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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,788 comments Add your comment
eskippy
February 29th, 2012
7:33 pm
1
David from Athens, AL
February 29th, 2012
7:41 pm
Thanks Dave! Pulling for him! Maybe another position since are so strong in catching depth.
chin music
February 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
excellent work! sounds like an easy guy to root for.
Scottbravesfan
February 29th, 2012
7:51 pm
Awesome story!
Larry
February 29th, 2012
8:12 pm
Thanks Dave!
Much, much more powerful for me is not the crack of his bat but the greatness of victory over his personal demons.
Inspiring story, Dave.
Slope time: 7 underrated ski resorts
February 29th, 2012
8:12 pm
[...] Braves slugger Gattis has a story. Man, does he ever Works at a pizza joint, gets a job as a lift operator at Eldora Mountain, hitch-hikes to work. Seven months later, he got an itch again. Returned to Texas along with his brother, who had been working at a ski resort in Utah. The Gattis boys took jobs … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Fitzgeraldfan
February 29th, 2012
8:16 pm
Love the story. Pulling for Gattis to make it to the bigs.
Latest Hitch Ski News
February 29th, 2012
8:16 pm
[...] Braves slugger Gattis has a story. Man, does he ever Works at a pizza joint, gets a job as a lift operator at Eldora Mountain, hitch-hikes to work. Seven months later, he got an itch again. Returned to Texas along with his brother, who had been working at a ski resort in Utah. The Gattis boys took jobs … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
8:17 pm
Larry, Scottbravesfan, chin music, David from Athens: Thanks.
Pedro Cerrano
February 29th, 2012
8:20 pm
Never give up…..
JoshTown
February 29th, 2012
8:29 pm
Wow, amazing story. Absolutely the best of luck to you Evan! Thanks for highlighting this, DOB!
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
8:36 pm
Just added some photos of Gattis to the story.
BravesCountryBoy
February 29th, 2012
8:37 pm
Another Hamilton, Dave??????? #wishfulthinking
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
8:37 pm
Our Jason Getz posted a really nice photo gallery from today’s photo day:
http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/braves/braves-photo-day022912/
Cleanuphitter16
February 29th, 2012
8:38 pm
Great story! Thanks for bringing it to us DOB, and you have a lot of folks rooting for you Evan. Hey, you get a chance to play baseball for a living, man… just enjoy it!
BFChris27
February 29th, 2012
8:40 pm
Awesome new blog
N Nine
February 29th, 2012
8:40 pm
WOOOHOO It’s baseball season!!!
DP
February 29th, 2012
8:41 pm
Ah… Dave bringing us this story is what makes spring training so special for the players and the fans. Thanks for this gem Dave!
Jarryd
February 29th, 2012
8:44 pm
That’s a hell of a story, thanks, as always, DOB.
Choppinmama
February 29th, 2012
8:47 pm
Wow, what a story. Talk about a personal journey to find what road to take. And God bless people like Coach Myers who are willing to give a chance to folks who are searching for that road.
Thanks to Evan for his honesty and willingness to share his story. Can’t wait to get a picture of him and Rossy side-by-side. David and Goliathesqe!
MIBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
8:47 pm
Great story, DOB. I hope he makes it to the majors. I can’t help but wish him all the best.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
8:48 pm
Is this the New Blog…? Thanks, Chief!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
8:50 pm
N Nine LOL always a sucker for McDoubles. hahah
Always.
cabravesfan I’m sure he’s rather tasty…
You wouldn’t wanna eat him! Five minutes with him and you’ll be in love!…
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
8:53 pm
So…is this the new blog? I’m confused
McFann-
But…but…I love duck!
Interested Bystander
February 29th, 2012
8:57 pm
What’s going on? This can’t be the main blog. No song no posters only few posts….
nolie
February 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
no music???
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
At least it’s not just me! DOB! HELP!! WE NEED YOU!
Bill
February 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
Super story..I love to see someone over come the demons that drive some crazy. I pray the young man continues with his baseball life all the way to Majors..God bless!
Thanks Dave..great job man.
Dawgdad (The Original)
February 29th, 2012
9:00 pm
Great job DOB, thanks for sharing stories like this one.
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
By the way, is it crazy that, from the photos, Gattis looks a bit like Javy Lopez?
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:03 pm
Also, what a great story. Thanks DOB!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
9:09 pm
cabravesfan—
And I love chicken, but that doesn’t mean I’d eat……Babs!…
Samantha
February 29th, 2012
9:09 pm
Hello everyone, New on the site but a Braves lover.
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:10 pm
Who’s Babs? And can I put some soy sauce and butter on…her? and pop her in the oven for a bit of…tanning?
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:11 pm
Hi Samantha! Let’s get the basics out of the way- who is your favorite Brave, how do you feel about the Phillies, and where do you call home?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
Babs is from Chicken Run! She’s hilarious…and loves knitting (she’s British)…
And can I put some soy sauce and butter on…her?
OK, but no gravy—she doesn’t like gravy…
Welcome, Samantha!
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
“I didn’t find anything,” he said, smiling. “But I don’t have to look anymore.”
If that is not THE most brilliant quote I have EVER heard from a baseball player…
Bob in SF
February 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
If the bat progresses do the Braves see him being able to play a corner outfield or infield position? Moving to the outfield worked out OK for another big hitting catcher they had a few years back.
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
Welcome, Samantha!!!
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
McFann-
I don’t like gravy on my chicken either
brian
February 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
another person who can fill McCann’s shoes!! Who will be the blog favorite now? Bethancourt or Gattis? DOB – you did this blog for McFann didn’t you!
Seriously, great blog and great story. If he can keep mashing the ball it would be nice if Gattis could play LF
Samantha
February 29th, 2012
9:16 pm
My favorite brave is Freddie Freeman. Heis awesome and handsome. I hate,hate, hate the Phillies.I hail from Gwinnett Georgia.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
cabravesfan—
Yeah, me, neither…
brian—
I must have upset DOB some how…
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:18 pm
Bob-
I imagine, given his age and the demands on the body for a catcher, plus Christian Bethancourt, Gattis will either be moved or, if he continues to advance, traded. I just can’t imagine there is a future for him as a catcher in Atlanta. But hopefully there is a future here. Seems like the kind of guy you want around your team.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
9:18 pm
Samantha—
Great! You’re hired!
(BMac’s mine, but I let cabravesfan think she’s got a share of him…
)
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
“Hi Samantha! Let’s get the basics out of the way – who is your favorite Brave, how do you feel about the Phillies, and where do you call home?”
(Howling with laughter!!!) Subtle greeting, cab, subtle. You are in charge of the official DOB Blog Welcome Wagon Indoctrination Process. Step right this way, please.
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
Samantha-
Freddie is acceptable (especially since he is a SoCal boy!), right answer on the Phils, and I hear Gwinnett is lovely. You can stay!
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:20 pm
Dude. Mac is MINE. McFann is not even old enough to drink yet!
Jarryd
February 29th, 2012
9:20 pm
Where did you hear that cab?
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:21 pm
MiaBchBravesFan-
I don’t do subtle very well
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:21 pm
Jarryd-
Where did I hear what?
Jarryd
February 29th, 2012
9:22 pm
About Gwinnett.
Samantha
February 29th, 2012
9:22 pm
Thank you, Anything else you would like to know?
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:23 pm
Samantha-
I’m sure we will drag it all out of you eventually
But that’s all for now
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:24 pm
Jarryd-
It seems like a nice place, from folks who live there, have been there, and photos…
Jarryd
February 29th, 2012
9:24 pm
Fair enough. I hear Statesboro is nice about this time, and this time I mean for the next two weeks, then it gets hot, humid, and miserable.
cabbage
February 29th, 2012
9:24 pm
any chance this guy can play 3d???
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:25 pm
I don’t know where Statesboro is
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:26 pm
I do know it would be nice if it warmed up a bit here…it’s been too cold!
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:26 pm
So Freddie’s knee is better today. Good news. Do not want him on the shelf too long and lose valuable swing time in ST. Who’s gonna pitch in the first ST game? Fredi give any inkling?
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:27 pm
MiaBchBravesFan-
Announced today- Minor will start Saturday
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:28 pm
Freddie also said he was going to try to talk his way into the lineup for Saturday, so it sounds like his knee is fine (if not actually better yet)- if I’m Fredi or Frank, there is NO WAY the kid plays before, like, Thursday at the earliest…
Jarryd
February 29th, 2012
9:28 pm
It’s near Savannah, you familiar with that place?
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:28 pm
I’ll trade weather with you, cab. SoFla has been OK and “pleasant”, but at least a few weeks of something resembling a normal SoFla winter would be nice. We’re getting June weather on most days here – a little too balmy for my tastes this time of year.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
9:29 pm
cabravesfan—
“Love does not ask to see your ID.”
—Keith Partridge
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:29 pm
Jarryd-
Know where it is- never been.
Ray
February 29th, 2012
9:29 pm
terrific story on the Gattis kid. Shows you, not to give up on someone just because they make a mistake. I think the weather is here outside….cabrave.. just for you
Mark (another one)
February 29th, 2012
9:30 pm
I wonder if he can play third? Now may be the time to give him a chance.
Jarryd
February 29th, 2012
9:30 pm
Well it’s close.
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:31 pm
MiaBchBravesFan-
Nope. It will warm up in a few days
McFann-
Now that sounds a bit…stalkeresque
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:31 pm
Now, the knee cap slipped/shifted. Will Freddie need patelar support of some kind, like many of the basketball players use (strap tied underneath the knee cap for support)? Or is this just a condition he deals with from time to time with no real solution?
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:31 pm
Ray-
Yeah- we have weather here too…
brian
February 29th, 2012
9:31 pm
the Terd is getting 1st shot at 3B. Catcher will help Gattis retain a higher value if his hitting continues to progress. It would be nice for Gattis to get some time in LF. I would love to see a masher in LF
Samantha
February 29th, 2012
9:32 pm
I am going to sign off for now. Talk to everyone tomorrow if it is OK.
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:32 pm
MiaBchBravesFan-
I think I read somewhere that he will wear a brace from now on- or at least until it is fully healed…
cabravesfan
February 29th, 2012
9:33 pm
Samantha-
Of course! Please come back- we always like having more ladies here! (yes, I am female…)
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:34 pm
Always welcome anytime, Samantha!
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:37 pm
McFann, I am sure others have asked, but now it occurs to me. Have you ever met Brian in person? If so, was he cool or stiff?
bp
February 29th, 2012
9:45 pm
DOB good stuff as usual.
Randy Hatchett
February 29th, 2012
9:46 pm
First time I’ve ever responded to an article before( never called a talk show either), but you hit it outta the park. These kinds of insights are why I enjoy your columns. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a baseball nut and really enjoy those too. Keep it up.
thanks
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
February 29th, 2012
9:47 pm
Wow, I think 1/2 The Cats that are on this blog who live in the Metro Area either live or have lived in Gwinnett County…?
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
9:50 pm
MiaBchBravesFan: Freddie will wear a brace from now on — he even said for the rest of his career.
David O'Brien
February 29th, 2012
9:51 pm
Randy Hatchett, Ray, BP: Thanks.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
9:52 pm
cabbravesfan Now that sounds a bit…stalkeresque
Yeah, it was a bit creepier than I wanted…
MiaBchBravesFan—
I’ve never actually met him…I got his autograph at his 2009 rehab game, but I was the next-to-last in the row of people, and he didn’t have time for chit-chat (plus, that was when he first got his specs, so he had all that going on…)…But I’ve heard he’s a great guy!
Not sure what I’d say if I actually did meet—I’d prolly wind up saying something dumb, like, “Nice to meet you!…Really!…Nice!…”
Bravefaninok
February 29th, 2012
9:53 pm
Great story DOB,Thanks!!!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
9:53 pm
Bye, Samantha! Yes, do come back! We ladies always enjoy having another lady around to “giggle” with…
Mixxo
February 29th, 2012
9:54 pm
Yessssss!!!
Warriors OWN the hapless Hawks.
MiaBchBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
9:55 pm
McFann, as long as you don’t stammer.
Tomahawkin (The Godfather)
February 29th, 2012
10:00 pm
Braves Better be wise not To rush Fab 5 Freddie Back…This Knee issue will linger longer than most people are gonna think…I have a keen eye on these kinds of things, Trust me…
Storms are here, Time to go out on the patio and watch…
richbrave
February 29th, 2012
10:01 pm
Told you guys all A-ball 2011 season be on the lookout for ‘BIG JIM’ once I saw him raking in ROME.
Skeezix
February 29th, 2012
10:03 pm
Great story! I’m rooting for him. I can relate as I did a few wayward things and some “searching” in my youth, and learned life lessons (like the value of hard work). I hope he never, ever goes back to drugs.
richbrave
February 29th, 2012
10:03 pm
DAVID:
I knew he had an exceptional season in ROME, but had not read the full back-ground story until now. Impressive. Thanx.
richbrave
February 29th, 2012
10:05 pm
“……….Storms are here, Time to go out on the patio and watch………” TOMAHAWKIN’
Be certain to make it back after observing the inclement weather.
ppaddy123
February 29th, 2012
10:11 pm
Gee…………..The Braves now have their very own Ricky Williams “wanna’ be”
B_F52
February 29th, 2012
10:13 pm
Great read DOB I drive past Kerouac/s grave on the way to work every workday and like Gattis he is no longer “on the road” so to speak Now I can root for this kid and Constanza to beat the odds
VaBravesFan
February 29th, 2012
10:14 pm
The Braves will make Nick Swisher their top free agent target next offseason, according to ESPN’s Jim Bowden. Bowden suggests the Yankees could make an all-out push for Andre Ethier if Swisher does head to Atlanta.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
February 29th, 2012
10:20 pm
MiaBchBravesFan as long as you don’t stammer.
True…
banjovie
February 29th, 2012
10:23 pm
He and Hamilton deserve everyone rooting for them. Take it from a former meth addict, these guys have a very strong will. I hope he gets to the majors and crushes every ball he sees!!!!
extremus
February 29th, 2012
10:24 pm
Nice story, and it sounds like Gattis has a lot of potential. I wish him the best of luck making it to the MLB level and hopefully contributing to the Braves.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
February 29th, 2012
10:30 pm
Gattis looks like Todd Pratt a little. Remember him?