History

Although Baseball has never been a stranger to controversy. From the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, to Pete Rose betting on baseball, to Sammy Sosa’s corked bat. And now the on going soap opera of Barry Bonds suspected steroid use, it is in no way hurting in the ratings and fan department.

Why is this?

I think I have the answer, but of course, it is just my opinion.

Remember the baseball of the 70’s and 80’s, the days of the tight uniforms and relief pitchers being driven to the mound in carts that looked like big baseballs.

It was the days when a slugger only needed to hit 28 home runs to lead the league in homers, and the triple crown didn’t seem like an impossibility.

The days before anyone had coined the term set up man for the pitcher that came in in the eighth inning, and the only thing intimidating about a relief pitcher was his mullet.

Lets face it, and no pun intended, baseball needed a shot in the arm.

I mean who wants to go to a game and watch batters hit singles all day. I sure don’t.

Thank God for Maguire, Bonds, Sosa, Ken Griffey jr, Palmero, etc. Regardless of what they were pumping into their bodies, they made baseball exciting again.

And why is all the focus of suspected steroid use on the sluggers only? What about the pitchers? They are bigger and bulkier than ever, and more and more can rush a fast ball up their at 100 plus mph. Why are they not under a microscope?

If guys like Barry Bonds are going to be criticized for using performance enhancing drugs, than perhaps they should ban pitchers from having Tommy John surgery because it is considered performance enhancing surgery.

As you may or may not know, after this surgery, a pitcher always comes back with better velocity on the ball.

Cheating and baseball go hand in hand. From doctoring up the baseball, to corked bats, to steroid use. If a player can find an angle to improve his game and believe that he can get away with it, he most definitely will. Lets just hope they don’t all end up like Ken Caminiti.

Please visit Jay’s blog at http://batsofbaseball.blogspot.com - a baseball resource site to read more articles just like this and post your opinions. You can also find information on the history of the players and the game as well as up to date stats

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Commonly referred to as the ‘Home of the Braves‘ in honor of it’s tenants, Turner Field hosted it’s inaugural Atlanta Braves game in April 1997. With the capability to seat more than 50,000 fans, spectators regularly pack themselves into this facility featuring a combination of vintage baseball styling and modern amenities. Speaking of amenities, Turner Field offers constant game updates via the Atlanta BravesVision video board, the PlazaVision board and more than 500 television monitors throughout. Inside the ballpark, spectators are invited to do the tomahawk chop in conjunction the 27ft. neon tomahawk, which resides atop the video board.

The playing surface at Turner Field is created with the use of prescription athletic turf, which features a drainage system and hybrid Bermuda grass. The facility features three different seating levels, which includes the Field level, Lexus level and upper level. The Lexus level offers 58 private suites and Turner Field’s exclusive membership club known as the 755 Club. The upper level features a spectacular view of downtown Atlanta and the Field level gives spectators a close view of the action on the field.

One of the most notable, and historical, events held at Turner Field include the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Atlanta Braves Museum and Hall of Fame, which is located on the grounds of Turner Field, offers additional information on the history of the facility and the ballclub. In addition, it showcases more than 500 Atlanta Braves artifacts dating back to 1871. Open yearround, the Atlanta Braves Museum and Hall of Fame is among the most popular stops for tourists and sports fans. For those who participate in the Turner Field tours, a visit to a luxury suite, the press box, broadcast booth, dugout, Scouts Alley, the clubhouse locker room and The Plaza are typically on the list of scheduled stops.

Tooner Field, which is a special children’s area of Turner Field, is presented by Cartoon Network and is a new $3.4 million project featuring cartoon-themed baseball decor. Measuring over 13,000 sq. ft., Tooner Field allows youngsters to challenge their skills in a fun way and while enjoying one of the newest additions to Turner Field.

From young and old to small and tall, Turner Field offers something for every fan. Although most come to enjoy an exciting game of baseball, touring the museum or watching the little ones enjoy an afternoon at Tooner Field is a terrific way to spend some time before the game starts. The great American game of baseball is no longer just an ordinary day at the ballpark. Today, it’s a host of activities leading up to the big event that is sure to be a fun-filled day for everyone.

Collectors who wish to request an autograph from any one of the players on the Atlanta Braves roster should send their letter and a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to:

Player’s Name
c/o Atlanta Braves
755 Hank Aaron Drive
Atlanta, GA 30315

Fans requesting an autograph should limit their request to two items per letter. Popular items to have signed include photos, index or trading cards, baseballs, etc. Patience is key when requesting autographs through the mail, but the best time to reach an athlete is often during the off-season.

Read the latest Atlanta Braves news, Fantasy Baseball news and all other baseball news on http://www.sportsnews24h.com/Baseball/

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