quality

It occurs to me that no matter how hard a person perseveres in life that without someone there to provide some  "know how" tons of hard work can be fruitless. For a second, reflect on the successes of your life, and then think of all the great teachers it took to make those successes a reality. My guess is that if you answer honestly your name comes up near the bottom of the list. True, you are responsible for the application of knowledge passed to you by great teachers, but its my argument that with out the knowledge supplied great teachers we would never get the chance to excel at our chosen vocation.

It is with some amount of pride that I'm able to say that there are not many people that have been as fortunate as my self to have been around as many great teachers as I have. As I reflect back through the last fifteen or twenty year a distinct since of pride permeates my memory. So many high quality many people have been very gracious sharing their life's experiences with me in hopes of making my life better... How can I ever say THANK YOU enough. I guess the only true way is to be the absolute best,,, at life. Sad to say I'm coming up a little short, but I'm trying.

I'm trying... Sigh... The question of the night: is trying enough to honor those who have tried to make you better?  Truth? I don't know, but it is my most sincere hope that the honor is in the trial.

thanks to all that have tried to make me a better man

walk 'em off

I clearly recall opening day of the 2010 season; "Jason Heyward with Bomb into the Braves bull pen!!!" was the call. The air was electric around the Ted that afternoon, I felt it through the radio in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It seemed that team was destine for a great season .We knew that Heyward was going to have a record breaking rookie season. We knew Billy Wagner was going to be a shut down closer. And,we knew going into spring training that it was the last season Bobby would manage our club.

That season was indeed magic, even in defeat we went out with class and dignity. Along the way there was the Conrad walk off grand slam against the Reds. There was Derick Lowe's slider that carried us through September. There was game 162 win over the Phillies that put us in the post season. Then the Giants stopped their celebration to give Bobby Cox a standing ovation after his last game.

Turn the page to today. We know a good deal less about the 2012 team than we knew about the 2010 team. However, now we can say for sure that it will be the final campaign for Old Number 10. All day I have been searching for some perspective on Chipper's retirement, and I all hope for is a repeat of 2010. After putting hall of fame numbers and becoming one of the best switch hitters in the history of the sport he is entitled to a season filled with magic.

In my mind's eye I see a Kurt Gibson type of moment. Imagine a cool October night at Turner Field. Bottom 9 of game 7;  2 out and 2 on; and crowd erupts when "Crazy Train" blares. Chipper Jones, age 40, injured and beat to hell, is on to pinch hit. The count is 3-2 against a pin striped clad pitcher wearing the number 42. Chipper turns the cutter, around scoring 3 and walks them off. That's how he should go out. I know its a but romantic, but we are talking about Old Number 10.

This is why we chop

chipper jones: we love you

Chipper along with Glavin and Smoltz are the guys that helped me develop my love for the game of baseball. I vividly recall taking my daughter to watch Tommy Glavin pitch what turned out to be his last professional start at single A Rome. He got lit up that night and the Braves released the next day to make room in the rotation for Tommy Hanson. After reading Chipper comments (http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog) tonight I hope he is able to go out on his terms with the dignity that a Hall of Fall player deserves.

I have watched a ton of the power hitters in today’s game like Fielder, Stanton, and Howard but none of them have a swing like Old Number 10. His swing is like none other that I have ever seen; form either side of the plate he is just, sweet...REAL SWEET.  Last year, after coming back at age 39, from a devastating knee injury hit .275 with 18 and 70 and made the NL All Star Team. As Jim Powell would say "solid." But beyond the stats Chipper has always conducted himself with the kind of class that makes us proud too be fans of the Atlanta Braves. Last August my wife and I went to the Ted to celebrate my birthday and a few rows over a soldier that was leaving for Iraq was spending his last night state side watching the ball game. I don't recall which inning, but it was late in the game when an usher hand delivered Chipper's signed game worn batting gloves. Then as he walked on to the field Chipper turned to face the stands where the solder was sitting stood at attention and gave the solider a salute and mouthed the words "thank you." I and the crowd around us that understood the situation were genuinely touched. This is the kind of stuff that makes baseball special, and Chipper is the kind of man that understands the heritage and stewardship of the game. I don't remember who won that game but I will always remember that moment.

Chipper is going to the hall five years after he retires, but let us all hope that he is able to take the field in April, July, September, and cross your fingers October. Tonight though, I would have to say that's doughtful at best. So for all you guys that don't follow the Bravos I would like to encourage you strongly to see Number 10 play a few games before he hangs up his spikes. Even if he goes 0 for 4 with an error 5 you will get a chance to witness that once in a life time swing. Cherish it: it won't be around much longer.

Thank you, Chipper Jones. I truly wish you the very best.

Here are some Old Number 10's Stats according to http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jonesch06.shtml
Career Batting Average .304
Home Runs 454
1999 MVP

7 time All Star

1999, 2000 Silver Slugger

2008 Batting Average .364
Played in 11 nlds, 6 nlcs, 3 ws
WS Champ