braves2005archive

(12/3) ROCKET WHEELER'S AT HOME IN MYRTLE BEACH: Former Rome Braves' skipper talks about his new assignment; article says he turned down a chance to manage a Double-A team last season> SUN

SIX-PACK TICKET PLANS GO ON SALE WEDNESDAY: The Rome Braves have three new ticket “Six-Pack” options for the 2006 season. Each features tickets for six different games. There will be three sets to choose from in all seating levels, starting at just $30 per six-pack. Opening Day, July 4th and Memorial Day games headline each package along with five additional tickets. Sales begin Wednesday at State Mutual Stadium.

TUESDAY'S PARADE FEATURED DEBUT OF BRAVES' ROXIE: 11/29) The Rome Braves are adding a new mascot for the 2006 season--"Roxie." She'll join Romey in entertaining fans at home games when the season starts April 6. Roxie made her premiere Tuesday night in the Rome Christmas Parade. Not much is known about Roxie except she likes pink cheerleading outfits. Romey had been "missing" in recent weeks and returned to Rome on Tuesday with Roxie at his side.

(11/22) FORMER ROME BRAVE SALTALAMCACHIA ON TEAM USA: Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, a member of the 2004 Rome Braves, has named to the United States Baseball Team and will participate in Olympic qualifying tournaments. "It’s definitely a huge honor to represent the United States against the best competition in the world," he said. "It’s not a showcase. It’s about bringing your best day in and day out on the international stage. Hopefully we’ll come home a winner." Saltalamacchia hit .272 with 10 home runs and 51 RBI. Last season in Myrtle Beach, he hit .314 with 19 home runs and 81 RBI. > USA

NEW FOR '06: ROME BRAVES 6-PACK TICKET PACKAGES!

AVAILABLE IN ALL SEATING LEVELS. PRICES START AT $30.00

PICK YOUR SIX FOR '06 BY CALLING 706-378-5144

(11/7) FRANCOEUR PLACES THIRD IN NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR VOTE: Former Rome Brave Jeff Francoeur has finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting. Francoeur, a member of the 2003 SAL champion Rome team, received 60 overall votes. The winner was Philadelphia's Ryan Howard while Houston's Willy Taveras finished second.> ATLANTA

(11/5) BRAVES, SOUTH 107 START COAT DRIVE: The Rome Braves and South 107 are collecting coats now through Dec. 18 at State Mutual Stadium for distribution to those in need in Greater Rome. Those wishing to donate winter coats are asked to drop them off at the stadium Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Braves and South 107 are offering prizes for each coat that is donated. Details: 378-5100.

>10/28 (157 DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT) Rome Braves Manager Rocket Wheeler will be toasted Jan. 27 as he joins the Kinston, N.C. Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. Says the Kinston Indians' Web site: Wheeler played nearly every position for the Kinston Eagles in 1979> ROCKET

>10/27 (158 DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT): An electronic message board will rise soon above the visitors bullpen at State Mutual Stadium. The addition will be in place by opening day, April 8, says General Manager Mike Dunn. The message center will be in addition to the $1 million scoreboard the Braves added during the inaugural season in 2003.

"This gives us the opportunity to keep fans updated with all types of messaging, including player information and statistics," Dunn says. "We have been working with the Floyd County commissioners and are committed to keeping the stadium up-to-date with the latest in technology as well as maintaining a clean facility for fans to enjoy."

Adds Dunn: "This is the first of a few new surprises we will add to the stadium."

One key addition, more than a season away, is the proposed Miracle Field for handicapped athletes that will rise on city-donated land between State Mutual and the likely site of the new Barron Stadium.

Also new, as of the press release announcing the message board: a new logo commemorating the South Atlantic League All-Star Game to be played at State Mutual on June 26, 2007.

TRACKING THE ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: Those of us who love minor league baseball will want to keep an eye on the Arizona Fall League. Several former Rome Braves are hitting it big in this off-season workout> FALL

UNOFFICIAL TALLY SHOWS SALLY LEAGUE HAD RECORD YEAR: We haven't seen an official release as yet but the 2005 season attendance stats on the South Atlantic League Web site shows more than 3.5 million fans attended the 16-team league's games this past season.

If those numbers hold--and we expect them to--that's 6.5 percent above 2004's record level (almost 3.3 million fans).

The Braves finished the season with 232,187 fans, or seventh place overall in the league. West Virginia finished with about 1,000 more fans than Rome. Lakewood took the top spot with 444,607 fans; Columbus came in last with 62,547.

The Rome numbers were down from 245,724 total fans in 2004 (a drop of 5.8 percent)> LEAGUE

(9/24) ATLANTA HONORS PAST, CURRENT ROME BRAVES: The Atlanta Braves' organization saluted the players and pitchers of the year from its farm teams on Saturday. Among them were former Rome Braves Kyle Davies, who was named Triple A Richmond's pitcher of the year, and Chuck James, Double A Mississippi's top pitcher. Other familiar names: Myrtle Beach catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and '05 Romans pitcher Matt Harrison and catcher Clint Sammons. For more, go to the Atlanta Web site and scroll to about mid-page> BRAVES

(9/19) KANNAPOLIS WINS SAL CROWN: The Intimidators defeated Hagerstown last Friday to take the 2005 championship of the South Atlantic League. Details: HERE

(9/16) ATLANTA ADDS YET ANOTHER ROME BRAVE ALL-STAR: The Atlanta Braves have called up former Rome Braves pitcher Chuck James. A lefty, James pitched with Rome in 2004 where he went 10-5 with a 2.24 ERA and holds the Rome record for strikeouts in a game (13), season (156) and ERA 2.24.

He was named to the 2004 All-Star team as well as the South Atlantic League post-season team. In 2005 James played in Myrtle Beach, Mississippi and Richmond and had his best season in Mississippi, going 9-1 with a 2.09 ERA in 16 appearances.

James is the sixth former Rome Braves player on the Atlanta roster. He joins Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Blaine Boyer, Anthony Lerew, and Kyle Davies on the Atlanta squad which currently leads the National League Eastern Division by six games. Also in Atlanta these days: Rome's three-year manager, Rocket Wheeler.

>TRIP TO ATL: You can see the Rome alums in Atlanta next Tuesday through Sept. 28 (which is the last home game of the regular season).

>A new slate of officers has been elected by the Rome Braves Fan Club. They are:
President: Ronnie Corntassle

At-large committee: Judy Barcik, Rick Daffron, Bill van Leuven and Becca Maddox.

Pelfrey, the outgoing president, thanks members for their efforts and support this past season, especially on club projects and benefits.

Club members also have pledged $200 to Sterile Feral to help with pets hit by the Katrina disaster.

(9/14) KANNAPOLIS, HAGERSTOWN TIED 1-1 IN BEST-OF-FIVE PLAYOFFS: Winner gets SAL crown; play resumes Thursday. >SAL

(9/10) SNUBBED AGAIN: The annual South Atlantic League Outstanding Achievement Awards are out and they're not Rome-friendly. The league's season all-star list also was light on Braves. >AWARDS

SAL PLAYOFFS: Kannapolis awaits Delmarva or Hagerstown in championship series. >PLAYOFFS

(9/9) FAN CLUB MEETS TUESDAY TO ELECT NEW OFFICERS: The Rome Braves Fan Club meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday to elect new officers. The meeting will be in the Georgia Power complex on Holmes Street off Cooper Drive. The nominees:

The presidency will be turned over to Ronnie Corntassle after the election of officers.

Also: The Memorial Service for Opal Scott is set for 11 a.m. Saturday in the Morris Chapel at Darlington School.

ATLANTA CALLS ANOTHER ROME BRAVE UP--ROCKET: Rocket Wheeler, the popular three-season manager of the Rome Braves, has been called up to The Bigs. Wheeler has been asked to assist the Atlanta coaching staff until the end of the 2005 season. "I'll do whatever they ask me to do. I'll throw batting practice, hit infield and be available to help where ever I can." He'll find five former Rome Braves in the clubhouse: Brian McCann, Blaine Boyer, Anthony Lerew, Kyle Davis, and Jeff Francoeur. All were members of the 2003 championship team.

(9/6) BRAVES: NO LOSING SEASONS IN ROME: Through three seasons, the Rome Braves have yet to post a losing record. They came close in 2004, finishing .500. The year before, the inaugural year in Rome, the Braves won it all: the South Atlantic League championship.

This year: 72-65 with most of the losses coming in the "second season." The team finished the first half 39-29; the second half, 33-36.

Now we wait to see what changes await the 2006 team. Opening day is April 6 at home vs. Kannapolis.

Key things to watch in the off months: Whether Manager Rocket Wheeler returns for a fourth season (he's a fan favorite, for sure) and renewals of season tickets. The county gets its money mostly from season ticket sales so any erosion here won't be welcome.

END OF THE REGULAR SEASON

(9/5) FINAL-LY: A WIN! Braves close out 2005 with a 6-5 win. Rome ends second season 33-36, eight games out of first and tied for fifth. >BOX

(9/3) BRAVES BOMBED, 6-2: Loss means losing record for second half; will post winning record for '05 season no matter how last two go. >BOX

>Outfielder Jon Owings joins the team Saturday in Greenville. Owings, a Gainesville, Ga., native, comes to Rome by way of the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League where he hit .293 with 12 homers and 31 RBI.

>Infielder Greg Creek has been sent to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans effective after tonight's game in Charleston, S.C. Creek joined the Rome Braves on Aug. 22 and has hit .333.

(8/31) NO PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR: A Rome loss and Kannapolis win end 2005 playoff chances.> BOX

(8/30) OH SO CLOSE: The Braves rallied late but Charleston went ahead to win the 10-inning game, 5-4. Kannapolis lost but with six games to go and 5.5 games back, Rome needs a miracle., BOX

(8/29) ROME PICKS UP A GAME: Thanks to a huge win in Charleston (13-1 Braves) and a Kannapolis loss, the Braves find themselves 5.5 games out with seven games to play. > BOX

(8/28) BRAVES DROP REGULAR-SEASON HOME FINALE: Augusta rallies late, 4-1> BOX

-With eight games left and a 6.5-game deficit, the playoffs are doubtful. But... For the home fans, Sunday was emotional. A lot of "see you next year" calls went out after the fans gave the team a standing ovation. From seat mates to ushers to vendors, it seemed to be a too-early end to a pretty good season.

(8/26) OVER EASY! BRAVES JUMP OUT TO 11-1 LEAD: Rome wins it, 11-3.> BOX

>K-MAN'S KOLUMN: The K-Girls from Cartersville came to tonight's game. The K-Girl and her friends make it to three or four Rome Braves'games each season. Randy V. gave them a yellow and black K for a souvenir. We also had the Marietta Six, who drove up to Rome to see the Braves play. If any of you would like to e-mail the K-man your favorite moment at a Rome Braves' game, send your mail to buyanissan@aol.com -- Ernie K-Man Studard.

>K-MAN'S KOLUMN: We had eight Ks and two double plays but the Rome Braves still lost. We had another new member join the K Club: Tristan and his father helped the K-Man tonight. We always like adding new K club members. Will came to the game again tonight and also helped hang a K. Romey and the K-Man gave Will an autographed baseball. One of the best things to happen tonight was I brought my mother to her first Rome Braves baseball game. My son, Walter, also came along with Linda's two daughters and their husbands. To top it off, our grand daughter Lily made it. Four generations. What a wonderful and blessed night. It just doesn't get much better than this. If you see Adrain C., be sure to ask him about the K Club rule book. -- Ernie K-Man Studard.

BRAVES ANNOUNCE 2006 SEASON: As the Rome Braves begin their last home stand of the 2005 season, the club is releasing its 2006 schedule. (Click)

The first of 70 scheduled home games begins Thursday, April 6, with a home game vs. Kannapolis at State Mutual Stadium.

Other highlights include home games during the Memorial Day weekend, a home game and fireworks on July 4th and a regular-season closing weekend next Labor Day

Some of the big promotions set for the new season include the return of The Blues Brothers Act, the Zooperstars, Birdzerk and Parrothead Night.

The 2006 season will be the Braves’ fourth in Rome.

(8/24) ROSTER MOVES: Pitcher Luis Atilano has been placed on the disabled list. A member of the 2005 SAL All-Star Team, Atilano was 8-9 with a 4.17 ERA. Joining the team from Danville of the Appalachian League is catcher James Barksdale. Infielder Robert Marcial joins the Rome club from the Gulf Coast League. Marcial was signed this season as a Free Agent from the University of Nevada.

(8/23) ROME WINS, 5-4: With 12 games to go, Rome is 5.5 games out and hanging on. > BOX

>K-MAN'S KOLUMN: We added another new member to the K-Club tonight. Will helped the K-Man hang two of the seven Ks tonight. Several times tonight Will had to remind the K-Man "What Time Is It?" Thanks, Will, and I hope to see you and your family before the season ends. -- Ernie K-Man Studard.

(8/18) BIG WIN IN COLUMBUS: Braves win 7-4, play Catfish again Friday> BOX

(8/17) SPLIT/BRAVES WIN GAME ONE, DROP NO. 2: Columbus first hurdle if playoff run is to happen> GAME 1 GAME 2

BIG HONORS FOR HARRISON: Matt Harrison has earned the BC Powder South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week honors by compiling a 1-0 record and a perfect 0.00 ERA in his one start this past week. Harrison pitched eight innings, allowing four hits and no runs. He also struck out four batters and walked through others on Aug. 13 vs. the Greenville Bombers. He raised his record to 11-6 on the year with a 3.26 ERA. His 11 victories place him in a tie for first in the South Atlantic League. He also has the league lead in innings pitched with 143.2 on the season.

(8/14) WIN STREAK STOPS AT FOUR: Braves win opening game of double-header vs. Greenville, 6-2, but Bombers strrike back. BOX1 BOX2

>K-MAN'S KOLUMN: Saturday night was wonderful. Bill and Teresa P. brought grandson Braden and the K-Man and Linda brought the K-girl, Lily. Braden and Lily really enjoyed seeing Romey. Sunday's game had its ups and downs. We won the first game and lost the second one. There was a group of girls from West Cobb Lightning 10U Fast Pitch solfball team. They were really into the game. We need them to come back. I think they can teach the K crowd some new cheers. -- Ernie "The K Man" Studard

(8/13) HOLY COW! CLOBBERIN' TIME: It wasn't even close as the Braves slammed three home runs in a key game with Greenville. Final score: 8-0 Braves. BOX

>AT THE BALL PARK: It was a different night at the ballpark. Manager Rocket Wheeler wasn't on the field ("Missile" tossed the bubblegum). Pitching coach Bobby Moore subbed as third base coach and subbed quite well... The Zooperstars were in town, courtesy of Q102. Fan favorite "Harry Canary" was back with a new friend, Peyton Manatee.

>DOUBLE DIP SUNDAY: The teams play a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday.

(8/12) BRAVES TAKE GAME ONE VS. GREENVILLE: Wins are critical as regular season winds down> BOX

K-MAN'S KOLUMN: The place to be Thursday and Friday nights had to be at a Rome Braves' game. The crowds were really loud and into the games. I believe everyone was shouting "K-Time." The season is coming to an end so try to make plans to attend. Friday night, we had six Ks and one double play. Look forward to seeing you on Saturday and remember that there is a double hieader on Sunday. See ya at the ballpark.-- Ernie "The K Man" Studard

>HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB: Click HERE for a printable application form.

MIRACLE FIELD DUE IN APRIL 2007: The Braves Miracle Field of Rome, designed to give children with disabilities a chance to enjoy baseball, is scheduled for use in April 2007.

The Rome Braves and the Atlanta Braves Foundation announced updates for the plan Thursday. The amount presented was listed as $50,000.

A grant from the Braves Foundation was presented to Atlanta Braves Executive Vice President Mike Plant on behalf of the three-year-old Rome franchise.

The field will be built close to State Mutual Stadium. It will be made of recycled rubber installed along with dugouts, restrooms and a refreshment stand complete with a brick facade similar to State Mutual Stadium.

The Rome Braves also have held several fund-raisers for the project, including an auction of players' jerseys on "Parrot Head Night."

The Miracle League is blooming across the country. For more on the concept, please click MIRACLE. For more on Rome's field, contact Erin White at 368-9388.

(8/11) BRAVES SPLIT SERIES WITH RIVERDOGS: Rome won the four-game finale, 5-3, thanks in part to a Brian Jordan home run.Friday-Monday: Greenville.> BOX

(8/10) BRAVES LOSE 14-INNING THRILLER: Afternoon baseball stretched into early evening as the Braves and Riverdogs battled 14 innings before the 'Dogs pulled it off, 3-1. >BOX

>ROSTER MOVE: Reserve catcher James Barksdale has been sent to the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League. In limited playing time, Barksdale was hitting .143 in 12 games.

>BRIAN JORDAN TO REHAB IN ROME THURSDAY, FRIDAY: Atlanta Braves outfielder Brian Jordan will play here Thursday and Friday nights as part of his rehab assignment. He was placed on the disabled list July 4 because of left knee inflammation. In 63 games, Jordan was batting .244 with three home runs and 23 RBIs. This is Rome's fourth rehab stop this season. Previous players include Kevin Gryboski, Chipper Jones and John Thomson. Tickets are available; call 378-5144.

>K-Man's Column: It is always extra special when the Rome Braves win. Getting a strike out for the last out to win the game is even better. We had eight Ks tonight. Great pitching kept the K Club busy tonight. If you see Randy, Sandra or Linda (front row section 206), be sure to ask them about the lucky penny. Rumor has it that Chuck James has been moved up from Myrtle Beach to Richmond. Chuck still leads the K Club in stirke outs, 13. --Ernie "The K-Man" Studard

ROSTER MOVES: Brandon Jones, Van Pope and Zach Schreiber have been sent to Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Jones is having an outstanding season, hitting .308 with eight homers and 27 RBI while Pope is batting .277 with six home runs and 60 RBI. Schreiber is 1-3 with a 3.03 ERA in 27 appearances. Joining the Braves are Mark Jurich and Jamie Trejo from Myrtle Beach. Jurich is hitting .197 with two home runs and 12 RBI; Trejo is batting .206 with three homers and 25 RBI with the Pelicans. Also, pitcher Arthur Santos has been activated from the disabled list. Santos is 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in 19 appearances this season.

>GUZMAN SUSPENDED: Infielder Carlos Guzman has been placed on the suspended list. Guzman was hitting.195 with seven homers and 17 RBI since rejoining the Braves earlier this summer.

(8/1) BRAVES WIN TV GAME, 4-1: The Braves beat the Sandgnats on TV; road trip now at 2-1. > BOX

>RUMMAGE SALE UPDATE By Sylvia Mann: "I wanted to send a special THANK YOU to Judy & Don Barcik; Adrian & Jan Carney; Delona & Rick Daffron; Cheryl Bray; Doug Hamil; Ronnie & Sharon Corntassel; Bill Van Leuven; Becca Maddox and her little friend Lisa and, of course, Rod, who helped work the Rummage Sale Saturday. Of course we appreciate the ones that came by and bought our wares. We got there at 5 a.m. and setup. All day we have a great time working and talking with people that came by. We think we may have a few new Fan Club members also. Oh by the way, we also made $461.64. THANKS TO EVERYONE."

>ROSTER: Right-handed pitcher Zach Schreiber returns to the Rome Braves pitching staff from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Schreiber was 0-1 in Myrtle Beach with a 1.86 ERA in six appearances and opponents were hitting .200 against him. .

(7/28) CATFISH STEAL THE TV SHOW, 5-4: Late rally too little, too late for Rome as Fox sports South crowd saw. BOX

>K-Man: We wuz robbed! Where was Howard with Rome Braves' security tonight? The reason I ask is that the Rome Braves got robbed by two bad calls. Enough about the negative. The K-Man gave out more than 250 yellow and black Ks tonight and the fans really responded to the chant "What Time Is It?" The good news for the night was that Stephen Russell ('04 Brave) came back and had four Ks. We hung 7 Ks tonight and two DPs. Thanks again to everyone who helped the K Club tonight. And thanks to CiCi's Pizza. The K crew needed it by the eighth inning. I don't know if section 206 made it on Fox Sports tonight but all the yellow and black Ks looked good from where I was sitting. --Ernie "The K-Man" Studard

>BRAVES GO PRIME TIME THURSDAY NIGHT: Get ready for "Night of 1,000 Ks II" this Thursday at State Mutual Stadium. The Rome Braves host the Columbus Catfish (7 p.m.) and broadcasting the game for the first time: Fox Sports South. The cable network has a regional audience of more than 10 million so Rome will be getting another major dose of exposure courtesy of the Braves. Called "Fantastic Fans Night," the first 1,000 fans receive T-shirts and "spirit signs" from Fox, K98 and the Rome News-Tribune. Extra giveaways are scheduled as well.

>K-Man's Kolumn:""Be sure to bring your K signs with you. I will have some extras but make your own and bring them to the game."

>ROSTER MOVES: The Braves have placed pitchers Arthur Santos and Bryan Digby on the disabled list. Santos was 3-1 with a 3.01 ERA while Digby was 0-0 with a 10.80 ERA in two appearances. Right-handed pitcher Steve Russell rejoins the Rome club from the Gulf Coast League Braves where he was 0-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three appearances. Russell, a star for Rome last year, has been rehabbing following surgery last season.

(7/26) ROME WINS OPENER, 9-7: Columbus keeps it close on a steamy Tuesday. BOX

>K-Man Kolumn: Tonight, someone gave a new, young Rome Braves fan an autographed baseball from Romey. Kody was a little shy at first but when he was handed his baseball, he said "cool" loud enough for everyone around to hear. Some fans in Section 106 got a foul ball from Ivan Terrazas and gave it to his daughter. She was very excited getting a baseball that her father had hit. Lots of new fans tonight and another win for the Rome Braves. Bring your Ks Thursday night; the game will be on Fox Sports South.--Ernie "The K Man" Studard

>ATL'S THOMSON TO REHAB IN ROME: Atlanta Braves pitcher John Thomson is scheduled to pitch in Rome on Friday as part of a Major League Baseball rehabilitation assignment. Thomson left Atlanta's game against the Padres on May 16. The injury was later diagnosed as a partial tear in the supporting structure around the tendon in the middle finger of his pitching hand, and he was placed on the disabled list the next day. Thomson is the third ATL Brave to rehab in Rome. Also here this year: Kevin Gryboski and Chipper Jones.

MORE BRAVES TV: CSS--Comcast cable's sports station--will televise from Savannah on Monday, Aug. 1, as the Sand Gnats host the Braves, and from Rome on Aug. 25 as the Greenjackets return to town.

(7/24) TOURISTS SNAP BACK, BEAT ROME, 14-7: Visiting members of the Rome Braves Fan Club got an extended look at batting practice as the teams combined for 32 hits.> BOX

>K-KOLUMN: What Time Is It? RUN TIME! Can you believe how many runs that have been scored by both teams in the last three games? I will have some information about how the Rome Braves Fan Club "Meet and Greet" turns out on Sunday. (They're driving to Asheville for the game). Go Rome Braves! --Ernie "The K-Man" Studard

(7/21) HIT PARADE! Rome lights up Asheville, 15-9. Pope, Jones each slam two homers. BOX

(7/20) OH SO CLOSE--AGAIN: Matt Young's two-run dinger almost was enough for the save. Greensboro wins, 6-5.>BOX

(7/19) OH SO CLOSE! 'HOPPERS WIN, 8-6: Rome rallies, ties it up but Greensboro wins it in the 10th. >BOX

>K-COLUMN: Another exciting game tonight. A comeback to tie the game in the ninth but we lost it in the 10th. There are some events coming up that everyone needs to place on their calendars: On July 28, the Rome Braves' game will be broadcast in over 10 million homes across the Southeast on Fox Sports South live from State Mutual Stadium. July 30th, the Braves are hosting the first Redneck Rummage Sale starting at 8 a.m. with vendors, food, drinks and live music until 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the William H. Davies Shelter for the Homeless. More events coming in the next Blog.--Ernie "The K-Man" Studard (Note: Ernie made deadline; The Blog was late--and later almost ran the K-Man over!)

>K-MAN RETURNS TO GAME, COLUMN: He's back! Linda and the K-Man are back in town and there is no place like Rome. Our vacation plans were to see Tom Jones in concert in Biloxi but all we saw was rain from Hurricane Dennis. We did go to Graceland and I survived. Made lots of coroner jokes about Elvis but I better not tell them on The Blog. (Why not? The Blog likes Elvis jokes!)

Rome Braves: The last three games for the Rome Braves have been almost as exciting as playoff games. Two come-back wins in the ninth inning and tonight, the last out was a strike out. The fans went wild and so did the K-Man. James Parr heated up the fans tonight as the relief pitcher. We had six Ks and one double play.

Have I told you about Aflac? Besides yelling out "What Time It Is," we now yell out "Aflac Time". OK, let me explain. Aflac stands for insurance and we yell "Aflac Time" when the Rome Braves need extra runs. Insurance runs! You also will hear lots of quacking. REALLY.

Glad to be back and hope to see all of you at the game. Ernie "The K-Man" Studard

(7/17) A.J. SAVES THE DAY: Fans are calling the late Saturday/Sunday afternoon Rome Braves' games the best back-to-back games ever at State Mutual Stadium. Sunday's game was accented by a huge blast by Ardley Jansen in the bottom of the 10th, scoring three runs and winning the game, 8-5. The Greensboro Grasshoppers had the lead going into the ninth but the Braves' tied it up. The win puts the Braves at the .500 mark for the second season. BOX

(7/16) SPLIT DECISION: Braves lose rain-delayed game; rebound in night cap. BOX

>ROSTER MOVES: Rright-handed pitcher Seth Bobbit has been sent to Myrtle Beach while Bryan Digby, also a righty, returns from the Pelicans. Digby, was 1-4 in 25 appearance at Myrtle Beach.

FAN CLUB UPDATE: (By Sylvia Mann): The Rome Braves Fan Club is planning a Meet & Greet for the team while they are in Asheville on Sunday, July 24. Becca Maddox ( kiteflyer51759@aol.com) is taking care of this for the Fan Club. If you plan to attend, please e-mail her by noon Monday so she'll have time to work with the Braves. The Fan Club will buy the meals for the players and staff. If you want to eat with them, let Becca know.

The Fan Club will have a booth at the Redneck Rummage Sale on July 30. We have enough volunteers (six) to setup from 5-7:30 a.m. but will need helpers to work anytime you can be available from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. We also need helpers to clean up and help get rid of what (if anything) we have left. We have to be out of the park by 4:30 p.m. Please e-mail me if you have any questions (ma7934@aol.com) Any help you can give will be appreciated. If you have anything you would like to donate to the Fan Club to sell, you can take it to World Hi-Fi from noon Monday, July 25, to noon Friday, July 29.

The Fan Club is selling raffle tickets. If you would like to help sell or if you would like to buy some; please see Doug Hamil or Sylvia Mann at the ball park (section 107, row 8).

(7/15) DELAY OF GAME: The Braves-Kannapolis game was suspended Friday night after a cloud burst in the second inning. The outfield already was saturated from the rains in the past 24 hours. They resume the Friday game at 6 p.m. Saturday and then will play a second, seven-inning game following a short break. The score was 2-0 Kannapolis at the break. NO BOX

>IN THE STANDS: Big turnout, near a sell out. Hundreds of fans lined up way before the gates opened at 6 p.m. for "Bat Night" (bats for kids 14 and under)... Adrian Carney again asked the question, "What Times is It?" as the K Man's AWOL status continued... That Jones guy from Atlanta played third and drew a walk...

(7/14) BRAVES WIN AGAIN WITH CHIPPER AS DH: In a rain-shortened game (eight innings), the Braves again beat the Intimidators. Chipper Jones, on rehab assignment, was the designated hitter and batted .500. Attendance: 3,252. BOX

(7/13) CHIPPER'S A HIT AS BRAVES SLAM INTIMIDATORS: A lot of extra faces were at State Mutual Stadium Wednesday to get a look and cell phone camera shot at Chipper Jones as he continues his rehab assignment in Rome. The game wasn't a sellout--blame the weather and church night--but there were a number of first-timers there Wednesday night. Final score: Rome 8, Kannapolis 3. BOX

>HIGHLIGHTS: Jones led the Braves, batting .333 with one hit in three at-bats. He hit into a double play his first time at bat, scoring one run, and came back with two RBIs later in the game... Fan favorite Carlos Guzman smacked a homerun in the second inning... Attendance: 4,480 (capacity is 5,105)

>DESIGNATED K MAN: With Ernie "The K Man" Studard AWOL, the familiar "What Times Is It?" chant fell on Adrian Carney. The K Man would have been proud

>GAME NOTES: Lots of extra media packed the press box to watch Chipper's rehab start. With the majors off Wednesday as part of the All-Star break, the spotlight was on the Atlanta Braves' third baseman--and Rome... The radio broadcast of the game by Randy and Matt Davis also went national... It was interesting tracking two No. 10s on the field--Chipper Jones and Vann Pope...

>TONIGHT'S GAME: Chipper's back for one more. Tickets are on sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prices: $10, $8, $6 and $4. For more: www.romebraves.com

(7/1) CRAZY EIGHTH DOOMS BRAVES: Charleston comes alive late. Score: 6-1. BOX

(6/30) ROME COMES BACK IN A BIG WAY: The All-Star break and lineup scramble have the Braves hitting again. Final score: Rome 10, Charleston 2. >BOX

ANOTHER ROSTER MOVE: Catcher James Barksdale has been activated and will join the Rome Braves in Charleston, SC. Barksdale was hitting .222 with one RBI in just two games with the Rome Braves this season.

(6/29) LOTS OF POST-ALL-STAR GAME CHANGES FOR BRAVES: You literally we need a scorecard to track the changes to the Rome Braves since they last played at home.

GONE: All-Star infielder Michael Rozema and outfielder Carl Loadenthal have been sent to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Carolina League. Rozema was hitting .272 with 30 RBI while Loadenthal was hitting .262 with one home run and 23 RBI.

RETURNING: Brandon Jones, who began the season in Rome, was placed on the disabled list after just nine games into the season. Infielder Carlos Guzman, who was hitting .177 with one home run in Myrtle Beach, rejoins the team. Also back is outfielder Ardley Jansen, who returns to Rome from Myrtle Beach. Jansen was hitting .216 with five home runs and 20 RBI while with the Pelicans.

NEW: Infielder Yunel Escobar, signed in 2005 as a free agent, was hitting .400 after just eight games in Danville.

SUSPENDED: Keith Eichas has been placed on the suspended list. No reason was given.

ROME TO HOST ALL-STAR GAME: Rome/Floyd County, the Braves and State Mutual Stadium will host the 2007 South Atlantic League All-Star Game.

The contest between the northern and southern division stars is set for that June 26. But other events will stretch the celebration over three days, pumping several million dollars into the local economy.

The "All-Star Extravaganza" will include a golf tournament, community wide concert, a parade along Broad Street parade, skills competition and other activities.

"We are extremely proud of this honor," says Rome Braves General Manager Michael Dunn. "With our beautiful facility and wonderful community support, this promises to be the finest All-Star event to date.

"A lot of work has taken place by our committee and a lot more is yet to come to make this a successful three-day event. We are proud to bring this to Rome and Floyd County."

The news comes following a day of SAL meetings in Augusta, site of tonight's All-Star game. Three games are among the Southern Division players: Pitcher Luis Atilano, catcher Clint Sammons and infielder Mike Rozema. (Click ROSTER for all members)

You can watch the game on CSS, Comcast's local cable sports network. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The 2007 event will come at what generally is a quieter time of year for Rome's tourism industry.

A possible bid to host the Sally League's All-Star game was frequently mentioned last fall as supporters pushed a referendum to amend Rome's drinking laws. Supporters said those of those arriving in town the Sunday before the event would want a drink (as would those attending any sort of convention-style event). Voters approved the strict Sunday-by-the-drink provisions last November.

The Braves won the SAL Championship at State Mutual in their first season (2003). The community also has been the site of three Tour de Georgia stops, including the 2004 event when cycling superstar Lance Armstrong won both Rome stages and the eventual tour crown.

This week, the second season of the World Basketball Association comes to an end with the championship slated for Shorter College. The Rome Gladiators are among the teams favored to win it all.

And on July 10, the Rome Renegades take on an opponent to be named next weekend in the opening round of the National Indoor Football League championship.

(6/26) FILETED BY THE CATFISH: This all-star break is coming at a good time for the Rome Braves. They'll have three days to figure out why the offense is stalled and pitching is looking rough. Sunday's final: 7-1 Catfish. BOX

(6/25) FINALLY A WIN: Rome beats the Catfish, 2-1, to notch first win of second half. Series ends Sunday at 2 and then the All-Star break for three days. BOX

K KOLUMN: Section 206 had a visit from the Falcons' Cheerleaders and, of course, the Falcon mascot, and the best section in the ball park had a visit from the Mayberry Deputy. Pictured are Randy V. and the Mayberry Deputy (left). It might be difficult to tell who's who.--Ernie "The K Man" Studard

(6/23) BRAVES CLOBBERED AGAIN, 12-4: Augusta sweeps second-season opener, beating Braves by a combined 29-7 in three games. > BOX

STARTUP GETS THE HOME START: Cartersville native Will Startup, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Georgia, makes his home debut this weekend. Startup, a fifth round selection by the Atlanta Braves, joined the Rome Braves on June 20. He was 10-1 as a senior at Cartersville High School with a 1.30 ERA and combined an overall record of 16-10 while at UGA with a 3.19 ERA. As a Bulldog, Startup struck out 166 batters and walked 61.

(6/22) AUGUSTA WINS SECOND GAME OF 'NEW SEASON,' 6-2: Braves 0-2 in second half; head home Friday. > BOX

-SAL NORTH FIRST HALF LEADERS TO PLAY IT OUT: Hagerstown, Lexington finished first half tied so upcoming game will crown the champ and determine who goes to the post season playoffs. > SAL

-SANDGNATS OWNER HAS PLANS FOR ANOTHER TEAM: Ground is broken for stadium in Marion, Ill.> TEAM

(6/21) GREENJACKETS SWAT BRAVES, 11-1: Not a good start to the season's second half> BOX

rome braves blog '06

Opening Day: April 6 vs. Kannapolis

2006 schedule

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