SB Nation User Blog: Lizziebeth

Braves Rookie Hazing 2008

Lizziebeth — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:34:35 -0000

So taking a walk out back of the Ted after the final home game on Sunday is not stalkerish at all. It's just saying "bye", "have a great road trip" and "we love ya....ah, er, boys?!" Wearing dresses did seem to give them an advantage in speeding up the security "strip" search all the players, broadcasters and staff were subjected to in front of the crowd. They all seemed quite good natured about it, blowing kisses and curtsying. We even got a slight mooning from Jair.

Charlie Mortgensven

James "Starrrrr" Parr

Brent Goldillilocks

Gregor Polka-dotta-blanco

Snow White Joshie?

Jair of the Jungle?

Gonzo Scarface

?????

The Haven at Turner Field

Lizziebeth — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:20:24 -0000

We all know how terrible Sunday's game was, and thank Pujols it's behind us now. But despite the game, I left the Ted on Sunday feeling pretty good and I wanted to tell you all why. Going to games alone, I meet a lot of people, mostly ushers and security folks. Some actually remember me, like Mr. "Big Man" at the gate near where Marta lets off, and dear Ici, the usher for section 138. But Sunday I met somebody really special...Hazel.

If you're ever going to a game and have to sit in the upper deck, I strongly suggest you sit in 418. That is Hazel's Haven. Sure it's not first base or home plate, but the view is fairly good, there's a breeze, and Hazel will try to make it fun (or at least tolerable if you're just a miserable s.o.b.)! I didn't have seats in her section, but I was at the park early and thought I could get a clear shot of the SportsSouth broadcast booth from there, in case they used it for the Braves Live segment. Not only did she not mind, she let me stay there and she treated me like a loved granddaughter; asking me if I had enough water, urging me to get out of the sun but handing me towels to wipe off the sweat when I wouldn't, giving me a new hair tie, candy, a Braves bumper sticker...I saw her playing games with and giving sweets & stickers to the kids, as well as fans, handkerchiefs & pins to the older folks...all this in only 4 innings. I went by her section before I left and took a picture of her with the sign Turner Field put up for her this year:

Hazel has been doing her thing at the Ted for a while, so the kicker that makes her even more special is that this year she is doing it while suffering from leukemia. I tried to think of a better word than suffering, because to be around her, you wouldn't think of it that way. The woman's resolve to have fun and spread her joy never flagged. Even on that oppresively hot and bad-game day, she was still smiling and pumping people's spirits up as they left. So even if you don't sit in her section, maybe go by and say "hi" to the bronzed lady (she puts bronze glitter on her arms) in 418. A true fan, and a true good spirit!

You guys, and gal, are better than boyfriends!

Lizziebeth — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:12:50 -0000

Feelin’ the LOVE, wow. Not only did you ask me to come back; you also said “don’t go” (“Mac, don’t go”) – instead of saying “don’t go away mad, just go away” (like guys usually do to me). I’m stunned, and rather grateful, to know that I wasn’t just being tolerated around here. I feel like ‘we are family’...wonder if I can get them to play that on TC day at the Ted…

There seems to be some speculation that I left simply because there was boobage present (admittedly it was a little alarming because I was at work, but if it’s our IT guys monitoring it and not corporate, I think they’d like it too much to get me in trouble). I assure you all that I’m not so much of a prude or a delicate flower that just that pic alone would not cause me to spit fire and take off. Granted it’s not what I came here for, but not only have I waited tables at a strip club in the past, I have two such appendages extruding off my own body that I see everyday. If I hated them that much, I would’ve been lying in a pool of blood with two gaping chest wounds long ago. I also spent 5 years as a line cook & chef in otherwise all-male kitchens - which is basically a locker room with food, so I’ve been privy to a lot of guy talk.

I read all the other posts this kid made and tried to just be patient and wait for him to go away. Unfortunately, patience is not one of my greatest virtues (however, cynicism, sarcasm and distrust are, just in case you haven’t noticed). I even tried to see some of the humor in his posts, after seeing and admiring some of the incredible patience several of you were exhibiting. But the continual passive-aggressive behavior was very annoying, and that post was just the straw that broke the camel’s back, as Jug said. Already being down because of our losing streak, down because of Smoltzie having surgery, being treated crappy at work…then this guy trying the bait & switch on my TC Braves brothers?? – I just couldn’t sit and watch that. The weasel-like tactic of worming his way into the guys’ good graces with a pic of a hottie, yet simultaneously stabbing them in the back by having her in the rival team’s jersey (c’mon, would you really try to tell me this guy doesn’t troll the net enough to find a similar pic of a girl in a Braves jersey if he was a true supporter??) And he knew it’d get to sddbaker, ‘cause he had already pushed her buttons. Personally, I just don’t need more deliberate provocation toward violence in my life…my job alone is plenty and this losing streak isn't helping! Plus I felt like it was a double - nay, a triple stab: (1) wrong jersey; (2) cursing the game early on with a girlie pic post, and (3) it wasn’t Jamie K. I know people have acknowledged the admiration of other women (OKT, Erin A.) during threads, but game thread has consistently been the pic domain of Mrs. Kotsay. Am I wrong? Now, I know I groused about her pic a little at first, but it was because there was no equivalent for us non-lesbian gals in the peanut gallery - that was quickly remedied (thank you), and I’ve been fine with her as a good luck winning post as long as our guy is up there too.

I’m saying all this ‘cause I don’t want anyone in the TC Braves family to second-guess their posts in fear of offending me. Like I said, no delicate flower here; I’m quite the cusser (think female Gordon Ramsey) – but I still consider myself a bit of a lady. Of course we all don’t know each other that well, but enough to where you can correct my spelling, tease me, tell me when I’m about to cross the line, etc.; and I’m very ok with that. Dammit, let’s just be ourselves, minus one jackleg, and get back to Braves baseball!

Man, I hated being away…it’s going to kill me in a week and a half when I go to the beach and have no internet access during games…sigh.

Here’s the Oscar speech: I’d like to thank everyone who made this possible (just say ‘awwww” after each one): Jug and bigjoe for jumping on it right away and calling for me to come back; gondee for wiping this sucker out and emailing me about returning; sddbaker for finding me over at another blog and asking me to come back; royhobbs for offering to post JS pics (hell yeah! I mean, sure if you get time); VegasAces, clemsonfan, Perrinbar, mvandonsel, JDMaker1 for being supportive; Smoltz’s Beard for being confused…it’s ok, after a while you’ll get used to it; traphicg – we miss you even if it’s not put in print; …and anyone else I didn’t name, including the silent TCers, who were sitting there screaming “off with his head” at their monitors. Oh, yeah, some lame tnks (you don’t deserve the whole word) to chopchop for making us stronger as a group and reinforcing my thoughts as to what a killer bunch of people we’ve got here at Talking Chop.

Uh-oh...Smoltz...Press conference 11:30 a.m. EST

Lizziebeth — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:01:51 -0000

I'm just going to copy and paste the official release because it's hard to type through tears...I mean something caught in both my eyes...

06/04/2008 9:34 AM ET Smoltz may be facing shoulder surgery Braves expected to discuss veteran's future at news conference By Mark Bowman / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- John Smoltz has said that he'll be content if he never throws another pitch. Now, just two days after he attempted to alleviate stress on his shoulder with a move to the bullpen, the Braves veteran pitcher finds this to be a more defined possibility.

The Braves have scheduled an 11:30 a.m. ET press conference at Turner Field and at that time, they are expected to discuss Smoltz's future. There has been talk that he will need to undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.

Smoltz was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday and then a few hours later, he blew his first save opportunity since 2004. Although he allowed the Marlins two earned runs in that one-inning relief appearance, the 41-year-old hurler still seemed at least somewhat optimistic about his future.

But when he awoke on Tuesday with increased pain in his shoulder, Smoltz and the Braves immediately understood that he simply might not be able to pitch any more, whether as a starter or a reliever, this year.

In the past, Smoltz has said that he'd retire if he ever needed to undergo another major surgery. He softened that stance on Monday afternoon, indicating that there would at least be a possibility that he'd attempt to prolong his career after enduring a long rehab process.

Smoltz pitched through pain in his shoulder during last season's final four months and encountered further discomfort during the last two weeks of Spring Training this year. After making five regular season starts, he decided that he couldn't continue as a starting pitcher.

Braves Power Lunch 5/23

Lizziebeth — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:59:04 -0000

Has anyone been to one before? If so, can you give a brief synopsis/critique of teh experience? Conversely, is anyone planning on going to the one tomorrow? The planned line up is: John Smoltz, Blaine Boyer, Greg Norton & Brian Snitker.

Is it worth it? I mean, of course it is, since it benefits the Braves Foundation, but you know, finances are tight & all...but might be better spent on a field level seat or half a tank of gas...hmmmm

Thanks!