Why the Braves must keep Greg Norton at all costs
A constant in a changing world: Norton whiffs. (AP photo)
True story: My daughter and I were sitting in Section 401 last week the night of the Ricky Nolasco/Matt Diaz game. Elizabeth is 12 and, unlike her father, very smart. She doesn’t follow baseball closely but has played softball and does know how to read a batting average. So, in the bottom of the sixth, I said to her: “The Braves are sending up a pinch-hitter.”
She looked at the scoreboard. She noted the pinch-hitter was hitting .135. She said, “Why are they using him?”
I laughed out loud. I said, “Believe it or not, you aren’t the first to have asked that question.”
Believe it or not, the pinch-hitter struck out. Elizabeth gave me a questioning look. I shrugged. And right there is why I make this plea:
For the sake of father-daughter bonding, the Braves must keep Greg Norton.
Actually, there’s another reason. In the past months, we at AJC.com have seen some key page-view drivers depart. Michael Vick is now an Eagle. Jeff Francoeur plays in New York. (Willie Martinez is still employed by UGA, thank goodness.) But Greg Norton, he of the .135 average — actually he got a hit (and an RBI!) in the season’s penultimate game, lifting his average to .145 — is online money.
Simply type his name and otherwise rational folks start frothing at the QWERTY keyboard. “WHY IS THIS GUY STILL ON THE TEAM?????” goes a familiar refrain, and also: “DOES THIS GUY HAVE COMPROMISING PICTURES OF BOBBY COX OR WHAT????” And occasionally — very occasionally — you’ll even get a statistically driven rebuttal: “You know, for a guy who’s hitting .135, he actually has a great on-base percentage.”
I believe I speak for all of us when I say: Trade McCann or Jurrjens or even Heyward if you must, but keep the man who brings families together and makes this site 100 times livelier. Keep Greg Norton!
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234 comments Add your comment
Barry
October 6th, 2009
1:24 pm
Mark, Greg Norton unites ALL Braves fans. Perhaps you should start a Greg Norton Fan Club.
Heck, Marv Throneberry had a fan club (and he hit better too). Why not Greg Norton?
Joe Smoe
October 6th, 2009
1:25 pm
I can die now!.. A thread about why we should KEEP Greg Norton!
midnite
October 6th, 2009
1:26 pm
Enter your comments here
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:26 pm
That’s well said, Barry. My dentist grew up a Mets fan and named his dog Marv.
Adam LaRoche: All of a sudden, the Braves really need him | Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:28 pm
[...] (And here, as threatened, is the post you never thought you’d see: Why the Braves must keep Greg Norton at all costs!) [...]
Bradley's Buzz: Are the Braves the team to beat in 2010? | Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:29 pm
[...] And then: Why the Braves must keep Greg Norton at all costs! [...]
midnite
October 6th, 2009
1:29 pm
Why keep piling on the poor guy? Like he alone cost us the 2009 season.
AndyC
October 6th, 2009
1:30 pm
Mark
No offense but this is the dumbest thing you have written in some time. It’s like posting a headline that says “Jon and Kate Get Back Together!”. Have you lowered yourself to becoming a page view whore?
MightyQuinn
October 6th, 2009
1:30 pm
Elizabeth is an astute judge of baseball logic!
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:31 pm
She’s wise in many ways, Quinn. Thank goodness she takes after her mom.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
October 6th, 2009
1:32 pm
I hope Greg Norton replaces Bobby Cox as manager.
rico43
October 6th, 2009
1:34 pm
By all accounts, he is a decent guy. Why can’t the miserable failures be jerks and a-holes?
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:34 pm
Not to correct you, Mrs. CB, but don’t you think Norton should be player-manager? That way he could insert himself for the key moment.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:35 pm
That’s also well said, Rico.
mexican-brave
October 6th, 2009
1:35 pm
hey Mark, just wondering, what would your reaction be..if john smoltz became the braves’ skipper in 2011?
Paddy
October 6th, 2009
1:36 pm
every team has “A” Greg Norton. We are just lucky to have the real thing and not an imposter. Just one more plus for the 2010 season. I will bet you lunch he hits above .135 next year. And dag gumit, it better be for YOUR Atlanta Braves.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:36 pm
I would be ecstatic if John Smoltz became the Braves’ manager. Thanks for asking.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:37 pm
And Jon and Kate are getting back together? Got a link, Andy? (I’m a big fan of Kate’s.)
MightyQuinn
October 6th, 2009
1:37 pm
Section 401? The newspaper industry must REALLY be taking a hit!
matt_t
October 6th, 2009
1:38 pm
Post irony meta has entered a new era with this one.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:38 pm
I believe it was Bob Uecker who said, “Anybody can make it to the big leagues on talent. It takes real work to get there without any.”
EEJacket
October 6th, 2009
1:39 pm
This is why you’re probably my favorite sportswriter, Mark. Never afraid to have a good laugh at someone’s (usually your own) expense.
Sir Pop A-Lot
October 6th, 2009
1:39 pm
Well Mark, you just reasurred your whole reading audience that you are an idiot for even writting this article.
Georgia Tech Hyppocrite
October 6th, 2009
1:40 pm
THWGN <—– To Hell With Greg Norton
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:40 pm
Naw, Quinn. The family had freebies through school somehow.
Herschel Talker
October 6th, 2009
1:41 pm
Awesome entry, Mark! Hysterical!
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:41 pm
I don’t believe my audience, such as it might be, needed any assurance about my idiocy. They caught on about 25 years ago.
sarah
October 6th, 2009
1:41 pm
Believe it or not Norton is my favorite player. I’ve seen him come through in a clutch, and I’ve seen him totally strike out in a clutch. He’s no different than any other Brave. Sometimes he hits and other times he doesn’t. But he doesn’t get to play as much as the other guys so to me he has an excuse
I love Norton so keeping him is of course the right decision to make.
Georgia Tech Hyppocrite
October 6th, 2009
1:43 pm
and don’t you UGA fans talk bad about Pawl Jawnson’s Wittle Twiple Optshon!!!!!!
We don;t say anything bad about you!!! (despite flags on our UGLY car we drive around the field saying “To Hell With Georgia”)
RC Cola and a Moon Pie
October 6th, 2009
1:44 pm
kate gosselin has the best legs on tv… period…
NC Braves Fan
October 6th, 2009
1:45 pm
Sir Pop A Lot … You know, I wonder who Mark was “writting” this article for, anyway?
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:45 pm
Don’t get me going on Kate, RC.
MightyQuinn
October 6th, 2009
1:45 pm
Ah, good, I was worried about you there, Mark.
25 men watching the World Series.....
October 6th, 2009
1:46 pm
is called The Mets.
25 men writing bad about Greg Norton…. is called Mark Bradley’s entire readership.
P C
October 6th, 2009
1:46 pm
Another puzzling question is WHY any opposing pitcher would throw him anything other than a fastball when he hasn’t hit one all year? My wife repeatedly questioned why he kept being used as the “primary” pinch hitter – there being no good answer. He seems like a nice guy, but it appears his time has passed.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:46 pm
I wrote this for the great silent majority of Greg Norton fans everywhere, NC. Don’t they deserve a voice?
rico43
October 6th, 2009
1:46 pm
Hey Mark, heard second hand that George Grande was leaving the Reds’ network. Any chance he’s replacing Boog on the 2010 telecasts?
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:47 pm
Have not heard a word on that one, Rico. George Grande has done Redleg games for a long time. (Since he left ESPN, if I’m not mistaken.)
mexican-brave
October 6th, 2009
1:47 pm
hey mark, as my nickname may suggest…i live in mexico…and i am a diehard braves fan since 1993, when i was 8 years old…and i have asked myself recently, why is the ted consistently empty…and why does the city of atlanta not support its baseball team (at least it’s what seems from the attendance) and pack the stadium in big games…i mean i can’t believe it…in any other city, (not big-markets) like detroit, minnesota, colorado, you had a full house on the final weeks…
General Sherman
October 6th, 2009
1:47 pm
You just ran out of things to write about…huh.That was the worse article i ever read.STUPID.STUPID.
Mark Bradley's hairpiece....
October 6th, 2009
1:49 pm
is more productive than Greg Norton in the Bottom of the 7th….or 8th…..or 9th with 2 outs and the tying run on 3rd. Period.
Go Lincoln County Red Devils!!!
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:50 pm
Well, you’ve asked a question we in Atlanta still kick around: Why don’t more people go to Braves games? My short answer would be that the Braves won so much for long that it spoiled us, and we as a fan base haven’t handled the team’s return to non-contention very well. But there’s also the matter of money. Nobody has much. And there’s also the matter of college football in September, and traffic problems getting to the games, and … a whole bunch of other considerations.
rico43
October 6th, 2009
1:50 pm
I think that Greg Norton’s fans deserve Greg Norton. Like the joke about fans clamoring for Joe the benchwarmer. The manager calls Joe over and says, “They’re calling for you Joe — go sit with them.”
Rafael Belliard
October 6th, 2009
1:51 pm
Wren called me last night to see if I had an interest in taking the bench spot from Norton. I guess we need someone on the bench who can produce some power.
Dawgs2009
October 6th, 2009
1:51 pm
Greg Norton is the modern day Mike Lum! Besides Norton, Lum was the worst Braves pinch hitter of all time. I used to ask my father the same question when Mike Lum was called up to bat. I think Bobby Cox was the manager back then as well. Just a though.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:51 pm
The worst article you’ve ever read? Come on. I’ve written a lot worse ones than that, I’ll have you know.
tiger297
October 6th, 2009
1:53 pm
this article almost makes you feel sorry for him…but realize he has made over $6M in the last 13 years playing baseball I’m guessing he will be ok http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091004&content_id=7318320&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
brian elliott
October 6th, 2009
1:54 pm
Great story, I have to admit Bobby Cox does stick with some awful players to stay loyal to. Norton has been hilarious and horrible at the same time. He has been the cause for many a upset stomach this year. Knowing Bobby Cox, there will be another Norton this year coming up. I can’t wait to see what happens next year. Stay tuned for 1 more year of Drama with Bobby Cox at the helm. Maybe he can do a reality show in the near future with chipper, Woodward, Norton, KJ Jeff & others.. It would be hilarious!
ugaaccountant
October 6th, 2009
1:54 pm
Reasons for low attendence:
1. It is expensive to attend
2. It takes a long time to get to the game, watch it, and return home
3. Every game is on TV and Radio
Those three reasons add up to a very strong reason not to attend on a weeknight. Attendance is significantly better on the weekend when #2 isn’t as big an issue.
Letterman's Racket
October 6th, 2009
1:55 pm
For context, what were the batting averages of those corpulent (backup) catchers the Braves had recently? Did they look like Tony Gwynn compared to that stiff Mr. Whiff?
NC Braves Fan
October 6th, 2009
1:56 pm
Mark: nicely played in your comeback to me. The Schultz blog fired my sarcasm up today.
Natasha
October 6th, 2009
1:56 pm
Who is this Greg Norton you speak of and where can I meet him? He sounds like an outstanding fellow.
NC Braves Fan
October 6th, 2009
1:57 pm
I wonder if we could trade David Ross for Corky Miller and double down?
Paddy
October 6th, 2009
1:57 pm
Dawgs2009…Mike Lum turned his mysterious career into 2 decades as a hitting coach. Go figure?
rico43
October 6th, 2009
1:57 pm
Here’s what’s scary: Mike Lum is now 62 years old!
From 2006 article in Charleston: Mike Lum was on top of the world, receiving a World Series ring from the Major League baseball champion Chicago White Sox. The feeling didn’t last long for Lum, however, after the long-time member of the Chisox organization, was released shortly thereafter.
Lum spent the previous 16 seasons in the organization as their minor league roving hitting instructor.
After getting released by the White Sox, Lum was hired by the Milwaukee Brewers organization and was sent to Charleston to become the West Virginia Power’s hitting coach this (2006) season. The White Sox’s loss quickly turned into the Brewers’ gain.Lum was selected as the South Atlantic League’s Coach of the Year on the 2006 SAL All-Star Team.
welikebaseball2
October 6th, 2009
1:57 pm
LOL! Witty Mark Bradley, very witty. I think in your poking a little fun, you’ve actually reinforced how ridiculous it is that Norton is still on the squad (and called upon in key situations at that). Thanks for a little humor in yet another frustrating period for Braves fans. Guess we have to laugh to keep from crying!
KBB
October 6th, 2009
1:59 pm
Greg Norton symbolizes the reason why i dont like Bobby Cox. He overplays pitchers and hangs on to these non talented, low batting average having guys that remind him of himself when he plays and then makes excuses such as “he’s hitting the ball great”
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
1:59 pm
The immortal Corky Miller hit a lusty .152 last season with one home run and five RBIs. (Norton had no homers but seven RBIs.) And in 2001 Paul Bako hit .212 with two homers and 15 RBIs, which makes him the Johnny Bench of this gang.
On a side note, Paul Bako’s first name is Gabor.
rico43
October 6th, 2009
1:59 pm
I wonder if we could trade David Ross for Corky Miller and double down?
If you saw Corky play at all in September for the Reds, you would know that Corky is twice the man Norton is.
Braves 2010 Promotion!!!!!
October 6th, 2009
1:59 pm
The first 3 people to the stadium will be in the dugout and available for pinch-hitting!!!!
Get there early, and you could be in line right behind Greg Norton!!!
General Sherman
October 6th, 2009
2:00 pm
None could beat this one!You must have a hang over from last night.
GWH Rich
October 6th, 2009
2:00 pm
I nominate Elizabeth to manage the Braves in 2010 based solely on the fact she was intelligent enough to question the use of Greg Norton.
Catch the Sports Buffet each Monday night at 9:00 PM ET, brought to you by Georgia Wrestling History and the GWH Radio Network. If you were unable to hear this week’s show live, click here for the archived broadcast.
calvin
October 6th, 2009
2:00 pm
Thank goodness you were being facetious Mr. Bradley.
GWH Rich
October 6th, 2009
2:01 pm
I nominate Elizabeth to replace Bobby Cox and manage the Braves in 2011 based solely on the fact she was intelligent enough to question the use of Greg Norton.
Catch the Sports Buffet each Monday night at 9:00 PM ET, brought to you by Georgia Wrestling History and the GWH Radio Network. If you were unable to hear this week’s show live, click here for the archived broadcast.
mn possum
October 6th, 2009
2:03 pm
Outstanding article… Consider a Swiftian title change: Greg Norton – A Modest Proposal.
Bryan G.
October 6th, 2009
2:04 pm
Late in the year I believe we had an extra inning game against the Reds.
I was of the opinion that, instead of playing free baseball, the game should be decided by a Greg Norton vs. Corky Miller home run derby.
Mark, who would you take in that one??? And would that game still be going on?
Turtsnap
October 6th, 2009
2:05 pm
Funny Mark…. so, on Saturday I felt honored to actually be in the stadium when the great Greg Norton actually came through with a clutch pinch hit. I was just released from the hospital yesterday, as I suffered extreme shock from the event!
John
October 6th, 2009
2:05 pm
Mark Bradley is officially the worst sportswriter. Who gave this guy a job anyways. His stories are, well simply irrelevant. Can’t you find anything to cover than write about you and your daughter laughing at a struggling Major Leaguer? If I was in charge of AJC I would have fired this bum a long time ago. Your the joke, thanks for the laugh. I guess I can relate to your story, b/c without you Atlanta would be a more sports savy. HA, Bradley is moron.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
2:06 pm
Corky had one homer last year. Greg had none this season. I’d have to go with the proven commodity.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
2:07 pm
I trust you saved your scorecard from the game, Turtsnap.
mexican-brave
October 6th, 2009
2:08 pm
Hey John, please have more respect for Mr. Bradley.
NC Braves Fan
October 6th, 2009
2:08 pm
Wow, some folks take sportswriters way too seriously. Methinks the recent cloudy, wet weather is making folks crabby!
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
2:09 pm
Actually, I’d like to thank you, John. For the longest time I only held the unofficial crown of “worst sportswriter.” But you’ve made it official! Thanks so much!
Dawgs2009
October 6th, 2009
2:09 pm
You just have to like a guy named Corky. Sounds like he always has a keg and a pizza at the ready!
Mitch Nuckenfuss
October 6th, 2009
2:10 pm
I wish Mark Bradley would mention my name in one of his quirky responses.
Just imagine how AWESOME Greg Norton would have been if MLB hadn’t banned steroids!!! THAT is where his career went south.
Letterman's Racket
October 6th, 2009
2:10 pm
John, you were successful in showing your meanness and ignorance. At the very least, realize that our poor, esteemed columnist has to file three stories a day. Cut him some slack! Lighten up, dude…
Turtsnap
October 6th, 2009
2:11 pm
Man, didn’t think of that, should’ve had Norton autograph it, could have been worth a nickel.
I am disturbed in reading the article in AJC quoting Bobby that he may move Prado to RF if they decide to give KJ another chance. He said that he couldn’t just give up on KJ…… WHY??
KennyP
October 6th, 2009
2:12 pm
This article was written before under the headline “Why the AJC must keep Terrance Moore at all costs” – while both were kept around for far too long, they will have the same fate soon.
Mark Bradley
October 6th, 2009
2:12 pm
Wish granted, Mitch Nuckenfuss. But at this moment I feel somewhat quirkless. My apologies.
Sugar Dog
October 6th, 2009
2:13 pm
Struggling to make your posting quota, Mark? Strong move.
Greg Norton
October 6th, 2009
2:14 pm
I deserve to start over Adam LaRoache in 2010!!!
Just look at THESE career numbers of mine!!! It would be like 1999 all over again if I am given the chance!!!
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=119853
Oh, and id I don’t get my wish… The Pictures of Bobby Cox dressed as a Rockette in the Vegas Hotel Room WILL be released!!!!
jeffrey d
October 6th, 2009
2:15 pm
When I first saw the title of this article, I was like “WOW….guess I can’t read Mark Bradley anymore. Too bad – I really liked the guy.”
Glad to see it was all in sarcasm.
Chris
October 6th, 2009
2:16 pm
John needs anger management classes.
And thank you for the fact on Gabor Paul Bako, Mark. Made my 2 o’clock hour.
Braves73
October 6th, 2009
2:17 pm
Mark, as crazy as it may sound, I believe Bobby Blunder will keep that loser Norton on the roster. To further boost my beliefs in Bobby’s stupidity, I have copied and pasted an article from yesterday in regards to Kelly Johnson “getting another shot”.
Manager Bobby Cox brought up the idea Monday that second baseman Martin Prado could move to right field if the Braves decide they want to give Kelly Johnson another shot at second base.”He plays right field on a regular basis in Venezuela [in winter ball], has for the last few years,” Cox said. “He’s a possible candidate, depending on what we do with Kelly. We just can’t give up on Kelly. He had too good of a solid year last year.”
Huh???? “He had too good of a solid year last year”???????? WTH kind of logic is this senile old mind thinking? I for one, and not looking forward to another wasted season of MORONIC coaching and sheer DUMBNESS.
Hillbilly Deluxe
October 6th, 2009
2:18 pm
His .145 average is 100 points below his lifetime average, so he has no where to go but up. If Mark had worked a bit harder on swapping him for Albert Pujols, we wouldn’t be having this conversation anyway.
Matt
October 6th, 2009
2:18 pm
Must’ve been a slower day than usual at the office huh Mark??
NC Braves Fan
October 6th, 2009
2:19 pm
Ole Gabor threw to second like McCann and hit like Zsa Zsa, if memory serves.
bulldog bubba
October 6th, 2009
2:22 pm
If you are going to throw names around then how about bringing Chris Woodard back?
jeffrey d
October 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
Too bad John’s not really in charge of the AJC. Then I could be a more sports savy.
Bravissimo
October 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
Well since Manny Mota isnt around anymore, I guess you go with what you can?
How do you practice being a pinch hitter anyway? Hours in the batting cage with a guy who cant thro over 50mph?
Yunel Asscobar
October 6th, 2009
2:25 pm
Mark – the AJC doesn’t have a policy regarding drinking on the job? To feature the pinch-hitting nightmare in a story, you’ve presumably been tipping a few?
Also, now that you’ve highlighted the Corkster’s achievements – “The immortal Corky Miller hit a lusty .152 last season with one home run and five RBIs. (Norton had no homers but seven RBIs.)” – I’m sure Bobby will want to try and find a place for him in 2010 because of his “solid year.”
Dawgdad
October 6th, 2009
2:26 pm
Just a comment on the Cox’s ability to evaluate talent. I always thought it funny, that Bobby didn’t think Norton was very good defensively but a great hitter. When he was forced to play Norton last year and this year, Norton did a very good job in left and first base. I never saw him make an error. Now as to his hitting, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone strike out swinging as much as he did this year. i think Cox had it backwards.
Huey D Perry
October 6th, 2009
2:26 pm
Enter your comments here Bobby Cox continued to use him after Sept. 1 when so many prospects had been added to the roster. They deserved a look-see. Loyalty should only go so far.
AZ Jacket
October 6th, 2009
2:28 pm
Great article, I like the Father/Daughter bonding. Take it to heart they are out on their own before you know it.
AZ Jacket
October 6th, 2009
2:31 pm
Hey John, who cares what you think.
cmd
October 6th, 2009
2:31 pm
As a season ticket holder who sat through the pathetic last games at which it seemed apparent that everyone (except the delusional fans) had already left the stadium (only to leave the stadium and find my car windows bashed in), I am seriously questioning whether to buy season tickets again next year. In order to win you have to TRY to win, and that means sending mediocre players (however nice they may be) down (Norton, Lowe, Johnson) and rewarding initiative and talent (Prado, Infante, McClough).
Plankton's Revenge
October 6th, 2009
2:32 pm
Big fan of Kate? Have you seen the pictures of her pregnant with the 6 kids? Eeeeahhhh!
Inya
October 6th, 2009
2:36 pm
If we keep Norton, make Manny Acosta our closer, and call up Jo Jo Reyes to be the ace of the staff, just think of all the bonding THAT would create in Atlanta! Great idea Mark!
tryin to learn how to walk like the heros,we thought we had to be.
October 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
bring back Rowland Office
ppaddy123
October 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
Mark Bradley………it’s no wonder I was on the other Blog, Adam LaRoche: All of a sudden, the Braves really need him, all by my self. You’ve had everyone over here foaming at the mouth!