Thank Goodness They Lose?

Written by Matt on December 3, 2007 – 4:50 am

Man, am I glad the Braves missed the playoffs the last two years. In fact, it is probably the greatest thing that could have happened to a team that in all reality has been floundering. Now, if you don’t mind, hold off on making me turn in my 1974 reissue Braves Cap, don’t ban me from the Varsity, and please don’t key my truck the next time it’s parked on 75/85 Southbound before a ball game. Just hear me out.

Most Braves fans remember exactly where they were when “Sid Slid”. But do they remember where they were when the Braves made the playoffs for the fourteenth consecutive season (and once again choked) in 2004? Do they remember what they were doing when the Braves lost to the New York Yankees (I’m considering editing that team name out from now on, like a curse) in 1996? How about again in 1999?

Then their are the names….oh the names…

Sid Bream. Jeff Blauser. Chipper Jones. Mark Lemke. John Smoltz. Steve Avery. Glavine, Maddux, Wohlers…the list of memorable players who made the Braves of the early nineties an NL East Dynasty goes on and on. All of these players were Braves before or during the Atlanta Braves World Series winning season of 1995.

Denny Neagle. B.J. Surhoff. Andres Gallaraga. Vinny Castilla. Bet you forgot these guys were Braves until just now. Oh, and lets not forget about Mike Hampton. Unfortunately, the brilliant Schurholtz’s move didn’t pay out on this one. Or what about Bob Wickman? He’d probably be a better pitcher if the guy took better care of himself.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure these guys are all upstanding citizens. I’m not really attacking them. In fact, I’m not attacking them at all. The Braves of old had guys I didn’t really care for either. Guys like Ryan Klesko, who despite his prowess at the plate never really looked like he cared about chasing down sharp hit balls to left. What I’m getting at here, though, is the fact that the Braves were more exciting before they won the Series.

Until this past August. For the second consecutive end of Summer in Atlanta, the playoffs weren’t a reality for all the old guys in Franco Jerseys and the young women in Francouer Jerseys. The fans of our fair city were starting to understand that even though Bobby was in the dugout and John was in the box, the braves weren’t gonna be playing in the fall.

And you know what? The fans loved it. You loved it. You wanna know why? Cause arrogant guys in penny loafers, pocket free khaki shorts, and pink polo shirts aren’t as likely to come to the game. Even if they do, they’re just a little less likely to yell at that highschool kid who’s trying to start the wave just because he’s blocking their view. Why? Because Atlanta fans are finally starting to have a little vested interest in their team. The people who go to the games are starting to actually care about the games.

Finally, Braves fans, or at least the younger generation of Braves fans, knows what its like to hurt. They know what its like to be dissapointed. Maybe the next time the bravos make it to the Series, the fans will care. Just as importantly, maybe the players will care. No longer can Atlanta sigh and say “Well, there’s always next year.” If the Braves keep finishing the regular season at six games over .500 (Braves 2007 record), their won’t be a whole lot of playoff appearances. Finally, Braves fans, and hopefully members of the organization, are saying “Wait a minute…the Red Sox went from 1918 until 2004 between World Series Victories. Gee, I bet that most people old enough to remember that 1918 Series weren’t even still with us in 2004. Man, I hope that doesn’t happen to us!!!”

So next time you’re at a game at Turner Field, forget about that business client who’s sitting in the box next to you. Quit worrying about finding the Frozen Lemonade vendor. Put down the cell phone and quit looking around for the camera so you can tell your girlfriend that you’re on TV. Instead, watch the game. A novel concept, right? I mean, come on, who goes to a baseball game to watch baseball?

Now that you think about it, it sounds pretty silly doesn’t it? Back to my original point, I’m glad the Braves haven’t had the most stellar of seasons the last two years. Do you get it now? I bet you do. Now you won’t take the team for granted. It’s not that I wish them to lose, but maybe now we care a little more whether or not they win.

Next time Smoltzy bears down on a hitter in a 1-0 game in the seventh, cheer a little louder. When Frenchy makes a game saving throw to the plate, cheer a little louder. When Chipper hits one into the right field seats, cheer a little louder.

Cause if we keep cheering a little louder every day, maybe in 2008 we’ll still be cheering at the end of the Fall Classic.

Matty P

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