This is just a taste of what I sent to Score ATL for consumption last week. Be sure to catch THIS WEEK's info this Wednesday at newsstands across the city.
According to a story in the New York Daily News, one of John Smoltz’s agents Keith Grunewald said that the long-time Braves pitcher might be open to playing elsewhere next season, choosing to sign with a contender halfway through the year. The former Cy Young award winner responded recently saying that he wanted to finish his career in Atlanta if possible. Smoltz stated that if the Braves had him in the team’s plans and if he can pitch, he would like to return to the Braves in 2009. Another one of Smoltz’s agents said that the pitcher will not be releasing any information on his condition during his rehab. Smoltz had surgery to repair his shoulder which caused him to shut down early in 2008 and because of that, his 2009 $12M option was not vested by the team. For his career, Smoltz has more than 200 wins, over 150 saves and more than 3000 strikeouts, become the first pitcher in Major League history to collectively accomplish those three benchmarks.
A former Braves outfielder has moved over to enemy lines. Marquis Grissom was hired by the Washington Nationals to serve as Manny Acta’s first base coach for the 2009 season. Grissom caught the final out in Game Six of the Braves last World Series title win. He was traded to Cleveland along with David Justice after the 1996 season.
Due to a trademark dispute between the 123 year old Cape Cod League and Major League Baseball, the Bourne Braves could soon abandon the nickname “Braves.” Six of the ten CCL teams were given a November 1 deadline to decide whether to purchase team uniforms and merchandise through licensed vendors or drop the names. According to a New York Times report, MLB Spokesman Matt Bourne said that the league “was obligated to protect its trademarks.” The other teams in the non-profit league that are under the gun include the Hyannis Mets, Harwich Mariners, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. The Chatham Athletics have already changed the nicknames to the Anglers and the Orleans Cardinals will soon change its nickname. The Braves will keep the name through the 2009 season. The Cape Cod League traditionally showcases college talent, usually after the players’ sophomore year.
Just because the Braves season is over doesn’t mean Turner Field is shutting its doors until 2009. Fans still have the chance to visit The Ted and tour the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame, and the team is offering monthly specials to get folks down to stadium. On Saturday, November 15, the Braves Museum and Hall of fame is holding “Free Admission Day” where fans can visit during normal museum hours (10 a.m. through 2 p.m., Monday-Saturday) and tours of the stadium will be free. Normally pricing is $12 for adults, $7 for children and $10 per person in groups of 20 or more. Starting December 1 until the 22nd, kids, 13 and under who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive free admission to the museum and a complimentary tour of the stadium. The Atlanta Braves Foundation will donate the toys to children’s charities for distribution during the holiday season. Free parking is available during the offseason in the Turner Field Green Lot, on the corner of Hank Aaron Drive and Ralph David Abernathy Avenue.
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