April 7th, 2008

Hey everybody,

Greetings from Denver, Colorado, where we have arrived to take on the Colorado Rockies, the defending National League champions. In my first post as a guest blogger, I talked about spring training and getting ready for the beginning of the season in Atlanta. This time I wanted to update you on the season so far, but also take a minute to give you a little background about me.

A Little History

I grew up in the Atlanta area (home of Delta) and it was a dream-come-true when I was selected by the Atlanta Braves in 2002 out of high school. I had planned to attend Clemson University (on a football scholarship, actually) but the opportunity to play major league baseball in front of my hometown fans was too much to pass up. After spending a few years working my way up the minor league system, I joined the big league team in 2005 and have been the starting right fielder ever since. As for my personal life, I’m 24 years old, and this past off-season I married my childhood sweetheart, Catie. We have a dog named Bruiser and we moved into our first home just a few months ago. You can learn more about me here if you’re interested.

On Opening Night

The MLB season is just underway and so far so good. On opening night we were in Washington, D.C. to take on the Washington Nationals. It was an electric evening, with President George W. Bush in attendance. I have to say this was the first time I’ve ever been frisked three separate times before entering the locker room! When the President threw out the first pitch, it was as if a sea of light bulbs erupted at the same time. It was an incredible sight.

For all of you who travel to Washington, D.C. in the future, I would certainly say that going to a Nationals game is something you must now check out. The new stadium is beautiful, and the surrounding area will one day grow into a great atmosphere for baseball fans.

In terms of ballparks, where is your favorite place to watch a baseball game? Is it a historic place like Wrigley Field in Chicago or Fenway Park in Boston, or do you prefer going someplace new and high tech, like Turner Field in Atlanta, or PNC Park in Pittsburgh? Everyone has their reasons for their favorites, so I want to hear yours.

On the Start of the Season

I feel good about the start of our season. We’ve only had a handful of games, but the team just came off a great series again one of our biggest rivals, the New York Mets, and came away with two victories in two games. It’s always great to beat your rivals early in the season.

So now I’m here in our team hotel and it’s the start of an 11-day road trip (10 games) that will take us from here in Colorado back to Washington, D.C. (yes, again) and then down to Miami, Florida to take on the Florida Marlins. We have an off-day on Monday, April 14th in Miami/Fort Lauderdale.

As some of you may have heard, I’m a golf freak. Is there a great golf course in the area that you suggest I try to take some of my teammates too? Is there a restaurant for either lunch or dinner that the guys on the team should check out in either Denver, Washington, D.C., or Miami/Fort Lauderdale? Does anyone have any ideas for what to do on my off-day in MIA?

I look forward to checking back in soon.

Best,
Jeff

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