The architect of the Braves’ championship team in 1995 was in his box at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium when the last out of the season fell into the glove of center fielder Marquis Grissom.
“I was hollering, screaming and hugging everyone,’’ said John Schuerholz of the 1-0 win over Cleveland in Game 6 of the World Series. “The blood pulsing through a baseball executive at that time is more vibrant than ever. It was a precious, special and validating time for everyone. It’s that moment of singular and grand success.’’
Then what did the Braves general manager do?
“I made a mad dash for the clubhouse,’’ he said.
There, Schuerholz joined the team he had been building for five years, one that had won four consecutive division titles (the 1994 postseason was cancelled because of the players’ strike), been to three World Series and now brought Atlanta its first world title. For perhaps the best hire that Stan Kasten, a respected long time-sports executive, ever made, it was a season to remember for Schuerholz.
Q: You made a key move in August, bringing in Mike Devereaux from the Chicago White Sox. The veteran would win the MVP of the league championship series.
A: We were looking for a capable defensive outfielder who had some speed. As it turned out, he probably had his hottest month and half of the season. He played sensational and really fit in well in the clubhouse. He also was a good guy.
Q: Was there any point of the season when you thought the pieces were falling into place?
A: We thought we had a talented team. If I said we thought we were world-championship caliber that would be cocky. Bobby (Cox) was never one to put undue pressure on a player. He let the guys play until they got into their groove and that is what happened. When we got to the playoffs, we were ready.
Q: John Smoltz bounced off a rough ’94 season and elbow surgery and pitched well that season. You have always been a big fan of Smoltz.
A: John is a remarkable athlete. The way he dealt with everything. When he was near healthy we knew he was going to be a big asset for us. His determination and mental toughness was so obvious in '95 and then of course he had that great year in '96.
Q: How did you feel heading into the World Series against the Indians?
A: All our scouting reports said it would be our toughest opponent. It was the Braves' pitching-centric team against the Indians' hitting-centric team. It turned out good for us.
Q: And of course the last game was a classic, especially with David Justice taking a shot at the fans the day before.
A: David was stirring up the crowd, he would say. It set a backdrop for whether the fans wanted to show David what they felt or support the Braves. It may not have been quite the same classic game that Smoltz and (Jack) Morris pitched (in the 1991 World Series). But it was darn close to it. And David got the key hit.
