Are you watching this Series, Braves fans? (Didn’t think so)
We watched the night the Braves were handed this trophy, didn't we? (AJC file photo)
I was just on a Tampa radio show — primary topic: Georgia-Florida — when the host wondered if we Atlantans were watching the World Series. In a wicked combination of guess/generalization, I said I didn’t think so. (As for myself, I refuse to watch baseball on Fox. I listen on SiriusXM. But I’m of that advanced age where baseball on radio is a slice of nostalgia.)
I also believe this, and national ratings would seem to support me: Baseball has become what the skeptics used to say college basketball and college football were — a regional sport. (And didn’t we use to call it the National Pastime?) Gone are the days when you’d watch the World Series just because it was the World Series. Now there has to be a hook, and there’s really not one for us Atlantans.
(Unless you’re talking about unpleasantness. We could watch Elvis Andrus and Neftali Feliz work for the Rangers and think, “Hey, aren’t those the guys the Braves traded for Mark Teixeira?” Or we could watch the Cardinals and say, “Weren’t we leading that team by 8 1/2 games in September?” But who wants to be a masochist?)
Were the Braves in this series, we’d all be watching. Since they aren’t, we aren’t. And that’s not just the case here: That’s true in every city that lacks a dog in this fight.
Consider: In 1985, Game 5 of the World Series between St. Louis and Kansas City — two Midwestern teams in smaller markets — drew a national rating of 24.9; Game 5 of this World Series — St. Louis is again involved, along with another team from the Central Time Zone — drew an 8.8.
I blame many things for this: The failure of baseball to maximize its strengths in a medium that caters to quicker and sleeker; the failure of baseball to cultivate a younger audience back when, and the proliferation of entertainment choices, about which even baseball can do nothing. (It was a lot easier to pick the World Series as viewing fare when it was one of four options; now you’ve got 150 channels plus video on demand.)
Oh, yeah. Almost forgot. I also blame Tim McCarver.
By Mark Bradley
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214 comments Add your comment
NC Dawg
October 27th, 2011
2:33 pm
First!
Mark Bradley
October 27th, 2011
2:34 pm
Kudos, NCD. But I gotta ask: Are you watching?
GT Dude
October 27th, 2011
2:36 pm
crickets…
George Stein
October 27th, 2011
2:40 pm
I watch because I have a morbid curiosity about which manager will bungle his team more. Somewhere, I’m sure Fredi is taking lessons from those two on how to screw up a game more.
Plus, I love baseball and my beloved Jackets are making me crazy.
NC Dawg
October 27th, 2011
2:40 pm
Mark, I am not watching. I can’t get over Andrus and Feliz wearing Rangers uniforms when they should be wearing Braves. Totally agree with you in that if my dog (Braves) aren’t in the hunt, I don’t care to watch.
Winfield Featherston
October 27th, 2011
2:42 pm
Tim McCarver sucks.
“Strike is a 5 letter word. S-T-R-I-K-E”
bart
October 27th, 2011
2:42 pm
Adding divisions and wild card teams has helped keep the excitement up for the regular season but when the dust has settled and the WS begins, you are correct – nobody much outside the fans in the two cities cares much. Doesn’t help much that this now falls in the middle of the college & pro football seasons. That plus all the other available distractions has turned the WS into a regional event.
Tom
October 27th, 2011
2:42 pm
No.
The best thing about baseball this year is that the Phillies, Yankees, and Red Sox all spent millions more than the Braves for the privilege of playing between 0 and 5 additional games.
That just makes me smile.
Kobie
October 27th, 2011
2:44 pm
Mark, you are dead on with this article. Especially the one about Tim McCarver, he just makes it unbearable to watch on FOX.
Go Jackets
October 27th, 2011
2:44 pm
remember watching the 64 cards/yanks during 4th grade, love the game, still do but have watched maybe 4 batters in total for all the reasons you mentioned. good writing.
Mark Bradley
October 27th, 2011
2:45 pm
I have to confess: I used to love covering the World Series. (I’ve done 13 of them.) But now I’m glad I’m not there. The start times and the length of games make writing for a morning newspaper all but impossible.
Bravesfan
October 27th, 2011
2:45 pm
The failure of baseball to maximize its strengths in a medium that caters to quicker and sleeker – what are you expecting fireworks after every hit? dancing cheerleaders on the field? fences moved in 20 feet for more home runs?
Note that baseball probably did better in terms of popularity and financials in the steroid era (not that I want players with 36″ biceps again).
ClemsonBrad
October 27th, 2011
2:45 pm
Mark, very curious….how come you won’t watch baseball on Fox? Even if you don’t like the broadcasters(and why don’t you like him?) Can’t you mute the channel and listen to SeriusXM?
George Stein
October 27th, 2011
2:46 pm
Best of luck to y’all Saturday, ClemsonBrad. You won’t need it, though.
Mark Bradley
October 27th, 2011
2:47 pm
There’s a severe lag between what you see on TV and what you hear on SiriusXM, ClemsonBrad. Has to do — former colleague Mike Knobler explained this to me — with the radio signal having to bounce off a satellite.
C dog
October 27th, 2011
2:47 pm
I miss NBC broadcasting the WS…ie 1995 WS NBC
East Point's Finest
October 27th, 2011
2:48 pm
In protest of the Braves collapse I have refused to watch this year’s post-season. Baseball was the first sport I fell in love with, so for me to feel this way means I was deeply hurt by this season’s disappointment. I have no doubt I will be watching baseball again next season, but I need a break from it for a few months.
Mark Bradley
October 27th, 2011
2:48 pm
And, to be brutally candid, I can read and listen to the radio at the same time.
All I remember is
October 27th, 2011
2:50 pm
Coach Richt
has more class than to guarantee a win in Jacksonville.
gtdrake
October 27th, 2011
2:56 pm
@winfield featherston
Tim McCarver is one of the best. So much insight. Him and Buck are an awesome team. Personally, as a braves fan, I am watching the world series. I am a baseball fan, that’s what baseball fans do.
Mike
October 27th, 2011
2:58 pm
I’m passively watching, checking in during commercial breaks of the other show I’m watching at the time.
doug dawg
October 27th, 2011
2:59 pm
frankly, who cares about some team from texas — don’t even know what city they come from — and st. louis, missouri. who cares about missouri? where is it? and if umizzou comes to the sec, no one will still care. except for another mediocre team for the rest of us to feed off of.
Dontavius Supremo
October 27th, 2011
3:00 pm
When I was a kid in the early sixties, and the series was still played in the daylight (like God intended) we used to sneak transistor radios into school. I still remember the boys in class shouting when Mazeroski hit his homer in the ninth! Now? Your’re right Mark. No one cares anymore. And that’s a shame, because basball call really be a fun game to watch. I’m not so smart, so you tell me: What went wrong?
ChopAttack
October 27th, 2011
3:00 pm
I’m watching… but let’s face it. The NFL is king now.
@___ISH___
October 27th, 2011
3:01 pm
I can’t stand watching the Fox broadcasts either, I loathe Buck and McCarver. I feel we’re not alone on that so that plays into it. Back before there were interleague games it was certainly more interesting too, that’s the biggest thing for me I guess.
doug dawg
October 27th, 2011
3:01 pm
can you see any current sec team getting ‘hot’ to play missouri? did i spell that right?
TC
October 27th, 2011
3:02 pm
What are you reading these days Mark?
Tim McCarver
October 27th, 2011
3:03 pm
What’s wrong with you guys? I know all there is to know about baseball, and you guys know the rest. Obviously.
jtb
October 27th, 2011
3:03 pm
MB,
Do you actually think Tim McCarver is one of the reasons for a lack of viewers? I think that he and Chip Carey, while on TBS, hurt viewership. Also, do you think the switch from the Division Series from ESPN to TBS hurt ratings? The mothership bothers me as much as the next guy, but many casual sports fans watch whatever is on their networks and if they had the rights to games then they would give it more air time on SC as well as all the promo ads. As well as if more people watched the Division Series’ then more people would get hooked on the story lines and continue watching the later rounds. Thoughts?
tulsabravo
October 27th, 2011
3:03 pm
I’m back in GA now, and I am watching the world series, but not closely. It just kills me to be reminded of the awful moves made by Schuerholz and the Braves, i.e. Wainwright, Marquis. and King for a one year player rental in J.D. Drew and Marrero. And the same goes for Andrus, Salty, Harrison and Feliz for the great Teixeira and Mahay. Just pathetic.
Delbert D.
October 27th, 2011
3:03 pm
Dontavius Supremo – I remember that exact moment. Algebra class.
Abnerish
October 27th, 2011
3:04 pm
If you have a DVR, you pause it until you get it in synch. Works great with satellite radio, but not so good with regular radio! As regular radio is ahead of TV.
Rico
October 27th, 2011
3:06 pm
You are talking about the World Series of Poker on ESPN, right? LOL
Tech Rules
October 27th, 2011
3:07 pm
“There’s a severe lag between what you see on TV and what you hear on SiriusXM”
Mark, that’s what DVR’s are for, to delay enough to allow you to sync the picture with XM or mlb.com. That’s how I watch the Braves when the TV announcers aren’t part of the Braves TV pool. In addition I tune into 790thezone.com to sync with the picture when watching Tech away games.
Bluestreak
October 27th, 2011
3:08 pm
While McCarver has been a drain on the WS ever since he got into the spat with Neon Deion, I’m still watching. It’s still the championship. I’ve watched every SB (my lifetime) and the Falcons have only made one.
I’m pulling to see the Rangers get their first ring and rooting solidly against the Cardinals. The only WS I didn’t care much for was the Subway Series between the Mutts and the Yaps. Both teams could go away, and I wouldn’t mind.
Wolf
October 27th, 2011
3:09 pm
Can’t watch a game until next April. The Braves soured me from the game for at least 5 months.
Sonny Clusters
October 27th, 2011
3:09 pm
We was glad to see a baseball blog. Clusters can play some ball and we like to blog some baseball even in the off season. It IS off-season for the Braves, right? They are out a huntin’, right? Watching the WS is something we’re going to do even if we are heartsick at the EPIC collapse of the Atlanta Braves. When they needed to win a game they couldn’t and when they had some choices to make about how they would compete they gave us more Derek Lowe. Blowing a lead like they had and losing that grounder in the lights and not being able to bring runners home from third was just some of the problems. From the get-go we urged them to hire Stinky Wintes but he says nobody from the Braves contacted him. That puts a lot of pressure on Greg Walker who needs to put a little pressure on Jason Heyward and some of the other Braves not named Freddie. If we was Fredi Gonzales we would burn everything in the clubhouse and start all over. We’d take down those little signs in the outfield, too. Then, we’d ban all huntin’ magazines and spit cups in the clubhouse and tell the players they need to play some ball. That’s what we’d do and we was state championship.
6-2
October 27th, 2011
3:09 pm
Did Coach Paul Johnson tune up that previously explosive and talented GT offense?
Rico
October 27th, 2011
3:09 pm
Hey “Tech Rules” – Brilliant!
Abnerish
October 27th, 2011
3:15 pm
I honestly think the addition of the Division Series has at least somewhat contributed to the decline of interest. Too many games and people just get worn out. It feels more like the NBA or NHL playoffs. Drag on far too long.
Triple Lindy
October 27th, 2011
3:17 pm
I’m absolutely watching. If you’re a baseball fan and not watching, you’re missing out. Its been one of the better Series in years and absolutely worth watching to see Tony “Smartest Man In Baseball” LaRussa flub the bullpen management.
Also as a side note: the best thing about postseason baseball on Fox — 3 weeks of Joe Buck-less NFL coverage.
Ole Smoky
October 27th, 2011
3:18 pm
Tim McCarver & Fox Baseball are awful but I do want see another LaRussa meltdown… Go Rangers !
kevin
October 27th, 2011
3:19 pm
Mark don’t be so harsh on Tim McCarver. Some of the blame has to go to Joe Buck too. Those guys are awful! Hell I am not even sure Joe is watching the same game I am sometimes.
gtdrake you are out of your mind if you think they are one of the best teams. You want good listen to the braves on the radio. Ben Ingram filling on for Don or Jim is about 100 billizon times better than those two.
I am watching the world series despite those too because I will agree with gtdrake…that is what baseball fans do.
Mark baseball on the radio is not nostalgia, I am 28 years old and I love it.
As for why people are not as into the world series I think it has to do with a change in society. We are a need it now kind of society. Football and college basketball you can watch one game in a 3 hour block and know who moves on. NBA post season takes fooooorrrrrrrreeeeeeeeevvvvvvvveeeer and the NHL too. 1 round of 5 and 2 rounds of 7 with off days played after two games takes too long for a sort of fan to be interested in.
I’ve been thinking recently why not drop all three series down 2 games. with a one game playoff for an extra wild card team. best of 3 (like most regular season series) for division series, best of 5 for LS and WS. no off days, if travel from coast to coast play the early game/late game.
Oh yeah and force Fox/ESPN to show less phillies/yankees/red sox games during the season so people can learn about other teams so when the post season comes around they will get to watch something known.
Abnerish
October 27th, 2011
3:20 pm
Oh yeah, and McCarver is awful. I am amazed that Fox keeps dragging him out every year. Who likes him? I’ve never heard anybody say anything good about him. Ever. Deion tracking down McCarver in the clubhouse just to douse him with ice water is still in my top ten favorite sports moments. “Yo where McCarver at?”
Delbert D.
October 27th, 2011
3:21 pm
Baseball needs an alternative format. Play the regular league games, but add in an FA cup-type single elimination competition with all the minor league teams that runs throughout the season. Even the Brits would tune in for that.
Abnerish
October 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
So will the fans in Busch stadium quiet down when LaRussa picks up the bullpen phone? I can see the big screen now — “Quiet please, LaRussa is using the phone”
Bhorsoft
October 27th, 2011
3:24 pm
Only watch it (or any baseball game) if I’m in need of a good long nap. Same holds true for golf on TV.
NC Brave
October 27th, 2011
3:26 pm
Good article, MB. I haven’t watched a second of baseball since the final out of the “collapse”. It will be interesting to see if I can stomach baseball next spring. I’ve gone from shock to somewhere between anger and disbelief. Go Thrashers! Oh wait…Hawks….hmmm…Falcons there we go!
blazerdawg
October 27th, 2011
3:26 pm
I love baseball, have always considered the Rangers to be my AL team, and I still have not caught a game yet. None of my work colleagues have even mentioned it.
In 1950 when folks got off work at 5:00 PM they could take the ten minute bus ride to the game, get in for a few bucks, and watch a two hour and fifiteen minute game.
I do not mind the length of the games necessarily, but CFB and the NFL are absolutely a distraction, not to mention all of the other great things to do around Atlanta in the fall.
If the baseball season ended August 31 I would enjoy it much more, but I know that will never happen.
Next labor negotiation I wish the players would ask for fewer games not more dough. How much do they need?
CONTRACT THE SEASON!
Delbert D.
October 27th, 2011
3:30 pm
Headline: “Pro Leagues Must Recognize Their Limits” Vecsey, nytimes today
Heisenberg
October 27th, 2011
3:33 pm
I am watching. But certainly the high quality NFL games on Sunday and Monday nights had to be responsible for taking a chunk out of the ratings. LoL – I kill me sometimes. But I do know what will take away viewers form the game tonight (at least from 10-10:30) is the premier of the new Beavis & Butthead.
aswingruber
October 27th, 2011
3:35 pm
I know of no one who actually enjoys Tim McCarver’s call of a ball game. In fact, just about every baseball fan I know who has seen a game on Fox cannot stand his idiotic and smug remarks. From reading columns like this and others, and bloggers responses, it’s obvious that fans generally hate Tim McCarver as an announcer. So how is it that Fox continues to let this guy in front of a microphone year in and year out and subject an already dwindling audience to the torture of listening to this moron???
Jim
October 27th, 2011
3:37 pm
The best things about leagues like the NFL and College Basketball is the “one and done” scenario in the postseason. It is much better than sitting through endlessly another “best of seven” playoff series, such as in the NBA, MLB, and NHL.
Zing
October 27th, 2011
3:37 pm
I’ve caught some of the games on tv– and haven’t regretted it. They’ve really been exciting games. But I’m not really following it all that closely, no.
Jim
October 27th, 2011
3:39 pm
Who still remembers the “Baseball Network” during 1995 when the Braves won it all? One of the worst ideas next to New Coke.
coach13
October 27th, 2011
3:41 pm
ENORMOUS contracts puts a bad taste in the mouth. Plus, if they had Philly and the Sox more people would watch because they are the big teams. Problem is that NYY and Boston go and spend too much on offense and not enough on pitching, the Phillies are the opposite. Nobody is going to tune in to watch CJ Wilson and Kyle Lohse.
The megateams spend a ton on one aspect and dilute the rest of the league. Plus, dynasties are a thing of the past. Players jump teams too much. You won’t see another Yankees run like the had back in the day. It’s proven, too many stars getting too much money on the same team is not a recipe for success. THerefore the rest of the product is diluted.
bulldogbubba
October 27th, 2011
3:46 pm
Clusters did you read that Washington will not guarantee “Buck Commander” Adam LaRoche a job at 1st base next year.Do you think him and Chipper will ride the pine and collect their money? Just wonderin’.I also haven’t seen any “huggin”or :fanny pattin” from the Rangers or Cards.
ATL Fan
October 27th, 2011
3:50 pm
I’ve been watching DQ to see if Sonny Clusters showed up.
MatthewH
October 27th, 2011
3:55 pm
I hate to say it, but I fear that baseball my be going the way of the NHL. That is, a very intense fanbase especially in cities that have a team, but not a national following. I say this with a great deal of sadness since baseball is and will always be my “number one” sport.
GoldenRichards
October 27th, 2011
3:56 pm
This year’s game 5 was up against MNF, whereas 1985’s game 5 was on a Thursday night in an era before Thursday night college football. There was no other sporting event on television that night.
MatthewH
October 27th, 2011
3:57 pm
sorry. my=may
Andy
October 27th, 2011
4:00 pm
I have not and will not stop watching the World Series. Even if I don’t care much about either team, the Fall Classic gives me the chills every October.
Of course, I also happen to think that Tim McCarver is the most brilliant baseball mind on the air and the Series wouldn’t be the same without his analysis (and quirks). So that probably disqualifies my opinion in the minds of most.
Abnerish
October 27th, 2011
4:10 pm
If the size of the contracts had anything to do with it, then you would see a reduction in ALL major sports, not just baseball. The largest reason for the drop in viewers is that baseball is no longer the sport that Dads hand down to their kids. I love baseball and it is reflected in my son loving baseball. But fewer and fewer people in this country love the sport and consider it nothing more than a distraction until football season starts. Quite frankly, I don’t believe MLB can do anything to change this. Just due to the nature of the sport, it is not a sport that knocks you over the head and is very much a cerebral sport. It is not a sport that can be appreciated with just a passing interest, which is why a lot of people find it boring. These people say that “nothing happens”, but they fail to realize that something is ALWAYS happening in a baseball game.
Ted M
October 27th, 2011
4:16 pm
I’m watching
PMC
October 27th, 2011
4:19 pm
Joe Buck and Tim McCarver have to be the two least liked major broadcasters in sports. I can’t think of a single individual anywhere I’ve ever met that likes either one.
I do like Baseball on the radio, but seriously Mark. NOTHING about this WS is interesting. It has virtually 0 gravitas. I’m personally pulling for Texas, but remembering great WS gone by, this is probably a pretty good one, I’m just not interested in the least. I’ll watch maybe an inning or so. I’ve been watching AWFUL NFL games (last monday) over the WS.
MitchC
October 27th, 2011
4:20 pm
I’m not watching this series, Mark.
I dont recall if I ever told you that I live in PA, and am originally from the NYC area, but have been a Braves fan for 28 yrs due to the cable TV.
In spite of what happened to the Braves,.., had the Phillies.. or Yankees.,.been in this series, either against each other, or one of them against another team, then I would be watching. It isnt just the idea of what happened with the Cards catching the Braves. The reality is, few people outside of STL and Dallas metro care what happens in this series.
The networks for their ratings would have wanted a Phillies-Yankees, or Yankees-Braves World Series. Alas, they didnt get their wish.
I hope that the Rangers can finish the Cards, just so the team that the Braves got beat out by, cant be World Champs. However, if that doesnt happen, it wont really matter to me. My next meaningful game will be sometime next April, whenever the Braves firat game is.
UKUGA
October 27th, 2011
4:20 pm
I’m watching. Always do. Hoping and praying that this is McCarver’s last WS.
Ted M
October 27th, 2011
4:20 pm
Mark – Did cheer when Dion Sanders doused McCarver with gatorade? McCarver was pissed but it was pretty funny.
UKUGA
October 27th, 2011
4:22 pm
BTW, You just know Joe Buck is warming up his vocal chords for “See you tomorrow night.”
Forced, of course, and not natural and impactful like his father.
Ted M
October 27th, 2011
4:24 pm
oops
Mark – Did “you” cheer
UKUGA
October 27th, 2011
4:24 pm
Jim,
I remember the Baseball Network well. They had the great idea of moving every Saturday game to 8:00 Eastern and showing everyone the team from their local market. How novel?
ABC used the strike to get out of that monstrosity, leaving it in the hands of NBC and Costas, who ended up announcing the Braves world championship.
eastbound and down
October 27th, 2011
4:45 pm
I grew tired of Tim McCarver when he was the Mets announcer on WOR and he has grown worse over the years. not only does he beat a dead horse until there is nothing left but bones, but he has been wrong on several occasions when discussing a game.
J-Man
October 27th, 2011
4:57 pm
How about Tim McCarver is up for the Ford Frick award……..And will probably get it. That makes me mad espically because
SKIP DESERVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also the main reason we aint watching this world series is basically sour grapes. Were watching Texas with a bunch of Braves Prospects go up against the team that took our playoff spot. And we see our owners and management do nothing essentially about it and I don’t see any big trades or free agent signings coming so expect a sharp decline in attandance next year.
just a fan
October 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
I never thought I would see “Tim McCarver” and “insight” in the same sentence. McCarver is awful but I still watch the world series regardless of who is playing because I love baseball. (but then I would stop to watch kids playing baseball in a vacant lot if kids still did that) And this year the games have been close and exciting except for the one blow out. In my opinion if you only watch if “your team” is playing you are not really a baseball fan.
Get rid of Gonzalaz
October 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
How about Tim McCarver is up for the Ford Frick award……..And will probably get it. That makes me mad espically because
SKIP DESERVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also the main reason we aint watching this world series is basically sour grapes. Were watching Texas with a bunch of Braves Prospects go up against the team that took our playoff spot. And we see our owners and management do nothing essentially about it and I don’t see any big trades or free agent signings coming so expect a sharp decline in attandance next year. And Fire Fredi!!!!!!!!
Get rid of Gonzalaz
October 27th, 2011
4:59 pm
why are my post not showing up
dean
October 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
Isn’t “Poirot” on tonight? Or is it “Doc Martin”?
Don in TN
October 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
Yes, I’m watching. Don’t like Tim Mc either, but after the WS, there’s no more baseball until spring. Also like watching Andrus, Feliz, and Harrison. Sort of like a fascination with the old girl friend that got away, I guess.
GT Alum
October 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
I’ve watched the playoffs in previous years after the Braves got eliminated, but the collapse this year killed my enthusiasm for baseball. And as you stated, this year’s WS combatants offer reminders of the Braves’ missteps.
1969 Atlanta Braves
October 27th, 2011
5:10 pm
McCarver is just an ole Cardinal & a ole Phillie, he was Steve Carltons personal catcher, he is true baseball, however eastbound is right he will beat that horse into the ground and is really boring, and we have not watched a game the whole series. Looking toward the 2012 Braves………..
GT Alum
October 27th, 2011
5:10 pm
aswingruber -
It’s Fox. Do you really need any further explanation?
extremus
October 27th, 2011
5:23 pm
You’re dead on with your assessment on this one, Mr. Bradley. Neither I now any of my family have watched a minute of the playoffs or World Series; the same goes for any pro sports playoffs where an Atlanta team isn’t involved; I mean, as a fan of the Braves or Falcons, what’s the point unless you like feeling embittered?
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
5:26 pm
There are those who just watch a particular team and then there are those who love the game of baseball. Me, I love baseball. I watch some Major League games but I watch just as many minor league games on the computer and now, I’m watching Winter League games on the computer, most nights. They are hard to find but they are there.
All in all, I think this World Series has been a pretty good one. Pitching has been good, mostly. The thing to do if you don’t like McCarver (personally the thought of him broadcasting makes me want to heave), just turn down the sound and watch the game. If you’re at the ballpark, there’s no play by play. Like I said, I watch Winter Ball, all the time and don’t speak Spanish. You can tell what’s going on without play by play. It ain’t brain surgery, it’s just baseball.
A lot of the people who don’t watch the Series just because their team isn’t there are the same ones who refer to their team’s manager as “the head coach”. They aren’t baseball fans, anyway.
Skeezix
October 27th, 2011
5:27 pm
Mark: I have been watching some of it and following along more closely in the newspapers. Pujols is reason enough to watch, but like you, I can’t stand to listen to McCarver. And, yes, I have lamented over the Texieira trade many times.
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
MB
If you’re around, my previous post seems to be lost in cyber-space. No bad words, I swear.
Herschel Talker
October 27th, 2011
5:35 pm
MB:
Heck no, I aint watching.
HT
mark
October 27th, 2011
5:35 pm
ABSOLUTELY watching! This has been a great series all the way around!
Joey
October 27th, 2011
5:36 pm
I decided to watch, and I’m shocked! I find it amazing to watch multi-millionaires who don’t choke in World Series.
And I thought it was normal for players to hit half of their regular season averages in the playoffs!?!
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
5:37 pm
Attempt Number 2
There are those who just watch a particular team and then there are those who love the game of baseball. Me, I love baseball. I watch some Major League games but I watch just as many minor league games on the computer and now, I’m watching Winter League games on the computer, most nights. They are hard to find but they are there.
All in all, I think this World Series has been a pretty good one. Pitching has been good, mostly. The thing to do if you don’t like McCarver (personally the thought of him broadcasting makes me want to heave), just turn down the sound and watch the game. If you’re at the ballpark, there’s no play by play. Like I said, I watch Winter Ball, all the time and don’t speak Spanish. You can tell what’s going on without play by play. It ain’t brain surgery, it’s just baseball.
A lot of the people who don’t watch the Series just because their team isn’t there are the same ones who refer to their team’s manager as “the head coach”. They aren’t baseball fans, anyway.
Sir Stealth
October 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
The Feliz/Andrus comments are so annoying. Sometimes you take a reasonable risk and it doesn’t result in a championship – I wish people would just get over it.
I consider myself a diehard Braves fan and haven’t been able to watch the postseason at all. After all of the investment in the marathon 162 game season, it’s really hard to go forward and watch more when your team’s not in it, especially if they’re not in it due to a painful collapse.
Bob
October 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
This WS shows the importance of a good manager. Texas doesn’t have the big name athletes (the core group are compliments of JS and the Braves), but their mgr has them winning…so does St Louis. The Braves certainly had the talent on the field; however, it was either missused or mismanaged. This should have been the Braves WS if Wren gad hired someone other than a Cox clone.
LawDawg
October 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
Mark, thank you for being one of the few members of the sports media fraternity that will call a spade a spade and openly state that Tim McCarver is an abomination (I may be paraphrasing you there).
Heath
October 27th, 2011
6:09 pm
If they shortened games to 7 innings I’d watch, but nowadays the last three innings take 90 minutes because a starter goes at most 6 innings and then 37 relievers pitch to one hitter a piece. Boring.
BRAVESFAN
October 27th, 2011
6:14 pm
I’ll be watching because it’s a long time until spring training.
jazzward10
October 27th, 2011
6:26 pm
Enter your comments here
Bernard
October 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
you may also blame Fredi G., Frank Wren, D. lowe, its so funny I’ve forgotten the name of most of the other non achievers on this “team” which is areflection of their very forgettable NON-PERFORMANCE…but alas poor Yorick, the Cardinals may suffer the same bitter end…GO RANGERS!!…yeah can you believe we traded away those players for that block head Tex whatever his name is?
jazzward10
October 27th, 2011
6:35 pm
I watch it because im a big baseball fan.I wished the Braves was in it,but i still watch it.The Braves will be back in it within the next 2 years.Too much good pitching coming along and 2 guys that will be studs in Freeman and Heyward to go along with Mac and Uggla.Need to sign Bourn to an extension and we have Pastornicky coming along plus a strong bullpen.The future looks good.
yunel asscobar
October 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Absolutely watching and surprised that the sports section of a major metro area paper/website has writers who promote not watching unless the home team is involved. Seems classless at first blush.
There are those who love the game, watch every WS game possible, and find this series to be filled with excitement.
As bad as you make McCarver out to be, he’s light years ahead of Chip Carey. LaRussa has major detractors, yet he’s so far beyond anything F Gonzalez brings to the team in terms of a value add that it’s not even comparable.
1985 vs 2011? Try the fact that television is now calling all the shots. Kids once grew up loving the game and eagerly anticipating the series – one that they could actually watch due to reasonable start/finish times.
Buzziswiser
October 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Drove by the Ted yesterday and could not help think that if the Braves had held up their end, I would not have to deal with FOX or McCarver. Or a rainout as the weather was fine. Actually think Buck does a good job though not up to his Dad’s standard. ” I can’t believe what I just saw.”
dave
October 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
I am watching and rooting for Texas, they drafted the paralyzed UGA player. However, if St. Louis wins they should really give the Braves a small cut for choking so bad!
Auburn Fan
October 27th, 2011
7:03 pm
What is it about Tim McCarver’s analysis that makes me want to destroy my TV?
durwood
October 27th, 2011
7:19 pm
This is pure sport. This is what October is about. The World Series. History is being made. And all of you are missing it! You’re missing what could be a first tonight if Texas wins. You’re missing the greatest turn around in two months in Baseball history if St. Louis wins. This is great, freakin great and you all are missing it!
MYRA
October 27th, 2011
7:21 pm
Im totaly watchin and rootin for Cards. They played their azzs off the last 6-7 weeks. They blew by us and everybody else. They are for real and deserve the hardware.
The Braves sukd at the end and they deserve their honey do lists and the Snuggie.
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
7:24 pm
As bad as they were, the collapse of the Braves and the Red Sox, this year, weren’t nearly as epic as the Phillies in 1964.
WeBurn
October 27th, 2011
7:27 pm
I am watching, mostly because no other sports are on tv most days.
SUMTER SC is the arm pit of the world!
October 27th, 2011
7:34 pm
NO!
BRAVESFAN
October 27th, 2011
7:35 pm
Who wouldn’t watch a game being managed by a crackhead against an old drunk? Can’t wait to see what happens when they run out of their stuff in the ninth inning. Remember Tony, admitting you have a problem (rather than blame the pitching coach) is the first step.
pawpaw
October 27th, 2011
7:47 pm
It still baseball season right??? The braves will play again another day! But ts stll baseball season for a day or two.
pawpaw
October 27th, 2011
7:48 pm
Enter your comments here
Plate Appearance
October 27th, 2011
7:52 pm
How can a true fan not watch the series?
Got to root for the NL!
Lee in S GA
October 27th, 2011
7:56 pm
haven’t watched 1 damn out yet and don’t plan on it
braves bobblehead 3
October 27th, 2011
8:00 pm
I is watching because I like baseball.
Get rid of Gonzalaz
October 27th, 2011
8:09 pm
How about Tim McCarver is up for the Ford Frick award……..And will probably get it. That makes me mad espically because
SKIP DESERVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also the main reason we aint watching this world series is basically sour grapes. Were watching Texas with a bunch of Braves Prospects go up against the team that took our playoff spot. And we see our owners and management do nothing essentially about it and I don’t see any big trades or free agent signings coming so expect a sharp decline in attandance next year.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 27th, 2011
8:10 pm
Even if I liked watching baseball outside of the Braves, which I don’t, I wouldn’t watch solely because of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.
GT81
October 27th, 2011
8:12 pm
When I was a kid, we came home from school and watched the Series. I wonder if any of the current children are learning to be baseball fans. I kind of doubt it. In the short term, presumably the present setup makes money for the owners, but I’m wondering if we are raising a new generation of baseball fans.
Icon
October 27th, 2011
8:13 pm
Yes, I am a Baseball fan. Baseball losing “market share” to the NFL and other sports is no loss. If the average NFL fan thinks Baseball is boring, best they hit the trail. They don’t have the intellect to be a good Baseball fan anyway.
dawg4u
October 27th, 2011
8:18 pm
I am a channel surf watcher until the eighth or ninth inning and only then if it is a close game. I still have to mute McCarver though but I used to enjoy listening to him in my younger days. I guess he’s like one of those relatives that just wear out their welcome over time.
Want to hear Al Micheals call another World Series
October 27th, 2011
8:35 pm
I would be watching the World Series if They would change up Announcers every once in awhile. Since 1998 Tim McCarver and Joe Buck have been calling the World Series. Fox has been doing the World Series. I would love to have NBC do a World Series. Bob Costas or Al Micheals. I would love to Hear Al Micheals call another World Series. Many people dont know he has called more World Series than Super Bowls.
Paint
October 27th, 2011
8:36 pm
Baseball? I’d rather watch myself dry.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 27th, 2011
8:46 pm
Seriously, contract the baseball season. By the All-Star break it’s wearing thin, and once football starts, I tune it off for good. Maybe fewer interdivision matchups? I got so tired of watching the Braves versus the Phillies and Nats seemingly half of the time they were on. Ditch interleague play, too.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 27th, 2011
8:47 pm
IDEA: Have Derek Holland and Will Ferrell announce games while doing their Harry Carey impersonations.
Go Rangers
October 27th, 2011
8:58 pm
I want to see the Rangers devour those lousy cards. Chris Carpenter and his mouth need to go home. I am still very upset that we aren’t in this thing. But I also know as long as fredi the freeloader is there, and that useless lowe, we didn’t stand a chance. Maybe next year will be different, but I don’t think so.
Peter
October 27th, 2011
9:01 pm
Mark. You are not a baseball fan ? So you are NOT watching ?
That was dumb !
Braves #17 Fan
October 27th, 2011
9:02 pm
I’m watching. Collinsworth is more annoying for football, than Carver is for baseball.
Peter
October 27th, 2011
9:05 pm
Here’s an idea: Don’t listen to the announcers. Just tune them out. Watch the game. It’s been a fantastic series.
Peter
October 27th, 2011
9:06 pm
Here’s an idea: Don’t listen to the announcers. Just watch the game. It’s been a fantastic series.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 27th, 2011
9:09 pm
And for the love of god, shorten the playoffs.
athens dawg
October 27th, 2011
9:18 pm
blazerdawg, well said. October is football month, and the idiots that run mlb, and I truly
believe Selig and crew would mostly be homeless if not for inheritance, should take a look at the ratings shrinking every year for the Series. It’s not because of a waning in baseball popularity, it’s because its competing with NFL and CFB. Tonight I have a choice of two football games or the baseball game. I’m watching football.
blazer, don’t worry. Spring will roll around, Hanson and Jurjens will be healthy, the ajc will tell us how great Heyward is hitting in batting practice that Fredi is throwing, we’ll be looking at some new players since McWhiff and Kenshin are gone and money is available
our guys will gush about the new hitting coach and we’ll all be excited over opening day again.
TechRon
October 27th, 2011
9:22 pm
I am definitely watching the WS. The Cards are my NL favorite after the Braves and always have been since they overhauled the Phils in 64. The Rangers are my favorite AL team, though I do like a few more.
This series is fine with me either way, since the Phils and the Yankees are not in it.
athens dawg
October 27th, 2011
9:27 pm
McCarver will get Skips’ entry into the HOF/Ford Frick award and it’s going to be more sickening than the Braves folding, if that’s possible.
Never heard a more arrogant announcer since Milo Hamilton left town, or the guy that does Yankees now. Sterling, I think his name is?
Can’t wait for spring training. We’ll have a new shortstop, a new hitting coach and hopefully DLowe will be enjoying someone else’s facility.
This season is over, next one is coming. Go Bravos!
athens dawg
October 27th, 2011
9:28 pm
Braves #17 fan: impossible.
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
9:31 pm
athens dawg
John Sterling is who you are thinking of. In my opinion, the very worst baseball announcer there is. He used to do Braves games back in the 80’s. I think he’s even worse now than he was then.
Grass
October 27th, 2011
9:36 pm
Baseball? I’d rather watch myself grow.
phil
October 27th, 2011
9:37 pm
John Sterling remains, to this very day, my least favorite announcer in any sport….he was truly horrid. He makes me love Chip Caray, and Chip is worse than Sterling…
phil
October 27th, 2011
9:37 pm
Fire FG…
dawg4u
October 27th, 2011
9:38 pm
If the Rangers somehow manage to lose the WS, then they would be the first team to lose in consecutive years since the ‘91-’92 Braves.
phil
October 27th, 2011
9:38 pm
Any team that has a rally squirrel deserves to lose…
frank
October 27th, 2011
9:39 pm
We’re the only sports town that hates and criticizes Tim McCarver. He is an alltime great baseball announcer. But then again, we’re a town that still has people say “FIRST” at the top of a blog. Bush league.
phil
October 27th, 2011
9:41 pm
The rangers still have a few more to lose to be as awful as our dawgs are against florida…
I shudder to think how we’ll screw this one up to.
dre
October 27th, 2011
9:42 pm
BILLY MAYS HERE has got it right
phil
October 27th, 2011
9:42 pm
All time great announcer?
Are you on drugs?
phil
October 27th, 2011
9:44 pm
Freese must be on drugs too….pitiful…
Conradesque…
The Pundits are Wrong About the World Series « Root For The Home Team
October 27th, 2011
9:45 pm
[...] TV ratings, comparing it to the 1985 Series featuring the Cardinals and Royals. His source was an article by Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports columnist Mark Bradley who poignantly asked if any Braves [...]
Baseball Forever
October 27th, 2011
9:47 pm
I love baseball. I’ve watched most of the playoffs, whenever possible. Sure, it sucks that my team didn’t make it, but that doesn’t take away from my genuine love of the sport. I spent the first round cheering against the Yanks and Phils, and have just been watching for enjoyment since.
In the off-season, baseball movies make up for the lack of baseball in my home.
Tim McCarver is awful, but if I can stand listening to Chip prattle on during the regular season, I can handle a little McCarver.
dawg4u
October 27th, 2011
9:50 pm
There is a good article in SI from last week that claims the St. Louis Cardinals have the best fans in baseball. It claims that Cardinal fans are basically the most knowledgable and polite of all fan bases in MLB. They never have signs or banners degrading or making fun of another team and always speak well of their opponents. I thought it was a tongue in cheek “fantasyland” article but seems to be genuine. As one who lives and breathes UGA football and loves the Braves and Falcons, that seems like either a tall tale or a city I would really like to visit at some point but Go Bravos next year!
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
10:08 pm
We’re the only sports town that hates and criticizes Tim McCarver.
Go to the MLB website, pick a team, and read their blogs. Atlanta isn’t the only place McCarver gets roundly criticized.
dawg4u
I’ve never seen a game in St Louis but I have been to Wrigley Field. Fans there know the game of baseball.
P B Orr
October 27th, 2011
10:14 pm
Fox has all but destroyed the world series. Joe Buck and his perpetual adolescent smirk is impossible to stomach any longer. The stupid high-tech gizmos like infrared cameras was invented for – who? They should just txtmsg the whole shebang to their intended audience, teeny-boppers and hipsters.
Braves #17 Fan
October 27th, 2011
10:14 pm
Trivia: In what year did the two Cardinal birds appear on the St. Louis Cardinals’ uniforms?
P B Orr
October 27th, 2011
10:19 pm
I was working on a construction project on my friend’s house this summer – I had the TV on loud but could not sit in front of it. Well, Chip would not only not “call” the game like say Milo or Ernie, he would not even bother to call *pitches*. I’d hear the ball pop into the catcher’s mitt and then – silence – no call of balls and strikes. Nothing. A TV guy should always try at least to call the game so that the blind and the absent can get it. But not Chip.
urban redneck
October 27th, 2011
10:33 pm
i am watching…………but only because spring training is so far away. i watched a little of the alcs.
this game is terrible by the way. all these dang errors. i’m goin to bed because i really don’t care. mike napoli is a beast.
comeback kid of the 2012= jason heyward. i got a bunch of money invested in you, son. for my birthday i would like to trade jj for a left fielder.
Ron Castillo
October 27th, 2011
10:34 pm
Buck is ok, McCarver is terrible in the class of Joe Morgan I’m watching with sound off. Checking MLB app radio feed for commentary if necessary. Love the technology even with the delay.
dawg4u
October 27th, 2011
10:45 pm
@Braves #17 fan – Would the two bird logo for the Cards have begun in 1922?
@Hillbilly D – I had always heard that the Cubbie fans along with the Phils and Yanks were really smart, savvy fans among the best if not the best in baseball!
Heisenberg
October 27th, 2011
10:53 pm
See that worked out perfect. Rangers hit back-to-back dingers right after switching over from the Beavis & Butthead permier. Did not miss anything important.
Sid
October 27th, 2011
10:54 pm
“Are the Falcons the Raiders of the NFC South?”
I see D. Led is off his medication again……………….
Ron Castillo
October 27th, 2011
10:56 pm
Phone must be out in Cards bullpen :@)
mirandalambert2012
October 27th, 2011
10:57 pm
I’m not surprised Atlanta people are not watching. Atlanta really isn’t that much of a sports town. THey have a limited understanding of baseball and the fact that the two sports talk channels get tiny ratings in evidence of that.
steve
October 27th, 2011
11:19 pm
I have watched a few innings. Bad fielding, bad umpiring and bad baseball. This may be the most pathetic World Series of all time.
When will the idiots realize baseball needs to be over by FH October. After that, football takes over and baseball is playing second fiddle. I am tired of seeing people dressed up for Winter for baseball games. MLB has their heads up their butts. I am old, but the glory days of baseball were World Series games played on Autumn afternoons. I have no use for this media generated crap.
Heisenberg
October 27th, 2011
11:38 pm
Miranda, I am a fan but your latest single on the radio about the baggage claim is lame. You are better than that.
Tomahawkin
October 27th, 2011
11:40 pm
@Mark Bradley!
Both Blow Buck and Tim McSlobber Are Horrible!!! They Should have the home teams commentators do the games on FAUX when the Teams are at home! (The cards commentators for the STL Home games and The Tx Commentators for the Rangers Home Games) America is Tired of Blow Buck and McSlobber not knowing the facts of teams not names New Yawk, Chicago, LA, or Boston!
Time for Change
And Mark Bradley???
Ur a Week Late in Mentioning about how the W. Series Sucks Now! Chuck and Chernoff did a topic about this a week ago…and was on point! No Disrespect! And I wouldn’t Be suprised if Beavis and Butthead kill’d the Ratings Tonight??? Baseball sucks Now w/o the roids and PED’s
And Yes I didn’t Watch out of protest of the Braves meltdown in which you and D.O.B. let them off the hook easily! Those Chokers Deserve attendance of 10,000 per game when they dont care about choking like that!
Amy
October 27th, 2011
11:41 pm
I am watching and enjoying the World Series, even though every mention of how the Cardinals got there makes me die a little more inside. But I love baseball, and I love any World Series that involves no teams from Philadelphia or New York, and I love the fact that the Rangers are three outs away from winning the first championship in franchise history. I will love the 2012 World Series much more, of course, when the Braves are there! (Power of positive thinking.) For now, though, GO RANGERS! (And I agree with those who said this is a really good series. Except for that Saturday mess, every game has been close and suspenseful. Very evenly matched, and interesting!)
John Cocktostin
October 27th, 2011
11:46 pm
I’m watching but Joe Buck and Tim McCarver have got to go. McCarver is anti Braves and Joe Buck is so arrogant when it comes to baseball play by play and then he is the worst when it comes to calling football on Fox. I’m sure Aikman wants to kick his arse after every game.
CARDINALS, RANGERS TIED 4-4 AFTER SIX INNINGS – ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION » SERIES, TEXAS, LOUIS, CARDINALS, NAPOLI, HOLLIDAY » DAILY NEWS
October 27th, 2011
11:58 pm
[...] Are you watching this Series, Braves fans? (Didn’t think so) [...]
Tomahawkin
October 28th, 2011
12:13 am
Braves need to be taking notes on fundamental baseball!
GTfan
October 28th, 2011
12:18 am
I’m watching in 10th now..Texas up 9-7 with Cards batting 2 on 1 out….
Bill
October 28th, 2011
12:25 am
Cards where down two runs in 9th and tied it up..Cards down 2 runs in 10th and tied it up…The cards just don’t quit…..
Braves #17 Fan
October 28th, 2011
12:40 am
I’m still watching and loving it. I’m hoping Joe Buck gets to say, “And we’ll see you tomorrow night.” And, yes 1922 is correct, Dawg.
Bill
October 28th, 2011
12:42 am
Bottom 11th Freeze Homers..Cards win!
raindawg722
October 28th, 2011
12:42 am
I am. Wow.
Bill
October 28th, 2011
12:45 am
Hell of a game….3 come backs…Tony damn good mgr.
Bill
October 28th, 2011
12:46 am
#7 tomorrow..winner take all!
aaron rodgers
October 28th, 2011
12:47 am
i hate baseball
Waffle House or Bust
October 28th, 2011
12:47 am
Wow! I’m glad the Cards got in over the Braves because this is great baseball to watch. Braves would have been out first round. Hope they are watching are learning what it looks like to play with heart. Leave that ho hum boring stuff at home in 2012 guys.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
12:51 am
That kind of comeback is a feat that the Braves could never pull off.
CC
October 28th, 2011
1:02 am
Like they say on that special ESPN show: AW C’MON MAN!!! That to you Bradley.
If you watch The Series only with a Homies interest, then I propose you are NOT a fan of baseball at all and you therefore fail qualification as a bona fide writer. I watch ESPECIALLY because my bumbling Braves are not in it!!
The Rangers are trying to take it, again, for the First Time Ever, and I enjoy seeing first time things. Not to mention this game 6 has been the most exciting, exhilarating, and eye-popping “What kind of play was that – Wow, another unthinkable error” kind of game. Pure baseball enjoyment. and I’m emotionally free (Braves-free) from the outcome.
My heart is pulling for the Rangers.
John Kruk is my Daddy
October 28th, 2011
1:05 am
Well, that was probably the second best world series game I can recall….
But Tim McCarver needs to go the way of Joe Morgan….
CC
October 28th, 2011
1:06 am
You know, Mark…. we write for free. I seriously believe you do it only for the money.
the truth...
October 28th, 2011
1:06 am
I watch because I love baseball……..pure and simple….America’s game….
I grew up on it and love to watch it now that I’m too old to play…never too old to watch!!!
I called the Freese ab’s in the 9th and 11th tonights…
…better the Cards are there, cause like it or not the Braves wouldn’t have made it past the NLCS…
Mitchell
October 28th, 2011
1:25 am
Who are all these people wanting to talk to you, Bradley?
Does Tampa not know that everyone in Atlanta thinks you’re a complete idiot?
That’s hard to believe.
Mitchell
October 28th, 2011
1:26 am
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
12:51 am
That kind of comeback is a feat that the Braves could never pull off.
You are correct, sir.
DawgDad
October 28th, 2011
1:41 am
Absolutely I am watching. Great, great series. Tonight – just a fantastic game. Freese goes from dropping routine pop-ups to game savior to walk-off series saver. Two great teams; MLB at its best on display here.
Say what you want about the Cardinals not belonging in the World Series – they are proving over and over they DO belong and the Braves deserve to be hiding away in shame. The late season roster additions have rounded out the team nicely and the big guns in the lineup show up to play. Nice Texas team, too. So refreshing to see a Midwest series; great fans in those cities, great tradition in St. Louis.
If you aren’t watching you’re missing an all-time great World Series.
Braves #17 Fan
October 28th, 2011
2:17 am
Not true, Billy Mays and Mitchell. The Braves have had some incredible comebacks including the 1992 NLCS. They had the most come from behind wins in the NL in 2010. Some of the Braves bashing that goes on in here, aren’t based on facts or sound evidence. They’re often thrown out as emotional and irrational outbursts. It’s almost like it’s become en vogue to hurl insults. It’s another one of those baseball fan-related actions that don’t make sense, sort of like the crowd booing when a pitcher throws to first.
Peter
October 28th, 2011
2:29 am
Of the games that I have seen that ranks right up there with the Game 7s in 1997 and 2001. Absolutely incredible, best World Series in years.
Peter
October 28th, 2011
2:30 am
Baseball > Football. I will take that to my grave.
Stinky Not
October 28th, 2011
3:00 am
I’m watching, big time. Watched a game for the ages tonight, Game 6. Freese and Berkman came through in the clutch in a big way. Where was our Freese and Berkman during the glory years of 14 division titles? I never saw anyone on the Braves stand up like that when we really needed it, other than David Justice in Game 6 of the 1995 World Series.
And MB, if you are reading and listening to the radio at the same time, you aren’t doing either one very well.
SA
October 28th, 2011
4:38 am
I don’t care and don’t watch if it’s not a local team.
clay
October 28th, 2011
4:39 am
this is the best series ever
legionaire
October 28th, 2011
4:44 am
I’m so old I remember when baseball started when it was not freezing cold and ended before Halloween. MLB lost my interest when a team could sneak into the wild card and knock off the outright winner of the division ( fish did it to the Braves). After the SEC starts football I just could care less about MLB.
Hey hey Mark bradley stinks
October 28th, 2011
5:23 am
First all the Fish won wildcard n won 2 WS rings the reason we beat the cox teams was one better managers n we had no captain to cuss out anyone.And as for fox and why viewers dim if they would go back when NBC did it with all afternoon starts now u adjust say if west coast was NL host first with a 4pm start that 1pm in there time i sure they can get there if can find brothels n sex clubs easy…..back east home game be at night game at 5pm start u know…then be more viewersfor see games!…….Oh Tampa fans due to low crowds n bad advice and no new stadium Montreal be waitin for thee in 2014!
Hey hey Mark bradley stinks
October 28th, 2011
5:27 am
well steve u must be a Obama supporter are Jock one…go back to you tent and read you mail…..what u want everyone be prefect in playin be no fun see no errors are flubs at times after all we watch them play here at The Ted Now!
Go Go Pilots and bring baseball back to Seattle
October 28th, 2011
5:31 am
Another rant if folks can do any better then what bein done then u all go down n do it bet you can’t….If started World series at 4pm Game1 and Game 2 at 4pm u get higher crowds on tv watch.same if played 3 4 and 5 sure have a one at 8pm one time durin it say game for and fifth game at 3pm n u see viewers come on board Fox see games!
cloudodust
October 28th, 2011
6:37 am
Kinda sorta in a way reminds me of ‘91
Nate
October 28th, 2011
7:26 am
Yes I am watching. It’s fun to watch teams that have a pulse on offense. The braves will never win one with the lousy hitters and coach they have. Plus it’s neat to watch the team that benefitted from one of the biggest chokes in sports history win it all.
alex
October 28th, 2011
7:40 am
People who don’t like baseball after last night will probably be tailgating all day tomarrow in j-ville and boozing it up;they’re 40 years old,wear bulldog t-shirts and ,welll you get the picture…
Senor Coughee
October 28th, 2011
7:42 am
The Atlanta fans should watch and learn how real baseball fans support their team. Win or lose the St. Louis fans are the best.
alex
October 28th, 2011
7:43 am
S.E. is full of football morons who can’t appreciate baseball.Ergo, tailgating and boozing 50 somethings with beer guts at sec games. Thank god for baseball and the passion of TM…
Escaped from Email Purgatory
October 28th, 2011
7:45 am
Baseball is becoming a niche sport in America. It’s played primarily by affluent white kids in the suburbs. It ain’t lacrosse yet, but give it a few more decades and Duke and Johns Hopkins will be perennial college baseball powers.
Tuned in the WS during top of the tenth. The Braves connection wasn’t lost on me with Andrus – the high cost of renting Mark Texiera – I refuse to exert an ounce of effort to ensure I spelled that douche’s name correctly.
Also Saw Josh Hamilton (suffering from a groin injury since the LCS) come through with a two-run homer to put his team in the lead, albeit temporarily.
Which brought me back to the Braves. Does anybody think Chipper Jones would have even been in the WS line up under similar circumstances – let alone deliver in the clutch for his team like that?
It’s late Autumn. We got the climax of baseball post season upon us and the Georgia-Florida game is this weekend
Not usually a good time to be a Dawgs or Braves fan.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2011
7:46 am
For your enjoyment, here’s a little follow-up.
Mike L
October 28th, 2011
7:47 am
Yes, of course I am watching. I am a true baseball fan! What frustrates me is watching all the former Braves who are in the post season. Clearly, the Braves got “out-GMed” with both Wren and Schuerholz. Maybe we need a new GM!
Richard Alpert
October 28th, 2011
7:52 am
My favorite player growing up was Nolan Ryan so I’m cheering for Texas. They must have shown him ticked off every 5 seconds last night, thanks FOX
montana slim
October 28th, 2011
7:56 am
Loved the article! I do like to watch but I mute the sound. I like to watch mainly to see the slow mo replays. I never did understand the trade of Andrus and Neftali. I have always liked the Braves development of talent. Quick fixes to win don’t seem to have ever worked for the Braves but the player development has. Excellent writing Mr. Bradley.
Cards fan in Atlanta
October 28th, 2011
7:57 am
Of course I’m watching and man I’m glad I stayed up last night!! I’m not big on TM either, even though he played for the Red Birds, so I’ve been muting the TV and tuning the radio in my house to KMOX and listening to Mike Shannon. I do that for the Braves as well when I tune in. Like Mark said, there is just something about listening to a baseball game on the radio. And hopefully Ga. Southern will take care of the Mountaineers tomorrow as well! GATA Cardinals and Eagles!!
alex
October 28th, 2011
8:06 am
@escaped, GREAT, that means the “student athletes” will actually be students NOT the garbage of sec football, sheesh.
STRETCH
October 28th, 2011
8:20 am
I couldnt have written a better script….they are fighting over the rights to do a movie in Hollywood at this very moment! Combine that with the Braves collapse and yes throw in Boston and its a great HBO movie!
I went to bed thinking the Rangers had this one and what happens? i woke up this morning and almost spit my OJ when hearing the news this morning! At this point you gotta know they are gonna win it tonight.
I was really hoping for Nolan Ryan-after all that great pitching while stuck on crappy teams-to get the championship. What about Josh Hamiliton, the struggled and fought to get back into baseball. Ron Washington is one heck of a manager as well. He’s the kinda of guy you root for.
You just wonder how can a team rebound after a devestating loss like this? They should be fine, and with that offense, they better shake it off and come out swinging tonight cause Carpenter is pitching. The 3rd time they will face him, so hopefully they get to him.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
October 28th, 2011
8:39 am
@alex
The “garbage of sec football”?
Lots of luck gentrifying college football to your personal liking, there dude. Perhaps that’s your point about baseball.
And I think you’re being a little harsh on the current talent pool.
It hasn’t been that long ago that normal business stopped for a few hours so everybody could watch the Series. Of course, then all the games were played during the day – not in prime time – and most boys had a bat and a glove and a few grass-stained baseballs stowed in their garage or bedroom closet – even if they didn’t play organized ball
And little league uniforms consisted of a hat with a felt letter glued to the front (”H” for Hornets or “B” for Braves) and a tee shirt screened with a name on the front and a number on the back.
Ah, the good old days. Anybody want to borrow my box set of Mr Ed on DVD?
Braves +
October 28th, 2011
8:40 am
Texas, Atlanta fans feel your pain! It is our painful reminder of 1991 all over again, Damn that Kirby Puckett
alex
October 28th, 2011
9:18 am
Escaped-garbage is not referring to talent, you moron..As for Mr. Ed , I suspect your hanging out at the “jersey Shore” I think the sec football “student athlete”-tail gaiting thing is nauseating, that’s my point . Baseball, in the 50’s or now IS a better game, it’s just not suited for the “blackberry” bunch;text on …….
Brenda Tanner
October 28th, 2011
9:32 am
Enter your comments here
Brenda Tanner
October 28th, 2011
9:44 am
You know so many fans are ragging the Braves but you know the umps made bad calls more than 3 times calling them out when Ray Charles could see they were safe, so get up off the Braves and get on the ones that clinched it rag them and stop ragging the Braves . Because to me they are ones who should be ragged like the phillis just to name one talk about the players were played so hard that they fell down from pure tiredness. maybe the Braves need a new COACH get it.
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
October 28th, 2011
9:54 am
Great series, especially into the wee hours after midnight, Not watching is Un-American even for the die hard Braves Fans, or fair weather fans I should say! We would have had our asses whipped by The Cards in that one playoff game anyway as we were limping in and they were/are peaking. 10 1/2 games back on Aug 25th and they come back and snag the wildcard, Braves DID NOT DESERVE TO BE THERE!!! Get over it!
PLR
Great series, if u can stomach McCarver, like Joe Buck a true Cardinals fan…
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
9:58 am
SEC football…suck!
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
October 28th, 2011
10:02 am
Great World series, especially last night into this morning, with 2 outs, down to the last strike, twice in the 9th and 10th innnings, are u kidding me, not watching is UN-American even for the die hardiest Braves, Fans, or should I say fair weather fans of ATL. Please we would have had our asses beat down in St. Louis after that misearble Sep. we were limping in if we would have won that last extra innings game and the Cards were peaking, beating The best, Phillies. We wet the bed. PERIOD
Face it, The Cards coming back from 10 1/2 games out on Aug. 25th and the Braves helping them out with that meltdown was nothing short of spectacular baseball and beliving in themselves as a team.
Boycotting the World Series b/c the Braves stunk down the stretch is dumbass!
Go Cards, A great baseball town where they appreciate the team…and the blues.
PLR
Escaped from Email Purgatory
October 28th, 2011
10:38 am
@alex
Easy there.
Didn’t your parents teach you not to call names and cast aspersions just because somebody disagrees with you? We”re both entitled to our opinions, and I guarantee you, yours is just as worthless as mine. Take a chill pill.
I believe I got the point that the “garbage” comment was your judgement call on the content of the character and college-worthiness of football players in the SEC.
Not sure what in the heck your second post is attempting to say about tailgating and all that. I can be slow on the uptake sometimes.
I guess we can agree that baseball is a great game. It just doesn’t garner the mass appeal it once did.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
12:33 pm
I guess we can agree that baseball is a great game.
I disagree
MYRA
October 28th, 2011
12:35 pm
If you aren’t watching you are missing some great baseball and incredible moves both head scraching and fantastic by the great manager LaRussa. He is a great manager of the game. His stratagies are brilliant and its something the Braves baseball fans arent familiar with: Incredible baseball moves from a tenacious tachtician. Long live a great coach.