Live from Opening Day: Heyward homers his first time up!
April 5, 2010: Jason Heyward at the cage. "He's the real deal," Chipper said. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Bobby Cox couldn’t think of a suitable antecedent. Neither could Terry Pendleton. Neither could Chipper Jones, who was himself a rookie of immense promise.
“The media spotlight is 10, 20 times bigger than it was even 10 years ago,” Jones said, and that’s true.
When Jason Heyward picked up a bat and walked to the cage Monday, he took in his wake a camera crew and two still photographers. And when he, on his sixth practice swing — actually his fourth full swing, the first two having been bunts — he hoisted a delivery from China Cadahia over the fence in right-center, a writer who has been covering the Braves since 1984 (i.e., me) felt compelled to note it.
“Everyone who gets here has talent,” said Pendleton, the Braves’ hitting coach, speaking as he watched Heyward take his pregame swings. “What’s impressive about him is the way he carries himself, the way he goes about his business.”
Said Chipper: “He’s the real deal.”
Having been here these past 26 years, I can say with some measure of authority that there has never been a Braves rookie whose Opening Day debut has stirred such anticipation. Chipper was a September call-up in 1993. Andruw Jones arrived in August 1996. John Smoltz, Steve Avery and Tommy Hanson were midseason promotions.
Bottom line: There aren’t many rookies who ever make their first big-league start on Opening Day, and there have been few in the history of the sport whose advent has been a bigger deal than Heyward’s. Think not? Just click on this link and you’ll find a story by Ben McGrath in the The New Yorker, which isn’t to be confused with Baseball Digest, on Jason Heyward.
“We had Rafael Furcal start on Opening Day,” Cox said, “and he was 19.” Or thereabouts, someone noted.
“Sometimes 19, sometimes 22,” Cox said, laughing.
And Rafael Furcal, however old he was, wound up being the 2000 Rookie of the Year. If the projections for Heyward are accurate, he’ll win the 2010 ROY award and then the MVP before 2015. You wonder if the wattage of this spotlight will prove too great for any 20-year-old, but everyone who has been around Jason Heyward makes the same point: He’s not just another 20-year-old. He’s different. He’s special.
And we’ll be here all afternoon and into the evening to see how he fares. Join me for this august occasion. (Though technically it’s April. I made a little joke.) I’ll be obliged if you did.
Update: On cue, Jason Heyward hit a home run his first time up. Off Carlos Zambrano. Three-run shot way back into the bullpen in right-center. Crushed it. Whoa.
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475 comments Add your comment
Bryan G.
April 5th, 2010
2:35 pm
Dammit…gotta wait until the 2nd inning to see him hit!
Bryan G.
April 5th, 2010
2:36 pm
Kudos to me!
Matthew
April 5th, 2010
2:36 pm
Ready to see the Braves and especially Heyward. Hope he can respond to all of this hype. Mark…who would you compare him to after seeing him live and in person? thanks.
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
Mark, your photography is improving.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
Kudos to you, Bryan G.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
2:40 pm
And Matthew, there’s some Fred McGriff to Heyward — every ball off the ball seems smoked.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
2:40 pm
I’ve taken a class, Coach Grantham.
Bryan G.
April 5th, 2010
2:40 pm
Mark, are you saying he endorses Tom Emansky’s defensive drills video?
wonder if
April 5th, 2010
2:41 pm
I wonder if Heyward gets a standing O before his first AB and a curtin call after his first hit…like some other and forgoten Braves Right Fielder….
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
2:43 pm
It’s amazing: The Crime Dog was a really good player for more than a decade, and we remember him for the Tom Emanski commercial.
Dr. Warren
April 5th, 2010
2:45 pm
My “little” niece, a sophomore at UGA, was born at the end of ‘89, and now this kid, her same age, is starting for the Braves. We’re all getting older…
obomaisaclown
April 5th, 2010
2:45 pm
Why did they set it up to have Hudson pitch on opening day. Todays starting pitcher would have been my last choice.
F-105 Thunderchief
April 5th, 2010
2:47 pm
The crushing cold of just three weeks ago is gone. Opening day is here and the Braves look promising, providing a lot of chips fall into place. Ahh, life is good.
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 5th, 2010
2:47 pm
Isn’t that B. Butlers #22? I hope he can be that good and soon.
AndyC
April 5th, 2010
2:49 pm
I’m gonna say that Heyward strikesout in his first AB. Not hating on him or the Braves, just saying that he will be very nervous and might swing at some pitches out of the zone. Hopefully the second AB will be a homerun.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
2:53 pm
Lowe is starting today, not Hudson.
jimmy
April 5th, 2010
2:53 pm
don’t judge heywood until we see how he handles thing’s when they get a little rough frenchy had it all,look how his mind was tinkered with
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
2:55 pm
I shook hands with Heyward before the game. (Carroll Rogers introduced us. She’s a nice person.) He didn’t seem nervous. But I have a special way of putting everyone at ease.
Just kidding. I make everybody nervous.
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
April 5th, 2010
2:56 pm
Will the Cubs crush the Braves in the same manner the White Sox did? I sure hope not.
chc4
April 5th, 2010
3:02 pm
I don’t get why Lowe is starting the opener. It’s not a big deal at all but still… I’d say he’s our #4 starter. Granted he’s making #1 money but JJ oughtta be getting the ball.
John Kruk is my Daddy
April 5th, 2010
3:02 pm
Do they have exciting organ music at the Ted on opening day?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:05 pm
No exciting organ music yet, Mr. Kruk.
Larry
April 5th, 2010
3:06 pm
no offense Bradley, but why are you doing the game and not DOB?
eric the elder
April 5th, 2010
3:06 pm
I’m trying to remember when I was 20 – - 55 years ago!
I can’t get over a sickening feeling from the hype, the spotlight, the adulation. I hope to god the kid isn’t a target of ridicule and loathing 5 years from now if he were to get involved in a kerfuffle in some night club, a sex scandal, drinking, even prohibited meds – - immature reactions to an inability to handle this constructed fantasy.
I know – - he is mature, good family, can manage everything. We’ll see. If the wheels were to come off, it is a certainty that we fans and the media will never take any of the blame.
Fernando Appleyard
April 5th, 2010
3:09 pm
The field is muy bonita..and Jason Heyward…you….you..look marvelous!
Smithers
April 5th, 2010
3:10 pm
Wasn’t Franceour deemed the Braves savior at one time too?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:11 pm
When I was 20, I was pretty much a moron. Meaning nothing has changed in 34 years.
Tech Sucks
April 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
I wish Huddy were starting today. I’m worried about Lowe…. Too bad we couldn’t have traded him instead of Vasquez….
BEAT THE CUBS AND ALL OF THEIR LAMEASS BANDWAGON FANS THAT LIVE IN ATLANTA.
AndyC
April 5th, 2010
3:13 pm
Larry
DOB is at the game too. Go checkout his blog. I am following both Mark and DOB today.
mmgtfan
April 5th, 2010
3:14 pm
Have the cubs fans outnumbered us yet Mark?
Larry
April 5th, 2010
3:14 pm
ok thanks andy
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:15 pm
I’m sure there will be the usual covey of Cub fans. I’ve seen some shirts. But not all that many.
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
3:16 pm
Mark, has Bobby applied a nickname to Heyward yet?
nope
April 5th, 2010
3:17 pm
Does anyone else think that Mark Bradley’s photo looks as if he just ordered you a drink at the bar that is mixed with Rohypnol, and he is just waiting for you to fall motionless on the floor?
B. Cox
April 5th, 2010
3:18 pm
I’m calling him Hey-ie.
Fred McGriff
April 5th, 2010
3:19 pm
I give Jason Heyward my full endorsement.
GT71
April 5th, 2010
3:24 pm
Gotta real good feeling…and 22 has always been my lucky #.
Hope they all relax and play ball!
Fernando Appleyard
April 5th, 2010
3:26 pm
….And I must say..Fred and Bryan on the pregame show…they look marvelous!
Fernando Appleyard
April 5th, 2010
3:27 pm
Over/Under on Bobby getting tossed?
Trey
April 5th, 2010
3:27 pm
What’s the crowd looking like?
Barry
April 5th, 2010
3:28 pm
Hey Y’all:
This is the first game of a long season. Patience will be key in hanginf with this team and watching them develop into more than a contender.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a BRAVES FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!
…………………………………..”JUST BELIEVE!!!!”………………….
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 5th, 2010
3:29 pm
Don’t sweat it Bradley. I’ve been a moron all my life, and look forward to many years of blissful moronity to come.
When one breaks free of the moron closet and lays it out there, it’s the most liberating thing imaginable. It’s also a dandy excuse for damn near any embarrassing indiscretion.
Howell
April 5th, 2010
3:34 pm
This team will be just like the one that played the white sox over the weekend. Pure hype and total crap.
80 win season. Enjoy the hype and face reality
Cubs 6
Braves 1
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:36 pm
I haven’t heard a Cox nickname for Heyward yet. Though I did hear Chino Cadahia called him “Jace.”
Concerned in DC
April 5th, 2010
3:36 pm
My concern is, if Heyward is in the starting lineup, and he hits a ball to the far end of Guam, might Guam tip over?
Bat Masterson
April 5th, 2010
3:37 pm
Have fun a the game today Bradley. Did Sonny Clusters ever say what hitting hushpuppies with a bat is called?
Walker, Texas Ranger
April 5th, 2010
3:37 pm
I’m Walker, Texas Ranger and I approve this report and Heyward
Walker, Texas Ranger
April 5th, 2010
3:39 pm
Mark there is something to be said for blissfull ignorance
Walker, Texas Ranger
April 5th, 2010
3:40 pm
Nickname, I betting on Woody
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:41 pm
If he did, Bat, I’m unaware of it.
By the way, I’ve read three Jo Nesbo books. They’re terrific.
Concerned in DC
April 5th, 2010
3:45 pm
His nickname in the South Pacific is the Guaminator
Fried chicken skin is greasy and delicious
April 5th, 2010
3:47 pm
Is the ol’ ball yard fairly filled up by now? Wish I was there.
Fried chicken skin is greasy and delicious
April 5th, 2010
3:48 pm
While my blog handle is true, it’s also true that fried chicken skin is unhealthy.
Sonny Clusters
April 5th, 2010
3:50 pm
Batter practice.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:50 pm
Hank Aaron to throw out the first pitch. Jason Heyward is catching.
John Kruk is my Daddy
April 5th, 2010
3:50 pm
Fried chicken.. thanks for the health disclosure. It’s important to be up-front and honest.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:51 pm
Aaron gets the ball to the plate on the fly. Heyward catches it backhanded.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:51 pm
The place is not full.
OzzieVirgilsBeard
April 5th, 2010
3:51 pm
name that brave…….jeff deadmon.
who’s next?
Greg
April 5th, 2010
3:51 pm
Nice symbolism with the first pitch.
atlvol55
April 5th, 2010
3:51 pm
I would definately feel better about this team if we still had Vasquez…however, our lineup does/should be better this year…maybe we won’t have to win all of our games 2-1.
Go Bravos!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:52 pm
Thanks, Sonny. You don’t know how long I’ve been pondering that answer.
Bat Masterson
April 5th, 2010
3:52 pm
Yeah, I looked for Sonny’s explanation for awhile, never saw it. Glad you enjoyed Nesbo. Have you heard of Jasper Fforde, mystery writer, but in a fantasy world, pretty good. I just finished “Columbine” by Dave Cullen, fascinating book.
Blackberry Cobbler
April 5th, 2010
3:53 pm
Let’s take bets on how long Lowe will last today. I say not more than 5 innings, maybe just 4. He was pretty much toast after 5 innings last season and nothing has changed.
Let the bullpen parade begin.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:54 pm
The theme of this Opening Day is Braves Country. There was a short film narrated by Furman Bisher, and now people are standing in the outfield with signs bearing the name of each state.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 5th, 2010
3:54 pm
Lewis Grizzard is my favorite writer all time.
Bradley, did you know Ron Hudspeth? He was a good one too.
The jury’s still out on you Bradley… Just kidding. Have thoroughly enjoyed you for many years.
I’ve just finished the first volume of the Seuss Trilogy, BTW.
“The Cat In The Hat” was f’n killer!
Bat Masterson
April 5th, 2010
3:55 pm
Thanks Sonny.
Greg Norton
April 5th, 2010
3:55 pm
I will re-emerge in the 6th inning with the bases loaded for my 2010 debut.
papadawg
April 5th, 2010
3:55 pm
Do we have more Braves fans or Cub fans at the ol Ball Park
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:57 pm
Big ovation for Bobby Cox.
Walker, Texas Ranger
April 5th, 2010
3:58 pm
Mr Jeams. just wait till you get to “Go Dog Go” Lowe pitching! ttssssssssppppppp
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
3:58 pm
Huge ovation for Heyward.
Meanwhile...the legend grows
April 5th, 2010
3:59 pm
Rumor has it that Jason Heyward once caught a roundhouse kick from Chuck Norris in the web of his glove, and then spun him so fast in the opposite direction that Chuck Norris went back in time and saw Thor at Valhalla to which he replied, “The guy’s got some pop in his hammer, but nothing like Hayward with a bat in his hand.”
Or words to that effect.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:02 pm
I think I’ve met Ron Hudspeth. I know I met Mr. Grizzard, Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans. He was very kind to me.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:02 pm
Travis Tritt sings the National Anthem, by the way.
Walker, Texas Ranger
April 5th, 2010
4:02 pm
It’s true and I wear Jason Heyward underware
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:04 pm
Way more Braves fans, papadawg.
Brian McCann being presented with the Silver Slugger Award by Bobby Cox and Frank Wren.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:10 pm
Cox taking the lineup card out to home plate. That’s unusual. Cox tipping his hat to the fans, who are cheering. Now posing for a photo with the umps and Lou Piniella.
Doubtless one of the umps will eject him within the hour.
Walker, Texas Ranger
April 5th, 2010
4:12 pm
over and under is the 3rd
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:12 pm
Travis Tritt – Did he do better the Billy Ray Cyrus
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:13 pm
Lowe’s first pitch is a strike.
Matt
April 5th, 2010
4:13 pm
Give the fans a break today if it’s not a full house. Traffic is already horrendous all around town!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:13 pm
Already a putout for Heyward.
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:13 pm
Play Ball – I was 1st
lanier
April 5th, 2010
4:14 pm
Its the best sports day of the year
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
April 5th, 2010
4:14 pm
it might be a kinder gentler cox in his “last” year
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:14 pm
I just clicked on Georgia Navigator, Matt. Traffic does look dreadful.
AndyC
April 5th, 2010
4:15 pm
Mark
You know most of the umps dislike Bobby. They probably respect him but also dislike him. It’s funny that they are posing for a picture together. Who is that one ump that really hates Bobby? The one that tossed him from a game last season for no reason? The ump heard some talk from the bench after a bogus call and came over and made Bobby pick who was going to get tossed. Of course Bobby picked himself to get tossed. Always sticking up for his players and coaches.
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:15 pm
Its the best sports day of the year – no, NCAA football kickoff weekend and WorldCup in July better
J-Hey Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:15 pm
Hey Mark-
Here are the new J-Hey Kid shirts: http://sportscrack.com/tees_j-heykid.html
Go Bravos!!!!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:15 pm
There goes the no-hitter.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:17 pm
Actually, I don’t think umpires hate Bobby. I think they like him. They just hate hearing him grouse all the time.
Props to the World Cup
April 5th, 2010
4:17 pm
As good as opening day in baseball is, I’ve never known countries to call a cease-fire in a war for it, as has happened for the World Cup.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 5th, 2010
4:17 pm
Why is our 4th best starter starting on Opening Day?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:17 pm
McLouth runs down an Aramis Ramirez liner. Two guys on.
Walker, Texas Ranger
April 5th, 2010
4:18 pm
first of many
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:19 pm
And there goes the shutout.
Howell
April 5th, 2010
4:19 pm
I told you gullible suckers!
Clarification needed
April 5th, 2010
4:19 pm
Is it the grousing or sniping that causes Cox to get under the umpires’ skin so much?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:19 pm
Marlon Byrd with a threejack. He’s from Atlanta. Unfortunately, he plays for the Cubs.
J.J.M.
April 5th, 2010
4:20 pm
lol this is why we tried to trade him
Howell
April 5th, 2010
4:21 pm
Now get ready for a 1 2 3 inning.
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:21 pm
and Lowe is the first candidate to go on the list of players who might be moved at the trade deadline!
Clarification needed
April 5th, 2010
4:22 pm
Najeh, when you say 4th best starter, are we to assume you aren’t including the pitchers in the minor league system?
guido
April 5th, 2010
4:22 pm
oH no!!!!….not Chip Carey.
shoot me now.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 5th, 2010
4:23 pm
“Najeh, when you say 4th best starter, are we to assume you aren’t including the pitchers in the minor league system?”
Good point.
By the way, I posted that before he gave up the home run.
Phil
April 5th, 2010
4:23 pm
It didn’t take Lowe long to remind us how bad an idea it was to keep him!
Andre
April 5th, 2010
4:24 pm
Where the heck are the Braves on ESPN? This sucks tomahawks!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:24 pm
Cabrera walks to lead off the first.
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:24 pm
We are definitely not putting our ace out there today.
too bad.
Of course a good way of looking at this is that almost every time Lowe sucked last year, the team scored a lot of runs.
Chip's play by play
April 5th, 2010
4:25 pm
For those not listening to the game, here’s the play by play:
Four outs, runner on home, with the 5-2 pitch to McCann; just off the outside corner for an RBI. That’s the first ERA of the year for McCann.
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:25 pm
see Nate, that’s how you get on base! Not that first pitch swinging you do!
Robz747
April 5th, 2010
4:25 pm
this is why we should have traded him… ERA 27.00
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:26 pm
so I guess the ESPN broadcast is a blackout
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:26 pm
Martin Prado singles to right. Cabrera takes third.
Tech Sucks
April 5th, 2010
4:26 pm
Like I said… I was worried about starting Lowe. He should be 5th in our rotation at best. Exactly why we tried to get rid of him. No one wanted that contract.
He’s not good.
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:27 pm
come on Chipper, you need to produce in these spots!
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:27 pm
woo hoo!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:28 pm
Chipper Jones with a 200-foot bloop single.
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
4:28 pm
will take it..
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
4:28 pm
DLowe is not going to do any better. He is a 4 + ERA pitcher and no one will take him.
Carl
April 5th, 2010
4:28 pm
Haha watch zembrano explode
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:28 pm
we’ll take that any day of the week
Chip's play by play
April 5th, 2010
4:29 pm
And Chipper hits a bloop single to the wall in center for his first two bagger of the year.
Carl
April 5th, 2010
4:29 pm
THis is too funny
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:29 pm
the offense is at least lucky early on
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:29 pm
Now McCann with a broken bat single.
Zambrano hasn’t gotten anybody out, but he has broken two bats.
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
4:29 pm
that 1 too…
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:30 pm
i love bmac. does anyone remember when francoeur was the big talk and the braves signed mccann to a longterm contract instead of francoeur. How smart do they seem now?
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
4:30 pm
hmm… very late.
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
Haward’s 1st AB may be bases loaded
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
yuck. and again.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
Zambrano whiffs Troy Glaus. Unless Yunel hits into a double play, Jason Heyward will bat in the first inning.
J.J.M.
April 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
double play
Braves2010
April 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
Game is on sportsouth.
We’re gonna bloop em to death.
Phil
April 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
Glaus…what a slugger!
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
yeesir…
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
back to start
Todd
April 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
That a way Yunel!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
Escobar singles up the middle. Tie game.
And here’s Heyward
Nutty Fan
April 5th, 2010
4:33 pm
See, Glaus is a bust.
J.J.M.
April 5th, 2010
4:33 pm
Mark still hasnt accepted my friend request on facebook
Robz747
April 5th, 2010
4:33 pm
thats our braves, bases loaded nobody out Strikeout and a DblPlay couldnt have went worse…….
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
4:33 pm
look at the patience on that kid..
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
4:33 pm
Once again……………………Escobar is one of the best clutch hitter in the majors.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
Guess what Heyward did.
J.J.M.
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
wooooooooooooow
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
welcome to the bigs!
say heeey hey hey, good bye ball!
Todd
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
ROFLMAO!!! WOO HOO
Nutty Fan
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
What?!?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
Pretty nice moment.
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
superstar!
LETS GO HEYWARD!
Robz747
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
yes yes yes yes yes
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:34 pm
let the legend begin!!!!!
WWOOWWWW!!!
wow
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
wow wow! Chills!
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
And the Legend begins
Todd
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
and the tomahwak chop is back
Najeh Davenpoop
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
Wow.
Welcome to the big leagues dude.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
Three-run homer. Way back in the Braves bullpen. Whoa.
tgone
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
wow
martin
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
how bout that rookie Heyward! go braves!
Phil
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
Unbelievable. Are all the car windshields in tact?
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
whats the crowd doing/
Shane
April 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
The legend begins
J.J.M.
April 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
has there ever been a rookie in the home run derby?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
Going crazy, Techfan.
Shane
April 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
Kind of reminds me of Francouer
Scoots
April 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
Heyward!!
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
haven’t seen a right fielder this good in a long time for the bravos.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
And there’s the second out — Lowe on a sacrifice.
AndyC
April 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
I officially appologize to Mr. Heyward and bow down at his feet for saying he was going to strike out. Please forgive me J-Hey!
Braves2010
April 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
I can’t get on Frank Wren for a week.
I drafted Zambrano in a fantasy league.
Mrs. Phillips
April 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
love heyward but miss frenchy!!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
Sixth Atlanta player to hit a home run in his major-league debut.
jaxbrave
April 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
WHOA. He is scary good
StingerSplash
April 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
And so … the legend begins.
Take pride in your accomplishment, Mr. Zambrano. You are the first of many victims of young Mr. Heyward’s mighty bat. Many more pitches will die upon its smooth, wooden surface, the smell of burning wood sizzling through the air as twine and horsehide are turned into souvenirs.
Chip's play by play
April 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
Not even Chip Carey could blow that call! Harry’s up in Heaven saying Holy $%^!
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
Going crazy, Techfan. – sweet
J.J.M.
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
pitch count is up
YJ09
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
Wow.
scottc
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
wow. Just wow.
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
at least Lowe will have plenty of support today.
Larry Munson
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
My God, only a freshman!
Hawksfan
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
Jason Heyward is a freak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
It’s “Say Hey-ward Kid’ Chip . GET IT RIGHT!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:38 pm
Thirty-eight pitches for Zambrano. The 39th gets him out of the first.
heartofdarkness
April 5th, 2010
4:39 pm
Only Bobby Cox could have #22 batting 7th. Our lone hope is ejection for #6 before the start of the 2nd. Darn, we’re cooked…
gt3O
April 5th, 2010
4:39 pm
GO HEYWARD!!!!!!! HOLY CRAP!!!!
N
April 5th, 2010
4:39 pm
Only Griffey did better when he hit a homer on the first pitch in his home ballpark.
Nutty Fan
April 5th, 2010
4:39 pm
He’s the second coming of Gary Matthews.
AndyC
April 5th, 2010
4:39 pm
Good one Larry Munson.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:39 pm
Fans in right field doing the we’re not-worthy thing as Heyward takes his place.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:40 pm
Heyward tips his hat to the fans in right field.
I have to tell you: This is pretty good stuff.
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:41 pm
awesome Mark!! thanks for the visuals for those of us who can’t be there.
I’m actually at work, but couldn’t miss at least listening to the game and checking the blog.
Mike Jay
April 5th, 2010
4:41 pm
To sum up the Braves half of the first inning.
Dink, dink , dink , Dink , Dink BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE!
wow
April 5th, 2010
4:41 pm
The bench and the crowd went nuts! reminded me of the ol’ days
RobertA
April 5th, 2010
4:42 pm
The hair stood up on my neck and I was just listening on a radio…WOW!
StingerSplash
April 5th, 2010
4:42 pm
Thank you Mr. Heyward for stealing some of the spotlight away from that heel Woods. Even a national championship game will get trumped by Woods’ little gabfab with the sychophantic and indulgent golf press corps.
N
April 5th, 2010
4:42 pm
how do you listen to the game at work? MLB blocks it online
Brad Kominski
April 5th, 2010
4:43 pm
Easy Braves fans! It’s only one at bat….REMEMBER ME?
Mike Lupica
April 5th, 2010
4:43 pm
Can I go ahead and send in my rookie of the year vote now?
Miss Chelle
April 5th, 2010
4:43 pm
I knew he would hit a HOME RUN today…way to go JH…GOOD LUCK BRAVES…i’ll come to a game later in the season
HEYWARD aka ‘HEY NOW’ IS THE MAN TO WATCH
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
saltala…..ia with the rangers walkoff
BigTimeTECHFan
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
I’m sick of hearing about Woods, don’t even care about masters because the media will not talk about anything but him.
Will
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
Just heard the Radio Call of Heyward’s Homerun. It gave me chills just now. WOW! Unbelievable feeling. It had to be incredible to see and experience in person.
StingerSplash
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
Larry Munson, if you say anything about his thighs ….
Growler
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
How about just:
“The Say-Jay Kid” for his nickname?
Wow!
Funny though. Zambrano threw ONE bad pitch.
Lowe looked like he had a dead arm in the top of the first of the season opener.
Oy.
John
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
Nice play by Chipper. Heyward’s homerun was unbelievable!!!
the mook
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
kominski- just let us be happy.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:44 pm
It’s going to be pretty hard for the rest of the game — or the week — to live up up to the bottom of the first.
observation
April 5th, 2010
4:45 pm
They have this brand new invention called a radio. It’s really great. It receives frequency waves from the air and converts it into audible sound. You should check one out sometime, though they are still very rare and expensive.
Tyler Durdin
April 5th, 2010
4:45 pm
Before everyone gets too excited, remember that Jeff Franceour HIT A 3-RUN HOMER AGAINST THE CUBS IN HIS MLB DEBUT back in 06. Let’s see what else he does before crowning him the next Hank Aaron ok?
jed
April 5th, 2010
4:45 pm
HOW COOL WAS THAT?!
Ted
April 5th, 2010
4:45 pm
Easy Braves fans! It’s only one at bat….REMEMBER ME? – Brad Kominski
—
Yes I do. And it was Brad Komminsk.
Jason Heyward
April 5th, 2010
4:45 pm
[...] Live from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley [...]
Let's go highbrow for a moment (for the Tech crowd)
April 5th, 2010
4:46 pm
Officials at CERN have shut down the Large Hadron Collider and instead will focus their efforts on studying the remains of Heyward’s homerun ball for evidence of the elusive Higgs boson particle that would help confirm the Standard Model in particle physics.
cheese
April 5th, 2010
4:46 pm
a little sloppy defensively chipper and esco but overall good first inning and 1/2
Chris Miller
April 5th, 2010
4:46 pm
Haven’t seen anything in Atlanta as electrifying as Heyward’s home-run than watching Joe Hamilton beat Georgia … in Athens. Even Vick’s best seemed to come on the road (i.e., OT vs. the Vikings).
Robz747
April 5th, 2010
4:46 pm
thataboy Lowe, 3 groundouts is more like it
Bravesmb
April 5th, 2010
4:46 pm
Well at least that one notoriously bad Lowe inning is out of the way. Sinker looked much better in the second
wow
April 5th, 2010
4:46 pm
Its “breaking news” on the AJC main page, lol nice!
joop
April 5th, 2010
4:47 pm
This is going to be a fun year =)
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:47 pm
You have to admit, Tyler, that hitting one out your first at-bat in the big leagues on Opening Day is pretty remarkable.
bravefalconhawk
April 5th, 2010
4:48 pm
3 RUN BLAST FOR JASON HEYWARD, THE ERA HAS BEGUN
J-Hey Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:48 pm
I think it’s time to buy up these J-Hey Kid shirts before they sell out!!!!
http://sportscrack.com/tees_j-heykid.html
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:48 pm
Zambrano plunks Martin Prado. We might have a fight today.
wow
April 5th, 2010
4:49 pm
I feel the same way Mark.
hello
April 5th, 2010
4:50 pm
How was J-hay recieved in the dugout after the blast?
jc_dawgs
April 5th, 2010
4:50 pm
Zombrano and the rest of you big league picthers out there….
When you get behind 2-0 on this guy….you’d better walk him…or he’s gonna take you down town.
Are you getting this Mr Holladay!
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
4:50 pm
Let’s hope Jace doesnt follow in the footsteps of Jordan Schafer.
Matt
April 5th, 2010
4:50 pm
Hitting a homer on your first at-bat must feel awesome for a player.
And does anyone know if the Braves plan to retire Glavine’s number? I assume they will but haven’t heard anything official.
Scoots
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
Mark – did the dugout give him the silent treatment after the homer like they usually do with rookies, or were they too excited?
Dawg Man
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
Yay JASON!!!
wow
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
They could give him the silent treatment, everyone was jumping up and down. Big high fives and smiles from everyone.
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
Zambrano is getting shelled!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
And now McCann homers. Big Z is out of it. And also out of the game. Here comes Lou Piniella.
Bravesmb
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
B-MAC! KEEPING UP THAT SPRING POWER!
wow
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
Boom!
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
4:51 pm
Dang Mark, its hard to keep up with the highlights
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:52 pm
The dugout was unbelievably pumped after the home run. No silent treatment.
Growler
April 5th, 2010
4:52 pm
Mark:
Yeah Tyler is a wet shirt! Yeesh!
But the one thing to maybe be concerned about in that inning is Glaus.
Double oy, there.
And Chipper, for the first time ever to me, looks old (sigh).
But a nice start.
kyle
April 5th, 2010
4:52 pm
WOW WOW WOW!!! JH just blew my mind…..
Mike
April 5th, 2010
4:52 pm
Offense looks sick. McCann BOOOM!!
DTC
April 5th, 2010
4:53 pm
Zambrano had the expression on his face like – this is spring practice, right? Oh, . . . . it’s not?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:53 pm
Zambrano: Pitched to 13 batters. Got four out. Eight runs, all earned.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
April 5th, 2010
4:53 pm
Zambrano is a punk, but what else is new?
As for Jason Heyward…..the legend has begun.
hello
April 5th, 2010
4:53 pm
Who is going to give him the pie in the face after the game?
Chris Miller
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
Who doesn’t love the kind of power from the left side of the plate the Braves have this season? That, a couple of 15-game winners, decent set-up guy and psychotic closer can win championships.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
Zambrano’s ERA is 54.14.
4braves
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
If the Cubs throw at Heyward the benches will clear.
Eman
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
It’s just one game but I like want I see so far!! Can these Braves make the playoffs?
ChipNdip
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
That was a seminal Braves moment, hes different than Francoeur, you can just tell. To hit it off someone like Zambrano no less makes it more remarkable
DTC
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
Guess who won’t be winning the ERA title this year!!
Let's go highbrow for a moment (for the Tech crowd)
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
Try to raise the level of discourse and look what happens…
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
Once again the Braves seem to score alot of runs for DLOWE, but seem to not score many for the other pitchers. Hard to explain. No wonder he won 15 games last year.
kyle
April 5th, 2010
4:54 pm
My gut tells me this is going to be a special year fellas….
Biff Pocoroba
April 5th, 2010
4:55 pm
Lol, hopefully no fight today….have the Cubbies taken a good long look at Heyward?
.
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:55 pm
depending on who he faces in his next few starts, Mark, that ERA might not go down much
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
April 5th, 2010
4:55 pm
Two homeruns for the Atlanta teams, both by Atlanta natives. Three in the game, all by Atlanta natives.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:55 pm
Glaus strikes out again. He has made 40 percent of the Braves’ outs
wow
April 5th, 2010
4:56 pm
Glaus looks over matched again
WormBurner
April 5th, 2010
4:56 pm
Wow! I was gonna hammer on D. Lowe but the Braves offense has taken the heat off. Home Runs crushed by Heyward and McCann so far..nice!
Mike
April 5th, 2010
4:56 pm
Two strikeouts for Glaus…. nice job Wren
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
April 5th, 2010
4:56 pm
New slogan: Atlanta – Power generated here
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:56 pm
01HAWK, hope they give KK some runs this year
and maybe we’ll get many more KK/Doc H matchups this year, that was fun to watch last year.
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
4:56 pm
Is the FREEMAN kid ready yet ? Troy Glaus looks like a AA player in the majors.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:57 pm
Chamber of Commerce, are you saying you don’t care for, “This is Braves country.”
AJC plug for free
April 5th, 2010
4:57 pm
In light of today’s story in the AJC, maybe it’s time to send Glaus to the glue factory.
Phil
April 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
Glaus…what a stud!
Nutty Fan
April 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
Told you Glaus is a bust. Feasts on spring training pitching, can’t do anything when the season starts.
Chris Miller
April 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
Fight? If the Cubs threw at Heyward in his next AB, they’d be scrambling up at Dobbins.
kyle
April 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
I guess ya’ll forgot what Glaus in spring training. 2 at bats doesnt make a season. Let him play atleast half a game first…..geez
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
I think Mac is going to have a huge year
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
On the other hand, Heyward has not done much if you take away the three-run home run to put the Braves ahead.
Scoots
April 5th, 2010
4:59 pm
Jason Heyward: Putting the fear of god in pitchers since 2010.
Killer 81
April 5th, 2010
4:59 pm
Didn’t a certain Jeff Fran. do the same thing when he started ? We saw where that ended up….Good luck to this “kid” and for Bobby for keeping him around for his fairwell season.
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
April 5th, 2010
4:59 pm
There’s room for many slogans, except, “One Wild and Crazy Summer.”
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
4:59 pm
Is it my imagination or does it seem like Escobar is moving better this year. Came close to beating out that grounder to 3rd base. He looks trimmer.
kyle
April 5th, 2010
5:00 pm
If I remember correctly Jordan “HGH” Shaeffer also hit a homerrun in his first at bat, as did Frenchy…
thadd
April 5th, 2010
5:01 pm
yea
Aaron
April 5th, 2010
5:01 pm
I think it is a little early to start bashing on Glaus. No one wants to be that one guy who doesn’t get a hit in a blow out, but someone has to. I think he will turn it around.
lanier
April 5th, 2010
5:01 pm
Mark I’ve been here since 71 and these were the sports guys for the 2 papers. It was a great time to read about sports in Atl. Flames were here and they were good and full of characters.
Bisher – the best pure sports guy of all time in ATL
Jesse Outlar – best remembered as getting SHOT outside Atl stadium. avg writer
Frank Hyland – pretty good writer but kinda of a drunk lived at Manual’s Tavern
Hudspeth- super guy and a lot of fun. knew him and Lizzard. both entertaining in public as you could be then. He had entertaining columns
Grizzard- fair sports writer and a fun guy early on. bought a DeLoran to show off. after finding big sucess after sports kinda became a pain. Thought he was a star, hell maybe he was but sure felt that way about himself in person
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:02 pm
Schafer hit a home run in his first game but not the first time up.
thadd
April 5th, 2010
5:02 pm
mark, real quick i told you duke was gonna win the title
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:02 pm
Actually, it was “One Crazy Summer.”
Scoots
April 5th, 2010
5:02 pm
So, for those saying Francouer, Shaeffer and others hit homers their first at-bats: what’s your point?
Newbomb Turk
April 5th, 2010
5:02 pm
I told my co-workers that if J-Hey hit a homer his 1st at bat, that I would pull down my pants. Well it is moon over Oakwood, baby!!!
thadd
April 5th, 2010
5:03 pm
huh
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:04 pm
And Francoeur did not hit a home run in his first AB. He hit it in the eighth inning, if I remember.
Reality Check
April 5th, 2010
5:04 pm
Kyle – Frenchy didnt hit one in his first at bat. He did however hit one in his first game.
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
April 5th, 2010
5:04 pm
And Jim Varney’s dead.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
April 5th, 2010
5:04 pm
Three run bomb, two run bomb…..Bobby ball at it’s best! Now if the pitching will hold up for a few more innings we can all celebrate an opening day win for the second year in a row.
YJ09
April 5th, 2010
5:05 pm
Tyler, But Frenchy did it on his third at bat I believe.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:05 pm
Not over yet. Aramis Ramirez with a two-run blast.
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
5:06 pm
DLOWE does it again. HE IS WORTHLESS
the mook
April 5th, 2010
5:06 pm
d. lowe sure does want to make sure this game is close.
maybe he just wants to give heyward another chance to be the hero.
Chris Miller
April 5th, 2010
5:06 pm
I thought one of the cooler things about Heyward’s homer was how excited McDonough got. I was beginning to feel for the guy after hearing the disdain in his voice while calling another Tuesday night Western Michigan-Toledo scrimmage in a monsoon.
(ticked off) atlwolf
April 5th, 2010
5:06 pm
AND I FREAKING HAD TO MISS IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DAMMIT, WHY DID I HAVE TO HAVE CLASS DURING THE GAME?????
lanier
April 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
Mark if you want a good short column go to TJ’S and get Tim to tell you about playing for Boom Boom on the Flames. Especially his pregame instructions on how to win the game
Say Hey-ward Kid
April 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
… Braves might need 15 in order to win
Go Braves!!!
April 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
That homerun was awesome! I just looked on my fb newsfeed and almost every status update is about Heyward’s homerun!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
You know who leads off the bottom of the inning.
Copy desk
April 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
Headline: Lowe-down, dirty shame
Subhead: Rookie’s debut heroics spoiled by veteran’s stinkiness
J-Hey Kid
April 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
http://jasonheywardfacts.com
Get your J-Hey Kid shirts now!!!! Go Bravos!!!!
blue
April 5th, 2010
5:08 pm
to the guy ragging on Bobby for having him in the 7 hole; maybe he wouldn’t have gotten that pitch if he was in another spot? Maybe you could think of it that Bobby apparently had him in the RIGHT position? For crying out loud, dude…think a little!
GT Falcon
April 5th, 2010
5:08 pm
How is D-Lowe our number one? He is 4th in my book.
volgrad1985
April 5th, 2010
5:08 pm
Heyward is on pace for over 500 HRs and 1500 RBI this year so far.
Brandon
April 5th, 2010
5:09 pm
Heyward leading off
Knockahoma
April 5th, 2010
5:09 pm
I can’t stand Derek Lowe!!!!!!!!!
Can’t wait to get out of the office to listen/watch the rest of Heyward’s at bats.
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
5:10 pm
DLOWE to the bullpen to be replaced in the rotation by MEDLEN.
Maybe DLOWE has another blister on his foot……………I meant to say EGO.
Greg Norton
April 5th, 2010
5:10 pm
This inning would have been a great place for me to lead off.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:10 pm
Heyward makes an out! Liner to Derrek Lee!
I knew he couldn’t hit 1.000.
Joe
April 5th, 2010
5:10 pm
let the haters come on out.. he lined out to first
blue
April 5th, 2010
5:11 pm
big difference between this kid and Frenchy; Frenchy had ALWAYS been a ‘free swinger’. Heyward, on the other hand; the reason he was not drafted even higher was because he took SO many walks in his senior year and would not abandon his plate discipline. Also, anyone that can get as many walks as strike outs in minors is not going to start swinging at crap. He gets it…
Coach (2011 or Bust)
April 5th, 2010
5:11 pm
Dear Mark Bradley…you would be incorrect sir. Jordan Schafer did in fact homer in his first major league at bat on April 5th in the second inning of said game.
Chris Miller
April 5th, 2010
5:11 pm
Great line from McDonough after the lineout: “Send him back to Triple-A.”
Aaron
April 5th, 2010
5:11 pm
So he won’t homer in every AB? What good is he then?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:11 pm
Distance on the Heyward home run estimated at 442 feet.
Dr. Statisto
April 5th, 2010
5:11 pm
Actually, Heyward is on pace as of this moment for 162 homers and 486 RBIs.
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
5:12 pm
Nate McSlug up to bat. What a joke. Not even close to the player he was in Pittsburgh
Joe
April 5th, 2010
5:12 pm
Yea need to go back down.. refuse to go oppo…
Najeh Davenpoop
April 5th, 2010
5:12 pm
I wondered earlier why our 4th best starter was starting… I forgot that Kawakami at least plays well against good pitchers. Lowe may be the weakest link in the starting rotation. Still confused why Jurrjens or Hanson didn’t start today.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:13 pm
You’re right, Coach. I stand corrected. Schafer did hit a home run his first at-bat. Was the 99th player to do so. Hit it off the sometimes impressive Brett Myers.
volgrad1985
April 5th, 2010
5:13 pm
Dr. Stat…I was factoring in a HR and 3 RBI for every AB, not every game. But alas, it’s a moot point now that he made an out.
But hey, he is still on pace for over 250 HRs and 750 RBI this season, so he’s got that going for him.
Milton baller
April 5th, 2010
5:15 pm
Tyler – thanks for the rain on the parade. Just couldn’t stand the gorgeous sunsplashed opening day with a perfectly choreographed home run by a refreshing young phenomenal athlete, could ya? You’re right, he’ll probably bomb and be washing cars after this year.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:15 pm
Pretty boring game, you’d have to admit.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
April 5th, 2010
5:16 pm
That said, Jason Heyward is now the 100th major league player to homer in his first at bat?
It’s great karma is you ask me.
01HAWK
April 5th, 2010
5:16 pm
BOOBY COX wanted to instill some confidence in the OVERPAID DLOWE is the only reason he is starting. I guarantee you AA and AAA players would hit him almost as hard. When will BOOBY bypass him and make him a 5th starter or make him go and be a middle reliever.
It has been time for BOOBY COX to go out to PASTURE.
Chris Miller
April 5th, 2010
5:17 pm
Any game without Mark Lemongello on the mound is a boring game.
Matt
April 5th, 2010
5:18 pm
D-Lowe you are PUTRID!!!
Joe
April 5th, 2010
5:18 pm
Chippers lookin pretty strong
Kentavo
April 5th, 2010
5:19 pm
This looks like a typical Braves game to me – score a bunch early, then can’t hit the side of a barn while the opposition methodically pecks away at the lead.
I’m betting we see Mr. Wagner in this one.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:19 pm
You know, I covered Barry Bonds’ first home run. True fact.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
April 5th, 2010
5:20 pm
Lowe starting the opening game of the season is Bobby’s first mistake of the season. Tim Hudson is the ACE of this pitching staff. He should have gotten the nod.
Knockahoma
April 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
Just wait til Heyward is batting behing McCann!!!!! And then, just wait til Heyward takes Chipper’s spot in the line-up and is hitting in front of McCann!!!!!!!!!!! OMG OMG
OK back to the teepee.
StingerSplash
April 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
Can Heyward pitch every fifth day in Lowe’s spot?
And ain’t nothing wrong with Manuel’s. Been there many, many, many times. Used to play trivia on Sundays against Jack Wilkinson and his marauding gang of thugs. Great writer and great guy, too.
Kentavo
April 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
Mark,
What’s the Braves stats against Marshall? I recall them never being able to hit this guy.
Barry Bonds
April 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
And I’ve always treasured that memory.
Joe
April 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
BAck to the tepee or “peace”pipe amigo?
StingerSplash
April 5th, 2010
5:22 pm
NASA wondered why it had two space shuttles on its launch screen today, until they realized the second one was Heyward’s homer.
Going high brow again
April 5th, 2010
5:22 pm
Stephen Hawking just redefined Einstein’s definition of the amount of energy in matter from e=mc² to
e = MHBS² (matter times Heyward’s bat speed squared)
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:23 pm
Sean Marshall’s ERA in eight games against Atlanta is 1.54, Kentavo
GT Falcon
April 5th, 2010
5:24 pm
I wonder if the Yankees would have taken the trade of DLowe for Melkey straight up……
Have to report it
April 5th, 2010
5:27 pm
Not to belabor the point, but the Democratic Party just turned down a Derek Lowe for Hank Johnson trade.
StingerSplash
April 5th, 2010
5:27 pm
MB,
I think Carroll’s story of approaching Barry in the clubhouse while he has an “adult” magazine in hand is more telling of the man than your witnessing his first home run.
But your story is cute, too.
RK
April 5th, 2010
5:27 pm
Maybe Jason Heyward is the next Ricky Jordan.
Chris in JAX
April 5th, 2010
5:28 pm
Does Glaus look a little lost at first? Like in the second innning?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:29 pm
Derek Lowe is a lucky fellow. His team has scored eight runs, and he just got a line-drive DP.
sahdawg1
April 5th, 2010
5:30 pm
where can you listen live to the braves online. can’t seem to find anything that doesn’t cost $?
In a word, yes.
April 5th, 2010
5:30 pm
Does Glaus look a little lost at first? Does Sarah Palin look lost at a MENSA meeting?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:31 pm
And now McLouth makes a running snag.
Kentavo
April 5th, 2010
5:32 pm
Mark, I knew I wasn’t dreaming on Marshall. I’m guessing Sweet Lou knew this.
Thanks for the quick response.
For what it’s worth, I’m in Myrtle Beach and saw Heyward with the Pelicans for a cup of coffee before he was gone up the ladder, He’s even more of a beast now, of course.
Dr. Statisto
April 5th, 2010
5:35 pm
Derek Lowe is only 159 wins away from 300 for his career.
Aaron
April 5th, 2010
5:37 pm
Troy Glaus single. Can we stop complaining about him now?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:37 pm
Troy Glaus with a soft single. The Braves have had a week’s worth of bloops fall in.
Michael
April 5th, 2010
5:37 pm
This year’s Braves team must be one of the few that can watch its Opening Day starter get shelled and say “eh, we have four better.”
DP
April 5th, 2010
5:38 pm
To the guy asking if the Yankees would have taken Derek Lowe straight up for Melkey Cabrera, the answer is no. The Yankees wouldn’t have taken Lowe for the worst minor league player in their system. Nobody would take on 3 years of Lowe at $15 million per year unless the Braves took back a player with an equally bad contract in exchange.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:39 pm
Jason Heyward at the plate. Needs a hit to keep his average above .500.
“Let’s go, Heyward,” chants start again.
Dr. Statisto
April 5th, 2010
5:39 pm
Glaus is batting .333 for the season.
Jeff Rant-ouer
April 5th, 2010
5:39 pm
Hey Hawk-DLowe is one of the most humble guys around…we see him down in Peachtree Battle on home off-days all the time, and he couldn’t be nicer…that being said, EVERYONE-QUIT being a pessimist about HEYWARD compared to how Frenchy turned out-JESUS-can’t we get a little excited-MAN this cold, dark sports town NEEDS SOME LIFE (besides Barking Dawgs)…man, we don’t HAVE ANYTHING HERE with ROOTS to call our OWN besides CNN and Coca-Cola…let’s celebrate and encourage this hometown kid…and, every indication shows that J-Hey has the mental makeup to handle the hometown buzz/pressure MUCH better than Jeff F. did…all that to say-I wish my Gwinnett namesake all the best in the Big Apple…seems like the change…has done him good…to quote the lovely Sheryl Crow…:)
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:40 pm
Strikes out looking. Big breaker.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:41 pm
Lowe is a fine fellow. One of the best.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:42 pm
Paintbrush wins the Home Depot Tool Race.
Drill and Hammer involved in a collision.
Tralfaz
April 5th, 2010
5:42 pm
Lowe is a GREAT fellow….just wish he wouldn’t give up so many dang runs
Kentavo
April 5th, 2010
5:42 pm
Can Lowe last until his spot in the order?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:42 pm
Lowe still pitching. Probably his last inning. Bullpen starting to circulate.
blue
April 5th, 2010
5:44 pm
Mark; the soft bloop singles? They all even out. Like Heywards line drive to first. Baseball is a game that usually evens itself out. Hit a dive RIGHT at the center fielder, and next time, a swinging bunt down the left field line with no chance to get you out. Bottom line is, to get soft bloop singles, you still have to put the ball in play.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:44 pm
Ramirez given a base hit. Might have been an E-5.
Now McLouth with a diving catch.
blue
April 5th, 2010
5:45 pm
that was ‘hit a drive’, not ‘dive’
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:45 pm
Bad call. The ball was on the ground.
ESPWho cares?
April 5th, 2010
5:46 pm
Rams release Bulger.
Kentavo
April 5th, 2010
5:47 pm
Can the ground cause a fumble?
bigdave
April 5th, 2010
5:47 pm
lol…
that sucks..
break for us… but i would’ve hated for it to have happened to us…
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:47 pm
Umpires talk it over and still call it an out. And not just one out. A double play.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:48 pm
For all out there who believe the Braves never get a break … there’s evidence that they do.
GT Falcon
April 5th, 2010
5:49 pm
Thats one of the craziest blown calls I’ve ever seen. Lucky us.
Aaron
April 5th, 2010
5:50 pm
Welp you wont see these umps in the playoffs.
Milton baller
April 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
Boooooo!!!!!!!
willieg hates bill shanks
April 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
i told all you georgians that this game would go over 8 and 1/2 runs today because both pitchers suxed lowe is a joke so is zambramo i win again as usual ihad 3teams today phillies,cardinals and this braves game over iam the best.
Biff Pocoroba
April 5th, 2010
5:54 pm
^^^^
best at everything but punctuation?
willieg hates bill shanks
April 5th, 2010
5:57 pm
cabrera looks likeandrew up there swinging
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
5:58 pm
Peter Moylan in to pitch.
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
6:00 pm
Mark, “true-fact” repeat again
willieg hates bill shanks
April 5th, 2010
6:00 pm
moylan is now in game one of 162
the mook
April 5th, 2010
6:04 pm
good job moylan
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
6:05 pm
willie, let’s not exagerate. moylan will more likely appear in 171 games including all star and world series.
RK
April 5th, 2010
6:06 pm
At least Lowe is in line for the win.
Kentavo
April 5th, 2010
6:07 pm
I’m at local sports bar but know I have time for another beer because Saito and Wags are coming in.
yeah c'mone
April 5th, 2010
6:07 pm
Jason Heyward and Marlon Byrd are Georgia boys and representing!!
Live from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley | Calling Cards Live
April 5th, 2010
6:11 pm
[...] See the original post: Live from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley [...]
willieg hates bill shanks
April 5th, 2010
6:15 pm
hope saito or wagner does not blow opening day
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:16 pm
Escobar with five RBIs.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:16 pm
Heyward needs another home run just to tie Escobar for the team lead in runs batted in.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:17 pm
I believe that will be an error.
RK
April 5th, 2010
6:17 pm
No! This is going to make traffic worse, as people will leave now.
cheesehoops
April 5th, 2010
6:17 pm
Any idea why Cox left Lowe in to bunt in the bottom of the 6th, only to take him out to start the 7th? Why not pinch hit there?
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:17 pm
That’s an E-3.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:18 pm
Because he’s a good bunter, cheesehoops, and there was a runner on first.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:20 pm
Eric Hinske with an RBI triple. Heyward scores.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:20 pm
The Cubs look … like the Cubs.
willieg hates bill shanks
April 5th, 2010
6:20 pm
eric henske is the best pinch hitter in a long time
mmgtfan
April 5th, 2010
6:21 pm
Maybe Jeff Samarja should have stuck to football
Gwinnett Fred
April 5th, 2010
6:21 pm
So questionable scoring call from the get go, huh? Former co-worker or Ga Tekkie scoring today????
cheesehoops
April 5th, 2010
6:24 pm
I get the bunt if Lowe’s staying in the game and I think he only had 78 pitches so that was feasible. Seems strange to have him bunt if he’s coming out though. Not sure if I agree with that play (though it looks like it won’t matter). Just thought something happened to have Cox rethink having him return (injury?).
Tralfaz
April 5th, 2010
6:24 pm
Escobar can have all the “‘tude” he wants to, as long as he PRODUCES like that!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:24 pm
No, that was a clear error on Derrek Lee. Had the ball in plenty of time. Just threw it over the Notre Damer’s head.
Aaron
April 5th, 2010
6:25 pm
I do believe that blown call in center is a moot point now.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:25 pm
You wouldn’t want to waste a pinch-hitter just to bunt, cheesehoops.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:25 pm
It’s now 14-5 BTW.
todd grantham
April 5th, 2010
6:26 pm
Lou is going to explode anytime now.
willieg hates bill shanks
April 5th, 2010
6:27 pm
if the braves blow this lead cox will retire tonight.
cheesehoops
April 5th, 2010
6:27 pm
Mark – Agreed, but I wouldn’t bunt. Either way, its 14-5 so no worries.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:27 pm
Takashi Saito in to work the eighth.
Ron
April 5th, 2010
6:27 pm
I just had to do a double take as I was looking at the boxscore from CBSSportsline.com and I saw that a G. Norton is still on our bench and available for PH duties…you need to check it out for a good laugh!
willieg hates bill shanks
April 5th, 2010
6:28 pm
cox will retire tonight if the braves blow this lead
Ron
April 5th, 2010
6:31 pm
…or maybe this was a way for Bobby to slide Norton onto the roster without anyone noticing………..
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:32 pm
Today’s attendance: 53,081. Fourth-largest regular-season crowd in Atlanta history. Largest ever for a day game.
They’re calling it a sellout.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:34 pm
Third-largest crowd in Turner Field annals.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:36 pm
Saito looks sharp. Strikes out D-Lee.
dranders4
April 5th, 2010
6:36 pm
Did anyone else set-up their recorder to ESPN?… Gotta like the Sportssouth guys, but I don’t know who forgot to tell everyone the ‘locals’ would block the national broadcast.
Michael
April 5th, 2010
6:37 pm
And naturally, our set-up man comes in with a nine-run lead. How else are we going to get Saito to 90 appearances by the end of the season?
RK
April 5th, 2010
6:38 pm
Why on earth would I watch a taped baseball game? zzzzzzzz
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:40 pm
Somebody has to reach for the No. 7 hitter to have another AB
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:41 pm
And a lot of folks are staying just to see if the No. 7 hitter does get a swing
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:42 pm
Troy Glaus coaxes a free pass. The No. 7 hitter is on deck.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:43 pm
Heyward at the plate.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:44 pm
“Let’s go, Heyward:” That’s become the chant every time.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:44 pm
RBI single up the middle. He’s 2-for-5 with four RBIs.
RK
April 5th, 2010
6:45 pm
No surprise who the only field player w/o a hit was today.
Poorbrave
April 5th, 2010
6:47 pm
stick RK…get a life.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:48 pm
How would you like to practice for six weeks … and then lose your first game 15-5?
Darrell Chaney
April 5th, 2010
6:48 pm
Same old Bobby Cox. Up by 10 runs and he uses our setup man and closer.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:50 pm
Now it’s 16-5.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:50 pm
Will Wagner get a save if he holds an 11-run lead?
RK
April 5th, 2010
6:51 pm
That didn’t make sense, poor. But here comes the weak link’s chance to respond!
GetwhatUpayfor
April 5th, 2010
6:51 pm
There will be alot of days when your star player don’t get a hit. RK
cheesehoops
April 5th, 2010
6:51 pm
Its not the worst thing in the world to get those guys some work to start the year, especially since the Braves have an off day tomorrow.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:52 pm
“Enter Sandman” is the Wagner walk-on song.
RK
April 5th, 2010
6:52 pm
Melky is no star player.
Darrell Chaney
April 5th, 2010
6:52 pm
Will Wagner’s, Moylan’s, and Saito’s arms fall off by August?
SamInAtlanta
April 5th, 2010
6:54 pm
Mark…53,000 in the house…does Turner seat that many or does this include standing only?
GetwhatUpayfor
April 5th, 2010
6:54 pm
And you are no Mgr or GM. Thank God.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:55 pm
Wagner strikes out Aramis Ramirez.
Not Disappointed
April 5th, 2010
6:55 pm
Great Day for Baseball! Go Braves!
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:56 pm
Official capacity is 49,743.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
6:57 pm
Braves win. Headed downstairs. Who should I interview?
SamInAtlanta
April 5th, 2010
6:58 pm
Thanks…greats blog today…as usual…it’s good to get away from the GT/Dawgs hate remarks for a while…great day for baseball
the mook
April 5th, 2010
6:59 pm
mark, do you really think you can get through the swarms of people around him to interview J-hey?
Jason Heyward | Live from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley | TechLad : Tech News from around the world
April 5th, 2010
7:00 pm
[...] Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley chats live with readers from the Braves’ 2010 opener. The topic: Jason Heyward makes his massively heralded debut.Tags: Jason Heyward , Jason Heyward Braves, Jason Heyward Stats, Jason Heyward Scouting Report, Read MoreLive from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley. [...]
dap01
April 5th, 2010
7:01 pm
Cox believes that the only way for a team to win if for the Braves to pitch the Moylan, Saito and Wagner. They will be worn out just like last year’s bullpen was.
We have a deep bullpen. Let’s not overuse the oldest members of it, especially with a large lead.
the mook
April 5th, 2010
7:01 pm
i’m sure it will be a classy interview by him as usual. taking it all in stride
Bill
April 5th, 2010
7:01 pm
Thanks Mark for a great job. Go Braves!
the mook
April 5th, 2010
7:03 pm
good job mark
and once again Lowe puts in another sorry outing and yet gets the win because of an offensive outburst. he may be a 15 game winner yet again with that luck.
NoShamSam
April 5th, 2010
7:05 pm
Enter your comments here
AJ
April 5th, 2010
7:08 pm
A win is a win…wish they could have saved some of those runs for another time. Timely hitting and some errors will get you 16 runs…wow!
Decatur Tech Fan
April 5th, 2010
7:09 pm
Guys and Gals, hate to rain on ur parade on such a glorious day, but if D Lowe (down low) is the best we got, we inna Heap o trouble. Get ur 2011 tickets now. this season is OVER! shoot for third in the division boyz, its all u gonna get.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 5th, 2010
7:12 pm
“if D Lowe (down low) is the best we got”
Judging by what the other guys did last year, he’s the 4th or 5th best we got.
There are still 161 games to be played, but this team looks legit.
AJ
April 5th, 2010
7:13 pm
We could have used the bullpen differently….Moylan, Saito & Wagner will get plenty of work in close games. Keep them fresh, Bobby.
Jason Heyward - MeMiM
April 5th, 2010
7:17 pm
[...] is 20 years old, 6-foot-4, about 220 pounds, and the new starting right fielder for the Atlanta BravJason Heyward – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) SportsNation Blog Archives Jason Heyward ESPN Jason Heyward [...]
Holly
April 5th, 2010
7:17 pm
Improving would include his feet in the shot.
the mook
April 5th, 2010
7:18 pm
some people will always see the glass half empty…
it’s a gorgeous opening day
we won
heyward hit a homerun to start his career
big mac stayed hot
just sit back and enjoy all this awesomeness
Big L
April 5th, 2010
7:23 pm
At the grand old age of 31, it has probably been 10 years since I loved the Braves. The corporate nature over the last half decade has just killed the feelings I had as a teenager. But something feels different. I wiped tears outta my eyes as I hollered for Heywards shot to “git out”. I hope that this season helps me rediscover something I lost after Ted Turner sold the team . Go Braves.
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 5th, 2010
7:28 pm
WOW!!!! Braves look Great!!! Call me after the 50-50 games are played and we are fighting over the last 62.
Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
7:35 pm
I waited out the mob, Mook. Heyward got a shaving cream pie in the face courtesy of Peter Moylan, you should know.
Alaska Braves Fan
April 5th, 2010
7:37 pm
To those who do so enjoy criticizing a man whom the entire baseball world recognizes as one of the greatest managers ever: Please apply for a manager’s position. I want very much to observe how you win every game and make every decision spot on the money. Quit hiding your baseball genius while you sit in your home watching TV. Get out there and show us what you’ve got on the field of play, sort of like Bobby does it.
ABF
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 5th, 2010
7:38 pm
MB he earned it. We have a long way to go. I hope the Braves deliver.
Jason Heyward - oSeat
April 5th, 2010
7:39 pm
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E.Lo
April 5th, 2010
7:40 pm
That was spoken like a true loser Tech fan, Decatur Tech Fan.
Live from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley (jason heyward) | Today's Hot Stories
April 5th, 2010
7:41 pm
[...] from the Braves’ 2010 opener. The topic: Jason Heyward makes his massively heralded debut.original article Share and [...]
MitchC
April 5th, 2010
8:01 pm
Mark, I know we can’t judge from Opening Day, and that this was just one game of 162, but, I watched the whole game today, every pitch, and I really liked what I saw.
I know this team isn’t going to score 16 runs every day, but we have a capable offense, and if our pitching holds up, we will be tough to beat. We aren’t the Phillies, but I believe in my heart that we are better than any other team in this division besides Philadelphia. The Nationals are a joke, the Mets will underachieve as usual, and the Marlins, they don’t scare me.
Additionally, I think that Chipper will be motivated to have a big comeback year, and the team as a whole will be motivated to make the playoffs, to send Bobby out with one last October.
I stick with my prediction: If this team stays relatively healthy, we will win around 90 games, and snare the Wild Card.
Big Red Machine
April 5th, 2010
8:26 pm
Heyward’s homerun is good for the game and was planned in advance
DoninGa
April 5th, 2010
8:37 pm
I’VE BEEN AROUND AWHILE-(77.5)- and I have to confess as the announcers were “bringing Heyward to the plate” I was thinking…wouldn’t it be really something if his first major league at bat also produced a home run as did the Cub player. And then it happened….the announcer
went “ape” and for the next few minutes the World was a better place! Certainly, the fans have
a real support job on their hands. GO BRAVES!
luvthosedawgs68
April 5th, 2010
9:01 pm
For all of you who have absolutely no idea how to handle a pitching staff. 1) Saito and Wagner hadn’t pitched since Friday. With a day off tomorrow, there’s no way Bobby would let them go 4 days in a row without pitching. There’s a difference between keeping your best pitchers fresh and wearing them out. It’s just common sense. Might have been different with a game tomorrow, but it’s an off day. Plus, they both asked Bobby to pitch.
Phoenix | Live from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley
April 5th, 2010
9:06 pm
[...] Excerpt from: Live from Opening Day: Batting seventh, Jason Heyward | Mark Bradley [...]
Balderdash
April 6th, 2010
8:02 am
How did Milky Carerra do?