1997

June 28

Atlanta

Turner Field

Braves

Phillies

9-1

John Smoltz

Curt Schilling

Michael Tucker (2)

Chipper Jones

Javy Lopez

Fred McGriff

Scott Rolen

Darrin Daulton

Ricky Bottalico

Highlights:  Our first HSL group visit to Atlanta and Turner Field was highlighted by a 9-1 trouncing of the visiting Phillies and their ace, Curt Schilling, as well as by the abundant good eats and chilled libations made available to us in the First Data Resources luxury box.  With climate control, multiple television sets, a bathroom on premises, and free and plentiful drinks and food, if one had suggested to Shamu that this wasn’t really a baseball park but heaven on earth, one would not have received an argument from Brother Shamu.

1997

June 29

Atlanta

Turner Field

Braves

Phillies

6-5

Mike Bielecki

Billy Brewer

Mark Wohlers

Keith Lockhart

Fred McGriff

Rico Brogna

Gregg Jeffries

Jeff Blauser

Ryan Klesko

Highlights:  Although the starting pitchers for this Sunday afternoon duel were no-namers Scott Ruffcorn and Chris Brock, the Hot Stove League contingency was still treated to an exciting contest, as the Braves battled back from a 5-0 deficit at the hands of the Phillies to win by a score of 6-5, principally on the strength of a grand slam by the power-hitting Keith Lockhart in the bottom of the 6th inning.  Also noteworthy is the fact that Crime Dog hit his first (and probably only) triple of the year in this game, and gold glove third baseman Scott Rolen had an error for the second consecutive game.  The Vesuvian Mark Wohlers pitched a perfect ninth, recording two strikeouts, for the save.  The merry men of the Hot Stove League were saddened by having to leave their luxury corporate box, but all encouraged Itchie to try to remain gainfully employed with First Data so that future Hot Stove League outings could enjoy this same level of comfort.  Not to be forgotten on this trip were the interesting discussions with and observations of the participants in the Atlanta Gay Pride parade, which unbeknownst to us had selected our hotel as its home base.