Jason In Maine - Take Me Out To The Ted

Well, I will get to how I fell in love with the Braves at a later date. For now, I will tell a story about 08/27/04 & 08/28/04. I had been a braves fan for a little over 20 years and had always dreamed of seeing them play at home with other Braves' fans. Well, for my 30th birthday, my beautiful wife decided to take me to Turner Field for a couple of games! I was ecstatic when I opened my gift and saw that the box contained Braves tickets.

I was like a little kid at Christmas time the entire time...from getting up in the morning, to driving to the airport, on the flight, and especially when getting to the Atlanta airport. I remember stepping off of the plane, and the first question I heard was, "Did the Braves win last night?" Without hesitation, I engaged in a conversation regarding the previous game as well as the upcoming series with the Giants. I looked at my wife and mentioned something to the effect of being able to get used to such conversations.

Then, we checked into the hotel right up the street from Turner Field. Things continued to get better. I told my story of being down from Maine after waiting 20 years to see the Braves play at home. I was given tickets to the 755 club and a discount on a dinner.

While in the 755 club, I looked up and saw someone I recognized. I immediately ran over to say hi to John Schuerholz. I told him that I thought he was the best GM of his era, if not of any era, and that I had once done a term paper on his leadership ability. He smiled and shook my hand. Of course, most people, including my wife, thought I was crazy!


We enjoyed some wings and then went to our seats. The game was scoreless until the 6th inning. In the top of the 6th, the Giants got to Jared Wright for 3 runs. But, the Braves would answer in the bottom half. Trailing 3-2, Chipper Jones came up with a runner on (2nd I believe) and promptly hit a go ahead 2-run HR! The place went wild. But, it was nothing in comparison to the top of the 9th. I vividly remember looking at my wife Susan, and saying, "Wait until the gate opens and Smoltzie comes running out!" Sure enough, Turner Field erupted when he came out for the top of the 9th. He struck out two-one on a nasty, nasty splitter-to preserve the victory. I think I was the last person to leave the stadium. I had to be asked to leave the seats! I could have sat there all night. They allowed us to stay for another 10 minutes or so before we left to finally get some rest after a long day.

On Saturday, we arrived at the park as soon as the gates opened. On the way, we stopped at a couple of memorabilia stands where I bought a couple of hats foreign to the state of Maine! Once in the park, we visited every part that we had access to. I had my picture taken in the 2001 dugout from the Braves Hall of Fame. I had my picture taken next to everything you could imagine, including any artifact that said "Murphy" or "Maddux". Then, we went to the Lexus level to our seats. We had a friendly back and forth with a couple of obnoxious Giants' fans, but then the Braves started to pound Jason Schmidt. Furcal went 4-5, and Paul Byrd even got in on the action by going 2-2. Schmidt was 15-4 at the time. Well, after this game he was 15-5! The Bravos touched him up for 10 hits and 6 runs (all earned) in 3 2/3 innings. We again stayed until the park closed. We then went around to where the players leave to catch a glimpse of everyone leaving with the childlike hope of getting an autograph. I didn't get an autograph, but it mattered not.

I used to talk to my grandfather, who would let me stay up late to watch the Murphy and the Braves on TBS, about someday being able to go watch a baseball game. Living humbly in Northern Maine did not constitute much confidence in reaching that goal. Gramps would always look me in the eye and tell me I would be able to accomplish many things and watch a few Braves games along the way.

Unfortunately, he passed away before I really got my life straightened out and on track. I have had the privilege of visiting places such as Mexico, Rome, Venice, Florence, Grand Cayman Island, Kauai, Jamaica, and a few others while be accompanied by my soul mate and high school sweetheart. But, when she asks me what my favorite trip was or place I would like to go back to see; I always say Turner Field...without hesitation!

Being 30 years old and being able to see a Braves game at home may not sound like much to some, but it will always hold a special place in my heart for reasons unsaid. The only thing that would have made the trip better would have been to be able to take Gramps, who always inspired and believed in me, with us.