Stunning rally: Chipper’s walk-off HR lifts Braves past Phillies
The Braves have said it’s a different team, different season, and that last year’s September collapse has no bearing on their current situation.
The words began to ring hollow during their recent slide, but Chipper Jones made a loud statement with his bat Sunday night. A two-outs-in-the-ninth statement.
Jones hit a three-run, walk-off homer against Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon to cap a five-run ninth inning that lifted the Braves to an improbable 8-7 win before a delirious crowd of 36,394 at Turner Field.
“It was certainly another one of those games I’ll never forget,” Jones said after his ninth walk-off homer and second this season, both against the rival Phillies. “Nothing beats that. That’s as good as it gets for a baseball player. To be able to walk off the field [with a win] especially in the situation we were in…”
The Braves trailed 7-1 after three innings and 7-3 after eight, before Martin Prado hit a two-out, bases-loaded single off the glove of third baseman Kevin Frandsen in the ninth.
Jones followed with his 428-foot homer to right-center field, another in the string of dramatic moments he’s produced in what’s been a magical ride this year for the 40-year-old switch-hitter, who is retiring after the season.
“No. 10 came through, man” said Michael Bourn, whose two-out, seven-pitch walk loaded the bases. “He’s the man of the hour.”
The Braves avoided a sweep and snapped a four-game losing skid with just their fifth win in 15 games.
“Chipper Jones, the guy plays like he’s 22,” Braves catcher David Ross said. “Everybody [in the dugout] was just like, ‘I can’t believe we won the game. That’s unbelievable. The guy is making stories that I’m going to tell my kids someday. He’s giving me ammo for the rest of my career. I’m going to tell all my buddies sitting around drinking a beer one day, I remember that [year] Chipper walked off Philly twice.”
Three hours before the game, Jones had said this when asked about putting the slumping offense on his back: “I’d be lying if I said two outs bases loaded, bottom of the ninth inning I want anybody else up there but me. That’s just the mentality that I’ve always had. And that’s never going to stop. I don’t care if I’m 40 or 60.”
Philadelphia scored five runs off Braves starter Paul Maholm in the first inning and cruised until the ninth. Maholm allowed a season-high seven runs and left without recording an out in the third inning in his worst game of the season. He allowed six hits and three walks with one strikeout in his briefest start of 2012.
Digging out of early holes is not something the Braves’ recently anemic offense has seemed capable of doing, but they reversed the trend Sunday. They trailed 7-1 after three innings and were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position before Reed Johnson’s two-run single in the sixth.
But when the bottom of the ninth got going, those fans who stuck around were treated to a rally and another Jones moment they won’t soon forget.
After Boun’s walk loaded the bases, Prado — amid chants of “Let’s go, Pra-do” — came through with a hit that stoked the rally, drove in two runs and brought up Jones. As soon as he connected with Papelbon’s 1-1 fastball pitch, the place went crazy.
“He comes up big at times when you need somebody to come up big,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “Unbelievable. He is what he is. He’s going to be a Hall-of-Famer. Not too many guys can do that kind of stuff. Thank God that we got in that position to make him do that.”
Maholm had allowed as many runs as he gave up in his last six starts combined for the Chicago Cubs. He was 5-0 with a 1.02 ERA in six starts June 29 to July 29 before being traded to the Braves.
Maholm, who threw a nine-inning, 95-pitch complete game for the Braves against the Mets on Aug. 10, didn’t record his second out until his 38th pitch Sunday. The left-hander has a 6.32 ERA in his past three starts.
The biggest blows for the Phillies came with one out in the first inning: Ryan Howard hit a two-run double off the left-field wall and, three batters later, Erik Kratz poked a three-run opposite-field double to right.
“He just sprayed the ball around a little bit,” Gonzalez said. “Really, I think Howard hit the ball hard against him but everybody else dinked some balls — which I would take dinks also, the last five or six days. That first inning took a lot out of him. High pitch count, he just couldn’t recover from that. But again the rest of the guys did a terrific job keeping us right there.”
The last two runs charged to Maholm came after he left the game. Reliever Cristhian Martinez intentionally walked Michael Martinez to load the bases for pitcher Cole Hamels, whose fly ball sailed over Bourn and bounced over the center-field fence for a ground-rule double and 7-1 lead.
Five Braves relievers gave up only two more hits over seven innings. Peter Moylan (1-0) got the win after inducing a groundout in the ninth inning of his second appearance since spending nearly a full season rehabbing from shoulder surgery.
The latest examples of the Braves’ recent scoring problems could be found in the first two innings. With two runners in scoring position in the first, Hamels struck out Freddie Freeman and Ross.
After scoring a run on consecutive doubles by Jason Heyward and Johnson to start the second, the Braves got nothing more in the inning as Hamels retired the next three batters on two groundouts and a strikeout of Maholm.
Until the hits by Prado and Jones in the ninth, the Braves had been 3-for-24 with runners in scoring position in the series. But those timely hits were enough to give the Braves a much-needed win.
“I go out there expecting to win every day,” Jones said. “But for whatever reason it hadn’t been happening for us lately. And I’m glad I got an opportunity there in the ninth, an opportunity to win the ball game and came through. It was a huge win for a club that was a little down in the dumps from the way we’ve been playing lately.”
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148 comments Add your comment
Brandon
September 2nd, 2012
8:45 pm
I AM WRITING IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE I AM SO EXCITED. WHAT A LEGEND!!! I’M STILL JUMPING UP. GO BRAVES!!!
Ken Stallings
September 2nd, 2012
8:45 pm
One more feather in Chipper’s Hall of Fame resume!
Brandon
September 2nd, 2012
8:46 pm
And this is why I always watch the game until the end!
Ken Stallings
September 2nd, 2012
8:47 pm
Brandon, all caps are appropriate! Kind of wish I had!
Chipper is beyond amazing. The man is truly the hottest hitter on the team for the year and only the lack of PA’s will prevent him from being in the discussion for Silver Slugger — but since homers and RBI’s don’t have a minimum PA requirement perhaps he’ll get some support for that.
I cannot think of another third baseman in the NL hitting better. Can anyone else?
NorCal Brave
September 2nd, 2012
8:48 pm
The kind of game that comes along once in a blue moon. When’s the next blue moon?
ER Steve
September 2nd, 2012
8:48 pm
I can still feel the chills!!!
Ken Stallings
September 2nd, 2012
8:50 pm
The announcers just mentioned that the win went to the Aussie tat man — Peter Moylan! Nice welcome back for Moylan!
Ken Stallings
September 2nd, 2012
8:54 pm
For the benefit of those not watching the post-game show, excellent comments from Brian Jordan who turned and said to his partner that, “Pappelbon is hard headed. He’s going to throw him (Chipper) another one!”
Brian would have smelled that fastball also. Time for a repeat of a famous quote of Ron Gant, “Can’t sneak a piece of cheese past a rat!”
Brian Jordan, Chipper Jones — two rats who got the cheese!
Runner-
September 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
Damn DOB, this article is filled with gramatical errors lol, didn’t see the comeback coming so you had to scratch your other draft, did you?
Runner-
September 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
Damn DOB, this article is filled with gramatical errors lol, didn’t see the comeback coming so you had to scratch your other draft, did you?
Skeezix
September 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
I was watching until the end and then the unexpected happened. They pulled it off, and once again, Chipper Jones did something magical. I was surprised that Charlie Manuel decided to pitch to Chipper with a base open. Glad he did.
Wow! Did the Braves need that win.
Runner-
September 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
Damn DOB, this article is filled with gramatical errors lol, didn’t see the comeback coming so you had to scratch your other draft, did you?
Ken Stallings
September 2nd, 2012
8:59 pm
BTW: would be unfair to leave out Jason Heyward and Reed Johnson. They both got two hits and factored hugely in the firrst three runs that put the Braves in position for the stunning walk off win.
Ken Stallings
September 2nd, 2012
8:59 pm
BTW: would be unfair to leave out Jason Heyward and Reed Johnson. They both got multiple hits and factored hugely in the firrst three runs that put the Braves in position for the stunning walk off win.
Brandon
September 2nd, 2012
9:01 pm
and the bullpen did a great job as well
Ken Stallings
September 2nd, 2012
9:01 pm
Htting the button once and getting a double post is getting kind of old! Software for these forums seem to be suffering a bit!
Chippers the man
September 2nd, 2012
9:01 pm
All you chipper haters can suck on that. He’s the man.
blazerdawg
September 2nd, 2012
9:01 pm
You could feel it tonight, even down 7-1. Medlin starts Mon, baseball is a game of momentum…this is the start of a big run.
Way to go Chipper! That was a bomb!
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:04 pm
How many of you gave up on them? Tell me all the bad things this team does. I’m not listening.
hawaiibravefan
September 2nd, 2012
9:07 pm
No hate against Uggla, but for this team to produce runs, and win, they need him out of the lineup. You just cant take Reed Johnson out, no matter lefty or righty. Keep Prado at 2nd, his natural position. With Prado there you keep his bat in the lineup with solid D. As a passionate Brave fan, they need to do this for the team. US BRAVE COUNTRY DO NOT WANT ANOTHER 2011 SEPTEMBER
flange1
September 2nd, 2012
9:09 pm
Chipper is a stud,
I hope this game will spark the team to a massive win streak
Go Braves,
hawaiibravefan
September 2nd, 2012
9:09 pm
Reed Johnson, 3 runs batted in, 3 hits (last one started rally). Keep this guy in, he’s a gamer, and he’s not an easy 1-2-3 k, pop up, or grounder out.
PaulG
September 2nd, 2012
9:09 pm
Incredible comeback…..just goes to show you how childish the naysayers in the last couple of days seem predicting the end of the world….I hope some blog tonight & admit their cris de coeur was premature….not a chance
mark
September 2nd, 2012
9:10 pm
Chipper Jones…. that folks is why by son wears #10, I think of Chippers boys watching…one of the greatest cluch hitters of all time no doubt. I watch or listen to every game sice 80′ this one reminds me of the big Otis Nixon catch game.It,s sweet for me!
Brandon
September 2nd, 2012
9:10 pm
Fredi managed a good game tonight as well
mark
September 2nd, 2012
9:10 pm
Chipper Jones…. that folks is why by son wears #10, I think of Chippers boys watching…one of the greatest cluch hitters of all time no doubt. I watch or listen to every game sice 80′ this one reminds me of the big Otis Nixon catch game.It,s sweet for me!
blazerdawg
September 2nd, 2012
9:11 pm
Aloha – Mr. Reed indeed!
Chop Chop
September 2nd, 2012
9:11 pm
I figured we had this game as soon as Frandsen misplayed the Prado ball. Papelbon is a knucklehead. He proved it when he threw two fastballs down the middle to a Hall of Famer. Chipper didn’t get the first one, but he was right on it. He didn’t miss twice.
brave warren
September 2nd, 2012
9:12 pm
the bullpen did a fantastic job. prado, reed, chip, and jhey did a great job with what they had. we pulled it out and hopefully this is the spark this team needed! go braves….i was so excited that i was jumping up and down and screaming and scared my daughter! lmao! go braves!!!!
South Georgia Boy
September 2nd, 2012
9:12 pm
Could be the most important win of the season.
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:13 pm
Hey Mr Brandon Great game and don’t count out my man Prado.
Ryan's Dad
September 2nd, 2012
9:13 pm
Five runs in four pitches? Wow!
lee maye
September 2nd, 2012
9:13 pm
Sit Uggla again on Monday. Play Prado at 2B and Constanza in LF. Medlen throws another shutout. Chipper sits Monday probably and Francisco at 3B.
Tuesday, another lefty by Colo. Prado at 2B and Reed Johnson in LF. Ross Catching.
Bring up some more pitchers. There is no reason with expanded rosters to let any pitcher give up 5 or more runs. Gearin, Delgado, Teheran, and Varvaro should be brought up now. And, Mejia and Durango.
Blaze
September 2nd, 2012
9:13 pm
Wow! I missed this game!
NickGranite
September 2nd, 2012
9:15 pm
If there was ever a game tagged with an “L”, that was it. Reed Johnson and Chipper Jones (along with the bullpen) said NO.
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:16 pm
WOW!
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
9:19 pm
Enjoy it now, because tomorrow the two black-holes of offense known as McCann and Uggla will be right back in there.
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:20 pm
This is why I love Baseball!
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
Kentavo
“Enjoy it now, because tomorrow the two black-holes of offense known as McCann and Uggla will be right back in there.”
And this why I hate this blog…..
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
Kentavo
“Enjoy it now, because tomorrow the two black-holes of offense known as McCann and Uggla will be right back in there.”
And this why I hate this blog…..
Brave New World
September 2nd, 2012
9:24 pm
I was out today and checking the score. When I saw it was 7-1 early against Hamels, I thought “Uh oh, we’re gonna get swept.” Came home and checked score just to see how bad final was, and could not believe it. Braves win! Might be the most important comeback of year. Way to go Chipper, J-Hey, Reed-J and bull pen. Since we ravaged Papelbaum, the Karma is complete – revenge for Kimbrel’s rare bown save. GO BRAVES!
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:26 pm
Kentavo
“Enjoy it now, because tomorrow the two black-holes of offense known as McCann and Uggla will be right back in there.”
And this is why I sometimes hate this blog……..
blazerdawg
September 2nd, 2012
9:26 pm
Kentavo – get the f out of my town
Dwayne C
September 2nd, 2012
9:28 pm
The Atlanta Braves will find a way to stumble and bumble their way out of the playoffs in 2012 just like they did last year. These late season collapses will become common with this team. Count on it.
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:28 pm
I really mean it. Some of you guys can really take the fun out it…
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:29 pm
@Kentavo You are a terrble fan. Go away. You don’t know what lineup will be. How do you know they won’t go on a winning streak? You don’t. I am tired of people finding fault when they win. Give us a break, I am a true fan. I canni=ot say that for you.
Ben
September 2nd, 2012
9:29 pm
Anything that flies that far ought to have a _______ stewardess on it.
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
9:30 pm
I’m probably not in your town.
It was a great win – hopefully Fredi will have the cajones to sit the two guys that are really killing the O.
Quack Quack
September 2nd, 2012
9:30 pm
Now, that was worth $14 Million!!
Got to keep Reed in the daily line-up.
FW….Give Prado a raise.
GO BRAVES!!!
Bill in VA
September 2nd, 2012
9:30 pm
The disgusting bloggers of the City of Brotherly Love are just going crazy with the f-word! They even have a picture of a 6 year old boy giving the bird to Chipper and (supposedly) saying it…. How gross can they get??
http://www.thegoodphight.com/2012/9/2/3287589/can-we-get-a-sweep-phillies-at-braves-game-thread-september-2-2012#storyjump
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:30 pm
.
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blazerdawg
“Kentavo – get the f out of my town”
And this is why I sometimes love this blog!
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:30 pm
@Dwayne C When Phillies fly out of town you go with them. You are not welcome in Brave country.
Widespread Panic
September 2nd, 2012
9:31 pm
VERY impressive comeback win tonight. As for Battle Ax, what can you say? Remarkable blast from a once in a generation star. I’m even hopeful for tomorrow (another Monday) with Medlen getting the start.
GO BRAVES!
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
9:31 pm
I am a Walton HS sophomore, originally from suburban Chicago – like every other whiny transplant
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:32 pm
Copying and pasting is another reason I hate this blog…..
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:32 pm
Hi Mr Quack Quack. Not DUMB Amber anymore. Just upset with these doubters.
Weaseal
September 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
These double post remind me of Goodfellows- Gonna get the car,,,, Gonna get the car…
Weaseal
September 2nd, 2012
9:38 pm
These double post remind me of Goodfellows- Gonna get the car,,,, Gonna get the car…
double
September 2nd, 2012
9:38 pm
sneak cheese by a rat or first time read in ajc.You can’t sneak daylight past a rooster.Happy they won.Sure have improved in the error dept.
bucky oneil
September 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
Kentavo – I’m 53 year old native born Atlantan and life long Braves fan. Maybe when you grow up you’ll find something to believe in.
Negative Creep
September 2nd, 2012
9:42 pm
I like how the post game show had a tweet from a girl that said “I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT!!!
YEAH RIGHT, YEAH RIGHT, YEAH RIGHT!!!
Go Braves!!!
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
@Mr bucky oneil I have only been a brave fan for 2 yrs. 13 yr old born and raised in Dallas Tex. Never saw them play at Turner field but have extra inn. so I see every game. Win or lose, I am a true fan.
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
9:49 pm
Sorry; no; I grew up in East Point going to games at Atlanta-Fulton County.
Bucky O’ Neill – I bet you live in Hihara or somewhere like that.
I want the Braves to win, and they will if Fredi uses a similar lineup like today’s – sans Uggla.
Brave New World
September 2nd, 2012
9:50 pm
Bill in VA September 2nd, 2012 9:30 pm
The disgusting bloggers of the City of Brotherly Love are just going crazy with the f-word! They even have a picture of a 6 year old boy giving the bird to Chipper.
Bill: That’s because the City of Bothersome Losers has nothing to be happy about with their second tier Phils, so they have to rip winning teams and future Hall of Famers. I say: “Let them eat cheese steak.”
JHarber
September 2nd, 2012
9:50 pm
Hang in there Amber, Hope all is well with you and Mom. Great win
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
9:52 pm
It was funny when the camera panned to pack of Philthies fans sitting there with their mouths agape.
Quack Quack
September 2nd, 2012
9:52 pm
Hey Amber Girl…Glad you’ve dropped the “dumb” part. I’m sure you’re much better that that, after all, you are a BRAVES FAN!!!
KYBravos' fan
September 2nd, 2012
9:52 pm
Help me, please. Who was it who said, “Trying to sneak a fastball by Henry Aaron is like trying to sneak daylight past a rooster.”? Same thing can be said about #10 !!! Whoever said it was probably a contemporary pitcher who had to face The Hammer. Chipper, you are something else!!!! He hit The Bomb, but it truly was a team victory.
Go Braves!!!!!
Larry
September 2nd, 2012
9:52 pm
The problem is that the Phillies grooved one to Chipper. Had I been pitching, I wouldn’t have thrown him such a cupcake and neither would anyone else. This doesn’t excuse the fact that Chipper is eating too much payroll and not producing at the rate he is being compensated for. Fredi obviously doesn’t get it and most of you don’t either because you don’t really see what’s going on. The Phillies exposed the Braves and they’re going nowhere until management sees their flaws. I’ve been pointing them out all year yet they don’t seem to be listening. Too bad. The Braves might have amounted to something if they’d run Fredi and Chippy out of town when they had the chance.
JHarber
September 2nd, 2012
9:53 pm
Ernie Johnson,Sr said that.
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:54 pm
Hi Mr J Harber Great great win. Mom still cries her self to sleep but she is better. Now that school has started I am moving on. I have been saving something for you. Ready:XOXOXO. I feel better now.
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
9:54 pm
And using somebody else’s screen name is so clever.
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
9:55 pm
As a proud gay man, I resent that last remark.
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
9:55 pm
@Quack Quack XOXOXO Did you get it?
JHarber
September 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
Amber what is xoxoxo, I think I have missed something.
lowcountrylem
September 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
The legend lives on! Gonna miss this guy when he’s gone and I hope there’s at least a brief moratorium on a future player selecting “Crazy Train” for his intro tune. Just wouldn’t be the same.
All you can say is “Thanks, Chipper………..for everything!!”
lowcountrylem
September 2nd, 2012
9:58 pm
The legend lives on! Gonna miss this guy when he’s gone and I hope there’s at least a brief moratorium on a future player selecting “Crazy Train” for his intro tune. Just wouldn’t be the same.
All you can say is “Thanks, Chipper………..for everything!!”
ray k
September 2nd, 2012
9:58 pm
Wait a minute. I’m the proud gay man on here. Wanna check my LSAT and GMAT scores? Didn’t think so.
Largo
September 2nd, 2012
9:59 pm
That 9th inning sure gave me a “feel good feeling.” Doesn’t get any better than that.
Quack Quack
September 2nd, 2012
10:02 pm
Where’s Philly Phanatic?? Nothing to say? Don’t feel too bad, you guys can still keep Vick!! HA HA
Kentavo
September 2nd, 2012
10:02 pm
I heard there was a petition going trying to get Ozzy to come perform “Crazy Train” before the Sept. 28 Chipper Jones Appreciation Day game.
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
10:03 pm
@Mr JHarber XOXO is Hugs and kisses. Get it now.
Quack Quack
September 2nd, 2012
10:04 pm
Amber Girl Yeah, I’m old school, and I get all the Love & Kisses!!
Lakewood
September 2nd, 2012
10:05 pm
Moments like that you don’t forget. Love of the Braves is something my Dad & I have always had in common. I live in Dallas now so I rarely get to watch the games live. I follow the games online – immediately saw Chipper had hit the walk off & called my Dad. We were like 2 young fans just living the dream. Great example of how sports really bring people together. Chipper – you will be missed. Thanks for what is one of hopefully many more great memories. Go Braves!
Bronke
September 2nd, 2012
10:06 pm
Awesome win. Agree with all who say keep this line up. Keep McCann and Uggla on the bench. And don’t pinh hit with Over the bay ever again. Braves, you did us proud tonight! Don’t screw up again or you’ll be paddled publicly.
Braves fan forever
September 2nd, 2012
10:08 pm
What A comeback……… You hatters can get on the plane to Philly or NY and go F—- yourself.. We dont have to buy great pitching or players we win because we are the Atlanta Braves… Keep the CHOP ALIVE
Amber Girl
September 2nd, 2012
10:09 pm
Sorry guys. Got to go. Hope to talk tomorrow. Love y’all. Go Braves!!! Good Nite all.
Brave New World
September 2nd, 2012
10:09 pm
“Get away from the coffee, Papelbaum. Only closers get coffee.”
David
September 2nd, 2012
10:09 pm
Interview of Chipper after the HR http://www.angrydingo.com/files/ChipperWalkoffHRPhillies.php
Bronke
September 2nd, 2012
10:10 pm
Now Jane. (amber girl) , behave you are not in the jungle anymore. keep all that loving to yourself!
Jasons Shrinking Waist
September 2nd, 2012
10:11 pm
Ya gotta hear phils announcer tom mccarthy call chippers shot..hes practically in tears lol!
WAY TO GO CHIPPER!
LAC
September 2nd, 2012
10:15 pm
Nice to see, But I only hope Chicken wren and “freddi” and uggla are GONE in 2013 !!!!!!!
Critter
September 2nd, 2012
10:26 pm
What was it that Jeff Blauser said some 20 years ago?
Choppinmama
September 2nd, 2012
10:27 pm
Three hours before the game, Jones had said this when asked about putting the slumping offense on his back: “I’d be lying if I said two outs bases loaded, bottom of the ninth inning I want anybody else up there but me. That’s just the mentality that I’ve always had. And that’s never going to stop. I don’t care if I’m 40 or 60.”
Gimme a C for Confidence, an H for Hall of Famer, an I for Incredible, a P for Production, another P for Papelbon Who?, an E for Effortus Maximus and an R for Retirement, really?
What’s that spell……….CHIPPER, CHIPPER, CHIPPER!!!
Choppinmama
September 2nd, 2012
10:27 pm
Three hours before the game, Jones had said this when asked about putting the slumping offense on his back: “I’d be lying if I said two outs bases loaded, bottom of the ninth inning I want anybody else up there but me. That’s just the mentality that I’ve always had. And that’s never going to stop. I don’t care if I’m 40 or 60.”
Gimme a C for Confidence, an H for Hall of Famer, an I for Incredible, a P for Production, another P for Papelbon Who?, an E for Effortus Maximus and an R for Retirement, really?
What’s that spell………CHIPPER, CHIPPER, CHIPPER!!!
Ed
September 2nd, 2012
10:33 pm
Last night I made a discusting diatribe on how the collapse this year is because of all the love being given to Chipper. I am reminded today of why he is given so much love. I am once again proud to have my autographed picture and bobblehead in my bathroom. I apologize to all of you and especially to Chipper.
Silerio
September 2nd, 2012
10:34 pm
I pooped a little when Chipper hit that ball. My shorts are in the washer right nowl
FAA
September 2nd, 2012
10:42 pm
We have a report, confirmed by one of our air traffic controllers, that a baseball that came from the direction of Atlanta, just landed in Charlotte, NC.
FAA
September 2nd, 2012
10:42 pm
We have a report, confirmed by one of our air traffic controllers, that a baseball that came from the direction of Atlanta, just landed in Charlotte, NC.
Felix
September 2nd, 2012
10:46 pm
Suck on that Charlie Manuel and all you filthy Filly trolls!
kral
September 2nd, 2012
10:46 pm
you are right big phil the phillies threw 3 of the best pitchers in baseball..dang they can expose alot of weaknesses
gcs
September 2nd, 2012
10:59 pm
I’m glad you are all high off this come-from-behind win BUT…
they gave Prado a hit in the ninth but it probably should’ve been an error and probably should’ve been the last out of the game.
Realize, that the Braves were one out away from being swept at home by the 64-69 Phillies who had sold off many of their key players.
ATL still lost two of three at home, so this was NOT a successful series.
Paul Maholm is a bum. He gets worse with every start. At least he did not give up any tape measure HRs.
Mark my words and remember this in about 3 years: Arodys Vizcaino will be a future All-Star and Maholm will be a distant memory.
Wm. E
September 2nd, 2012
11:28 pm
Don’t forget Yanish’s walk in the ninth; also his great defense. ESPN def. player of the month, no less.
BravesDude
September 2nd, 2012
11:34 pm
Twice now ESPN has talked about Strasburg and his inning limit on Sportscenter and still no mention of Chipper’s big night. Why does ESPN always treat the Braves like a 2nd class club?! SMH
Sharon
September 2nd, 2012
11:38 pm
this old Braves fan was following the Braves way back when it wasn’t cool to be a Brave fan, and I’ve even had Chipper hit a walk-off homer on my birthday when I was in the ballpark, but nothing could top this one tonite!!!! What a complete THRILL & I will cherish the memory for as long as I live. Thanks for all the memories, Chipper!!
Busch Leaguer
September 2nd, 2012
11:57 pm
gcs
Unless Vizcaino gets traded to another team ,he will always be on a losing team ,3 ,13 or 23 years from now the Cubbies will always be losers and with their history with ruining pitchers ,I feel sorry for the kid.
Humbug
September 3rd, 2012
12:15 am
Just hope that Fredi has the guts to keep his pet Uggla on the bench for a few more games.
nashvillewill
September 3rd, 2012
12:31 am
Great AB’s by Bourn, Prado, Johnson, and even Janish to set up the inning. Chipper and Freeman (who was on deck) are only Braves capable of such dramatic walk-offs. I agree that Uggla and McCann be allowed to rest some more and play Johnson in LF and Prado at 2B. Also Ross. Gives Braves more chances to succeed and fewer holes in lineup.
Fire Freddi G.
September 3rd, 2012
12:44 am
STUN……u limp noodle. We shoulda crushed them as a palyoff team….u suk u homer. This team is fail. And it will be more so once Chipper is gone.
Pal Joey
September 3rd, 2012
1:09 am
Tomorrow is Monday. We know the Braves record on Monday. Just hope Medlen is again able to weave his magic and break the jinx.
Don’t need to comment on Chipper’s blast. It was awesome and has been fully covered already. My concern is starting pitching. Hanson, Minor and Maholm just aren’t getting it done. Huddy is not totally reliable either. These guys need to step up and starting pitching if they want to make the playoffs. And Uggla and McCann are a total drag on the offense. Fredi needs to give them an extended rest and play the guys that are hitting. Quit playing favorites and get the ones in that are producing.
This was a good win and let’s build on it. Make September count this year.
wins-by-a-link
September 3rd, 2012
1:13 am
We probably will never see a player like Chipper again in Atlanta, Players like him only come along once in a generation or so, Especially one who stays with one team like Chipper has, I hope the Braves keep Chipper on the pay roll, Maybe as a hitting instructor or some day as Manager, Whatever roll he takes on I’m sure he will be a success.
Spud
September 3rd, 2012
3:08 am
I saw Jack Wilson participating in the game winning celebration! If he was released on August 31, what is his status with the Braves now?
Buzz 2011
September 3rd, 2012
6:08 am
The Braves lost the serirs! Sorry to rain on your parade!.
Eight runs is more than they have scored in the last 4 games together
Gray Mule
September 3rd, 2012
6:16 am
Looking back on the career of Larry Jones, it’s been great.
Trivia question: In the draft where the Braves chose Larry,
What was the name of the pitcher who said he wouldn’t sign,
he was going to return to school, then signed with someone elas?
This lie by that pitcher was the reason we drafted Larry. Otherwise,
Atlanta was set to take that pitcher.
Who was he?
——————————-
My, my
September 3rd, 2012
6:55 am
I travel the US for work. The only city that compares for rudeness, filth, smell and overall skank with Philly is…there’s not one. The place is a hole, it’s a shame what’s happened to the birthplace of our nation. Here’s hoping the Philly fans never witness another championship in any sport. They don’t deserve it, nor does the cesspool city.
My, my
September 3rd, 2012
6:57 am
Todd Van Poppel. Pedestrian career at best.
My, my
September 3rd, 2012
7:02 am
And finally….I’m a huge McCann fan. He’s a Damn Good Dog as he was born in Athens, dad coached at UGA and mom worked at Athens Regional for years. He needs to sit for a few games and rest his shoulder. I like Ugglas’s hustle. He never jogs down the first base line on the grounders he hits to second trying to pull a curve ball. He needs to sit. He is totally lost at the plate.
ijudgenot
September 3rd, 2012
8:43 am
I believe the last five games where both Uggla and McCann have not started, the Braves have won. Tonight’s game will tell if Fredi has been paying attention. There is something physically wrong with McCann(besides weight) arm or shoulder and he needs rest. There is nothing physically wrong with Uggla. He has to be one of the stubbornness players ever. There has been practically no adjustments to his mechanics at the plate the whole season. There has been only a handful of times where you could see him trying to hit the ball up the middle or where it was pitched. The rest of the times has been that whirlley bird swing for the fences approach. If you contrast that with Francisco who was swinging for the fences every time at the beginning of the season too, but after working with PC Walker he now tries to hit(lefthanders at least) up the middle or where the ball is pitched. Uggla needs to sit out several games, at least until Simmons returns so that the bottom of lineup( Uggla,Janish and pitcher) won’t be so impotent. If Fredi starts Uggla tonight, then he is truly lost and if Wren allows it for the next game then he is as lost also.
K Conway
September 3rd, 2012
8:45 am
The Braves will crash and burn just like last year!
Felix
September 3rd, 2012
8:46 am
Filly Fans: Don’t cry. Look on the bright side of football season. Your football team still has Vick, and you know, he is such a good fit for Filladelfia.
daSarge
September 3rd, 2012
8:50 am
When the season ends and the Braves don’t go to the playoffs, this lucky win will mean NOTHING. You can’t spell BraveS without BS.
crm300
September 3rd, 2012
9:11 am
Saw a comment from “Larry” last night about Chipper being a black hole in the payroll. How can a guy like that even think about contributing to a Braves blog? Any good employee deserves an increase in pay when he has been with a company for a long time and done the job well. I am sure “Larry” turns down every raise he is offered. It is more likely that “Larry” is one of those cliche “guys that live in Mom’s basement”. Chipper has had many opportunities to test free agency and make a lot more money. He has stayed with the Braves his entire career. He is having a great year at age 40. Give it rest, “Larry”. You are probably screaming for Bourn to get a big contract with the Braves. He will get more money than Chipper ever made from the Yankees or Dodgers or Angels or Rangers, etc. His agent is all about the money. Chipper is his own agent! Think you will ever hear “first ballot Hall of Famer” connected to Michael Bourn’s name? Go back to your internet video games, “Larry”! You have nothing to contribute here.
Andy
September 3rd, 2012
9:15 am
Chipper is the best! I’m really going to miss him next year.
GT John
September 3rd, 2012
9:38 am
I agree w/ crm300…. and I’m not even a Chipper fan…. but how can one argue with his numbers….how can you ignore last night? Even I bow and say, “I’m not worthy”….Chipper’s the man! He deserves all he gets on this final year… that and a paved road to the HOF in the first year.
Philly Phanatic
September 3rd, 2012
10:21 am
I knew it. 3/4 of the worst mgr in baseball, choking again in Sept, the Uggla,McCann jury still out but all came back with the hypocritical oath etc. have hold of the reigns again s now they are the most clutch team in baseball. It seems like an Atlanta sweep worth that type win. Monday (literally) Morning QN but why would they pich to him? He ha seen every sequence of piches people have tried to get him out for 20 years. If he’d have walked him Freeman would have doubled everybody in so can’t win. I look at it this way, we ahouldn’t have won Friday so it all comes out in the wash. Even if we win there are 5 teams ahead of us. We’d have to win 80 percent of games.. At least that’s what I’m tellinmyself to sooth the pain. That was a hell of a win although if Polanco is at third with Prado’s alledged double, game over. You guys must have all taken Hypocritical Oath 101 at U of Georgia. No I went to Penn, not Penn State unless you have ideas.
bring back blauser
September 3rd, 2012
10:26 am
great quotes from would have been braves:
Todd Von Poppel ” i plan to go to college, so do not waste your draft pick om me.”
Brett Butler at the end of the 1990 season ” my heart is saying sign with the Braves, but i want to have a chance at playoffs again so I will sign with the Dodgers instead.”
Ralph
September 3rd, 2012
10:39 am
I’ll bet Uggla is back in the lineup today, any takers!
Ralph
September 3rd, 2012
10:39 am
I’ll bet Uggla is back in the lineup today, any takers!
shawdaddy
September 3rd, 2012
10:50 am
chippers an old man. washed up. he should think of the team first and retire. go quietly into the night. oh wait…that ball is… going going…that ball is outtahere. CHIPPER JONES!!!! you da man! WOOOHOOO…Hall of Fame! Carry us Chipper!
reckingball
September 3rd, 2012
11:21 am
Uggla will be in the starting lineup, and should be in the starting lineup, today.
go braves
Brandon
September 3rd, 2012
11:34 am
obviously y’all didnt get the memo. uggla is not in lineup today
Brandon
September 3rd, 2012
11:36 am
Bourn cf, Constanza lf, Heyward rf, Freeman 1b, Prado 2b, Francisco 3b, Ross c, Janish ss, Medlen p
MIKE IN/ATL
September 3rd, 2012
11:38 am
What would we do without CHIPPER? For the past 20 years he has been the whole spark to this ball club. Its games like this that is going to make it so hard to see him go. Idk if the braves will ever be the same after he leaves. They need to change the name of turner field to CHIPPERS field, all & all he has been the most dominating brave ever. I’d like to see a bronze statue of him out side the stadium for the first ballot HOF! Our family will always love CHIPPER.THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT TIMES!!!!!
reckingball
September 3rd, 2012
11:40 am
Constanza lf, ????????? Wow!
Dum-Bass
September 3rd, 2012
11:52 am
For the last 4 Braves’ wins Reed Johnson has been in the lineup. Coincidence? Probably not. Will the hardheaded obstinate managerial wizard recognize this or go back to his “loser” lineup? BTW, a big line of thunderstorms is now on the GA/AL line headed toward ATL. Looks like a delay about gametime.
Tumbledown
September 3rd, 2012
12:05 pm
Shouldn’t this be an automatic win if Uggla is not starting while Constanza is?
steve
September 3rd, 2012
12:09 pm
Everything seems great because of a win yet things are not what they seem, F.G. needs to go as he has no clue on how to make out a lineup card, batting R.Johnson 7th and D.Ross 5th proves this as all you need to look at is their stats, if you are looking to get more right handed bats to go against left handed pitchers you need to go with this lineup:
Bourne
Johnson
Prado
Jones
Freeman
Heyward
Ross
Janish
pitcher
Common sense should tell you that you want the players that hit the best off of left handed pitching to get the most at bats in the game , batting Johnson down in the order makes no sense as he hits left handers better then anyone on the team according to his stats , F.Wren has done everything he could with a limited budget in putting a good team together only to see how badly F.G. has mismanaged it, its like our mgr. does not pay any attention to details when making or not making a decision , poor managing has cost us from winning at least 8 or more games, as sombody that has coached and watched baseball for so many years I pretty much find myself wondering why he does or doesn”t make the obvious moves during the course of the game, one of our sportswriters needs to ask him if he even looks at stats , if this team fails to make the postseason again or does a 1 and done he needs to be gone period .
mpimentel
September 3rd, 2012
12:12 pm
that’s a leader job…well done chip!
htownbravesfan
September 3rd, 2012
12:53 pm
How on earth can Constanza be in left field after the job Reed Johnson has been doing? I know alot of you on this site love his hustle, but Johnson is twice the player he is and hustles just as hard. No way he should be starting in the thick of a race! Let’s see if he proves me wrong.
Brandon
September 3rd, 2012
12:55 pm
@steve – it is not that black and white. You also want to have a strong lineup up and down the order. If johnson doesnt bat 7th yesterday, he probably doesn’t drive in 3 runs or start the rally that he started in the 9th. You can also argue that ross has more pop than johnson, which is why you want him in the 5 hole.
fredi did a fine job of making up the lineup last night. I also have no complaints about his lineup choice today
Truth of the matter is, no matter what fredi does, there will be complaints. I dont even know if the majority of people on this blog would agree on the same lineup
New Podcast 9/3/12
September 3rd, 2012
1:10 pm
[...] guys discuss the coming week in Cardinals baseball « Today’s Starting Lineups: NYM @ [...]
harry taylor
September 3rd, 2012
1:19 pm
Everything is absolutely great in Atlanta. They win, but how long has it been since they have won a series. How long has it been since they stopped talking about winning the division and now winning the wild card. Can’t even win a series against the Padres or the Phillies. Think they will have any more luck picking on the Rockies. Don’t count on it especially with the Braves.
bitman
September 3rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Wow! just WOW!
Michigan Braves Fan
September 3rd, 2012
2:12 pm
Jim Powell sucks.
Philly Phanatic
September 3rd, 2012
2:37 pm
All of you in the Hypocrirtical Oath Brigade numbering the amount of blogs written until 9:30 last night have Charlie Manuel to thank. Ego Jones has been around for 20 years and has more insight to what the pitcher is going to do to try to get him out. He knows Ego Papplebon is going to try his 95 mph fastball. Do you think Jones can hit a fastball I don’t care how fast. Back to Manuel, Forget about the unwritten rule of walking the winning run on. Freeman has what 2 years of experience. Pitch to the comparatively speaking rookie vs. Jones. And now you’re crushing the Rockies and I think a lot has to do with last night. It was going to take a miracle I realize for us to get in but a 5 run lead over the ‘27 Yankees going into the 9th, c’mon. I look at like we had no business winning Friday. That guy is the best and he’s going to be a very wealthy closer since Papplebon set the bar at 12 mil. Now I need the Phil’s to lose say 3 in a row and let me just watch baseball relaxed instead of sleepless nights like last night.
Philly Phanatic
September 3rd, 2012
3:39 pm
At least your sports page is loaded with Braves reports. The two Philly papers even if it were last year when they were setting franchise records there would be 10 articles on the Iggs and 2 on the Phils. Baseball is so much more cerebral like last night and I realizeliterally Monday morning Qb but you have to walk one of the most clutch hitters of our time. I know Freeman leads team in RBI but Jones has seen 10x the pitchers Jones has. I swear I had a feeling once a ball Polanco would have ends up in left field Charlie is not a feel mgr, he’s the epitome of lefty vs. lefty, don’t put the winning run on but you have a 1st ballot Hall of Famer and he is for a reason.
Amber Girl
September 3rd, 2012
4:25 pm
@ Philly Phanatic Do me a favor. SHUT UP
smallmouth6
September 3rd, 2012
4:26 pm
Harry: Yes, it’s a good possibility but it is baseball
.