White Braves Jersey - Tag

The nice, little old tag shows the year: 1988.

The Braves changed back to the tomahawk jersey the year before.

White Braves Jersey - Back

Bought at a thrift store.

Deitch was probably a fantasy camper.

Red Braves Jersey - Front

Will rarely wears this one any more, since he's going to braves games with friends. I'd like to have a patch sewn on the sleeve, but it has a card backing.

Bought it at a mall.

Red Braves Jersey - Back

Will asked for this jersey several years ago.

Defending LeBron

The Cavaliers didn’t position themselves very well to compete with all the teams who cleared out salary space for LeBron. The past few years showed LeBron would not be able to win a championship by himself. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, as everyone in recent memory had one or two other helpers.

Larry Bird: McCale, DJ, Parrish, Ainge

Kobe Bryant: Shaq, then Gasol and Odom

Tim Duncan: David Robinson, Tony Parker

Julius Erving: Barkley, Moses, Toney, Cheeks, Jones

Kevin Garnett: Ray Allen, Paul Pierce (& now Jermaine O’Neill).

Magic Johnson: Kareem, Worthy, Cooper, Scott

Michael Jordan: Pippen, Rodman, Kukoc

I haven’t heard many analysts mention how Chris Bosh played such a key role. He could’ve signed with unattractive Cleveland, but by signing with Miami, the Heat were suddenly the most attractive team to LeBron. James would’ve been in Jordan’s shadow in Chicago. The lack of talent, plus the New York press, made the Knicks unattractive. The Clippers are always in the Lakers’ shadow. That pretty well left the Heat.

While none of these players (save Garnett) had to pick another team, Cleveland’s inability to build beyond LeBron left James with no choice but to leave. To think James should stay merely out of loyalty was naïve. And LeBron can be “commended” for taking less than max money to join forces with Wade and Bosh.

LeBron was going to be bashed, regardless of his decision. People will dissect each comment, making each sentence stand alone. While James was probably given each question in advance, it’s hardly possible to word every answer free from dispute. He was a free agent, so what’s wrong with making whatever choice he wished? Had he to do it over again, I wonder if he wouldn’t make it such a circus. But he didn’t act alone.

A therapist friend of Colin Cowherd said that James was obviously a nurturer. His personality is different, softer than the driven Jordan, Kobe, or even Tiger. Perhaps that will mean he doesn’t run into some of the troubles those three got themselves into.

Braves Day

I’m talking up tomorrow’s “Braves Day” here at work, especially because I’m planning on wearing this weird blue dress shirt, with the script “Braves” stitched across the front, and a large “44” on the back. White long sleeves, with the feathers down near the cuffs. One person wins a Braves jersey. Talking to Debbie, who recently celebrated her 35th anniversary with the company, reminded me that we traded Braves caps back in 1991. We both still have the caps. She said that back in the 80’s she used to sit across from Pearl Sandow. Another good Braves win Wednesday night. Nice to beat up on Moyer for a change. The Phillies bullpen looks soft. Interesting that Infante has been playing every day this week. Good that all the outfielders have been getting lots of playing time with Heyward out…Hinske, Melky, Blanco, Diaz, and Omar. Also good to see Glaus score from first on McCann’s double. Good, I guess, since Glaus had to get a cortisone shot. He started a nice 3-6-3 double play. Keep hearing Escobar trade rumors. Guess the Marlins wouldn’t swap shortstops, though the Braves usually don’t trade FOR problem players. We haven’t been doing much at night this week and last week. Ceil is painting the upstairs bathroom, and Anna is reading James Patterson. I’ve been watching most all of the Braves games. Last night Matthew and I were looking at shoes on the internet together. We seem to have similar tastes. Last night I relayed the trivia question to Facebook, since I had some Satchel Paige postings this week. Johnny Pierce, the guy I’ve seen at three Braves games, recognized the comment, so we chatted about the game and baseball. I mentioned that I wasn’t crazy about Smoltz’s announcing, and he doesn’t like Roberts. I like Roberts, Sutton, and Joe. Hear Mazzone say he thinks Sutton is sounding more like Scully? At every Braves BP I attend, I see the same guy, who has one of those suction cup things to pull up balls. He often gives the balls away, and I’ve spoken to him several times. Saw him at the Peachtree Road Race. With EZGo shut down from June 25 to July 19, I’m really getting caught up. My desk is almost all clean, but I do have several more small projects to keep me busy next week. I had lunch in Buckhead Thursday, at the Waffle House at Piedmont & Pharr Road. Usually I only sneak off to lunch with Lang’s dad when my boss is out of town, since it takes two hours to drive down to Buckhead and eat. But since it’s so quiet, I took the chance go to catch up with him. Judy Watts just died from cancer. She was about my age. Her children were at least in college, I think. Back before they were married, her husband Ron roomed for a while with my friend David Hurt. Catherine Norman was at the Hurt birthday party last Friday night, and hung out with the adults. Her year teaching inner city 4th graders was at times harrowing. She made a two year commitment, so she returns to Memphis soon to teach first grade, fortunately with a young man she gets along with well. My sister posted pictures from Monday’s birthday dinner on Facebook last night. We’re not the best looking family, and some of the pictures just weren’t good. Still, several people at work today commented favorably about them.

Scouts

A Georgia Southern scout was at Will’s first game Tuesday. Batting leadoff, he singled up the middle on a full count, walked, and scored the only run, if I heard right. Played left field.

After the scout left, Will did better in game two. Pitched three innings, retiring all nine batters in a row on 29 pitches. Only struck out one. At the plate, he got two more hits and walks. Playing third, he dove to his left to grab a grounder, then threw out the batter at first. There might have been a Kennesaw scout at that game.

Saturday they play at 8 am, 2:30 pm, and 7 pm, down in Riverdale and Eagle’s Landing.

Braves: Another exciting win last night. Nice that it was different players coming through in the clutch…Diaz, Hinske, and Blanco. Hope Venters arm doesn’t get tired.

Charlie Manuel does what he is told, to add a player who can play several positions to the All-Star roster. Then he gets blasted for it. If he picked an everyday player, no manager would be thrilled with the player playing out of position. Looks like Votto will be voted in tomorrow, to right that “wrong.” Seems like Heyward could bat once in the All-Star game, using it like a minor-league tune-up.

Peachtree Weekend

Race was fun, being near the front again. I wasn’t in shape, so I ran and walked. Still did as well as last year. Will ran a 50:55, his best ever. Made it to North Point as the 9 am service was letting out.

Ceil's parents were in town. Moes Friday night, while Will and I went to Haley Hurt’s 16th birthday party. The five other dads there were big Braves fans (Holt’s, Kevin’s, Haley’s, and Mary-Clayton’s) so we watched the whole game. Infante drove in the winning runs.

Everyone went shopping Saturday, but I got the oil changed and ran other errands. Ate at Olive Garden Saturday night. They didn’t want to go to the fireworks Sunday, so I stayed home with them and watched golf. The rest went to Roswell High.

Yesterday we went to Macon for my mother’s 80th birthday. We hadn’t gone to celebrate my mother’s birthday since Will was born on the same day. My sister and brother were there, so it was a zoo. Anna volunteered to help in the kitchen, and my always-stressed out mom made her cry.

Battled the holiday traffic to get Matthew back to Houston Coley’s sleepover birthday party. Haviland keeps getting bigger, and Houston looked good with long hair. Brain said he needs 1.3 million in two days (“a miracle”) to keep his movie going.

Will played a 10 am doubleheader in Acworth Tuesday, after not picking up a bat or ball for eight days. He got a first-inning hit, and caught a ball in left field in game one, but they were shut out. Got another hit and walked in game two, and pitched three scoreless innings. Supposedly scouts were watching.

It’s been fun to watch the Braves lately. This Friday is Braves Day here at work. Still deciding what to wear.

2010 Peachtree Results

0:48:38…02874…Bradley Morgan

0:49:06…03143…Chad Eaton

0:50:55…04223…Will Murphy

0:56:25…08565…Mandy Mullen

0:58:09…10277…Glenn Armstrong

1:06:01…18771…Jimmy Light

1:06:33…19358…Chuck Dalziel

1:06:44…19551…Preston Smith

1:07:46…20631…Larry Linen

1:08:00…21000…me

1:11:09…24096…Steve Garrett

1:11:51…24840…Scott Condra

1:22:00…33000…Lee Earhart

1:24:46…35113…Mike Dunnahoo

1:32:19…39386…Dennis Arrowood (& wife)

Will was the 101st sixteen year-old to finish. He was the third Murphy to finish, out of 61.

2010 Peachtree Recap

Drove down and parked at 5th and Penn, a little behind schedule. Just missed a Doraville train, and the Dunwoody train took so long that we stayed on it. I had never gotten off at the Buckhead Station before, but it worked out OK. Lee got off at the Lenox Station and bought a number for twenty bucks.

Spent a long time with Will, standing in line for the porta-potty. At the end of the national anthem there was an unexpected low flyover by a Hercules cargo plane. Then battled a huge last-minute crowd getting to our time groups.

Ran the entire first mile, taking about 9:45. The rest of the way I took walking breaks, making sure to run past the Second-Ponce cheering section. Saw the Wisenbakers, Mrs. Light and her eldest daughter, Robin Condra, Holly Mullen and her parents, and Mary Hubert. The Whitakers were on a cruise.

I had grabbed some sort of pet handkerchief along the second mile, and I tried to give it to a little boy during the third mile. It surprised the timid tyke, and it dropped to the ground. Those around him were delighted. After I crossed Peachtree Creek the Willies people threw a T-shirt right as I passed. It was thrown to the middle of the street, but I reached up high and intercepted it, knowing Ceil loves Willies. Will grabbed a Coast Guard tee, calling out “medium!” to get the correct size.

Passing certain points along the way always brings back certain memories:

1…just after the start I took in the Stratford Road sign, where as a boy would visit my grandmother.

1…crossing Piedmont Road reminds me of all the times I parked there before the race.

1…the Peachtree Methodist congregation had a sign memorializing the two old ladies (sisters) who always dressed patriotically and sat next to the road, cheering the runners.

2…at the first water station I usually look for Mr. Hooper, who volunteered there for many years.

2…later I glance to the right, to see if 104.7 the Fish is giving away bumper stickers, which later litter the street. Never figured that one out.

2…Moes always throws a festive party, with a band, T-shirts, and rubber bracelets.

2…in Buckhead I always think of Greg Wheat, who used to live in a condo on the right.

2…saw the St. Philips priest, tossing out Holy Water.

3…this year I forgot to think about Elton John, who I’ve never seen watch the race.

3…I made a point to look up at my grandmother’s old high-rise condo, at the Lindbergh corner.

3…across the street is the mansion made famous by the “Peachtree Road” novel.

3…this year I forgot to look for friend Paul McNeil, who often stands near the church next to Burger King.

3…Said hello to ex-senator Max Cleland, who always sits near Peachtree Battle. Dennis said he shook his hand.

4…Always think of Patrick Lloyd as a pass his old condo, next to Bennihanas.

4…Passing Piedmont Hospital, I always look for Dr. Bill, who grew up at SPdL.

4…across the street, the “new” Chickfila has become a Peachtree player, with cows, music, and giveaways. For a while, the Chickfila music drowns out the band playing just south.

4…I take time to look right, at restaurants I forget have been built. Next to Teds is a new Mexican Place. The old Wendy’s we used to frequent in college has been replaced by a high-rise.

4…when I pass Hueys, I think of my old Macon friend Craig James, one of the original owners.

4…at the mile four marker, I think of my old neighbor Watson, who would watch the race from the grassy hill.

5…passing the Scottish Rite temple, I think of my grandfather. The library inside is named for him.

5…the same guy plays the trombone on the I-85 bridge every year. In recent years he has been joined by a drummer.

5…I think of the Taylors as I pass SCAD. They used to sit on the grass to cheer their daughters.

5…There are old ladies watching in front of Peachtree Christian Church, where the bells are ringing. Thirty-three years ago I visited there just once. As I left, a lady fell in front of me, breaking her arm. After helping out, I quietly slipped out a side door. I wonder if she had a huge reward she couldn’t give me.

5…the Beatles tunes from the band in front of WSB are great to run to.

5…Harriet used to cheer me from the BP station, just up from WSB.

5…near the High Museum I always think about the boy I coached in 1980. His parents always watched the race there.

6…I always enjoy the Jimmy Buffet-like band that plays across from Colony Square.

6…the stretch from Colony Square to 10th Street used to be hot and sunny. The new high-rises now provide cool shade. A sign tells me there is a museum in the new Federal Reserve Building, something I didn’t know.

At the triumphant turn onto Tenth the crowd grows larger. The many walkers start running again as they pass under the bridge of photographers, and then on the homeward stretch of the race. I look for co-worker Paul, who lives at the finish line. Surely he went home from to Minnesota.

Since I finished relatively early, the park isn’t as crowded. I chat with Preston Smith, who I taught in Sunday School long ago. Now he’s running for Lt. Governor. Will waits for me in the sun, next to the stage. We grab some PowerAde and walk around Grady High to our car. Saw Robert Bell, whom I call Richard.

We jump on the downtown connector and pass under Peachtree, seeing runners still passing. Drove up 400 to North Point, arriving as the 9 am service lets out. Will is too tired to stay, so we head home, where everyone but Matthew took naps.

Coach Phil

While in high school in North Dakota, Lakers coach Phil Jackson doubled off barnstorming former Negro League pitcher Satchel Paige.

As a rookie with the Knicks, he blocked a shot by Wilt Chamberlain.

When the Aliens Attack...

When the aliens attack, a good place to hide might be a stairwell.

If their bodies are different from ours, they may not be able to go up or down steps.

Of course, if they have a death ray, I guess it wouldn’t matter.

Strasburg's 5th MLB Start: We Were There

The Braves’ Tim Hudson outlasted Washington Nationals pheenom Stephen Strasburg in a nationally televised pitchers duel Monday night. In possibly the biggest game at Turner Field since the Braves last playoff appearance, the veteran and rookie matched goose eggs for the first six innings. Then after Hudson pitched a scoreless seventh, the Braves’ offense erupted for five runs, with four charged to Strasburg.

Chipper walked on four pitches, then McCann singled to center. Jones then shielded Nats shortstop Ian Desmond from Glaus’ ground ball, forcing an error. Hinke’s sac fly to centerfield was deep en that all three runners advanced. With the lead, the crowd’s tomahawk chop rocked the stadium. Escobar’s single to left drove in McCann, and Strasburg’s night was done. The crowd waved their goodbyes and continued chopping.

But the Braves weren’t finished. Gregor Blanco perfectly executed a safety squeeze bunt, pushing it past the pitcher on the first base side. Pinch-hitter Omar Infante stroked a sharp grounder in the hole, off the glove of the diving third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Shortstop Desmond had ranged far to his right to back up the play, and the deflected ball dribbled away from him. As the ball rolled almost to the outfield grass, Blanco rounded second and raced to third, as Escobar scored from second. Martin Prado drove in the fifth run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to right.

The stadium was filled with Braves fans, taking advantage of the cheap Buck Belue Buck night dollar ticket, eager to see the “once in a generation” rookie. The dollar tickets completely sold out, and attendance of 42,889 was announced. Will and Kevin rode MARTA down to Five Points, walked to the stadium, and snapped up eight Skyline tickets for the group. I left work at four, swapped cars with Ceil in Roswell, and parked the van just after five. Anna sported her big sunglasses, and Matthew wore his Chipper jersey, Braves cap, shorts, white adidas shell-toes, and black crew socks. The socks were obviously for the look, as he always wears white footies.

Before Anna, Matthew, and I arrived at BP, Kevin had already had a “run-in” with my friend Johnny Pierce, going after a home run ball. Will had recognized Johnny from the game two weeks earlier, so we chatted for a long while. He had talked to Stan Kasten a couple of years ago, when he went to a game at old RFK.

Soon Craig, Denise, and Alyssa arrived. I tossed Will’s glove to Alyssa, and she put it on and watched BP. But when a ball came near, she didn’t move. After BP we went upstairs to our outfield seats in the sun, sitting down over 40 minutes before game time. Ceil had packed a feast, so we passed out hot dogs and drinks. Matthew ate 2-1/2 dogs. After the game he said he was so full he would never eat a bite, though it didn’t stop him from ordering fries and an FO at the Varsity.

Marietta’s Eastside Baptist Church Choir sang the national anthem. Anna recognized several choir members. She takes ballet classes there. During the anthem, Denise and I noticed Matthew standing with his Braves cap held over his heart. When the starting lineups were announced, Matthew wanted to know where Jason Heyward was. Injured, J-Hey was put on the 15-day DL after the game.

The pre-game talk was Strasburg, nicknamed “Jesus” by some. The Braves usually run a short video on the opponent’s team history. In addition to this Expos video, that also ran a story on Strasburg. Before warming up in the bullpen (surrounded by on-looking fans), Strasburg stretched, ran, and threw in the leftfield corner. This attracted much more attention than Hudson, doing the same in right field.

For six innings, the rookie did not disappoint. At one point he struck out six of seven batters, including five straight. He left the game with seven, falling short of Herb Score’s record of 50 strikeouts in his first five MLB starts. Meanwhile, Hudson was even more effective for the Braves. While not a strikeout pitcher, Huddy struck out six, in his seven shutout innings. Pitching so well on the ESPN stage may have solidified his spot in the All-Star game.

Interesting play: The Braves put the infield shift on pull-hitting Adam Dunn. With a runner on first, the National’s first-baseman hit a grounder to the second baseman. Escobar fielded the ball and flipped to Chipper for the out…a rare 6-5 putout at second base.

Another rare sight: After the top of the seventh ended, it was announced that the seventh inning stretch would be led by NASCAR’s Michael Waltrip. He hopped on the top of the dugout with a cordless microphone in hand, dressed in black: T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops. His rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was forgettable, but he got points for dancing with the Braves girls during “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” Perhaps he is a good luck charm: the Braves promptly scored five runs after his performance.

Kevin still had his ticket stub in his wallet from his recent trip to Washington, where he saw Strasburg's previous start.

After the game we grabbed free Coke Zeros. My wallet was right where I left it, sitting on the floorboard of the van. Big postgame crowd at the Varsity. In the early evening heat I had a Gatorade and hot dog, but the extra Frosted Orange was so refreshing. After downing Matthew’s French fries, I felt like throwing up on the way home.

Buck

Will got back late Thursday morning. He tells me he wants to go to see Strasburg…we’ll see. We had said he could do something like take several friends to a Braves game for his birthday, so maybe it will be that one. I’m sure the Braves are hating that it’s Buck Belue Buck Night.

Buck seems to “shouting” when he is alone. It’s to the point where I can tune in and figure out that Kincaid is off, just because Buck has his voice raised. He should take more calls instead. I still say that Buck is pretty humble for an ex-UGA QB. Seems like Zeier knows more how to pull strings and orchestrate backroom political deals…hence he landed the coveted UGA radio colorman job over Buck.

Will said he broke a wood bat, hitting one off the end. The bat shattered, with part of it going over the pitcher’s head. Ball went through the middle for a base hit. It was a team bat, as opposed to the one he had bought…”I don’t like that one.” Said he made a nice backhanded play at third base, but continued to show his inexperience in the outfield, whatever that means. Starting Saturday, they play four doubleheaders in five days.

I really liked the National Archives, which we saw before National Treasure came out. Doesn’t take too long. Did you see Night at the Museum 2, filmed at the Air & Space wing of the Smithsonian? (actually, it was a studio set/computer generated)

Southside Steve is always fun to listen to, though I mainly turn over to 100.5 when other stations are running commercials. Last night Katie Temple had some decent postgame comments, though most of them had to just be conjecture on her part.

Matthew: Shoe Hound

Before the youth group pool party last night Matthew decided he needed a pair of flip flops.

He went into the attic and searched through a box of shoes, and emerged with a pair of white leather adidas shell-toe basketball sneakers, low-cut with black stripes.

Here’s his current collection:

1. adidas Sambas: the popular indoor soccer shoes, black with white stripes.

2. Chuck Taylor low-cuts, black: they’re quickly becoming too small.

3. Chuck Taylor high-tops, black: Since the low-tops are getting too small.

4. adidas shell-toes: From Goodwill, like 1, 2, 3, and 7.

5. Toms: Those simple cloth shoes so popular with the kids these days…

…he’s been letting Anna wear them as well.

6. Sperry Topsiders: also popular with the kids.

7. Crocs: Once the only shoe we’d wear, now he only wears them to the pool.

8. Flip Flops: Of course, Ceil went out and got him some today. He wanted them, didn't he?

All-Stars?

I doubt the Braves will have a huge amount of All-Stars, as it never turns out that way. There’s always a last-place team that needs a spot. Prado deserves a spot, and we’ll see if McCann is named. We’ll be lucky to get one pitcher, maybe Hudson. Doubt Wagner will make it.

Toughest will be the first baseman choice. Pujols gets voted in. Has Ryan Howard had an all-star year? He’d be hard to leave off. Do the Brewers have any candidates other than Prince Felder? Is the leading outfielder a Brewer? I’ll check tonight, and compare their stats to Glaus’, but the other factors will decide the first basemen.

Will went to Tuesday night’s Clemson/Oklahoma game, and sat in left field. Even after more rain, the Rays played a doubleheader this afternoon before departing for Georgia. Four games in Nebraska…I don’t want to calculate the cost per game.

He texted me…the first game was “forgettable.” Will was brought in to pitch with the winning run on third, and no out. He said the umps blew the second game in extra innings. He went 1-3 with 3 RBIs.

I see where Costas has jumped on the Strasburg HOF bandwagon: “he could be an all-time great.” It’s good for his win total to start so young, but he’s got a long way to go. Should he be an All-Star?

Will it be Fredi or TP?

hot wings

Sunday in Omaha, Will pretends he's on "Man vs Food"

Lost, But Now Found

A few months ago I thought I had locked my keys in my car, so I told Ceil no rush, but she’d have to bring over a spare. Around 6:15 I was talking to one of the last guys to leave the office, and happened to open my drawer, and there were my keys. I never put them there. Ceil had yet to leave East Cobb.

Took A & M to see a movie last night, while Ceil was at her women’s Bible study. More rain in Omaha, glad I’m not there. Sounds like no games today for Will’s team, and maybe not for the college world series, either.

Lots of problems at work. Going to Augusta Friday, then Nashville Saturday.

Lang doesn’t seem like a dude ranch kind of guy, but he often surprises me.

Omaha

Here’s a picture of Will, eating some really hot wings Sunday night.

They won one and lost one in Omaha Monday, against teams from California and Massachusetts. Will struck out the only batter he faced, and also played third base. He got at least one hit and also walked, and had an RBI.

Last week they lost a doubleheader to the East Cobb Brewers. Will had a clutch 2-RBI double, and walked three times. He scored at least three runs.

Playing outfield, he threw out TWO runners at home. That’s three runners he’s thrown out at home this year, in part-time outfield duty. I may be wrong, but I don’t recall anyone else throwing out a baserunner from the outfield this season.

Weekend

Saturday Will got his haircut, spent a little time with friends, and make some trip money cutting grass before leaving for Nebraska. They didn’t do too much there yesterday due to the rain, and today’s 8:30 am game was pushed back to 1 pm CDT.

I missed seeing a bunch of people at the Ewing wedding, that C and A went to. For a wedding present, Margaret surprised the groom with a Corvette. I was sneezing both Saturday and Sunday, so it was just as well. Anna and Matthew cooked me breakfast in bed…eggs (A) and toaster waffles (M). Later C and A made peach cobbler while Matthew and I went swimming.

Saw chunks of the Braves all weekend. Would’ve been nice to see the Cy Young winner Friday night, but I turned down tickets. I was excited to see Hinske get a Sunday start, but he seems to hit better in the clutch. They’re getting more highlights shown on ESPN these days. I’m sure NBC enjoyed airing most of the US Open in prime time.

On 790 Sunday morning, Kincaid’s fill-in was discussing whether Strasburg should be an all-star. The thinking is still who is most deserving, and about getting everyone in the game, rather than playing the best players the whole game and going for the win. Perhaps he should make the team, if the NL wants to win. In the old days guys like Aaron and Mays would play nine innings. Most of the backups probably never got in the game. I’ve started following the polling, to see if Heyward will get voted in.

Still hectic here at work. Friday I stayed til 6:30 trying to catch up, and will probably do so again tonight. Will take Ceil to Relish tomorrow, while A and M go to youth group.

Found a nice Joe Namath throwback at Goodwill, for four bucks. A classic, though big.