The Variety Store

"The Call"
Here’s an interesting perspective on “The Call” in the Braves-St. Louis game. According to one veteran observer, umpires are “never wrong” when it comes to the rules of the game. They may make mistakes on judgment calls (balls and strikes, fair or foul), but when it comes to rules, they always nail it. If you read the strict interpretation of the infield fly rule, the rule in question last Friday, umpire Sam Holbrook was right to call it on Andrelton Simmons pop fly. If you read the clarifying paragraph you also note that the word “judgment” plays a part in the ruling. Hence he was very right in considering the call, but perhaps wrong in his “judgment” that the play was “an infield fly” versus a routine fly ball to shallow left. 

Covering the Game

Covering a post-season game as can be rather interesting considering the increased deadline pressure and requirement for more interviews either live or on tape. Throw in the mix a controversial call and it gets really interesting. Unlike in the regular season some teams use a press conference format for the star(s) of the game and the manager. The Braves chose to do it that way and restricted access to the locker room until after the conclusion of the press conference.  Meanwhile, the Cardinals began their champaign celebration, which was stormed by media, particularly photographers, videographers and reporters interested in relishing the initial moments of the celebration. As usual, it all works out, but having to be in three places almost simultaneously makes covering a post-season game an exceptional challenge.

Fan Behavior

Poor fan behavior has always been a pet peeve. I can recall at least three times having to deal with it. Nothing major. Once was at Foxboro during a Patriots game when inebriated fans fell from the row behind us into the group with whom we were sitting. Another time, during a playoff game at Turner Field, a fan keep yelling and making threatening comments. We summoned ushers and that “gentleman” was put in the cooler for most of the rest of the game. When he did return he was much calmer. Another incident occurred in a multi-level parking garage at Cleveland Stadium. As we wound our way down, the car behind us kept deliberately tapping our car. Not sure if the fan was under the influence or just looking for trouble. Fortunately we were with a 320 pound former lineman who, upon emerging from our car, put an immediate end to the nonsense just by his mere size and fierce persona.  Which brings us to last Friday. There’s no excuse for fans firing beer bottles, cans and other projectiles onto the field of play. It was a very disheartening feeling to see it happen at Turner Field when you knew immediately it would be the lead story on Sports Center and give Atlanta an undeserved black eye. The reality is that even if 1000 fans threw things, there were more than 51,000 fans who did not. Of course the perception is that the whole stadium is full of hooligans, instead of a select group of morons, who don’t even deserve to be called fans.

Yaddie

Yadier Molina is a pros pro. He’s the consummate hitter and a real team leader. You could tell in the clubhouse that Yadier set the tone for the Cardinals, who at this writing are leading the Nationals 2-1. Should the Cards produce another championship run you can bet Yaddie will be a major factor.

Chipper's farewell

Chipper seemed very content at his post-game press conference. He admitted he was at least partially at fault for the Braves losing, but was able to take his final appearance in stride. It was yet another indication that Chipper is ready to move on. But what a marvelous run it was for him and for followers of the Atlanta Braves.

Collegiate Marketing 

I saw Tom Stipes with IMG Sports (formerly International Management Group, the company founded by Mark McCormick) at the Atlanta Touchdown Club Monday night. Stipes talked about the amazing range of activities in which IMG is involved from athlete representation, to broadcast rights to, believe it or not, fashion shows. He is headquartered in Atlanta and is the rep for Georgia Tech.

Coach Dooley

Vince Dooley remains very active and involved. A so-called retiree, Dooley has written books, taken history classes, traveled, consulted and followed the Dogs and the Tennessee Vols, where his son Derek is head coach. Dooley told the Atlanta Press Club last week that head coaches are always dealing with crises. This was before Georgia’s stumble at South Carolina and after Tennessee’s loss to Florida. He seemed a bit concerned that Derek might have problems keeping his job in Knoxville.

Hawks vs Miami

The Hawks looked good for their pre-season outing against Miami on Sunday. They are definitely a different group than last year. Josh Smith seemed to be content and looking forward to the season, despite his statements last winter that he wanted to be traded. Jeff Teague looks ready to step up and take more of a leadership role. Everyone is healthy.  If nothing else the Hawks 2012-2013 should be refreshing to watch as they begin a new era under Danny Ferry.