by Matt Davis / staff writer
The Meridian Star
September 17, 2006 01:29 am
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For 14 years the Atlanta Braves organization, coaches, players and fans have known nothing but how to finish in first place.
Current Braves Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann were in the first grade when the magnificent streak was started.
Over the years great players like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, David Justice, Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones — just to name a few — who have worn the tomahawk across their chest proudly.
In the early years of the streak the Braves had the pleasure being known as the Buffalo Bills of Major League Baseball. It was the Bills who made it to four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s, but each time the Lombardi trophy escaped their grasp.
“The Streak” as it has been referred to provided many memorable moments.
Being a lifelong Braves fan who has spent most of his life experiencing nothing but winning and division titles, I would like to take time to share my top 10 most memorable moments and events that occurred during their run:
No. 10.
“The Kids” — Perhaps in Bobby Cox’s best managerial job of his career, the Braves won their 14th and last division title of this run when the Atlanta, beleaguered by injuries, used unforgettable performances from rookies like Francoeur and McCann who came up in the clutch for the Braves night in and night out.
Eighteen rookies were used in all during the run to a division series rematch with the Houston Astros, who defeated the Braves in an 18-inning classic to end the season when Chris Burke hit the game wining home run off a rookie, Joey Devine.
No. 9
“Smoltz sets record” — This might be one of the most impressive feats accomplished during the run. After countless arm surgeries and stints to the disabled list, proven Braves starter John Smoltz becomes the Braves’ closer.
During his first full season in that role he set a team record with 55 saves. The only holdover from the 1991 team, Smoltz continues to be an effective pitcher today.
No. 8
“Chipper’s MVP Run” — In 1999, Chipper Jones put the Braves on his back to single-handedly fend off the Mets and help the Braves win the division once again.
During his MVP season, Chipper became the only player to hit over .300, hit more than 40 home runs, record more than 40 doubles, record 100 walks, score and drive in more than 100 runs and steal 20 bases.
No. 7
“All those Cy Youngs” — Atlanta was fortunate to have pitchers like Tim Hudson, Denny Neagle, Charlie Leibrandt and Kevin Millwood tow the rubber during the run, but three individuals stood above the rest.
The trio of Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine proved to be the foundation for the success the Braves’ experienced during the run. Combined, the three won seven Cy Young Awards, four straight by Maddux — although one was with the Cubs — two by Glavine in 1991 and 1998 and one by Smoltz 1996.
No. 6
“Andruw and the ‘96 meltdown” — A 19-year-old Andruw Jones burst onto the scene in Game 1 of the 1996 World Series against the Yankees.
Jones blasted two homers in his first two at bats to give Braves fans a glimpse of what they would experience for years to come. After taking the first two games in New York, the series took an ugly turn. After losing in Game 3, the Braves led 6-0 in Game 4, but the Yankees rallied to take the game when Jim Leyritz blasted a three-run homerun off of Mark Wolhers to tie the game.
Momentum shifted as the New Yorkers won in 10 innings and evened the series. The Braves never recovered and the Yankees closed the series out in six games to take the World Series title.
No. 5
“McGriff arrives and the Braves literally catch fire” — Atlanta acquired Fred McGriff on July 18, 1993 despite facing a 10-game deficit. The day of McGriff’s arrival the press box in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium caught fire and so did the Braves. From that point on, the Braves went 54-19 after the All-Star break to edge past the Giants by one game to win the NL West.
No. 4
“Nixon defies gravity” — On July 25 1992, Otis Nixon made one of the most logic-defying catches I have ever seen.
With a runner on and the Braves only up by one run, Nixon raced back to the cente rfield wall and leapt into the air like a superhero and robbed Andy Van Slyke of a game changing two-run homer. From then on Nixon’s feat was known only as “The Catch.”
No. 3
“The Slide” — Maybe one of the greatest postseason moments in Braves history, this happened when gimpy Sid Bream slid past the tag of the Pirates catcher to score the winning run in the ninth inning on a base hit by Francisco Cabrera to send the Braves to the World Series. Bream was mobbed by teammates as the game ended.
No. 2
“From worst to first” — This was the start of it all. The Braves rallied from a 9 1/2 game deficit to overtake the L.A. Dodgers, and become the first team ever win their division after finishing in last place the year before.
NLCS MVP Steve Avery, who pitched 16.1 consecutive scoreless innings in the series, led the team to the World Series. The Braves lost 1-0 in Game 7 of the World Series to the Minnesota Twins in one of the most compelling Series in recent memory.
No. 1
“Atlanta has its Championship” — This was the moment Atlanta had waited for since the Braves moved to Atlanta. The Braves captured their third World Series title in franchise history by defeating the Cleveland Indians, an offensive juggernaut led by Albert Belle.
The Braves clinched series in six games, using a masterful performance by Glavine, who pitched eight scoreless innings and only allowed one hit. In the bottom of the sixth inning, David Justice provided all the offense the Braves needed, sending a pitch from Indians’ reliever Jim Poole over the wall for the game’s only run.
Although they only claimed one world championship, I think the streak by the Braves will only improve as time passes on.
Who knows, maybe 20 years from now, 14 straight will be defended with the same passion as Aaron’s 755, Bonds’ 73, and Ripken’s 2,632.
But for now, we’ll always have the memories.
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