The Tomahawk Times The Official Newsletter of the Braves 400 Fan Club ________________________________________________________________ February 2014

Braves 400 Fan Club President Bob Messner introduces the honored guests

The Braves 400 Fan Club held its annual winter banquet and fundraiser at the Atlanta Marriott

Perimeter Center on Saturday, January 25, 2014. The program included the introduction of the

Club’s officers and directors for 2014, the presentation of Atlanta Braves and Braves 400 Fan Club

awards, followed by this year’s Gameboree theme “Braves in the Baseball Hall of Fame.”

We were honored to have as our emcee legendary Atlanta Braves

announcer, Pete Van Wieren. Pete fondly recalled meeting Bobby Cox

for the first time in 1974 at a Syracuse Chiefs minor league game. Now

forty years later Bobby will be entering the Hall of Fame.

“The Professor” went on to predict that it will be a good year for the

Braves in 2014. He confessed that what he was really looking forward to,

though, was the opening of the new “Ernie, Skip & Pete” Stadium in

Cobb County three years from now. For further details, he advised

staying tuned to ESPN (aka the Ernie, Skip, Pete Network).

Pete’s wit and keen baseball insight made the evening all the more

enjoyable and memorable for those in attendance. Great job, Pete!

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 2

Red Wooten High School Metro Atlanta Co-Players of the Year: Clint Frazier (Loganville H.S.)

Austin Meadows (Grayson H.S.)

Jason Varitek Most Outstanding Scholar Athletes in Georgia: Zane Evans (Georgia Tech)

Kyle Wren (Georgia Tech)

Luke Appling Nostalgia Award: Ron Blomberg (Yankees, White Sox, Druid Hills H.S.)

Phil Niekro Scholarship Award: Reinhardt University

Austin Meadows and Bob Messner Kyle Wren Kevin Howard and Bill Popp of Reinhardt University

accept the Niekro Scholarship Award for $3,000

Bobby Cox Manager of the Year Award: Aaron Holbert (Mississippi Braves)

Bill Lucas Award for Sportsmanship and Character: Todd Cunningham (Gwinnett Braves)

Hank Aaron Award for Outstanding Minor League Player: Josh Elander (Rome/Lynchburg)

Phil Niekro Award for Outstanding Minor League Pitcher: Lucas Sims (Rome Braves)

These awards were presented by Braves Director of Minor League Operations, Ronnie Richardson.

Aaron Holbert Todd Cunningham Josh Elander Lucas Sims with Phil Niekro

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 3

During the Following the presentation of awards, we celebrated this year’s Gameboree theme.

franchise’s long history, forty-eight Braves players and managers have been inducted into the

National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. In July that number will increase by five, as

those Hall of Famers will be joined by Braves greats Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Bobby Cox,

as well as Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa, who played briefly for Atlanta in 1971.

This year’s printed Gameboree program contained a must-read essay by Jon Cooper entitled

“Make Yourself at Home: the Baseball Hall of Fame is becoming the second home of the Braves.”

Attendees were also treated to a slideshow of photographs of all the Braves in the Hall of Fame.

Three videos provided by the Atlanta Braves showcased highlights of the careers of newly elected Hall

of Famers Tom Glavine, Bobby Cox, and Greg Maddux.

Phil Niekro, the Braves ace knuckleballer, 318 game winner, and

1997 Hall of Fame inductee, shared memories of his “Call to the

Hall.” He began by relating how he waited patiently for several

years before his phone call from Cooperstown finally came.

Knucksie’s trip to Cooperstown that summer for the Induction

Ceremony was truly the proverbial once in a lifetime experience. He recalled the chants of “Niekro, Niekro, Niekro!” from his

many fans who made the trip.

During his induction speech, which he allowed might have run a

little too long, Phil recognized that being in the Hall of Fame was

about more than his impressive career stats. What he really wanted was to make his parents and family proud. Phil related

something Gov. Zell Miller once told him. “If you see a turtle

sitting on a fence, you know it didn’t get there by itself.”

Phil said it finally hit home that he was a Hall of Famer when he saw his plaque hanging on the oak wall of the Hall of Fame Museum beside guys like Ted Williams. He told the younger Braves

players attending the Gameboree to let him know if he could ever do anything to help them out.

Spoken like a true Hall of Famer!

For those journeying to Cooperstown in July, Phil Niekro’s heartfelt talk hit just the right note. He provided us with even more reason to look forward to a memorable Hall of Fame induction trip.

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 4

As the evening drew to a close, Bob Messner reflected on his two years as Braves 400 Fan Club

President, then turned the gavel over to incoming president, Rick Wheeler. Rick reported that the

Club’s Hall of Fame Trip is sold out. He noted that next year will be the 50th anniversary of the

founding of the Braves 400 Fan Club. This milestone will be celebrated at the next Gameboree.

Wait! Our final award of the night, the coveted Ivan Allen, Jr. “Mr. Baseball” Award, had yet to

be presented. Through a combination of stealth and guile, the final announcement was made.

And the winner of the 2014 “Mr. Baseball” Award is …

Wayne Coleman is a past Braves 400 Fan Club President

(1989-90, 2006-09), a Club member for the last 35 years, and

has served on the Board since 1985. He is also a die-hard

Braves fan (look for him at every home game in his front row

dugout seat), a tireless promoter of the game of baseball, and a repository for more entertaining stories (baseball and

otherwise) than most anyone we know. Let’s just say that the

“Mr. Baseball” Award took Wayne completely by surprise.

The Ivan Allen, Jr. “Mr. Baseball” Award is presented annually to the “person who has contributed significantly to

the promotion of baseball in the Atlanta area.” The list of past

recipients of the award reads like a “Who’s Who” of Atlanta

Braves and area baseball legends. Congratulations, Wayne! Wayne Coleman—“Mr. Baseball”

Arlene Langer, Mary Lou Brooks & goodie bags The auction crew: Russ Clarke, Carol Magill, and Lynn Camp

Lynn Walley stays busy at the auction table How many raffle tickets can we sell you, Tom?

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 5

Lots to choose from at the silent auction Walter and Ruth Victor, Donnie Ellenberg, Jeff Shockley

The Padgetts greet the coaches from Reinhardt University Elner and Ann Rainey meet Pete Van Wieren

Mary Lou Brooks with Cohen family members Bill, Judy, Tyler, and Chipper Messer

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 6

At our Election Luncheon in November, Janet Sevilla, Atlanta Braves Community Affairs

Manager, spoke about volunteer opportunities for groups like the Braves 400 Fan Club. Since our

last issue of The Tomahawk Times came out, Janet contacted us about participating in two

worthwhile community activities.

On Saturday morning, December 14, the Atlanta Braves hosted a Holiday Bowling Party for more

than forty military families at Midtown Bowl near Piedmont Road. Fredi Gonzalez, Brian Snitker,

Johnny Estrada, and Marty Perez participated in the fun, which in addition to bowling, included

face painting and refreshments. Nancy and Dave Badertscher helped Janet and Braves staff with

setup and registration. All of the parents and children had a great time on an otherwise rainy day.

Fredi Gonzalez welcomes the families A full house on the lanes at Midtown Bowl Having fun with face painting

Our second volunteer activity took place on January 27 at the Atlanta Community Food Bank on

Joseph E. Lowry Blvd. Five members of the Braves 400 Fan Club participated: Sally Doster, Carol Magill, Wayne Marshall, Nancy Badertscher, and Dave Badertscher. We joined Janet Sevilla

and other Braves staff along with Frank Wren, Don Sutton, Brian Jordan, and Marquis Grissom.

As ACFB Executive Director Bill Bolling explained to us, their operation goes beyond food delivery.

engage, educate and empower both people in need and those who want to help.” To They also try to “that end, the ACFB utilizes over 100 staff members and more than 1,000 volunteers a month. Most

of us spent the morning sorting and boxing food and other supplies. At the end of the session ACFB

officials announced that our group had sorted 4,066 pounds of food, which will feed 3,388 people!

Dave Badertscher, Frank Wren, and Dave Badertscher, Marquis Grissom, Bill Bolling, Nancy Badertscher, Brian

Don Sutton pack boxes of food Jordan, Don Sutton, Wayne Marshall, Carol Magill, Frank Wren, Sally Doster

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 7

The Atlanta Braves Country Caravan rolled through the

Southeast from January 21 through February 1. In addition,

several Season Ticket Holders-only events were held at

locations around metro Atlanta. The Caravan gave fans the

opportunity to meet Braves players, coaches, announcers,

and executives before Spring Training.

Braves 400 Fan Club members joined the Caravan at

various stops. Here is some of what we saw along the way.

Pastornicky signs Gameboree item Fan Club members in Snellville David Hale, Evan Gattis, and Jim Powell

Derek Schiller takes questions on Cobb move Bruce Manno introduces prospects during Rookie Development Week

Fans line up in McDonough Perez, Johnson, Venters, Snitker sign Last stop for the 2014 Braves Caravan!

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 8

By Rick Wheeler, President Braves 400 Fan Club

Welcome to another exciting, fun-filled year of Braves baseball. With Spring Training

opening next week and another Gameboree successfully behind us, the first day of

real baseball must not be too far off. Actually, it is 46 days away as I write this.

It is said that all things are easier the second time around. So far, I have found that

this is true, as I start my second time as President of the Braves 400 Fan Club.

We are working hard to hit the ground running this year. You should see evidence of

this elsewhere in this issue of The Tomahawk Times. Not only did we have

another outstanding Gameboree, but we already have a full schedule of events for the year. Mixed in with the old standbys are several new events for us. Why don’t you join us at our first event and get

an up close and personal look at the 2014 Atlanta Braves by traveling to Rome to watch the major

league club play their last Spring Training game against a collection of minor league prospects on

Saturday, March 29th.

Our highlight trip this year will be to Cooperstown to watch the Hall of Fame Induction

ceremonies. This year five of the six inductees have a direct connection to the Braves. Of course,

you know about Bobby, Greg, and Tommy. Don’t forget Joe, Tony, and Frank. Fifty-five club

members will be making the trip. That’s enough to command a full bus to the ceremonies where we

will be in upfront VIP seating dressed in red shirts. We are truly sorry we could not take more of you.

As always, if you have any suggestions, ideas, or feedback for us, please send an email to me at

president@braves400.org. Go Braves!

Saturday, March 29th Braves vs. Future Stars, State Mutual Stadium, Rome, GA

Saturday, April 26th Indoor Tailgate at 755 Club, Turner Field, Cincinnati vs. Braves

Saturday, May 17th Oakland Cemetery Boys of Summer Baseball Tour

followed by lunch (on your own) at Six Feet Under

Tuesday, June 3th High School All-Star Luncheon, 12 Noon, 755 Club, Turner Field

Saturday, June 21st Minor League Game, Coolray Field, Louisville vs. Gwinnett Braves

Tuesday, July 1st Indoor Tailgate at 755 Club, Turner Field, Mets vs. Braves

Fri-Mon, July 25-28 Braves 400 Fan Club Hall of Fame Trip, Cooperstown, NY

Tuesday, August 12th Luncheon at 755 Club, Turner Field

Wednesday, Sept. 17th Call-Up Luncheon at 755 Club, Turner Field

Tuesday, October 14th Sid Slid Celebration, Turner Field Parking Lot

Saturday, November 15th Election Luncheon (location TBD)

Thanks to all Fan Club members who have renewed their 2014 membership!

If you haven’t renewed your 2014 membership yet, dues are only $25.

It’s quick and easy to renew online with PayPal at www.braves400.org

The Tomahawk Times February 2014 Issue Page 9

By Rick Wheeler

On Sunday, July 27th, Bobby Cox, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine will be

inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. A group

of 55 Braves 400 Fan Club members will attend the ceremonies. We will all

meet in Albany, NY, on Friday and stay at the Albany Marriott. A dedicated

bus will transport us between Albany and Cooperstown on Saturday and Sunday to take part in all of the weekend festivities. We return to Atlanta early Monday

morning.

The highlight will be our VIP seats close to the main stage, as three of the key members of the Braves teams that won fourteen consecutive division titles will be inducted into the Hall of Fame together.

This will be an historic induction, as it is the first time ever that two teammates will go into the Hall as

first ballot inductees. To have their manager go in with them will make this a day to remember.

This trip has been sold out for several weeks. We have a short waiting list in the event that someone has to cancel due to illness or family emergency. There are no “partial” packages available. Please

send an email to rwheeler47@earthlink.net, if you would like to be placed on the wait list. And,

please accept our apologies if you were not able to get your reservation submitted in time to join us.

By Dave Badertscher

As you can readily see from this issue of The Tomahawk Times, the Braves offseason

doesn’t signal the end of Braves 400 Fan Club activities or a lull in our planning for future events. We have reports on this winter’s 48th Annual Eddie Glennon Gameboree, the

Atlanta Braves Country Caravan, and the Club’s involvement in community service

events hosted by the Atlanta Braves Foundation. Many of you had the pleasure of

participating in one or more of these activities.

Now we have our sights set on the 2014 season. We’ve shared our slate of upcoming activities a bit

earlier this year, so that you can make plans to join us often. In addition to what’s listed on our 2014

calendar, Arlene Langer and the Activities Committee are busy working on other opportunities

and maybe even a surprise or two. So, mark your calendars! It’s going to be a great year!

Welcome New Braves 400 Fan Club Members!

Stevie Anderson – Atlanta, GA David Hochberg – Marietta, GA

Charles & Donna Aquilina – Roswell, GA Margaret Kleiman – Atlanta, GA

Rachel Baylin and Reed Cohen – Atlanta, GA David Miller – Kennesaw, GA Donald Brown – Atlanta, GA Ron Ramsey – Conyers, GA

Jennifer Cole & family – Lawrenceville, GA Kat Reisner – Atlanta, GA

Tyler Fasnacht – Lawrenceville, GA Michael Shehi – Gadsden, AL

Max Ferguson – Atlanta, GA Tredgar and Eddie Mae Smiley – Smyrna, GA

Lee Greene – Powder Springs, GA Richard Sugarman – Atlanta, GA

Phyllis Hartzell – Cherry Hill, NJ Sidney Tourial – Atlanta, GA Robert Hashimoto – San Francisco, CA