (Lonnie Smith not scoring on the double in Game 7 because he was decoyed) or the Yankee comeback in 1996, etc. we might have it. However, as bad as I would like to have another World Series ring, it doesn’t make me want to trash all that has been accomplished along the way. I’ve enjoyed the ride and hope that next year will start a new streak.
Based on much of the logic presented here, most teams fans should just quit…after all…the Astros have no ring…the Dodgers haven’t won since 1990….and for goodness sake…the Yankees haven’t won in five years…what a bunch of losers… No I say the fans who think this way are lost…they can’t appreciate the effort to succeed. I’ll bet they aren’t the absolute best at what they do either. The only failure they can tolerate is their own.
By Jeff
September 8, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
Actually, losing the division meas one of two things for Braves’ management. Either they try to patch up the team they have, thinking that patching is all that’s needed to get this team back in contention, or they push ahead with the process of rebuilding around the core of good young players already on the team. Let’s hope they do the latter, even if it means one more poor to fair season. Better to make short term sacrifices to build a team that can contend for another decade.
By Kelley
September 8, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
Thank you for a great article.
It’s been hard this year watching the Braves because I’m not accoustumed to supporting a losing team; one would think all the years of watching the Falcons, Hawks, and Bulldogs would have given me plenty of practice. (Yes, Bulldogs, haven’t won a National Title since 80 and finished 10th last year, 10th in MLB doesn’t even get you in the playoffs).
Ignorant people choose to focus on the one World Series, but people who know what they are really talking about realize how the playoffs work. Any less talented team can get hot and put out a team with much more talent. I also get tired of the ignorant Bobby Cox/Schurholz haters. A recent poll published in SI of MLB players asked who was the best manager in baseball Bobby was picked as number one; proving again people who really know what they are talking about appreciate the job Cox and JS have done.
Maybe a year or two out of the playoffs will make the fans of GA appreciate what a good thing we had for 14 years. Don’t count on the Falcons, Hawks, or Bulldogs to give you that kind of streak; it won’t happen.
By Paul
September 8, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
Hey Southern Jack@ss - well nevermind, your name says it all…
By Paul
September 8, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
Hey Southern Jack@ss - well nevermind, your name says it all…
By Johnny Quest
September 8, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Here are the Braves’ stats during the run:
Winning the Division(14-0)- 100% NL Champs(5-9)- 36% WS Champs(1-13)- 7%
The Braves are masters of the regular season but turn into pumpkins in the playoffs. I am a Yankees fan and can promise you that Cox would have been run off long ago from any other major market. We in the Northeast laugh at you guys for putting up with lazy players and a manager that cheers these lazy players on. I think you guys call this a “businesslike” approach. LOL. Only in Atlanta would they celebrate regular season stats like they were World titles. The curse of the Bambino was not about the Redsox not winning a division title in 86 years it was about the World Series. Think the lovable Cubs are dying to win their division? No way, those fans want the World Series ring. Did the Whitesox mail it in after they won the division last year? No- they didn’t celebrate until they were the last team standing. Get real Atlanta, the only ones who give a flip about division titles are you.
By jon
September 8, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for putting down the complainers and telling it like it is. It’s just too bad that more fans did not recognize and respond to the wonder of it. If they had the Braves might have had the wherewithal to field another winning team.
By jon
September 8, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for putting down the complainers and telling it like it is. It’s just too bad that more fans did not recognize and respond to the wonder of it. If they had the Braves might have had the wherewithal to field another winning team.
By George
September 8, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Hear,Hear to the Braves 14 strait Div titles. Unbelievable to anyone who gets baseball. Not winning enough World Series? Baloney - that only speaks of the stupidity of playing 162 games to see who is best and then throwing the best in with also rans for 5 and 7 game series which any team in baseball could win if injuries and a “streak” is on their side. I was pulling for the Braves to get a wild card berth then win the WS! That would be ironic justice. I’ve been a Braves fan since I played hookey to listen to the 1948 Boston Braves (Atl Crackers were a Braves farm team - the Yankees of the minors in those days) lose to Cleveland in the WS. Hail to the Braves!
By jon
September 8, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for putting down the complainers and telling it like it is. It’s just too bad that more fans did not recognize and respond to the wonder of it. If they had the Braves might have had the wherewithal to field another winning team.
By Paul
September 8, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
Hey Steve, what is a chocker? Idiot…
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 8, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
No, no Braves fan here, don’t even like baseball, just love bringing to light what losers the Braves have been over the years(even with ol’ Ted Turner’s wallet). At least Steinbrenner did win more than “1” World Series with his money. So don’t get pi$$ed at me for stating the obvious, Braves suck!!!…GO TIGERS!!!…
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 8, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
No, no Braves fan here, don’t even like baseball, just love bringing to light what losers the Braves have been over the years(even with ol’ Ted Turner’s wallet). At least Steinbrenner did win more than “1” World Series with his money. So don’t get pi$$ed at me for stating the obvious, Braves suck!!!…GO TIGERS!!!…
By Robert
September 8, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
“I still would rather have 14 chance and only win once, than to have 2 chances, win both, and suck the rest of the years. At least we had a team that was good every year”
You know, if you are employed by the Braves financial department, I could understand that line of thought.
Otherwise, no way
The past 15 years have NOT been a run of excellence. They have been the longest run of unexploited golden opportunities ever seen in pro sports.
All hail the donkey in the dugout who is responsible for this unenviable streak
By Robert
September 8, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
“I still would rather have 14 chance and only win once, than to have 2 chances, win both, and suck the rest of the years. At least we had a team that was good every year”
You know, if you are employed by the Braves financial department, I could understand that line of thought.
Otherwise, no way
The past 15 years have NOT been a run of excellence. They have been the longest run of unexploited golden opportunities ever seen in pro sports.
All hail the donkey in the dugout who is responsible for this unenviable streak
By Robert
September 8, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
“I will take 14 out of 15 anytime, and so would any other team’s fans. Even the mighty Yankees can’t beat this streak!”
The Yankees, who won what was it, 4 WS in 5 years, dont even consider the Braves - not rivals, not champions, not anything
To even begin to compare the Braves’ run of donkeychokes to the Yankees’ run of dominence in the mid and late 90’s is ludicrous
By Larry
September 8, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
I’ve got an idea….let’s just set up the regular season like a playoff…Thirty teams start the year (The World Series teams get a bye). Then, all you have to do is win five series and “You’re the World Champs”!! Afterall if you can’t win the five series, you don’t deserve to be World Champs anyway…no matter what you might could have accomplished during a 162 game regular season!
By Chuck
September 8, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
You gotta hand it to the managers and the players for winning as much as they have with an ever decreasing payroll in an ever increasing market. It was just a matter of time before the Phillies or the Mets got the right combination or hit critical mass with spending, respectively, to end their streak. The Braves made it last much longer than the numbers would support! The lack of WS is a result of not being able to shore up positions in August because of a lack of money. We won the WS with Alejandro Pena as the closer - he wasn’t that good, but we squeaked through. So the division titles are an amazing feat, and the lack of WS wins is the odds playing out. Go Braves! I look forward to what they field next year! Chuck
By jon
September 8, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
Its been a great ride, one that baseball fans in other cities would have been thrilled to have experienced. Too bad that Atlanta’s naive fans did not all recognize and respond to the wonder of it. It they had the Braves might have had the wherewithal to field another winning team this season. As for the World Series; knowledgable baseball fans recognize that a seven game series is a very iffy matter and a five game series is even worse. The simple fact is the best team does not always win. In at least two and perhaps more post seasons the Braves simply ran out of luck. That’s baseball!
By Chuck
September 8, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
As arguably the biggest Braves fan in North Texas, I have watched my team for 17 years bring countless thrills and enjoyment. Now, with TBS officially dumping my heroes and great talent annually slipping out the door with alarming regularity, I find myself melancholy in memory and a bit peeved at what has become. I won’t be able to see my team anymore on TBS, so maybe I won’t hurt so much as “ownership” loses touch with what made the Braves great. It was a great run, guys. Thank you.
By Chuck
September 8, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
As arguably the biggest Braves fan in North Texas, I have watched my team for 17 years bring countless thrills and enjoyment. Now, with TBS officially dumping my heroes and great talent annually slipping out the door with alarming regularity, I find myself melancholy in memory and a bit peeved at what has become. I won’t be able to see my team anymore on TBS, so maybe I won’t hurt so much as “ownership” loses touch with what made the Braves great. It was a great run, guys. Thank you.
By Larry
September 8, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
I’ve got an idea….let’s just fore go the regular season and go straight to the playoffs…Thirty teams start the year (The World Series teams get a bye). Then, all you have to do is win five series and “You’re the World Champs”!! Afterall if you can’t win the five series, you don’t deserve to be World Champs anyway…no matter what you might could have accomplished during a 162 game regular season!
By Larry
September 8, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
I’ve got an idea….let’s just fore go the regular season and go straight to the playoffs…Thirty teams start the year (The World Series teams get a bye). Then, all you have to do is win five series and “You’re the World Champs”!! After all if you can’t win the five series, you’re just a bunch of losers…no matter what you might could have accomplished during a 162 game regular season!
By Johnny Quest
September 8, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this
All this talk of the playoffs being a crapshoot is foolish. More times than not, the better team wins and the Braves rarely gave their best. In response to those referencing the SI survey where MLB players favor Cox, why should this surprise you? Cox lets his players do whatever they want on and off the field. It’s like asking kids who their favorite teacher is and they select Mrs Davis who gives them ice cream and lets them wrestle in the classroom. Heck, if I was a player making millions, I would love Cox too. On the other hand, I would be interested in hearing what manager the players would select if they wanted to win a WS Title. I can pretty much guarantee it would not be Cox.
By Larry
September 8, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
I’ve got an idea….let’s just quit having the regular season and go straight to the playoffs…Thirty teams start the year (The World Series teams get a bye). Then, all you have to do is win five series and “You’re the World Champs”!! After all if you can’t win the five series, you’re just a bunch of losers…no matter what you might could have accomplished during a 162 game regular season!
By BobbyD
September 8, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
I was there, 1980 to 2005. I lived the worst to first, the evolution of the chop, and the parade. Looking afar now (from UT) at the Braves season, it is with regret that I see them falling in double-header sweeps and losses piling up at home. There is still hope but it is dwindling. The end of an era dawns. It’s absurd to think of the 14-yr RUN as anything other than a baseball milestone. No doubt JS deserves credit. But, to me, the one constant that is too often overlooked if not denegrated is Bobby. It should be remembered that he was GM during the time that the Braves laid the groundwork for the BIG RUN and it was he that managed during all those 14 years. Then too, regarding all the comparisons with other team’s success and failures … consider where the Braves would be today with the Yankees budget … talk about ‘getting real’. Hussa to the World Champion Braves, to Bobby, and to JS. I highly doubt that this year’s outcome will be their swansong. Wait until next year!
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
The better team doesn’t always win in the regular season and certainly doesn’t in the playoffs. Look at the 2005 Indians. They were obviously the best team in the American League. They finished in the top five in both runs scored and runs allowed; no other them really came that close. Their expected record based on runs scored/allowed (AKA Pythagorean record) was 96-66. Why didn’t they reach the playoffs? They were 22-36 in one-run games, by far the most one-run losses in baseball. And record in one-run games usually doesn’t carry over from one season to the next or from one half of a season to the next, which indicates the Indians were victims of just plain old bad luck.
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
Before anyone says good teams win close games, pick any three or four obviously great teams in baseball history and I guarantee you’ll find that their records in one-run games are all over the place; maybe impressive, maybe not so impressive, maybe somewhere in between.
By Brian Elliotte
September 8, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
I’m a proud Braves fan! Sure, like any other Atlantan, I wish the Braves would have won more World Series. Even though October has been very disappointing over the past 14 years, the other summer months have been lots of fun to watch. I’d take that any day over a mediocre program.
By Andy J
September 8, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
How can anyone say it was a weak divison when the Marlins and Mets both went to the World Series as wild cards? Even the Expos were good for a little while there.
If by weak division you mean not the AL east then fine but compared to the current NL West, both Central divisons in the 90’s and the fact that the AL west only has 4 teams, I don’t see how you can call the east a weak division. Especially when you can’t even spell weak right!
By TG
September 8, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
I love the convenient memory loss by Braves management of their fans. At the end of the 1994 season, you finished 6 games behind.
You can spin it anyway you want, but the lede of this story is dead wrong.
By TG
September 8, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this
AJC is like the old Soviet Pravda, printing whatever falls out of the mouths of your leaders. I love how Bradley sneaks in the “full season” caveat and then talks about 14 straight. You finished second in 1994, get over it.
By eduardo
September 8, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
Great run, but not enough! WS Titles should have been won in 1996 and 2002. I blame Tom Glavine in 2002, and totally agree with Robert. He is the culprit for not winning it all that year. He failed miserably againts the Giants. With the Yankees eliminated by the Angels, 2002 was the Braves year! I also have to say, after 1995, the Braves needed one more power pitcher. Finnesse didn’t cut it any more!
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
Andy J,
The strenghth of a particular division changes significantly very fast. It wasn’t that long ago that the AL Central looked like the weakest division in baseball by far. Now it is obviously the best.
TG,
I agree with you that the Braves haven’t really won 14 in a row because of the 1994 season. How many fans would have included that in the streak had the Braves been in first place? Maybe some wouldn’t have counted that, but many probably would. Either way it doesn’t take away from what the Braves accomplished at all, in my humble opinion.
By Brad
September 8, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
The 94 season didn’t finish, so nobody won anything, so that is why the streak of 14 is correct. The Braves were in 2nd when they stopped the season. But nobody knows what would have happened. The Expos didn’t win the east that year.
By eduardo
September 8, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
Great run, but not enough! WS Titles should have been won in 1996 and 2002. I blame Tom Glavine in 2002, and totally agree with Robert. He is the culprit for not winning it all that year. He failed miserably againts the Giants. With the Yankees eliminated by the Angels, 2002 was the Braves year! I also have to say, after 1995, the Braves needed one more power pitcher. Finnesse didn’t cut it any more!
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
eduardo,
I agree that the Braves deserve some criticism for not winning more World Series, but also the best team doesn’t always win in the regular season or post-season. Take the Braves run for what it is: a remarkable and unique one. Could have been better but it was still amazing.
By DAN C
September 8, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Hey! I have a Braves since I was born. That was 50 years ago. I always wanted to see them win on world series. They did that. But just to see them win 14 straight division titles is unreal. i remember the losing 70’s and 80’s. Thanks Braves is was a great run. Dan
By Ralph
September 8, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
The Braves were a remarkable team and they desire all the all credit due to winners for winning their division so many years. These Braves team were champions, they play like champions even if they only won one world series, they were teams that where exciting to watch on T.V. or in person. Last year champions have manage to collapse in one short year. From the first game of the season one could tell they just didn’t have it as a winning team or wanted it bad enough. Their non-caring attitude applies to every phases of the Braves organization from Schurholtz who was to busy with his book to give 5 minutes to improve the team, to Bobby Cox, which manage like he didn’t know what to do half of the time, and there are players, who play like they had lead in their shoes, or like they enjoyed losing. The question on a daily basis was which Braves team will show up today. And on the top of the Braves list is the very wealthy disable list which is lead by Chipper Jones. There is more money on the Braves disable this year than what it cost to operate both Florida teams. The only one’s who didn’t let the Braves down were the fans, these fan’s are the same fans that in the past were criticizes by the news medium and the Braves players for not supporting the team, but now there is a twist of faith, this year the Braves have not repay the fans with another winning season, or for that matter a descended season, or as a friend of my said “The Braves are a team of clowns”. I think this year wouldn’t have been such a complete failure if they would have fought the Met like winners, but even against the worse of the worse the Braves couldn’t cut it.
By eduardo
September 8, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
Great run, though not satisfactory. The Braves should have won it all in 1996 an 2002, but they needed one more power pitcher. I agree with Robert in blaming the failure in 2002 totally on Tom Glavine. He failed miserably against the Giants, not taking advantage of the fact that the Yankees lost to the Angels. He is the reason why the Mets will not win the WS in 2006. Finesse pitching doesn’t cut it any more, plus the Braves always lacked cluth hitting!
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
Dear Mark, I have preached this mantra in S. Florida where no one cared and more recently in Greenville, SC where we moved 4 years ago—The Braves last 10 divisional titles have been attained in a division by two teams who didn’t spend or have money(Marlins and Expos/Nats) a team that I think we can agree was poorly run and for the most part viewed as a joke by baseball peopSo, we are left with the Phillies. I will give you the Phillies, The Atlanta Braves have bested, owned, and dominated the Phillies for 10 years and have utilized that dominance to put them into a position to hypothetically have won 10 World Series—They have won NONE, ZIP, NADA, if you view this as the stuff of legends that is fine. I believe baseball historians 30 years out might not support that feeling. And lastly an analogy—If the Georgia Bulldogs win the next 14 SEC Eastern Division titles to advance to the SEC Championship Game and they win ONE of those games, how do you think Mark Richt(assuming he is coach all those years) would be and Should be judged, and I will trust your honesty to answer that. Thank You—Lou Vales
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
It’s easier to win division titles and harder to win World Series titles now than it was before 1995 or before 1969. If baseball used one of the older formats, the Braves would probably have fewer division titles and more World Series titles. I think historians will take this into account and rank the Braves just below the upper-tier dynasties. That’s just my guess. I’m sure there is a way you could study it more in-depth.
By Kentavo
September 8, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
Whoa, whoa, whoa……. So the NL East was the weakest division in 2005 when the NL West winner was two games over .500. I don’t think so bucko. The other teams in the East tried and tried to beef up over the 14-year run, and until this year, could not overcome the Braves. And what about the two years the Marlins won the Series? They’re from the East. And what about when the Muts went to the Series?
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
eduardo,
Isn’t the goal of every team to win the World Series? If that is your measuring stick, shouldn’t you say that most teams in baseball had an “unsatisfactory run” 1991-2005?
Louis Vales,
The Braves sometimes won in weak divisions and sometimes won in strong divisions. And football is totally different. The best team is going to win more often in football than in baseball. (See my above posts about the 2005 Indians.) Do I think the Braves deserve criticism for not winning more World Series? Yes. Do I think they deserve to be up there just below the upper-tier dynasties? Yes. Why does it have to be an either/or?
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Dear Mark, On second thought I realize no one in Atlanta is going to give up the ghost of this “run” being one for the ages—So with that in mind would you please consider answering the Georgia Bulldog analogy. I really equate the Braves run to winning the Big East Title the last 10 years and somehow that affording you a chance to win the BCS Championship and you come away with nothing because in reality winning the Big East wasn’t a benchmark to begin with. Actually the WAC would be a better analogy because at least the Big East always had one team that was pretty well respected, and by respected I mean way more than the Phillies!!
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
You don’t want to get me started on the Florida Marlins—a team that has won as many World Series in last 10 years as the Red Sox, White Sox, And Cubs combined have won in the last 85 years. Marlins have also won ONE more World Series Title in last 10 years than the Braves have won since move to Atlanta. This year with a team payroll less than 5 Yankees they have rebuilt their team and have minor league pitchers you haven’t heard of who are the envy of baseball. It would be best to not introduce the marlins into this discussion. Because the goal—even though many here will deny it—is to win the LAST Game played in a MLB season and not to drape division titles across the facade—Good Word—of the upper deck with only ONE indicating the Big Prize, The Whole Enchilada and any other phrase you deem appropriate. Don’t Bring Up The Marlins.
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Sorry, should have read all the posts before writing comments. No, The Braves were CHAMPIONS ONE year—A CHAMPION (ask Mark) is defined as team winning World Series, Super TitleBowl, NBA Trophy, Stanley Cup , Final Four or BCS—The Braves are DIVISION WINNERS 14 times and they won ONE championship. Saying someone is a champion doesn’t make it so, It is clearly defined and delineated what constitutes a Champion. Right Mark, help me here??
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Louis Vales,
You are obviously more knowledgable about football than baseball. Of course the goal is to win the final game of the MLB season, but just because you can win a five- or seven-game series doesn’t mean you are the best team. Even over 162 games, the best team doesn’t win.
The better team doesn’t always win in the regular season and certainly doesn’t in the playoffs. Look at the 2005 Indians. They were obviously the best team in the American League. They finished in the top five in both runs scored and runs allowed; no other them really came that close. Their expected record based on runs scored/allowed (AKA Pythagorean record) was 96-66. Why didn’t they reach the playoffs? They were 22-36 in one-run games, by far the most one-run losses in baseball. And record in one-run games usually doesn’t carry over from one season to the next or from one half of a season to the next, which indicates the Indians were victims of just plain old bad luck.
Before anyone says good teams win close games, pick any three or four obviously great teams in baseball history and I guarantee you’ll find that their records in one-run games are all over the place; maybe impressive, maybe not so impressive, maybe somewhere in between.
The Braves sometimes won in weak divisions and sometimes won in strong divisions. And football is totally different. The best team is going to win more often in football than in baseball. Do I think the Braves deserve criticism for not winning more World Series? Yes. Do I think they deserve to be rated up there just below the upper-tier dynasties? Yes.
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
Dear Shaun, Ask Cox or better yet ask Andruw how many of those silly banners since he got here does he give up for a World Series Champion ring?? Would the ratio be 5 to 1, 5 Div. titles for a ring, 6 to 1??? I don’t know the answer. I do know when Andruw is lounging around in Curacao at 70 on the beach, he will be thinking—“Man, what I would have given up to have won the whole thing at least once”—he won’t be thinking””Man, 10 Div. Titles in a row, who needs a stinking World Series ring??”
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Louis Vales,
The point is not that the Bobby Cox or the Braves would give back their division titles for one or two more World Series titles, I’m sure they would. And I agree with you that winning the World Series is the ultimate goal. But their place in history is not with the Cubs or the Pirates or even the Marlins of the last 15 years. It’s also not with the Big Red Machine or the ‘27 Yankees or the ‘70’s A’s either.
The Marlins have done a great job building a couple of championship teams, but they’ve also dismantled every few years for political reasons, namely to try to con the fans into paying for a new stadium. It’s just speculation, but I’m sure a lot of teams could do what the Marlins have done, but they’d alienate their fans like the Marlins have.
I’m also speculating here, but given the nature of baseball and the fact that it’s easier to win division titles and harder to win World Series titles now than it was pre-1969 or pre-1995, I would guess the Braves would have less division titles and more World Series titles if the older division/non-division formats were in place instead of the current format.
I agree that the 1990’s-mid 2000 Braves aren’t one of the great dynasties of all-time, but they do deserve a special place in baseball history.
By Dawgs2006
September 8, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
The divisons titles mean nothing to me. The Braves have been the laughing stock for years on the national level due to our lack of success in the post season. ONLY one championship! With the teams they had in the middle 1990s, they should have won at least 3 titles. Wake me when we get a team again…say around 2011?
By Vince
September 8, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Your right Don, but they were the “clerks” who were helping the court to prosecute cases for NL east division, and in 5 major cases the national league.
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
The Braves have been the laughing stock for years on the national level due to our lack of success in the post season.
I think the Tigers before this season and the Pirates and the Cubs and the Devil Rays and the Reds and the Orioles (I can go on and on) have been bigger laughing stocks than the Braves.
It’s very disappointing that the Braves only won one World Series, but it’s rediculous to call them a laughing stock and I think intelligent, objective baseball fans around the country would agree.
By Jeffrey
September 8, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
Well for those who think winning it all is so easy lets compare Bobby Cox with other skippers of his era.
Cox: Teams in Postseason:(15) Total Series Played:(26) Series Won:(12) Series Lost:(14) World Champs: (1)
Earl Weaver: Teams in PS:(6)Total Series played:(10) Series Won:(4) Series Lost:(6) World Champs: (1)
Tony LaRussa:Teams in PS:(11) Total Series played:(20) Series Won:(10) Series Lost:(10) World Champs: (1)
Whitey Herzog: Teams in PS:(6)Total Series played:(9) Series Won:(4) Series Lost:(5) World Champs: (1)
Dick Williams: Teams in PS:(6)Total Series played:(10) Series Won:(6) Series Lost:(4) World Champs: (2)
Billy Martin: Teams in PS:(5)Total Series played:(8) Series Won:(4) Series Lost:(4) World Champs: (1)
Sparky Anderson: Teams in PS:(7)Total Series played:(12) Series Won:(8) Series Lost:(4) World Champs: (3)
Tom LaSorda: Teams in PS:(6)Total Series played:(11) Series Won:(7) Series Lost:(4) World Champs: (2)
Looks like either the Braves have done pretty well or everyone in Baseball is a loser.
By Chuck E
September 8, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Another great article by Mark Bradley. I often don’t agree with him, but I like that he often goes out on a limb with his comments. Keep stirring things up Mark. It makes Atlanta sports more interesting.
By Joseph
September 8, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
I turned 15 years old this year and for my entire life, the Braves have always finished first in the NL East. The run of 14 straight titles was incredible. I will always be a Braves fan and I just wanted to congratulate them on consistently winning for so long and thank them for all that they have done for Atlanta and what they’ll continue to do for Atlanta for many years.
By Knockahoma
September 8, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
If Division Titles were the ultimate prize, then the Braves would have had lunch at the White House with the President 14 straight years, would have more appearances on Leno & Letterman than Leno & Letterman themselves, and would be worn out from all the parades. WS Titles are what matter to the owners, players, fans, & historians. If you win enough WS Titles, then it is fun to talk about Division titles in a “we did that too” kind of way. Bernaise sauce is excellent on eggs benedict or a nice filet, but doesn’t get used on its own. Enjoy your big bowl of sauce with your celebration of 14 Division Titles.
Regarding a college football equivalent, it’s not possible that Mark Richt could win one SEC title game in 14 straight appearances. Why? Because he would get run off after the first 5 or 6. UGA fans would be grumbling even at the 1-2 point. When coaches, managers, CEOs, etc., take a team/company as far as they are capable, it’s time for them to move to the front office or leave. Someone else then comes in to take them to the next level. Bobby Cox has proven for years that he is not a playoff manager yet the Braves hang onto him like a dog embracing a bone. It doesn’t help that JS has zero drive to win the WS either.
By Knockahoma
September 8, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
Jeffrey- your stats prove that Cox made it to the playoffs over twice as many times as the average manager on the list yet produced under the average number of WS Titles achieved by the group average. Put in layman’s terms, he got there more often yet produced less.
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
I’m adopting Knockahoma, and I forget who said many teams could tear themselves apart and start over—-Because of NO FANS, PLAYING IN A FOOTBALL STADIUM, NO BIG TV OR RADIO DEALS, NO LARGE OWNERSHIP, NO PLANS FOR NEW STADIUM DUE TO TRANSIENT AND NON-INTERESTED BASE—You Must Be Kidding!! If MANY teams could win TWO!!!!!!! World Series Titles in 10 years and after 1st and 2nd one tear themselves apart because of having NO money and then rebuild and be on the cusp of having a pitching dominant team for next 5 years—And trust me Olsen Sanchez and Johnson are just tip of the berg—Well, my friend I suggest the Cubs, Rangers, Indians, Mariners, Orioles, Royals,Devil Rays and a few others adopt this EASY PLAN you’re discussing because what they’re doing AIN’T WORKING!!!
By Akagi
September 8, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Blah blah blah.
One out of fourteen and less than the Marlins or Bluejays. Not exactly good. As for the fourteen, the Yankess are gaining. They will have won nine titles in a row when this season ends and have 3 World Series titles during this 8 year run and very likely they will add a fourth this year.
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
Dear Joseph, Happy Birthday!! The San Antonio, Las Vegas, North East Virginia, Charlotte, Portland or Hialeah Marlins will win another World Series before the Braves. It’s just the way it is, and in life don’t settle for being 2nd unless 2nd is the ultimate you can hope for due to limitations but if you have talent and resources try to be the best and don’t be influenced by people telling you that just making it in a less than competitive enviromment is all there is. Because you will look back in 60 or 70 years and say “I could have done more”—Don’t be Andruw Jones because no matter how much money he has in his last days he will think””No World Series in 10 chances how is that possible with having 3 Hall of Fame pitchers for a significant portion of that time and also spending more money than most of the other teams. Why? Why?”
By Jason
September 8, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Should have brought back Rocker…
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Off of the subject—Is anyone else tired of Chip’s constant references to “My dad, Skip”?? Not only are grown men walking around with childhood nicknames—Chipper??—but i don’t believe a professional broadcaster should make constant reference to the reason why he is in a broadcast booth to begin with. If his last name isn’t Caray, I’d like a show of hands for how many think he is doing Braves games?? Only profession in America—well, I guess acting as well—where last name insures your entry into a profession. Not in medicine, dentistry, accounting, economics, law, Etc, Etc. Doesn’t Vin Scully have any grandchildren??
By Shaun Payne
September 8, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
Of course the goal is to win the final game of the MLB season, but just because you can win a five- or seven-game series doesn’t mean you are the best team.
The better team doesn’t always win in the regular season and certainly doesn’t in the playoffs. Look at the 2005 Indians. They were obviously the best team in the American League. They finished in the top five in both runs scored and runs allowed; no other them really came that close. Their expected record based on runs scored/allowed (AKA Pythagorean record) was 96-66. Why didn’t they reach the playoffs? They were 22-36 in one-run games, by far the most one-run losses in baseball. And record in one-run games usually doesn’t carry over from one season to the next or from one half of a season to the next, which indicates the Indians were victims of just plain old bad luck.
Before anyone says good teams win close games, pick any three or four obviously great teams in baseball history and I guarantee you’ll find that their records in one-run games are all over the place; maybe impressive, maybe not so impressive, maybe somewhere in between.
The Braves sometimes won in weak divisions and sometimes won in strong divisions. And football is totally different. The best team is going to win more often in football than in baseball. Do I think the Braves deserve criticism for not winning more World Series? Yes. Do I think they deserve to be rated up there just below the upper-tier dynasties? Yes.
The point is not that the Bobby Cox or the Braves would give back their division titles for one or two more World Series titles; I’m sure they would. And I agree with you that winning the World Series is the ultimate goal. But their place in history is not with the Cubs or the Pirates or even the Marlins of the last 15 years. It’s also not with the Big Red Machine or the ‘27 Yankees or the ‘70’s A’s either.
The Marlins have done a great job building a couple of championship teams, but they’ve also dismantled every few years for political reasons, namely to try to con the fans into paying for a new stadium. It’s just speculation, but I’m sure a lot of teams could do what the Marlins have done, but they’d alienate their fans like the Marlins have.
I’m also speculating here, but given the nature of baseball and the fact that it’s easier to win division titles and harder to win World Series titles now than it was pre-1969 or pre-1995, I would guess the Braves would have less division titles and more World Series titles if the older division/non-division formats were in place instead of the current format.
I agree that the 1990’s-mid 2000 Braves aren’t one of the great dynasties of all-time, but they do deserve a special place in baseball history.
By The Man
September 8, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
LOUIS VALES: you’re a jacka$$. Chip Caray is the best thing to ever set foot in a Braves broadcast booth. The rest of them there broadcasters are a joke. Including daddy Skip. Deal with it.
[http://www.LouisValesLikesMen.com]
By The Man
September 8, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
LOUIS VALES: you’re a jacka$$. Chip Caray is the best thing to ever set foot in a Braves broadcast booth. The rest of them there broadcasters are a joke. Including daddy Skip. Deal with it.
{http://www.LouisValesLikesMen.com)
By Knockahoma
September 8, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
Shaun Payne: Is it necessary to continue posting the same material over and over? The team that wins the WS is the best, that’s why they are called the World Champions. Any great team that fell short always came under scrutiny as to what went wrong. The 2005 Colts were considered the best team in the NFL until they got beat. Pittsburgh won the Superbowl and they are now considered the best team. You continue bringing up the 2005 Indians. This team was not the best or even close to being the best that year. The best teams win more games than their opponents and Cleveland did not do that.
By Ivan
September 8, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this
The very first game I ever saw when I moved to this country was the Twins and Braves series. From that say on I’ve been a fan. I its been an incredible run, I salute the braves organization! Now lets not point fingers on what went wrong but get ready to start another Streak!
By joe
September 8, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Bradley,
How come you aren’t bashing the Braves anymore? Did you get scolded for all the Braves bashing you did this season?
By joe
September 8, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Bradley,
How come you aren’t bashing the Braves anymore? Did you get scolded for all the Braves bashing you did this season?
By By Cory H
September 8, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
A true tip of the catch, never a steroid allegation, drug abuse charge, bench clearing brawls, or any major embarssement in 14 yrs. With a constant decline in money spent against the perennial super powers oh yeah how many rings the Red Sox got with all that payroll, wait i know what about the Yankees since balloning to that 2oo million platuea oh yeah between them only 1 thats right. Save kirby pucketts great heriocs, and meltdown pitch by wholers to leyritz we hang 2 more banners but hey things happen. And in a division where if we didn’t make the world series someone in our division did remeber just a year ago every team was over 500 except for the nats. So keep unappreciating a team that was nothing more than class all the way, keep hating on a team that had to rebuild almost every year while everyone else laughed and said not this year. For the 1st time in sports the world had to respect the south in something other than college football and we criticize. And we wonder why our teams fail we don’t show up to support in love or financially, you dont think our teams could do more if we actually showed up to increase revenue. So real sports fans lift your hats, and a drink as well to this great, classy, professional, overachieving, and remarkeable program that is OUR ATLANTA BRAVES. thanks and watch out for next year.
By DonCoburleone
September 8, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
I applaud the feat. 14 straight division titles is amazing… I CAN’T EVEN REMEMBER THE BRAVES NOT BEING IN THE PLAYOFFS, I WAS 7 THE LAST TIME THEY FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR THE POSTSEASON! That in itself shows what an amazing accomplishment this run was. Hats off to the entire Braves organization but especially John Scheurholz and Bobby Cox… CONGRATULATIONS!
By fastfoodfreak
September 8, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
I have a feeling that if the Braves HAD won 2,3, or maybe even 4 WS titles, there would still be people complaining. I am as disappointed as anyone here on this blog (except for the MUTS fans who have nothing better to do), but GET OVER IT!!! why can’t you people be happy with what you have, instead of complaining about ONLY winning one WS?
Think about this, when’s the last time the Cubs won it all? Giants? Padres? Before last year, it was how long since the ChiSox won it all?
All I am saying is be happy with what the Braves have accomplished, instead of comparing that with those of other teams!
By Thankful Braves Fan
September 8, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
I’m so glad I was around to witness the greatest streak in sports history. I only wish we had had one more World Series title.
By Louis Vales
September 8, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
The Man, Somehow I doubt that is what your wife or girl friend(or significant other) calls you, but to address your point—If you believe Chippy Caray is a great announcer then either you are one of his brothers who never went into broadcasting or you listen to games on the radio with the sound muted. By the way “jackass” took some thought, was that part of your Cobb Community College experience or what your parents used to awaken you in the morning??
By True Braves Fan
September 9, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this
First let me say “Knockahoma Blows”. I have been a fan since I was six in 1971 and we really sucked. This is the greatest team in baseball history and love this team. I watch every game on TV and use my sling box when I am traveling the world on business. I was there when we won in extra innings on July 4th many years ago. Me an my girlfriend even went parking afterwards I got lucky as well before the sun came up. I was there when Sid slid and all the pathetic fans had left in the 8th to beat the traffic. I was drunk off my butt and cussing them like a sailor as they went up the aisles. I used to have season tickets next to some fruit cake out behind the right field wall dressed up like and Indian. He was weird but at least he stood for something. Please note the 14 in a row stands for something. I was there the night press box burned and McGriff caught fire as well. I was also there that same season sitting in Ted’s seats during a day game and watched San Diego beat us 17-4. I was burning up in the sun, but I would not leave because I was in row 1, seat 1, vip box 1. I may never get there again. I went to Minnesota and sat in the Baggy. I saw Lemke get mauled. I sat in front of the country music band Alabama during the Blue Jays series in Atlanta and drunkenly asked them if they couldn’t get better seats? I watched Tech lose to Charlie Ward at Booby Dodd on the last play of the game and then drove to Fulton County and sat on the last row in the upper deck in dead center field. I could only see the center fielder due to the poor screen they put up out there. Did I b***, NO! We lost to the Jays that night , but I was at the SERIES!!!!
Thanks for everything!
By Louis Vales
September 9, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
Cory H and True Braves Fan, Win as many World Series as the “Cash Rich” Florida Marlins and then come back and talk.
By br
September 9, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
True Braves Fan, greatest team in baseball history? Surely you mean the Yankees with their 26 titles than the Braves and their 3 (all in different cities at that), right? I mean, let’s not get carried away here. 14 division titles are fine but World titles are what it’s all about. In answer to the other bloggers who say they’d keep the 14 divisions and only 1 World title as opposed to the Marlins’ 0 divisions and 2 World titles, you are demented! Give me the 2 World Championships ANY DAY OF THE WEEK…those are what’s remembered, not division titles.
By Louis Vales
September 9, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
BR, Reason will not work. Another analogy between you and me as Braves followers will not get it. If in college would you prefer to go out with the Homecoming Queen 14 times and 13 times get a little peck on the cheek 13 times and once have her invite you in for a coffee or would you rather go out with the Homecoming Queen only TWICE and have her both times find you very handsome and charming?? Brave fans would rather be teased and disappointed whereas realists prefer tangible evidence of where to find happiness. hope you enjoyed those pecks Atlanta—The Party Is Over!!