dapolla, go back with the Braves to their beginning in Atlanta. Have been in the club house in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. During one game a friend and myself were allowed by the Atlanta trainer to go to the club house and to my surprise there was Phil Niekro. Was not pitching that night, was in the club house for reasons I don't know. Anyway, they had a batting cage that the players use to warm up in preparation for pinch hitting. I was allowed to take a few cuts and enjoyed it immensely.
Bit of history, not sure if you are aware of the name of Johnny Mize. Member of the Hall of Fame. Anyway, he was (is) my cousin. He was the original \"Big Cat\" in baseball. When the memorial for him was dedicated in Demorest, Georgia, my Mom and members of the family were there for the ceremony. Also there was Phil Niekro, long story short, my Mom chatted with Phil and told him of my love for the game and my respect for him personally. Anyway, have his autograph and some other things. No mention was made of course of my seeing him in the club house.
I also have a baseball with all of the teams players and manager back in the day. Names like Rico Carty, Hank Aaron, Tony Cloninger, Felipe Alou, Denis Menke, Mack Jones, Joe Torre and the list goes on and on. Have been told that the baseball is worth something, however, not for sale, just a part of different things that I have collected in my life of enjoying sports and competition.
Know that I get rather long winded, but have to say this. Too bad that the game is in the throws that it finds itself in today. Once again it shows that men will sell their collective souls for the green backs. Must stop, could go on for hours. You and wlayton are right, #4 is a great selection.
www.johnnymize.com/