Steven Tatum could think of no better way to celebrate his 28th birthday than with his father, brothers and childhood heroes. Watching Greg Maddux, Bobby Cox and especially Tom Glavine get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame was just what the doctor ordered for the former Marine.
“Not many people can say that on their birthday, their favorite players they watched growing up, got inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Steven Tatum said. “And especially being here with (my family), that definitely makes it more worth it than anything.”
It had been at least 10 years since he, his father Paul Sr. and his two brothers last attended a Braves game together. But the Hall of Fame induction brought the family all back together and back to Turner Field. His brother Paul Jr., who is currently serving in the army and stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus took the weekend off to be present.
While Paul Sr. said he was most looking forward to seeing Cox speak, his sons were torn. Paul Jr. favors Greg Maddux while Steven and youngest brother Kevin Tatum cheer loudest for Tom Glavine.
“Not to take anything away from away from Tom Glavine because he’s one of the greatest pitchers to ever play, but growing up I always watched Maddux more,” Paul Jr. said as he placed his hand over his heart.
His father Paul Sr. chimmed in: “You’re about to cry talking about him.”
Outfitted in matching No. 44 Hank Aaron jerseys, the four men took to their seats in right field. Under the hot Atlanta sun, the family may not have been able to agree on a favorite inductee but they could agree on one thing: there was no place else they’d rather be.
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