Dear Frank: Keep Smoltz

Written by Colin on January 8, 2009 – 11:04 am

The following is an open letter to Frank Wren and the Braves’ front office. If this letter echoes your sentiments, please consider signing your name and any additional thoughts in the comments.

Frank -

I respect you and your staff. I’ve stood up for you when fans have started bashing you this offseason. I know what has happened so far is out of anyone’s control. I love the Braves and everything about the organization. I’ve been a fan since 1991, when I was five years old. I’ve owned season tickets, I’ve started a blog about all things Braves. Travelled to Spring Training. Sat through playoff losses. But my most memorable moments include John Smoltz. Last year’s 3000th strikeout: I was front row in the upper deck (in my season tickets), screaming. Years ago when he was closing, I was looking forward to the 9th inning, hoping we’d be leading. In 1995, he was there. He’s always been the backbone of my love for the Braves. Classy ballplayers like him don’t come around often, and we know it.

We all know that Smoltz is the face of the organization. He’s THE Brave player we think of when we imagine someone wearing the jersey. He’s been loyal to the club through role changes, down years, off years. Always been more than friendly to fans, extremely loyal to the club. He’s the ONE guy we always thought would retire in a Braves uniform – perhaps the second to last guy to have one career with the same team (Chipper is younger and hopefully the last).  But loyalty is a two-way street. If you let Smoltz go, it is something that will be blamed on you – and it’s devastating.

For heavens sake, match whatever the Sox offer. I don’t care what it is. It’s not like we’ve signed anyone else. At this point it’s not about money: it’s about not losing fans. Give us something to come to Turner for in ‘09. Don’t give me this sick feeling in my stomach. I’ve talked to dozens of fans – and they’re all devastated just like I am. We don’t know what to think. And we’re talking about hardcore, love ‘em ’til we die fans. Not the guys who buy tickets once a year just to drink beer, but fans that buy ticket packs, season tickets, jerseys, memorabilia. The guys who travel to spring training.

Keep Smoltz. Match his offer. Do whatever it takes. Please don’t let us down – regardless of what else happens, PLEASE don’t let Smoltz finish his career in another uniform. He’s been better than that for almost 20 years. We should be too.

I’m begging you – we’re begging you: Keep Smoltz. Do what it takes.

Sincerely,

Please consider signing your name and adding your thoughts to a comment. It’s probably too late to do anything, but we can hope.


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