So here we are on the final weekend of the regular season, and I feel like it's an appropriate time for the post. With this weekend being absolutely filled wit story lines, I'm worried that we might miss a chance to reflect back on what has already been an incredible, wild, and memorable 2010 season. While I know this weekend is sure to have some memorable moments, they'll all get plenty of coverage. This is a post to reflect on the first 159 games of the season. They've been pretty incredible.
Here's my list.
3. Brian McCann delivers 3-run double, named MVP of All-Star Game
I know this isn't necessarily a game from the Braves' season, but it's easily one of my top-3 Braves moments from the 2010 season. As Tim McCarver called it, "the biggest National League hit in 13 years," BMac came up huge for the entire league in Anaheim and brought the NL home field advantage for the first time since the rule was implemented. We're yet to see if that hit will really pay dividends for the Braves, but we can all take pride in knowing that an Atlanta Brave brought the National League their first win in 13 years.
2. Braves score 7 runs in 9th inning to beat Reds 10-9 on Conrad grand slam
A night after Jason Heyward delivered a game-winning double in the 9th inning, Brooks Conrad did the ultimate one-up and completed the biggest rally of the season. With the Braves trailing 9-3 in the 9th inning, they chipped away to get the score to 9-6. With Reds closer Francisco Cordero on the mound, he threw Brooksy a 2-2 fastball and he lifted it to left field. At first, I thought the ball had no chance to clear the wall. But it kept on carrying and carrying, and eventually, it hit the top of Lance Nix's glove and left the park. Turner Field erupted, and the Braves had completed their largest comeback in a long, long time. What a game.
1. Jason Heyward's first at-bat
You know you've seen something special when you've watched a video countless times, and 5 months later, you still get chills watching it. Not only that, but I don't think a single person on Talking Chop will ever forget where they were during Heyward's first home run. I know I was sitting on my couch, and as soon as he hit the ball, I immediately began screaming and jumping around like a little kid. I couldn't believe it. All off-season my daily routine in the morning was take a shower, brush my teeth, and check the blogs to see what Jason Heyward had done in Spring Training. After months of anticipation, he left Braves fans around the world with a moment they'll never forget. It's my un-questioned #1 moment of the 2010 season.
So there's my list. What's yours? It's been a pretty magical ride, and I'd love to hear what your favorite 3 moments were from this wild season.
0 recs | 77 comments
Nailed it
Those would be my 3 as well, certainly Heyward has to be number 1
abravesfan - September 30, 2010
I agree on Heyward’s first homer and the rally vs the Reds capped off by Conrad’s hysterical slam+trot. I think I’d go with Lee hitting the slam vs the Mets as my third.
redwards95 - September 30, 2010
What about funniest/coolest moments...
*Everyone staying in the dugout and letting Chipper run out on an empty field to a standing O
*Prado throwing dirt all over (I think) Gonzo after a walkoff
*Gonzo getting a standing O when he first arrived in the clubhouse after douchebag Escobar was traded
*Saito wearing full formal traditional Japanese Kimono’s (with swords!) in the clubhouse
*And didnt Chipper get the cold shoulder after a walkoff? I remember something like that happening early in the season.
*Smoltzie calling the back to back homers in the booth.
Been a great season. And it aint over yet.
MayorofPonce - September 30, 2010
Funniest moment of the year for me:
when Prado made the shields to protect himself from Heyward’s groundballs into the dugout. I almost cried i laughed so hard.
And if someone could find me a video/picture of that, I’d love you forever.
Scott Coleman - September 30, 2010 via mobile
See what I miss by actually being at the games? First I’ve heard of that!
Lizziebeth - September 30, 2010
Same here! Haha
kauf67 - September 30, 2010
Haha that was the moment that my boyfriend actually started to enjoy watching baseball with me.
Gage23 - October 1, 2010
Recd.
Nathan Lowery - September 30, 2010
Agree with the 1st 2
My third would be:
Nate’s walk off vs the Phillies.
I love when the team all went into the dugout while he was rounding the bases so Nate walks into an empty dugout and down the tunnel to the clubhouse.
dragonhawk26 - September 30, 2010
Heyward...
The moment with Heyward was special, but the come from behind wins will be what I remember about this season if Heyward fades away (which hopeful doesn’t happen). He did grow up a Yankees fan.
mdhenshaw - September 30, 2010
Commandment 11: Thou art not to mention the agents of Satan and the Annointed One in the same post. Ever.
J-Freak - September 30, 2010
All three homeruns to beat Philly on April 20. The Glaus, Heyward consecutive bombs and the Nate walkoff to come back from a 3-run deficit with 2 outs in the 9th. Pretty amazing.
epatl - September 30, 2010
How about worst moments?
There have been some painful ones this season. 9 game losing streak, Chipper’s injury, the Denver meltdown.
mdhenshaw - September 30, 2010
I’ve been to 4 Braves games this year… Opening day in Atlanta (AWESOME), and 3 games in St. Louis during the losing-streak-that-shall-not-be-named (polar opposite of AWESOME)
BraveSaluki - September 30, 2010
dude, don’t be such a buzzkiller.
fandave - September 30, 2010
Melky's throw
sag969 - September 30, 2010
FTFY
DreamWithinADream - September 30, 2010
WIN
J-Freak - September 30, 2010
don’t talk about denver. it’s too painful
epatl - September 30, 2010
You're about as big a buzzkill as Buzz Killington.
And no, I DON’T think it would be droll to look at etchings. I also don’t want to hear a good story about a bridge.
UMDBHIK - September 30, 2010
Do any of you know the tale of how cornmeal came to be? Neither did the miller when he left his house that morning.
kauf67 - September 30, 2010
Hmmm - no.
Geez, always 1 in every crowd.
NCChopper - September 30, 2010
1. The Heyward Opening Day blast and ensuing pandemonium was one of the most fantastic things that I have ever witnessed.
2. Brooksy’s walk-off slam.
3. 3 home runs in the bottom of the ninth and tenth to beat the Phillies. Glaus finally gets a hold of one after getting booed all game, J-Hey ties it up, McLouth walks off to an empty dugout.
BraveSaluki - September 30, 2010
Co-sign....Rec'd
El Soro - September 30, 2010
These are the correct three.
parish - September 30, 2010
3. Huddy outdueling Strasberg on National TV
2. Brooksie’s Blast (Seriously launching this team in my opinion)
1. Welcome to the Show
HM’s
1. Entire Sweep into 1st of Pirates/Phils on Memorial Day
2. Chips injury play (Best play of year defensively)
3. Nate’s Walk Off v. Philly
morri029 - September 30, 2010
Melky high-fiving the 3B ump, no doubt
Undocorkscrew - September 30, 2010
OT
I was just looking at the Reds’ record against every team in the NL this season and it’s terrible against teams over .500. Their record against the teams in playoff contention (Padres, Giants, Braves, and Phillies) is 9-16.
mdhenshaw - September 30, 2010
First of all, it has been an awesome season crammed with awesome moments which are continuing and the best may be yet to come, and it is, therefore, damn hard to come up with a top 3 moments and it is also too soon to say.
With that disclaimer:
The McLouth walkoff is my #3 so far.
The Heyward 1st swing of HOF career himerun is #2.
Hinske’s 7th inning pinch hit Bomb to give the Braves the lead Monday night in a damn near must win game and his ensuing Historically EPIC swag is #1 – he called it the biggest homerun of his career and I think it was our biggest hit (so far) of the year.
fandave - September 30, 2010
That was 4th for me, and I’d go with the comeback against Philly as my 5th. Both were close, but seeing BMac win the game for the NL was so damn great for him.
Scott Coleman - September 30, 2010 via mobile
If Posey really is as advertised...
….Mac may never get a start in an All-Star game, even after delivering the biggest hit for the NL in over a decade and being the best NL offensive catcher in the league since he was brought up…..
Undocorkscrew - September 30, 2010
Btw, any chance of an OT for either the Giants or Padres game tonight?
Undocorkscrew - September 30, 2010
I’ll get one up.
Scott Coleman - September 30, 2010 via mobile
Good man
Undocorkscrew - September 30, 2010
It truly was a very great moment and may be even greater still if it ends up giving our team home field advantage in the WS.
fandave - September 30, 2010
Ya missed one!
KINGSLYTUT - September 30, 2010
If we’re going off that logic, why not reserve #1 for the World Series Championship parade.
UMDBHIK - September 30, 2010
THIS
would be a good one I guess
BravesDawg16 - September 30, 2010
Too many
But for me, it’d be:
1) Conrad’s walk off HR (and the comeback)
2) McCann’s hit in the ASG
3) Comeback against the Phillies (Glaus & McLouth going deep)
Honorable mentions: Heyward’s first at bat, soo so many comeback wins/moments, and Infante getting picked for ASG and subsequent starting role.
sag969 - September 30, 2010
Heyward
I can only hope the thumb injury does not hinder him beyond this year
DreamWithinADream - September 30, 2010
man, consolidating to 3 is tough...
one that hasnt been mentioned is mccann’s walk off that was originally ruled a double. he had to stand on 2nd for 5 minutes and wait for the signal even though every player in the braves dugout (and the stadium) knew the ruling would be overturned to a hr. that to me ranks as the #3 braves moment of the year.
2. brooks grand slam. in disgust, i had already turned off the game, and my dad called to inform me that brooks was up w/ the bases loaded to win it. i was in the car so i turned on the radio just as jim powell was announcing the slam.
1. i’m prejudiced to the j-hey homer because i was there, on the 2nd row down the right field line, pin high from the right fielder.
ryan c - September 30, 2010
this needs to be titled, best so far.
my top moment has not happened yet.
nuftjedi - September 30, 2010
i just gotta add diaz game tieing homer against the marlins
then he throws the bat like “thats right, its just inevitable that this happen” and it felt soo inevitable that it happen… then he goes on to say this might be a team of destiny
willlinn - September 30, 2010
2 0thers for me
infante has 2 walk off hits all season, both against hte marlins in the 11th inning with runners at second and third.. the one game i got to this season (i live in florida) was the first one, and it was a pretty special night in that must win a few days ago
willlinn - September 30, 2010
In addition to all the ones mentioned here...
Alex’s walk off homerun and epic trot around the bases in the 1441233412th inning against the Cardinals.
s.r.j - September 30, 2010
Top Moments
1. Conrad’s Grand Slam against the Reds
2. Conrad’s Grand Slam against the Fish in Miami to put the Braves ahead in the 8th.
3. Prado’s (often overlooked) Grand Slam against the Brewers in Milwaukee. The reasoning for that selection is that is seemed to energize the Braves in Mid-May and propelled them into a terrific stretch where they would eventually run down the Phillies and lead the division for 99 days.
Tomahawk Mafia - September 30, 2010
Conrad's Suicide Squeeze
I was at Target Field for the go ahead suicide squeeze in the 9th and that was pretty cool. “Welcome to the Show” easy number one for me.
chriti04 - September 30, 2010
Haha, Chip's "Welcome to the Show!!!!!!!!!!1!!"
Is the last bit of the intro to MLB Tonight on MLB Network. So, so awesome.
sag969 - September 30, 2010
1. Conrad’s Grand Slam against the Reds…..I still get pumped seeing it after the braves win and They are playing “This Town” by O.A.R.
2. J-Heys Home Run in his first AB – with the Crowd chanting “Jason Heyward”
3. McCann’s Walk-off Replay Homer after Diaz homer to comeback against the Fish
Mullett - September 30, 2010
Bottom line….There have been a ton of great moments for this “Never Say Die” group of Braves….I love the grit and determination of this team.
Mullett - September 30, 2010
I live in NC and watch every game on the Dish….It has been well worth the $189….Sometimes you want to curse at the TV but more times than not they have sent me out of my recliner jumping around the house like a little kid…….Here’s a Miller Lite to a long playoff run!
Mullett - September 30, 2010
Huddy battling the rain and the umpires against the Marlins.
Gutsiest performance of the season.
Ivan the Great - September 30, 2010
I'll just do the games that I saw in person this year
3. Jason’s walkoff single against Colorado on 4/18
2. Seabass’ walkoff SHOT against St. Louis on 9/11
1. Melky’s walkoff basehit against L.A. on 8/16
Fatvirus - September 30, 2010
Also, while not really related to great Braves moments, I would like to point out that the one game I attended this year was the game against the Royals which basically marked the end of Kawakami playing a role on this club. If I remember correctly, anyway.
Ivan the Great - September 30, 2010
I love how in the video, Chipper is the first person from the dugout to greet Heyward
Passing the torch. makes me happy and sad at the same time
saipol - September 30, 2010
Glasasaurus Quiets the Crowd
The most baseball moment for me was the night that Glaus was booed for poor plate performance and then smacked the game winner in the 9th. Redemption has been a recurring theme this year for the Braves.
MarvelGoose - September 30, 2010
3. Nate’s walkoff vs. the phillies… i live in phils country PA and was the lone braves fan at a local bar with about 50 phils fans at that time.
2. JHey 1st AB
1. 10/2/10…I’ll be there at the TED celebrating Bobby appreciation day and a playoff berth.
JKowalek - September 30, 2010
Raw Dog walkoff slam would beat Nate but…. I was on the road on myt way to Pittsburgh to see the bravos the following day and was following on my phone….. just not the same
JKowalek - September 30, 2010
Some other good ones I haven't seen mentioned:
The epic squeeze by Brooks Conrad against the Twins, the Tom Glavine number retirement, and McCann’s replay-reviewed walkoff homer.
Oh, and every one of Smotlzie’s jokes.
Jacob Peterson - September 30, 2010
But hopefully,
numbers 1, 2, and 3 have yet to happen. (I’m thinking: Bobby Cox Day, Braves clinch a playoff berth, Braves win WS.)
Jacob Peterson - September 30, 2010
Heyward’s homer takes the cake easily.
I was watching ESPN3 on the computer, and I was upset because my parents were telling me it was time to go soon, and I was afraid I’d miss Heyward’s first AB. I stuck around, knowing something cool would happen, and I’ll never forget watching it. It was truly awesome.
Joseph_C - September 30, 2010
Heyward's first AB
the other moments were great, but that was truly surreal.
Andy Braves Fan - September 30, 2010
Another
Is watching Heyward and Mclouth collide on a foul ball.
I remember holding my breath waiting for Heyward to get up.
dragonhawk26 - September 30, 2010
Oh my word
Heyward and Chipper = Greatest. Hug. Ever.
MBL1 - September 30, 2010 via mobile
The Hug!
The kid and experience hugging after a first big league homerun. LOVED IT!
jaleemom - October 1, 2010
id like to say
brooksy 3, jhey 1, and this big push for October would be 2 if we dominate and play great ball. But the JHey homer made hype+homer=special in one shot. Kinda reflected how the season turned out too
Cody Arrington - September 30, 2010
What a wonderful read this thread is :-)
And, pagnosis – I was going to post not to forget Smoltzie’s jokes and I see you mentioned it too.
NCChopper - September 30, 2010
I'm hoping our "best memories" of 2010 are far from over.
NCChopper - September 30, 2010
Well said
dragonhawk26 - September 30, 2010
Intangibles
3a. Wagner’s entrance
3b. the bullpen and the bench
2. A month of Chipper hitting like Chipper before a career threatening injury
1. Come from behind walkoffs
bighop - September 30, 2010
I remember where I was
when Heyward hit his HR. I was with my lawschool buddies in the upper-deck in RF. Everyone was chanting “Hey-ward, Hey-ward”. When he hit that ball, everyone knew it was gone. It was electric. Like nothing in my life before!
I actually predicted how many runs Zambrano would give up the 1st inning too. It was glorious.
Sir Veza - October 1, 2010
My list
3) 7-run 9th vs. Reds ending on Captain Clutch’s walk-off Granny
2) Matt Diaz tripping up that jerk fan in Philly
1) Heyward’s 1st homerun
Sir Veza - October 1, 2010
I’ll never forget this, and will smile each and every time I remember it.
NCChopper - October 1, 2010
3) Mike Minor strikes out 12 on the way to hanging a 16 spot on the Cubs for the SECOND time this season.
2) Brooks Conrad’s walk off grand slam against Cincy.
1) Jason Heyward’s first homer.
I’ll never forget Heyward’s first homer. I was in the stands on the first base side. I had to drive 6 hours back home after the game and make it to class the next morning at 8:00 but I didn’t regret going to that game for one second.
Rhett W - October 1, 2010
Heyward's HR is #1
I was Turner Field for Heyward’s home run. I will never forget how loud the stadium got. One of the best moments I have ever witnessed attending games. Another game I went to this year that I might put on this list was McCann’s homer that completed a comback from a 7-1 deficit. Waiting on the instant replay and then finally hearing that it was in fact a home run was pretty sweet.
Let’s face it, this has been a pretty special year with lots of great moments. I going to Turner Field tonight and Sunday hoping to see some more.
JimH - October 1, 2010
3.Braves clinch the NL Wild Card with a walk-off 16th-inning home run by J.C. Boscan in his first major league at-bat. (Wouldn’t it be amazing if that is the only at bat he ever gets? A satisfying career in one at-bat.)
2. Braves cap off the sweep of the Phillies in the NLCS with a No-hitter by Tommy Hanson in Game 4.
3. Bud Selig presents the World Championship Trophy to Bobby Cox after the Braves beat the Yankees in Game 7 at Turner Field.
Pretty good season.
BrandonG - October 1, 2010
Oops
I never was very good at counting down from three…
BrandonG - October 1, 2010
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