The Official Newsletter of the Braves 400 Fan Club June 2016

The Official Newsletter of the Braves 400 Fan Club
________________________________________________________________
June 2016
By Dave Badertscher; photos by Linda Lovejoy
The Braves 400 Fan Club honored the top Metro Atlanta baseball players at its 45th Annual High
School All-Star Luncheon on May 31st at Turner Field’s 755 Club. Fan Club President Rick
Wheeler welcomed the players, their families, and coaches, giving a brief history of the Fan Club and
information about the Club’s activities. Past President Wayne Coleman recalled previous High
School All-Stars who have gone on to successful baseball careers, including Jeff Francoeur, Brian
McCann, and our guest speaker, Jonathan Schuerholz, who was honored at the luncheon in 1999.
Left to right: Cory Campbell, Cole Mannion, Carter Kieboom, Chris Lucero, Zac Kristofak, Ryan Parker, Colin Hall,
Andres Perez, Rankin Woley, Joshua Lowe, John Devine, Matt Rowland, Mason McWhorter, Aaron Schunk,
Austin Biggar. Not pictured: Will Ethridge, Zach Graveno, Mitchell Miller.
After congratulating the All-Stars and their families, Atlanta Braves Assistant Director of Player
Development Jonathan Schuerholz shared some thoughts based on his life in baseball.
“Remember as you progress in life, you didn’t get here on your own. Seek out those close to you and
thank them.” Also, “Baseball teaches teamwork and resiliency. Never give up in baseball or in life.”
Schuerholz closed by telling the All-Stars to always play the game with integrity and passion. “Don’t
give one day away. Enjoy and relish what you have, while you have it.”
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 2
**2016 Metro Atlanta High School All-Stars**
PLAYER
SCHOOL
COACH
Austin Biggar
Cory Campbell
John Devine
Will Ethridge
Zach Graveno
Colin Hall
Carter Kieboom
Zac Kristofak
Joshua Lowe
Chris Lucero
Cole Mannion
Mason McWhorter
Mitchell Miller
Ryan Parker
Andres Perez
Matt Rowland
Aaron Schunk
Rankin Woley
Parkview
North Forsyth
Hillgrove
Parkview
Lambert
Wesleyan
Walton
Walton
Pope
Kell
Wesleyan
West Forsyth
Loganville
Harrison
Pinecrest Academy
Pope
Lovett
Westminster
Chan Brown
Jim Cahill
David Richardson
Chan Brown
Rick Howard
Brian Krehmeyer
Shane Amos
Shane Amos
Jeff Rowland
Keith Brown
Brian Krehmeyer
Mike Pruitt
Jeff Segars
Mark Elkins
Ryan Weingart
Jeff Rowland
Lance Oubs
Russell Wrenn
Player of the Year, Joshua Lowe, with Jonathan Schuerholz
and Fan Club President Rick Wheeler
Coaches of the Year: Lance Oubs and Russell Wrenn
The Braves 400 Fan Club supports baseball at all levels in the
community. Rick Wheeler presented Coach Jim Cahill, on
behalf of Team Georgia, with a $1,500 check from the Fan Club.
Team Georgia is a traveling team of Georgia high school all-stars
who compete against teams in other states. They use this money
toward team uniforms, equipment, and travel expenses.
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 3
Walton High School, the 2016 AAAAAA Georgia State Champion, was awarded the Pete Van
Wieren Most Outstanding High School Baseball Program of the Year. The team had a record
of 32-4 and was ranked #5 in the nation by Baseball America as of June 1. The award and a check
for $1,000 to be used in support of the baseball team were accepted by Coach Shane Amos.
Coach Shane Amos, Walton High School
Standing room only at Walton vs Pope state championship
For more luncheon photos, visit our website at: http://www.braves400.org/photo-gallery/gallery33/
The week after the Fan Club’s High School All-Star Luncheon,
the MLB First-Year Player Draft was held on June 9-11. Six of
our All-Star players were selected in the Draft.
Rd.
Rd.
Rd.
Rd.
Rd.
Rd.
1 (13th overall) Joshua Lowe (Pope), 3B (Rays)
1 (28th overall) Carter Kieboom (Walton), SS (Nationals)
11 Matt Rowland (Pope), RHP (Braves)
35 Will Ethridge (Parkview), RHP (Mariners)
36 Andres Perez (Pinecrest Academy), C (Braves)
37 Zac Kristofak (Walton), RHP (Braves)
Two Braves: Eddie & Andres Perez
By Rick Wheeler, President Braves 400 Fan Club
It’s hard to believe we are more than one-third of the way through another baseball
season. Although our Braves continue to struggle, we are eagerly anticipating the
changes we will inevitably see as a result of the summer trade deadline. Which
players might be traded for new future “pieces” in this dramatic rebuild of the team?
And what minor league players will have the chance to premier their potential in 2016,
so we can taste future success starting in 2017?
The Fan Club continues to have a very good year. Our Media Luncheon in April featured Mark
Bowman offering his candid comments about the Big League club. All who attended walked away
better informed. Two big events took place in May. The 2016 High School All-Star Luncheon,
where we introduced 18 of Metro Atlanta’s best players, was a huge success as usual. Thanks to
Johnny Tallant and his committee for once again doing the legwork required to produce an
outstanding event. Congratulations to both our Player of the Year, Joshua Lowe, from Pope High
School and our program of the year, Walton High School, coached by Shane Amos. Also in May,
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 4
we had our annual Major League road trip to Kansas City to watch the Braves and Royals. In
addition, we toured the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and partook of wonderful KC barbeque.
Speaking of Kansas City, a few of us were among the last fans to offer our support to Fredi
Gonzalez and the Braves after their Saturday night victory over the Royals. While we understand
the need for change, we were sorry to see Fredi move on. He was a big supporter of the Braves 400
Fan Club and enjoyed all of the Gamborees he attended as manager—from his first in 2011 as the
successor to Bobby Cox, to this year as we celebrated the careers of Tom Glavine and John
Smoltz. We wish you the best, Fredi. We’re sure you won’t be away from the game for very long.
2016 Fan Club Events Calendar
June 25th (Saturday)
Indoor Tailgate at 755 Club, Turner Field, Braves vs. Mets
August 13th (Saturday)
Minor League Trip, Coolray Field, Gwinnett Braves vs. Louisville Bats
September 13th (Tues.)
Call-Up Luncheon at 755 Club, Turner Field
October 14th (Friday)
Sid Slid Celebration, Turner Field Parking Lot
November 12th (Sat.)
Election Luncheon (Location TBD)
Join us on Saturday evening, June 25th, at
5:00 PM and tailgate indoors with the Braves
400 Fan Club in Turner Field’s 755 Club,
before our Atlanta Braves take on the
division rival New York Mets. Come enjoy a
tasty meal and talk Braves baseball. We
especially welcome all new Braves 400
Fan Club members!
Admission is by advance reservation only.
Make reservations on our website using
PayPal. Or, if you prefer, mail your check to
the Braves 400 Fan Club, P.O. Box 7689,
Atlanta, GA 30357-0689 and confirm your
reservation by calling the Club Hotline at 770416-4539. The deadline for registration is
Thursday, June 23rd. Hope to see you there!
Welcome New Braves 400 Fan Club Members!
Chris Garrison, Charlotte, NC
James “J.D.” La Rue, New York, NY
Tom Nelis, Smyrna, GA
Ray & Trish Mercer, Columbus, GA
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 5
By Dave Badertscher
The Fan Club’s trip this year was to Kansas City, where our
group of 34 saw the Atlanta Braves take on the World
Champion Royals in a three-game series. For those of us who
were first-timers to Kauffman Stadium, it definitely lived up
to the hype. The place exudes baseball with an awesome fan
base that surrounds opponents in a sea of blue jerseys. The
cooler, blustery weather predicted for the weekend arrived, at
times seriously testing our mettle as fans.
Going into the KC series, our Braves had a dismal 8-25 record. Still, several recent good outings by
our young starters and the return of Ender Inciarte gave us reason to hope for a win or two. Julio
Teheran threw seven strong innings on Friday night, but Edinson Volquez and the Royals bullpen
effectively shut down the Braves offense, as we went down 5-1. Talk about brisk, bone-chilling winds
in the stands! On Saturday Mike Foltynewicz pitched a gem, blanking the Royals for 8 innings,
while the Braves put up 11 hits in a 5-0 victory. Definitely cause for celebration!
On Sunday our group had the pleasure of meeting with Royals GM Dayton Moore before the game
for an informal question-and-answer session. It was also Salute to the Negro Leagues Day at
Kauffman Stadium. We all received a Kansas City Monarchs fedora and the players were decked
out in throwback uniforms. Matt Wisler came through with yet another impressive start.
Unfortunately we had to leave for the airport before the game was over. The radio on the bus was
tuned to the play-by-play, but later at the gate that we learned of the walk-off homer by Kendrys
Morales in the bottom of the 13th. Royals 4, Braves 2.
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 6
There was plenty to do in Kansas City when we weren’t watching baseball. Nearby Country Club
Plaza provided ample eating and exploring opportunities. On Friday afternoon we enjoyed a meetand-greet reception at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Trip Coordinator Rick Wheeler filled us in on
itinerary details and thanked Phil Youngberg and Bob Messner for their help in planning the trip.
Our visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum on Saturday morning was memorable to say the
least. NLBM President Bob Kendrick led us on a tour that brought the Negro Leagues players,
exhibits, and that whole era to life through one captivating story after another. He was fantastic! We
followed that up with a hearty barbeque spread in a private room at Arthur Bryant’s, located only a
few blocks from the Museum. Good that we had advance reservations!
After Saturday night’s impressive shutout win over the Royals, some of us decided to continue the
victory celebration. No, we didn’t make a beeline to the nearest bar, but instead made the trek to the
Braves hotel where we hoped to greet the team with a victory “cheer” as they got off the bus. Tight
hotel security pretty much put a damper on that, but we were able to connect briefly with a few
players and Manager Fredi Gonzalez. Several of us talked to Mallex Smith, with whom we had
spoken earlier in the day at the NLBM. He definitely made some new fans among our number.
Once again, our thanks go out to Rick, Phil, and Bob for putting together another great trip in a long
line of Braves 400 Fan Club Major League trips. Consider joining us next year at a ballpark TBD.
Bob Kendrick with our group and Satchel Paige
Royals GM Dayton Moore talks to our group
Lunch at Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
Enjoying our last game at Kauffman Stadium
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 7
By Dave Badertscher
MLB.com’s Braves beat writer Mark Bowman was our guest at the Media Luncheon on Saturday,
April 23rd, in the 755 Club. The theme was “The State of Braves Country, 2016-17.” Given the
team’s rough going to this point in the 2016 season (4 wins, 12 losses), Mark’s insider observations
were particularly timely. Those in attendance had plenty of questions and Mark did not disappoint.
Fan Club President Rick Wheeler led off with an overview of Mark’s career. Mark earned a degree in
Sports Management with a minor in Journalism from the University of Dayton. As part of that
program he landed an internship with the Braves in 1996, then went on to work for the Braves for
the next four years. When offered a job with MLB.com in 2001, Mark jumped at the chance to get
back into sports journalism covering the Braves. Now 16 years later, he’s still on the beat. He
learned much as a rookie reporter from many baseball conversations with Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine,
John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones. Mark is married, has two daughters, and lives in Sandy Springs.
Mark talked about how social media has changed sports journalism into a 24/7 occupation. He
constantly follows Twitter, MLB Trade Rumors, and even tips from fans to get the latest news. Mark’s
day starts around 9:00, then he’s at the ballpark from around 2:00 until midnight. His only blocks of
free time occur in October and January. Mark tells interns that they have to love the game!
Mark was asked which Braves trade he regarded as their biggest mistake. He replied that even
before Hector Olivera’s recent placement on administrative leave, he questioned the trade for him.
Will Olivera play for the Braves again? Mark said that some in the organization are very upset with
his conduct. On the other hand, there is the matter of his 34.5 million dollar contract through 2020.
Concerning the Braves top position prospects, Mark felt that Ozzie Albies appeared to be the most
prepared coming out of Spring Training. Dansby Swanson has less experience that Albies, but is
playing well in high Single-A. It isn’t clear which of the two will end up playing shortstop or second
base, but you can’t go wrong with either one. Outfielder Mallex Smith has been called up, but is
having his struggles, as can be expected. Third baseman Rio Ruiz has come a long way. We could
see him after the All-Star break given Adonis Garcia’s problems in the field. Austin Riley is too
young, but has received high praise from organization insiders.
The starting rotation is in flux after 16 games. Bud Norris may be the next pitcher to go. Matt
Wisler has a chance to be a top pitcher, but Julio Teheran seems to have lost his identity on the
mound. Will Jhoulys Chacin’s shoulder hold up? Aaron Blair was scheduled to make his ML debut
the next day against the Mets, while Mike Foltynewicz has performed well so far at Gwinnett.
In the bullpen Mark saluted Jason Grilli for his hard comeback work and pitching at this level at 39.
Aroldys Vizcaino and Hunter Cervenka are off to fine starts. Jim Johnson has been reliable.
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 8
He’s not sure what to expect from Alexi Ogando. Bullpen management doesn’t have many options.
The organization has had its share of Tommy John surgeries. Mark is not sure whether to attribute
that to overuse, genetics, or bad luck, but Roger McDowell should not be blamed.
Mark has talked to Freddie Freeman about his early season slump. Freddie’s timing and footwork
are a tick off, but recently he is showing signs of a breakout. Still Mark said he has never seen
Freddie this frustrated before, but he definitely won’t end up hitting .180 this season.
“Is anyone going to step up as the team leader in the dugout?” Mark was asked. He replied that A.J.
and Markakis do that in their own ways. Mark likes what he has seen in that respect from Tyler
Flowers. He added that it would have been good if the team had kept Michael Bourn, who really
helped Jason Heyward when he was with the Braves.
Mark was asked to compare the rebuilding experience of the
Astros and the Cubs with where the Braves are today. He
also talked about the Royals slow development to a
championship team. Perhaps by the second half of 2018, the
Braves can be a playoff team. 2017 was not realistic. Tied to
this was the question of the team’s payroll. During the Braves
heyday in the 90s, they were in the top tier of player salaries,
but today they are near the bottom. Someone asked, “Is this
a good time to buy Braves stock?” Although he thinks the
future looks bright, Mark politely declined to speculate.
Arlene Langer, Mark Bowman, Rick Wheeler
By Lynn Walley
The first “Reach Out, Be Our Guest” event for the 2016 season was held on Wednesday, April 20,
when the Braves 400 Fan Club welcomed two teams from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
(“FCA”) Atlanta Urban Baseball to attend the Braves vs Dodgers game. Coaches and players
from the Drew Eagles and Jackson Jaguars were welcomed to Turner Field by Braves Community
Affairs Coordinator, Kathryn Bennett, and Braves 400 Fan Club members, Dave and Nancy
Badertscher, Carole Brooks, Mary Lou Brooks, and Lynn Walley.
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 9
The mission of FCA Atlanta Urban Baseball is to use the platform of baseball to impact inner city
Atlanta and the world for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes, and to empower
and equip coaches and athletes to become leaders in their communities.
The group was escorted to the field where they were treated to the Braves On-field Batting
Practice Experience. The young players were thrilled to be able to watch their favorite Braves from
behind the batting cages. They got autographs from Braves players and coaches, including Fredi
Gonzalez, Terry Pendleton, Jason Grilli, Jeff Francoeur, Mallex Smith, and Tyler Flowers, as
well as from Yasiel Puig and Justin Turner of the Dodgers! After batting practice, the kids were
escorted to the Club Level of the stadium where they enjoyed a complimentary meal courtesy of
Chick-fil-A. It was a memorable night of Braves baseball for these young ball players!
Terry Pendleton signs for the kids
Tyler Flowers poses with the Jaguars
Jeff Francoeur signs
The Braves 400 Fan Club was glad to welcome back about 40 children and their adoptive and foster
parents from Cobb County Foster & Adoptive Parent’s Association to attend the Braves vs
Brewers game on May 26. It was our second Atlanta Braves “Reach Out, Be Our Guest” event.
The mission of the Cobb County Foster & Adoptive Parent’s Association is to inform, educate,
and inspire Cobb residents on the truly rewarding experience of becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
The group provides support to these parents in achieving safety, permanence, and well-being for the
children and youth in their care through education, advocacy, and other community resources. The
parents shared their heart-warming and rewarding experiences amidst extremely challenging
circumstances with the special needs children they have fostered and adopted over the years.
The group was once again welcomed by Kathryn Bennett and Fan Club members. What a special
treat when Braves infielder Chase d’Arnaud and outfielder Mallex Smith came over to sign
autographs and pose for pictures. After batting practice the group enjoyed a Chick-fil-A meal.
The Tomahawk Times
June 2016
Page 10
Past Fan Club President, a season ticket holder since 1982, and our own “Mr. Baseball,” Wayne
Coleman, tore down the No. 60 in the 5th inning countdown ceremony on May 26 th. View the video
at http://m.mlb.com/atl/video/topic/7986668/v748477283/turner-field-final-season-countdown-60
and enjoy the full presentation. Lots of great photos and memories!
Wayne Coleman watches the Big Screen
Wayne with Terry Forster and Dale Murphy
Hank Aaron and Wayne