When dealing with legends, there’s rarely an exit strategy
“It’s not how you go about it,” John Smoltz told reporters this week, but how do you go about it? If you’re suggesting, as Smoltz and others have, the Braves mishandled the release of Tom Glavine … well, how do you handle it? How does a team say goodbye to someone who isn’t ready to leave?
Joe DiMaggio retired at age 37, saying he could no longer “be Joe DiMaggio every day.” Today’s athletes are different. Smoltz got mad and left for Boston because the Braves had the gall to offer too little money to a 41-year-old pitcher — he has since turned 42 — coming off shoulder surgery. And now they’ve angered Glavine, who’s 43 and coming off shoulder and elbow surgery.
Two days after he was lopped, Glavine launched a counteroffensive. He accused the Braves of lying to him and being cheap. He said he merited special treatment for his years of meritorious service. Brett Favre felt the same. Brett Favre went from being the Green Bay Packers to despising the Green Bay Backers because they didn’t show due deference.
But should due deference to a legend trump the greater goal of all professional teams, which is the winning of games? The hardest thing for any ballplayer is to know when to stop playing ball, and the great ones find it hardest of all. They always think there’s another big game or another touchdown pass in that famous arm.
Joe Namath went out as a Ram, Michael Jordan as a Wizard. Roger Clemens “retired” so many times we needed an abacus to keep track. Randy Johnson won his 300th game at age 45, working for his sixth different franchise. And this was the career path of Greg Maddux after he left the Braves in 2003: Cubs to Dodgers to Padres back to Dodgers.
Loading ...Yes, there’s money still to be had, lots of money. But these guys have made more for one year’s work than the average Joe or Jane earns in a lifetime. How much is enough? How long is too long? What happened to the concept of a graceful exit at the top of one’s game? Did it walk away in 1966 with the princely Sandy Koufax?
John Schuerholz felt moved to apologize Friday for the way things ended with Glavine — “The environment and the tone and the manner … didn’t feel comfortable to me,” Schuerholz told reporters — but what could the Braves have done? Cut him in spring training? (Wouldn’t Glavine have then said, “You didn’t even give me a chance”?)
Brought him up for one start and paid him his million-dollar bonus while strongly suspecting he’d get tattooed? (And what if, come October, the Braves found themselves one game out of the playoffs? Would Glavine have apologized to them?) Should they have offered him a job as a coach? Shoved aside Joe Simpson in the TV booth? Made Glavine general manager and booted Frank Wren to the curb?
In the clear light of hindsight, the Braves might have rushed things. They could have tried to arrange a formal news conference, as opposed to the hasty gathering behind the press box a half-hour before Wednesday’s game, but Glavine had made it clear he wasn’t retiring. And he said Friday he wants little to do with the Braves now. So there.
Every legend wants to depart “on his own terms,” but seldom do those terms account for anyone else’s. This isn’t Tee Ball. Not every player gets to play in every big-league game. And it’s the guys who were once the best players who can’t seem to grasp they’re just not as good anymore.
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194 comments Add your comment
AJC
June 6th, 2009
10:43 am
By the way, good luck to Tommy Hanson in his 1st big league start Sunday. I predict he’ll pitch six innings of scoreless baseball before being taken out of the game. Of course, and unfortunately for Hanson, he’ll most probably get a no-decision.
Boots
June 6th, 2009
10:46 am
Maddox, Glavin and Smoltz were great for the Braves and made millions in the meantime.
Then, as they aged, they split to other teams where they could make more millions. So much for loyalty.
Smoltz and Glavin are old and beat up and have little to offer. Guys, it’s time to put the spikes and glove in the garage and go golfing or fishing.
It’s been a good ride, but all good things must come to an end.
Adios.
MorningJacket
June 6th, 2009
10:48 am
Savings in not re-signing Smoltz? $1 million. Savings in avoiding Glavine bonus? $1 million. Damage to management’s reputation with loyal fans? Priceless.
K Rack
June 6th, 2009
10:51 am
Glavine comes in, gets crushed, and then everyone screams “shouldn’t have paid him the mil, but should have used it to get someone else in here that can hit.” Just because he deserves respect, and he does, doesn’t mean he should be in the lineup. I believe scouts and player personnel know more about whether someone can be successful at the big league level than we do.
Chris C
June 6th, 2009
10:56 am
If Tom still has the stuff he thinks he does, then someone will pick him up and he’ll be successful. If he retires or if he sits out there and gets no phone calls, then Wren’s right.
Nobody in their right mind is going to throw a lot of money to him right now to see what he’s got. I think he’s about to learn a big lesson on how he’s perceived by MLB regarding his ability.
But then, that will probably be the Braves fault, also, in his opinion.
tr
June 6th, 2009
10:56 am
Duane (@8:47 am)
The Hanson I saw in spring training was good, but needed, in my opinion, a bit more seasoning, mentally and physically (especially his change-up and better locating his fastball), in the minors before facing major league hitters on a regular basis. I’m cautiously optimistic, but not completely sold on the idea that he is ready even now. He is the future ace, and I would hate to hurt that progress by rushing him now.
And having the label of being “the” reason the Braves do or don’t/did or did not/will or will not make the post season is more pressure than he needs or deserves, now or at the start of the season. Very few rookie pitchers, even those who turn out to be great ones, are consistently great to start their careers, especially in a pennant race.
Experts such as you said much the same about the Rays’ David Price. While he helped the team down the stretch and even in the playoffs in a limited role, he started this season in AAA when arbitration years were not relevant. Why? It was for the same reasons I wrote about Hanson. He wasn’t ready to handle the “make or break role’ with a contending team.
And when it comes to up-and-coming prospective aces, history says it’s best NOT to rush them lest you retard (and in some cases actually kill) their development. History is littered with examples if you care to study.
brave-for-life
June 6th, 2009
11:00 am
The problem with famous atheletes is that they develop a sense of entitlement. They forget that they were adequately compensated for their years of service. When they abruptly leave their organization and go to another team, they complain that their original organization did not pay enough. It is just pure greed for atheletes that are grossly overpaid to keep demanding more money and talk about respect and such. Glavine and Smolotz are doing exactly that.
Robert
June 6th, 2009
11:00 am
Old discussion by now. Back to more important things. Get rid of the piece of garbage managing the team if you want to ever see playoff success again
earl
June 6th, 2009
11:03 am
I’m just flabergasted when these jocks scream “loyalty” when they are washed up. You’re kidding right? I mean, you’ve made millions for all these years and everyone knows you would have jumped if the team didn’t pay. Now that you’re washed up, you think the team should pay you more millions to hang around the minors taking up roster space? Give me a break! You were great but you are a commodity. Sure, we all fall in love with you while you are here but face it, you are replacable, just like the rest of us. When my company no longer needs me they will get rid of me, plain and simple. Go gracefully and don’t embarass yourselves.
tr
June 6th, 2009
11:05 am
brewdawg (@10:28 pm)
Well said.
Clark
June 6th, 2009
11:07 am
John, Greg, and Tom will be in the Hall of Fame. So will Bobby and Schuerholz. The bottom line is the Braves made sound business decisions on the future of each of these players and gave them th opportunity to stay. Greg left first for more money. Tom left too and was welcomed back with open arms and his bad shoulder. John left to see if one more ring was in the offing. No matter what happens they will all go into the Hall wearing Braves uniforms. Like Glavine said when he went to New York, business is business……….
Gary
June 6th, 2009
11:14 am
Mr. Glavine, think about yourself several years ago. When you left the Braves in the first place over what was really a small amount of money over a period of years, were you thinking about the fans that supported you through your career? Then, a couple years later, a verbal agreement to JS about a return to the Braves. I believe you backed out of that deal didn’t you? Also, not a minor league deal for you but a million dollar contract for a rehab assignment this spring training. Tell me this please…. Where does your loyalty come into play? Stop the whining and complaining and grow up. Retire like a man or sign with the Phillies so we can bash you brains out on the diamond and prove to you my favorite saying. “Someone, stick a fork in him. He’s done!”
bravos514
June 6th, 2009
11:23 am
Any chance Glavine goes into the Hall as a Met?
Kevin
June 6th, 2009
11:24 am
Typical Atlanta article by the easy of the franchise Atlanta press. Always defend the organization regardless of performance on or off the field. One World series title after all those years in the playoffs and the local press doesn’t call the front office or Bobby Cox to task for underacheiving in the post season, just another great run and we fell short. And now they fail to manage the Glavine situation in a professional manner and again it’s not managements fault, same old broken record.
I agree with one of the earlier comments also that the continous jabs at Smoltz come across as someone with a personal ax to grind.
pt
June 6th, 2009
11:26 am
This was simply a business move. Glavine made a similar choice when deciding to play for the Mets. Get over it, Glavine. Teams and players should always do what’s best for themselves.
Ben
June 6th, 2009
11:29 am
The Braves criticized for being classless? C’mon. How much class did Glavine show in leading the way in the 1994 strike. Good riddance. Don’t worry Tommy-Boy, you can always sell yourself to a Mexican League team.
Mike in Athens
June 6th, 2009
11:29 am
Loyalty is a two way street and Glavine and Smoltz didn’t seem to have any when the money came a callin. As much as I loved the guys, their time has come. Is there anything more selfish than two forty somethings with washed up arms asking for millions more than they are worth? (no, is the answer to that by the way) As for all your “fans” complaining that the Braves didn’t bring up Hanson before June (the same “fans” who think TG and JS were mistreated I’m sure) need to get in the stands and quit solidifying Atlanta’s spot at the top of the “city with the worst fans.” So what if it was a business decision. Most of y’all sit back and watch from afar instead of showing up in the stands and really “supporting” the team. This is capitalism folks. The Braves organization is a BUSINESS. If they choose to do something for business reasons, they that’s their choice. If you don’t like it, don’t show up AND don’t get on this blog and b**** about what they are or aren’t doing. I, for one, hope this team wins and wins big whether it be with or without TG and JS (personally I’m glad it’s without after seeing their true character).
mike jay
June 6th, 2009
11:42 am
Glavine was never going to be more than an insurance policy 5th starter this season. He was just fooling himself if he thought differently. He got paid to rehab and try and make it back but the team felt they had better options. No big surprise. He also was able to showcase what eh had in some minor league games so if his stuff is still as good as he thinks it is then he has some good tape to shop around to other teams. Just speculation here but if the Braves could have traded him I think they would have but he had no value. Which again points to Braves scout being right. That being said i think they could have handled the exit a bit better, though I think they wanted to do this a week or two ago but waited until lthis trade was done deal to lesson the PR hit.
butchcat
June 6th, 2009
11:53 am
Glavine is the one who should be apologizing. He got at least two million last year and he won TWO games!!! He says he wanted to stay in Atlanta because, ” as everbody knows his family is most important.” Then why did you leave to go to the Mets?
john d
June 6th, 2009
11:53 am
Well said Dirty dog. I hope the braves brass remember all this when both of these guys are just two ex jocks hanging out in Atlanta. They trashed our team and city and deserve no consideration for broadcasting jobs that they are sure to seek. Shut your unappreciateve mouths and move on!
weston
June 6th, 2009
11:56 am
I’m sure ex-GM CEO Wagoner would be happy to give a speech to the Braves organization, fans, and has-beens Smoltz and Glavine, on how it feels to get your butt kicked to the curb in less than ideal fashion. The bottom line is: if you don’t cut the mustard, you’re outa here, whether you’re a lowly painter or an overpaid baseball player. The big mistake in this soap opera fiasco is in the Braves taking Glavine back from the Mets anyway. That money wasted on him could’ve been used in a younger pitcher.
Atlanta Journal Constitution » Blog Archive » When dealing with legends, there’s rarely an exit strategy
June 6th, 2009
12:01 pm
[...] Mark Bradley | ajc.com – [...]
Ted Striker
June 6th, 2009
12:03 pm
“Whining”
By Tom Glavine
Whining, nothing more than whining
Just a little whining
When I left the Braves
Million$ went into my checkbook
Yet I deserve respect, look
When I left the Braves
Whining, at least it’s not defining
Although I’m quite a whiner
I’ll make the Hall of Fame
Whining, Oh-Oh-Oh, whining
Wo-Oh-Oh, whining,
Wish I could feel my arm
Whining, when I deserve enshrining
(So what if I’m declining)
I’m still a goldmine to the Braves
Whining, soon Frank Wren will be all pining
And I was really shining
Two strikeouts in Mobile
Whining, they treated me like chattel
So now I’ll run and tattle
(It’s like they think I’m cattle)
Whining, Oh-Oh-Oh, whining
Wo-Oh-Oh, whining,
Wish I could feel my arm
Linda
June 6th, 2009
12:08 pm
Phil Niekro, a true legend in baseball, was booted by Joe Torre. That was a much bigger hullabaloo than this Tom Glavine fiasco. Niekro demonstrated his loyalty to the Braves. Always. Mr. Glavine simply hasn’t the class, grace, humility or loyalty of Niekro. Mr. Niekro, along with the Braves organization, orchestrated his exit and we saw a legend go out the right way. I know. I was there along with my husband, my children, and most especially, my father. Yes, perhaps this could have been handled better. But that’s a two-way street. For Niekro, it was love of the game and his Atlanta fans. For Glavine, it is love of money and himself. Buck up, Tom, and show us some Niekro style class. Then maybe we’ll give you some Niekro-like appreciation. For all you young fans, ask your parents about the day Niekro left baseball and obtain an understanding of what Mr. Glavine could have had if he had earned it.
Larry Orange
June 6th, 2009
12:09 pm
Frank Wren gone…….. Tom Glavine new GM!!!.
Larry Orange
June 6th, 2009
12:13 pm
The Braves as an orgainization has always had trouble with their legends. Warren Spahn, retired in Houston. Hank Aaron, retired with the Brewers. (anybody remember Dave May? thought so).Dale Murphy, retired with the Rockies. And now Smoltz is in Boston and where Glavine winds up,no one knows. There must be a better way.
TyGa10
June 6th, 2009
12:16 pm
Frank Wren is slowly eroding the Braves class organization. The way Tom Glavine was treated was pathetic. Smoltz leaving the team upset. I wonder now about the Furcal debacle, was that more of Wren’s bad handling than we were led to believe? Having a day 1 centerfielder with less than 100 games at the double A level.
Sometimes a bad GM can have a negative effect on the 25 players and the way they perform. I hope this isn’t the case here.
jofske
June 6th, 2009
12:16 pm
The Braves made the right move by releasing him. Glavine doesn’t deserve the respect of Braves fans anymore, not since ‘94 as player rep or since he bolted to NY to make an extra million a year. Give me a break, these guys are all overpaid egomaniacs. Good riddance.
JimC
June 6th, 2009
12:17 pm
Stop whining, Glavine. It’s a job, and you made tens of millions of dollars at it. Now you’re washed up. Enjoy your wealth and deal with it.
JimC
June 6th, 2009
12:19 pm
Hey, I have to agree with jofske about the “overpaid egomaniacs.” Glavine made more money in one year than most fans make in a lifetime. It’s all about big bucks with these pampered athletes.
OldTimer
June 6th, 2009
12:20 pm
Bradley, what ever happened to pride, honor and dignity. If it’s all about winning games and championships then why do the Cubs have any fans at all? You just don’t get it. You don’t.
Outside Robber
June 6th, 2009
12:21 pm
Today’s fading hero athletes are so out of touch with the financial realities that the huge majority of the fans have to face at various stages of their lives that they would do well to ‘live in the real world’ for about a year before they start running their mouths about the poor treatment they suffered by the team that released them. The same league and team that has set them up financially for their lives and the lives of their grandkids and yet, they have the termerity to state how that same club has wronged them?
Smoltz and Glavine haven’t had to sweat living in the real world, perhaps ever. And it shows, by their recent comments.
BigHittas
June 6th, 2009
12:23 pm
Bradley,
Looks to me as if you’re trying to score some points with Braves management. Seems you’ve got your mind made up that the front office perspective is the proper one. Why write the column if you feel that way already? Most you’ve written on the topic so far is pro-Braves front office; negative-players. Why’s that?
Dr.R
June 6th, 2009
12:33 pm
Part of the wait on Hanson was financial, no doubt, but part of it also is limiting innings. Young pitchers gas out late in the season if their workload is too heavy early. High school, college and minor league pitchers aren’t used to throwing 150 or more innings in a season and it takes time to ramp up to that level.
As for Glavine, as I’ve said before, I think we fans create some of this with our tendency to overdo the hero worship of individual athletes. Look at ESPN with their celebrity-driven coverage of sports (TO this, Favre that, Big Papi’s in a slump, A-Rod’s latest girl, etc.) Why can’t we root for the TEAM and enjoy the GAME without getting so attached to individual players? When I see a story on TV or in the paper about a ballplayer’s personal life, I skip it. I don’t care what they eat for breakfast or what kind of car they drive, any more than I do for movie actors or musicians. They are paid well to perform for our enjoyment, but beyond that, they’re regular folks who don’t deserve the kind of adulation we heap on them. If we gave up that attachment and just embraced the beauty of the game, we might find ourselves less inclined to get so worked up when an aging athlete hits the end. Before you feel sorry for a Glavine, keep in mind that he is wealthy beyond his wildest dreams and at the relatively young age of 42 will never have to work a day in his life if he doesn’t want to. I don’t begrudge him that at all; he earned it. But I’m also not holding any candlelight vigils for the guy. I’m eight years older than the SOB and I still have to go to work. And nobody will post any sentimental blogs when they toss my wrinkled old butt out the door for good. Glav and Smoltzie, get over yourselves, and we should get over them and move on.
money1
June 6th, 2009
12:35 pm
I think that the emotional response and current thread of defensiveness and guilt are all real, but unnecessary. I also think that people are missing a grand point here, that Mr. Bradley mentioned. Glavine has made more money in a Braves uniform that 99.9% of people in the world. His release wasn’t pretty, but should HE be thankful for everything that the braves and us (the fans) have given HIM over the years. We bought the tickets, paid for concessions, and cheered him on throughout his career. I can’t feel too sorry for a major league ballplayer gets released after loosing his stuff. I am glad that people feel so strongly in favor of Glavine, it shows our loyalty, but Glavine should show more loyalty to us. I think it is the fans who deserve an apology, from Tommy G.
Reid Adair
June 6th, 2009
12:35 pm
“scott,” Glavine wanted a long-term deal with the Braves; they wouldn’t give it to him. It was not about the money, and I don’t think it had anything to do with his chances to win #300 faster.
Let’s also not forget that the Braves let negotiations between the organization and Glavine break down. He didn’t appreciate that either.
It is amazing how many “fans” on these forums claim it was all about the money. I can’t figure out if they weren’t paying attention in 2002, or if they just have selective memory.
Reid Adair
June 6th, 2009
12:39 pm
“money1,” please tell me you are kidding. You honestly believe Tom Glavine owes the fans an apology? While the fans were indeed buy tickets and concessions, he was a big part of one of the most dominant streaks in professional sports history. Period.
It is because of Glavine, Smoltz and others that folks started climbing back on the Braves’ bandwagon.
As far as whether or not he has lost his stuff, I am certainly in no position to know whether he has or not – just like most fans here.
I also think John Schuerholz showed a lot of class with his apology (Frank Wren could take a lesson). Regardless of what they were trying to accomplish, the Braves could have handled this situation a lot better.
Maybe they’ll learn from it, but I doubt it. Wren has lied publicly now twice (first Smoltz and now Glavine).
Dr.R
June 6th, 2009
12:42 pm
Well said, Money1. I think there’s an generational aspect to this. Players in past eras were a little more world-wary and didn’t seem to pitch such a fit when the end came. Of course, they made good money but it wasn’t so much they felt a sense of entitlement, like these guys do. They’re also more sensitive; the Braves have been a team full of thin-skinned guys for years now (Chipper, Justice, S&G among them). They get their feelings hurt when we boo, and they whine if the stands aren’t full because, God forbid, we had better things to do that day. They grow up in a bubble and think the world owes them something. The Aarons, the Frank Robinsons, the Bob Gibsons, the Phil Niekros didn’t act that way. They were grateful to play a child’s game for good money for a number of years and showed their appreciation to the fans. And when it was time to go, they didn’t pitch a 5-year-old fit and hold their breaths until they turned blue.
The bear finally catches up to Glavine | Flushing9.com
June 6th, 2009
12:42 pm
[...] So, when is the time right? How should the Braves have handled Glavine? Here’s one perspective from AJC sports columnist Mark Bradley. [...]
Kcin
June 6th, 2009
12:45 pm
Tom,
We have not watched baseball since the strike.
Quit whining, we still remember how you treated the fans.
Train Wreck Bystander
June 6th, 2009
12:51 pm
All this buyer’s remorse about paying millions of dollars to a 43-year-old coming off surgery is fine and dandy. It strikes a chord with the proletariat and plays well on the blogs and talk radio.
But the Braves knew Glavine was a 40-something pitcher coming off surgery back last winter, when they put pen to paper. That was the point when it would have been good business to just say no.
Now, just 1 day before activation, it made the Braves front office look shabby.
BigHittas
June 6th, 2009
12:51 pm
in Glavine’s situation with the Braves, salary comparisons are irrelevant. Looking at what Tom made vs someone in the general population is flawed thinking and is not the issue.
Atlanta Native
June 6th, 2009
1:09 pm
Sorry for your release, Glavine. Opportunities tend to go down hill after the age of 40. More opportunities for less pay when recruiting the younger teammates.
Cuz
June 6th, 2009
1:18 pm
This is why I would rather watch minor league games. Lucky me, a stadium is just two miles from my house.
Mark come back and tick off the Dawg fans some more. It makes for interesting reading, especially the hate mail. Now if you can just tick off the Jackets and Dawgs at the same time, priceless.
Billy
June 6th, 2009
1:25 pm
@ OldTimer
June 6th, 2009
12:20 pm
The question about “pride, honor, and dignity” could be applied to Tom Glavine in this case. He could have stayed a Brave for life, he could have not been a leader during the strike, and he could have taken being released with some class, especially after making $9 million over the past year or so from the Braves. Instead, he whines like a little brat. My question to all of the Glavine apologists is this: if the Braves had done this when they were on pace to win the division instead of being .500, would you still be so ticked off? Or do you just hate Frank Wren because the Braves aren’t winning?
Mark Bradley
June 6th, 2009
2:09 pm
Ted Striker joins the blog battle of the bards. Nice!
And thanks again to all who’ve responded the past few days, and thanks especially to those who’ve offered kind words for yours truly. It has been, as we say in the trade, a busy week.
JM
June 6th, 2009
2:21 pm
An underlying issue here is the general lack of quality pitching across the Major Leagues. That is why there are some many pitchers going deep into their 40s these days. Teams are so desperate for pitching that they virtually drag any old pitcher who can lift their arm onto the mound…….and stop calling Glavine a legend…..he’s a whining crybaby…good riddance.
Hillbilly Deluxe
June 6th, 2009
2:26 pm
I’ve only been laid off once in my life but I received that layoff notice when I arrived at work on a Monday morning, effective immediately. It could have been worse Tom.
DirtyDawg
June 6th, 2009
2:30 pm
If I were Frank Wren I’d quit and call out Shearholz – ever how he spells it – for his lack of support. JS was in the damn meeting, if he’d felt so strongly about it he would have discussed the process with Wren beforehand and/or would have spoken up before they all walked out. And these sports-talk guys, all wanting to be buddies with the players, are taking Glavine’s side and reporting how ‘baseball’ thinks that the Braves blew it. Well I say to hell with ‘em all. Tom Glavine has pitched a total of 63 innings for the Braves over the past six years – all last year – so just where does this thing about what the Braves owe him come from? I mean he’s the one that told them that he wanted to try and come back ‘one more time’…he’s the one that agreed to the deal that meant if he wasn’t activated (and you know that if the Braves brain-trust had thought he had anything left, or at the least was ‘as good as’ the other choices – which he ain’t – they would have given him the extra million so he could come back and get his rear-end handed to him in front of ESPN and everybody) he wouldn’t have been paid the performance bonus.
I’m tired of these prima-donnas making more money than God and thinking that everybody owes them something for all the money they’ve been paid over the years. I’m serious, let ‘em leave now – just make sure your alimony checks show up on time – Atlanta and the Braves will try and get along without you somehow. By the way, who wants to bet that with all his new ‘life-style’ (and bride) Smoltz joins the ‘hair-club for men’?
mac
June 6th, 2009
2:30 pm
As far Im concerned,Glavine cut his ties when he left for the Mets
See ya