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.