Home Opener Thoughts

April 1, 2008 – 11:16 am

I’m not trying to manufacture drama here, but I do need to say, last night reminded me even more why baseball is still America’s pastime passion and why the game is important.  Sure, the Braves lost, but that’s not the point.

What did I love about last night?

The feeling of walking up into Monument Grove at 4:30, hours before the game started and seeing the crowd of Braves fan. Looking at those statues of Aaron, Spahn, and Niekro…it felt like…history.  Looking at the Phil Niekro statue. Knowing that, like his fellow Grove-mate, Warren Spahn, he’s not going to be with us forever.

The smell of the ballpark food.

Batting practice. Where any slob (myself included) can, for a moment, be a big league outfielder.

The Braves showing the ultimate salute to one of their own. Asking Javy Lopez to throw out the first pitch. You gave us your best years, Javy. And, most recently, you gave us everything you had. Yeah, it wasn’t enough, but we love you for the effort.

And catching Javy’s pitch? In a beautiful and timeless role-reversal: One John Smoltz.

Tom Glavine. Not only was he wholeheartedly cheered when announced in the roster, but at his first pitch, the stadium stood and screamed encouragement and approval.

But how about the game itself?

Read more »

Tags: Home Opener, Javy Lopez, Mark Kotsay, Monument Grove, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tom Glavine, Turner Field, Yunel Escobar
Posted in General | 5 Comments »

Home Opener 2008!

March 31, 2008 – 4:06 pm

Well the time has finally come for the 2008 Braves home opener.  After falling to the Nationals in the bottom of the ninth last night, I know we’re all ready to see the offense come alive and put some runs on the board early and often.  The offense seemed a little stifled last night, so it’ll be nice to see them break out and settled into the season.

Tonight, the Braves (0-1) kick off a three-game series against the Pirates (0-0).  Tom Glavine makes his first regular season start since returning to the Braves against Ian Snell for Pittsburgh.  Snell is coming off of a 9-12 season in 2007 with a 3.76 ERA.  It looks to be a great night for baseball with temperatures slated to be in the mid to high 50s and the rain should hold off until the overnight hours.

We’ll be heading down  to enjoy the Turner Field atmosphere since it has been a good while since we’ve been around there for a regular season game.  The game starts at 7:10 ET and I’ll be doing my best to keep up with the comments and game updates on this thread from at the game.  Baseball’s back in Atlanta for the season.  Go Braves!

Tags: Home Opener, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tom Glavine
Posted in Game Threads | 43 Comments »