Hank Aaron has mixed feelings about the rebuilding process going on with the Braves, but the Hall of Fame slugger believes the best thing fans can do during these tough times is remain patient with manager Fredi Gonzalez and the young players.
“The Braves are a young team,” Aaron said Saturday afternoon at the graduation ceremony at Young Harris College. “It’s going to be a while before they really get things together.”
Aaron, 82, delivered a fun and inspirational commencement speech to the largest Young Harris graduating class in school history, approximately 187 students. During his 17-minute speech, he mixed in colorful stories from the past with life advice. He was rewarded with a standing ovation from the packed gym auditorium and an honorary doctorate from Young Harris President Cathy Cox.
He spoke to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution during a post-ceremony meal.
“Sometimes I have my doubts about it,” Aaron said of the Braves’ approach to rebuilding, “and sometimes I think that you got to give these kids a chance to play.”
Aaron said he watched the Braves lose to the Diamondbacks 7-2 on Friday night, dropping their record to 7-21. He thought starter Aaron Blair pitched well, but wasn’t able to overcome multiple defensive miscues.
“That’s what happens when you have a young team,” Aaron said. “When you have a young team, they’re going to make mistakes, and I just hope that the fans forgive them. That’s what they’re going to need.”
Aaron also hopes both fans and the front office remain patient with Gonzalez, the Braves’ embattled manager.
“He does probably all that he can do,” Aaron said of Gonzalez. “He’s playing people that he thinks can win games for them, and he’s playing the young kids. I just hope that they give him a chance to fulfill whatever contract he has and to do the job.”
