Five questions with Javy Lopez

By Anna Kim

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Even as recently as 2008, former Braves catcher Javy Lopez desired to make one last comeback with the team that gave him his first chance.

But when the former slugger faced the prospect of playing in the minor leagues, Lopez chose to retire.

Though the dream to return as a backup catcher did not come to fruition, Lopez left the organization with more than a handful of accolades to his name.

The catcher’s career included 10 of the seasons in which the Braves garnered their unprecedented 14 consecutive division titles. During that time, he also experienced the team's 1995 World Series championship.

The three-time All-Star catcher also hit .287 with 260 homers and set a major league record by hitting 42 of his homers in 2003 while playing the catcher's position.

Now considered one of the more popular players in Braves history, Lopez enjoyed an appearance as one of the attendees of Braves Alumni Weekend at Turner Field, where he caught up with old teammates and the AJC.

Q: So what’s been occupying your time since you retired from the game?

A: I started my own baseball bat company, Bones Bats. I’m trying to move this company forward and doing a lot of baseball tournaments with wood bats. I am getting to do a lot of charity events, too. Other than that I’ve just been spending time with my kids and watching them grow.

Javier is my oldest one, Javy Jr. Javy is 14. Kelvin is 10. And we have another one on the way, a boy, Brody. It’s exciting, and my two boys are looking forward to it. Especially now that they know it’s a boy, they are even more excited.

Q: Any baseball stars coming out of the family?

A: They both play baseball, but are they going to be in the big leagues? I don’t know. That's up to them.

Q: Is it special that you get to share your baseball knowledge on your kids?

A: Like any other kids, they don’t listen to their parents. They listen to their coaches more than their parents. I don’t know why. I try to give them advice.

Q: How satisfying has it been to stay around the sport after your playing career?

A: It makes me feel comfortable just because I spent 20 years in the game, including my minor league years. It’s familiar territory. But really, it’s just all I know.

Q: Since you’ve been doing a lot of reminiscing here, what has been your proudest career accomplishment?

A: The 1995 World Series. Without a doubt.