Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz was all ready for his close-up in "The Change-Up," but when it didn't materialize, he didn't mind. The buddy flick starring Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann and Jason Bateman shot a huge scene at Turner Field in November, and Smoltz was on deck to play himself. (Actually he was going to billed as a pitching coach). It was freezing that day but, pro that he is, Smoltz got suited up and put on his game face. "Putting on the uniform was kind of weird," Smoltz told us about a month after the filming. "But it still fit!"
Well, after putting in long hours on that brisk morning, the Smoltz cameo apparently ended up on the cutting room floor. He isn’t complaining.
Reviews for the movie, which was filmed all over Atlanta, have been pretty bad. Here's the opening paragraph of Roger Ebert's review: " 'The Change-Up' is one of the dirtiest-minded mainstream releases in history. It has a low opinion of men, a lower opinion of women, and the lowest opinion of the intelligence of its audience. It is obscene, foulmouthed, scatological, creepy and perverted."
Smoltz and his wife went to a screening locally and when we asked for his review this week he had an animated response. He didn’t want to be quoted, but it’s safe to say he would not take issue with Ebert. “Let’s just say I didn’t make it [into the film], and that’s a shame, but that’s show business,” Smoltz said with a chuckle.
Anyway, onto something more pleasant. Smoltz was back at Turner Field Wednesday to talk up Drive Away Hunger, a charity partnership among AutoTrader.com, the Atlanta Braves and local participating Chevrolet dealerships to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. From Aug. 30 through Sept. 12, donors who drop off 10 cans of food at the dealerships receive a ticket to the Braves vs. Nationals game on Sept. 14. If you test-drive a new Chevy, AutoTrader.com will make a $10 donation to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and you’re entered to win a Braves suite for a game for you and 15 friends.
“I am so thrilled to be partnering up with AutoTrader and the Atlanta Braves,” said Smoltz, wearing an AutoTrader jersey with his name on the back. He said coming to the stadium without a game to play is still a little odd but he’s enjoyed the transition to broadcasting. He doesn’t miss life as a player, though, given the rigors of a professional ball career and the physical stress it entails. “When I was a player, I worked so hard,” Smoltz said. “When I look back I think, I can’t believe how hard I worked.” His fledgling film career abandoned for now, he’s enjoying life as a broadcaster and philanthropic advocate.
“I’m busier than ever,” Smoltz said. “I knew there wouldn’t be full retirement for me.”
Celebrity birthdays
Rock singer Robert Plant is 63. Country singer Rudy Gatlin is 59. TV weatherman Al Roker is 57. Rock singer Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) is 41. Actress Demi Lovato is 19.
Contributing: news services
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