CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1141591
Discove r Cit yV iewN C.co m's fre s h up d ate d loo k ! | 51 forth. I do not remember who they were playing that day, but I do know my smile could not be erased for days thereaer. Aerward, I did not hear back from the Generals as the deal was over and done with in their eyes. But a month or so later, the Macon Braves were getting ready to come to town. As an avid baseball fan, I knew a great young player was on the roster of this Atlanta Braves affiliate – 19-year-old Chipper Jones, who'd been the No. 1 overall pick in the dra in 1990. I'd also heard that some stars from other Braves affiliates would be in the dugout, including Javy Lopez, Ryan Klesko, Mark Wohlers and Tony Graffanino. If you're not familiar with these names, they all played for the Atlanta Braves within three years. Chipper Jones became a superstar for Atlanta, playing there 19 years and earning a swath of honors, including being named National League MVP. When he retired, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible. I couldn't foresee all of this but I knew I'd love to see these players up close. So I called the Generals and reminded them of who I was. And I begged to work as a batboy for that series of games – in the visitor's dugout. at was my "in." No batboy wanted to work the visitor's dugout because no players knew your name or cared about you, unlike in the home team's dugout. e Generals agreed (probably reluctantly) and I was on my way. I got to sit on the bench with those players through three games and I was in heaven. e most memorable experience of that series was in the eighth inning of the first game. Chipper Jones hit a monster home run over the right field scoreboard at J.P. Riddle Stadium, Hundreds of Spaces Within Walking Distance Chipper Jones was the Atlanta Braves' number one overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft. The Atlanta Braves selected Tony Graffanino in the tenth round of the 1990 draft. CityView Publishing For advertising opportunities contact sales@city viewnc.com or call 910.423.6500