Editor's note: This is the third in a series introducing players on the 2016 Atlanta Braves.
BRAVES RHP BUD NORRIS
Which model bat do you use?
I think the bat I used when I was in Houston was a Marucci and I actually had my own model. I’m pretty excited to get that back in my hand and see if I can do more damage. It’s got a big base knob for my handle. It feels good. I haven’t done it in a whole.
What do you know about baseball now that you didn’t know when you signed?
How much of a job it really is. The transition it from being a game to a career, to a job, and the sacrifices we have to make to play a seven-month season. But don’t’ tell me I don’t love it. It’s very time-consuming but I love to do what I do.
What do you like to do for fun?
I’m an avid golfer. I go out and play as much as I can. I’m a about a two, three handicap. I’ve been playing since I was a kid. I’m a guy that likes to be outdoors. I’ll get in my car and just go and try to find some stuff to do outside: hiking and camping, going to the beach.
What do you like about the current state of baseball?
I do enjoy the second wild card. It gives more teams an opportunity to push to play for the playoffs and make it real competitive to the end of the season as we’ve seen. And the fact that instant replay is getting into the game I think we are making some transitions the right way, especially getting it right. Fair and foul balls is important. Tag plays at a base is very important.
Is there anything about the game you’d like to see improved?
I hope they never get rid of the DH. I’m all about keeping the DH in the American League but not necessarily (adding it to) the National League. I think the strike zone, the human element of error is what it is. It is deemed by the home plate umpire. Every pitcher has to figure that out. I don’t think a computerized strike zone would do too much for us.
What is your favorite baseball movie?
“For Love of the Game.” The love side story of it. He’s trying to be a good man off the field and on the field, and sometimes they clash.
You ever get a good baseball tip?
How much this game is mental more than physical at this level. You’ve got to be in the right mental frame out there and be confident in your game. Any time you alter your confidence you are in a bad place. Staying confident is the best advice I ever got.
What do you remember about your first-ever home run?
I hit a ball to the left-center field gap and I didn’t really see it go over the fence. By the time I was getting to second base the coach was like, ‘Slow down!’ I was pretty excited. I didn’t hit a bunch. I was a small kid. I was about 10 or 11.
