Things baseball fans do and don’t

A full house for a postseason game at Turner Field has a very different feel than a typical summer eve of the national pastime. But whether packed in or spread out, fans take different approaches to attending and enjoying ballgames in person.

Some of it has to do with whether one is an informed, engaged fan of the game and a team in particular or just looking for a day or night out with friends. Either is fine, but it makes a difference in the fan experience.

There are things some fans do that others don’t — which got me thinking about how my approach to the baseball experience may differ from others.

First, I thought of two things that many other fans (to varying degrees) do that I don’t.

One: I don’t do “The Wave.” I just don’t — even though starting it each night at Turner Field brings a big smile to the aging face of our beloved dancing usher, Herman Mills.

Two: I don’t boo opposing pitchers for throwing over to first when a runner takes a lead or for issuing an intentional walk. Those are as much a part of baseball as bobbleheads that hardly resemble players and overpriced cotton candy.

(But I cheer pickoffs. And, last night, I cheered loudly when Dodgers manager Don Mattingly called for intentionally loading the bases to get to Jason Heyward. Someone must have spit tobacco juice on his scouting report.)

           

Second, there are a couple of things as well that I do but many fans do not.

One: I sing “Cracker Jack,” not “Jacks.” (Yes, it’s no big deal and I’ve mentioned it before. Just one of my things.)

Two: I watch the game — and leave my seat rarely and only between innings. No one should go for a drink, hot dog or bathroom when there is a full count.

Sitting on the end of row, I sometimes feel like a revolving door. But I’d rather do that at the end of the half inning.

But nothing beats being there.

October baseball

Photo by John Pierce: Norman "Chocolate Papa" Warrick looks on as his friend Darrell chats with Mark Lemke, a former postseason MVP for the Atlanta Braves. They are part of the Turner Field faithful looking forward to some good October baseball.

The Braves ended the regular season on a high note: scoring 12 runs in the final game while coasting home with a division title. And while the Braves once rolled off an unprecedented 14 consecutive division titles, such is not always the case.

So while celebrating the great success of this season, I prefer to count my team’s blessings rather than trash the competition. Watching players carry the contents of their lockers to their high-priced vehicles following the regular season finale a few years ago is a feeling that has stayed with me for a while.

I’d never wish that pain on any loyal fans. OK, maybe the Mets.

Postseason baseball grows in pageantry and intensity. The race to the very end changes from a marathon to a sprint.

Honestly, World Series champions tend to be the hottest and luckiest among the best teams — rather than the overwhelming best of the bunch. A grounder through the hole or a freak injury can make the difference.

Each and every game matters — really matters — at this stage. Therefore, every pitch and play has significance in October baseball.

Watching these games from the regular season finale through the Fall Classic is a baseball fan’s dream — especially if one has invested emotion and ticket purchases in one of teams still standing.

Prognosticators will make comparisons and odds makers will take bets. But show me one expert who expected October baseball in Pittsburgh and I might pay attention.

I’d rather just watch the games and see what happens. Baseball is not about predictions, but hope.

So hang the bunting — and play ball!

Unboxing B.J. Upton

While many were cheering on their favorite college football teams on Saturday evening, my family (minus the one cheering on her school’s team) was at Turner Field rehabilitating B.J. Upton. He deserves praise for a big three-run homer and walk-off single.

Being a strong critic — more because he often doesn’t seem to hustle and sometimes mindlessly lobs a ball to the cutoff man giving the runner an extra base — I eagerly praise this good performance.

Those close to the team say B.J. is trying very hard and is more disappointed than anyone with his grand underperformance after signing the biggest free-agent deal the Braves have ever made.

Yet he often looks disengaged, and clueless at the plate. But found his swing, if but for a night.

Of course, one game doesn’t make up for a dismal season. He has been fortunate that his team’s remarkable success has provided some cover.

Early in the season, a pre-planned B.J. Upton bobble head giveaway took place with little fanfare. In fact, I decided to keep B.J. in his box until his pitiful batting average reached the lowly “Mendoza line” of .200.

While he’s still short of that mark today, at .193, B.J. was largely responsible for Saturday night’s win. So I’m setting him free. (But saving the box.)

He is now strategically placed between Dan Uggla and Tommy Lasorda. One’s even-lower batting average might make him feel better — and the other’s choice words might motivate him.

Do well, B.J. We could use some key hits in October.

And get the ball in quickly to the cutoff man. Thanks.

On the other hand

A broken left wrist halted my favorite summertime hobby: catching batting practice home runs off the bats of the greatest baseball players in the world.

While enjoying the Braves’ winning streak on TV last week, however, two thoughts came to mind: (1) I have another hand and (2) eBay.

I’d never tried to catch a baseball — especially one that travels more than 330 feet — with what is usually my throwing hand. But I did tonight — with a used first baseman’s mitt that will need a third owner after October.

The view from 222 was soggy tonight. And the Braves stumbled. 

But my first game as a southpaw was memorable. Just don’t tell my doctor, please.

A clean sweep

The sweeping view from 222 today included seeing The Chief in the new outfit his mother completed recently. The deeply stained one — worn throughout most of his stretch of 1,280+ consecutive games — has been retired. Finally. Thankfully. No one seemed more grateful than the delightful Debora. Later in the game she assisted a man who tried to catch a Brian McCann foul ball with his forehead rather than the glove on his hand. She's the best!

But who's counting?

A rain delay is as much a part of baseball as overpriced popcorn and obnoxious Mets fans. But it beats playing indoors.

Last night's Braves-Mets game was delayed, not because of rain but the expectation of rain. Apparently, team officials' fear of losing starting pitchers after about three innings or so (with a doubleheader on tap for the next day) caused fans to stare at an empty field for more than an hour after the official start time.

When the rain finally arrived, it stayed much longer than forecasters predicted. Marshall and I stayed a long time too, but not to the end like we would have in days gone by. Family and work responsibilities pulled us away.

The rain delay (of three hours and 43 minutes, but who's counting?) sent the game into the wee hours, ending on a magnificent Freddie Freeman homer in the bottom of the ninth inning (which I viewed from home).

That game-ending swing came a mere eight and a half hours (but who's counting) after Justin Upton's homer popped the leather of my glove in a weather-shortened BP. (Did you see that catch, I mean, poach, MK?)

Now the Braves and Mets will need to wipe the sleep from their eyes and play two more games on the same day this one ended. But through the blurriness, the Braves and their fans will also see a nice seven and a half game lead in the NL East.

But who's counting?

Vandy, Vols, a Bulldog … and a bobble head

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Everything about Thursday night at Turner Field was great: the weather, the friends, the bobble head, the run production. (I’m no mathematician, but replacing three .150 starters with more productive hitters seemed to impact the scoring line.)

Former Vanderbilt pitcher and the best of the Braves’ starters, Mike Minor, mowed down the big Toronto bats. And the improved lineup took a liking to former University of Tennessee pitcher R.A. Dickey’s knuckleballs.

I enjoyed talking baseball with current Vols player Will Maddox, whose dad Andy brought him over to 222 for a chat. The fine-hitting infielder is headed to the Cape Cod League for the summer before returning to Knoxville for his junior year.

Will had high praise for Alex Wood, whom he faced last year in the SEC. Wood went from pitching for UGA to closing out the Braves' win last night — in just a year’s time. His debut in The Show was a good and memorable one.

A lively crowd of nearly 30,000 was on hand to enjoy the game and perfect weather. And the first 20,000 took home a Freddie Freeman bobble head. The tall redheaded first baseman followed proper protocol by hitting a line-drive homer as part of the 11-run bash.

It was good to have other friends come by 222, or earlier during BP, including Scooter Brown, Alex Bonds, Bob Cash and Dave Murphy. And three generations of Kerlins were on hand to cheer and to chop.

Teacher appreciation

It's that time when students are saying thanks and goodbye to the teachers who have guided them through another school year. But the view from the season ticket holder gate at Turner Field last night had a little different twist.

Gary Price of Decatur, Ga., who so ably and nicely runs the main gate, got a visit — and some homemade goods — from former teachers coming out to the game. I'm sure teachers love year-end gifts (just not another coffee mug, please), but nothing could be more satisfying than seeing good students grow into adulthood well.

It not hard to see how Gary was the kind of student and is now the kind of young man to make a teacher proud.

And speaking of satisfying, the view a bit later from 222 of Justin Upton's grand slam was quick and very sweet. One didn't have wonder if he "got it all." He did.

Also, it was good to have J-Hey back after giving up his appendix in Denver. He coaxed a walk off a tough lefty, after falling behind, to help set up the bases-loaded opportunity.

A large, energetic crowd showed up on a beautiful night — including many of Korean descent who came to offer vocal support for Dodgers pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu. But the final cheering came from the home team fans.

All about Huddy

The view from 222 was lovely in every way tonight, from the beautiful Atlanta setting to B.J. Upton crashing the center field wall with the ball entering his glove to timely hitting by several of his teammates. But while a team effort, the night belonged to Tim Hudson.

Not only did he pitch brilliantly, Huddy hit a double and a home run (with Bryce Harper getting the assist) to help his own cause. And that cause was creating a little more space between the division rival and notching his career 200th victory.

Already the answer to a good trivia question, Hudson has the most wins of any MLB pitcher who played collegiately in the SEC. And the former hard-hitting Auburn Tiger now has an even 200 wins.

As his former teammate Tom Glavine said in response to tonight's performance: Huddy might as well have sold popcorn; he did everything else.

One of the good guys did well tonight. And it was a great thing to view from 222.

On the road, in the snow

Despite the fact that Atlanta is one of the warmer weather cities for April baseball, the Braves are spending much of the month on the road. The game in Denver was snowed out tonight.

It seems odd that schedulers would start the Marlins on the road in the Northeast and keep the Braves away from Turner Field for much of April. Guess MLB officials want a return to doubleheaders. Or they don't get the Weather Channel. Or they failed geography class.

Despite what the sportscaster on Atlanta's All-News 106.7 said today, the Braves do not return to Turner Field this Friday to take on the Tigers. That series is in Detroit. In Michigan. Up North.

The view from 222 will be of wide open spaces until April 29.

A different view

While the Braves were in the nation's capital introducing Mr. Strasburg to Mr. Gattis, a beautiful Saturday in Atlanta did not go to waste. Turner Field welcomed high school teams from around Georgia today.

What a thrill for these kids to play on the big league diamond. And the National Anthem by the First Presbyterian Day School chorus was done fabulously. They should be invited back when the stands are filled.

The Braves are on a long road trip: 16 of their next 18 games are away from Turner Field. But today (April 8) we can remember that historic event on this day in 1974. In the old round stadium that is now a parking lot, Hammerin' Hank Aaron become the all-time home run king. So memorable!

AA

Abigail and Aurora (guess that makes it AA baseball) joined me for the view from 222 on a great night to be a Braves fan — thanks to a couple of brothers.

Thanks, Frank

"According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Uptons are the first brothers in major-league history to hit game-tying and walk-off home runs in the same inning."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

In all of the celebration, let us not forget to praise the excellent work of GM Frank Wren. Cheers!

Poncho, poncho man

The cold, wet weather and a pressing publication deadline (OK, mostly the weather) are keeping me away from Turner Field tonight. But I'm sure Herman the dancin' usher will keep everyone down the left field line in a good mood tonight — as he did last night (when this photo was taken) and at all other games. My view of tonight's game will be from the couch rather than section 222. But can't wait to get back to the Ted. And as Herman, a retired Baptist pastor, always says, "The Braves are gonna win!"

Mis-chief

Monday night's season opener represented the 1,287th consecutive Braves home game attended by Robert Walls, a.k.a, "Chief." That's a streak that goes back 15 years.

"I'm a little emotional tonight," he told me when we met Monday for the first time since the memorable one-game playoff last fall. When I asked why, he explained that his streak would come to an end today (Wednesday).

Robert, who lives in a group home in Roswell, used to clean an Old Navy store before coming to the ballpark. However, a new job at a nearby Kroger offered more hours but would require him to miss the second game of the season and some others.

Perhaps that will not happen, I thought. But tonight there was no Robert — transforming into Chief — at the season ticket holder gate. And no headdress on the first row just over Jason Heyward's shoulder in right field. And no traditional walk around the stadium in the second inning. No Chief tonight.

But it was an amazing record — and one that was continued despite the challenges of public transportation and all kinds of weather. On Monday I urged him to focus on his accomplishment rather than the end.

No other fan has never missed a game at Turner Field, to my knowledge. And Robert's streak would go back much further had he not missed just one game 15 years ago when his grandmother and her twin sister celebrated their 90th birthday and he was present.

So hail to the Chief! See you back at the Ted soon.

King of Chop

Marshall's neon tomahawk draws a lot of attention to section 222 — including TV cameras and kids wanting photos while holding it.

Perfect Night

A perfect opening day/night at Turner Field — and a nice view from 222.

Opening Day

When the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, my aunt and uncle from Chickamauga, Ga., would attend the season opener each year. To my young mind at the time, that seemed like a most exciting thing to do.

My buddy Marshall and I have not missed an opening day in something like 25 years now. And what I believed as a child remains true: it is one of the most exciting days of the year.

Let the chopping begin.

No trash in the outfield

The last time we occupied the front row seats in section 222 was an unforgettable evening back in October. Let's not relive the experience. However, this is a new year in Braves Country with lots of excitement and hope for a season with a better ending.
But one thing is absolutely certain with the acquisition of the Upton brothers to join J-Hey — there is no trash in the outfield this year.

Perspectives on the game

My friend Marshall Kerlin and I have been attending Braves games — hundreds of them — together since the early '80s. Starting last season we settled into the first row seats above the aisle in section 222 — down the third base/left field line. We are eager to get back to those familiar seats for Opening Day.

Not only do we enjoy watching the games and cheering on our beloved Braves, we like the overall experience of being at Turner Field including chasing down BP homers and getting to know the official and unofficial characters who make going to the ballpark such a delightful experience.

This space will provide a good opportunity  to share some of our experiences and perspectives — from our view in 222.