An Open Letter to Jason Heyward From Atlanta Braves Fan

An Open Letter to Jason Heyward From A Braves Fan

You know that feeling that I felt when you were traded? I thought I had actually gotten over “that feeling”, I even contemplated seeking counseling and for some strange reason I kept some glimmer of hope that Jason Heyward would return Home.

That didn’t happen.

Mar 25, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (22) smiles while he waits to bat against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

But I’m good though. I’m not mad.

I understand the economics of the game. Things are great for you and I am ecstatic that you didn’t pick to sign with the division rival Washington Nationals or the ire of my existence the New York Yankees. Instead you chose another National League team, so there is a silver lining there because now the family has a real opportunity to see you in person at least once a year when you come back to Atlanta.

I read the other threads and comments about your exit, I even saw the backlash from the St. Louis Cardinal fans. What the hell was that about? They had all year to talk extensions, and I am not sure how those talks progressed, but how are YOU at fault for wanting to better yourself financially and put you and your family in a better situation .. . They act like you owed them…. and the life threats? That was tacky.

I thought they were classy fan base?

But enough about them…they can suck it. Let’s move on.

I tell people all the time that you are my favorite player EVER. The reply is instantly “why”; as if I have to justify myself and my feelings. I don’t like throwing out your stats because the stats are not why me and my kids watched you.  The big piece of why we love you so much is because you enjoy the life and every second of this game you play it ALL IN. Every game we came to, as you were getting mobbed by autograph hounds or getting screamed at from right field; you always had the biggest smile on your face. You laughed and played in the dugout and never gave a bad interview, even though the reporters sometimes probably provoked a justifiable smart ass comment. You never stopped running out plays, you always hustled to first base, you gave maximum effort in catching every ball and you would dare someone to run on that arm.

Now, in a game where there are so few African American baseball players, my kids AND this sport’s younger generation needs someone positive to look up to and imitate.

We never missed a game on television and when they couldn’t stay up with me to watch the game, I gave them a report on your box score and highlights the next day. You, baseball, the Braves, in some way, helped keep this family together. I’ve been over many of my friends’ homes and some of them can’t even have a conversation with their kids (smh).

These were times that I wished me and my father had together.

Most of the time, YOU were the main part of the conversation and then that turned into how they want to play baseball and get in the game to be “just like you”.

Those were the Brave days.

Sep 25, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (22) advances to third base on a hit in the ninth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field. The Pirates won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Regrettably, when you were traded, one of my kids jumped ship and chose a different favorite player on the Baltimore Orioles as his favorite (don’t get me started). But after that trade, I never gave up hope.

I didn’t watch a lot of the games with you in “that uniform” because it was weird.

Like seeing your ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend at the mall. Deep inside you want to stick your foot out and trip her but in reality, you are just happy she is happy.

I’m glad you are happy.

The smile never stopped shining so bright and now a whole generation of African American youth has the opportunity to experience the same magic that we did.

Chicago has many issues, the city… not the team.

• They need positive role models.
• They need someone to inspire them.
• They need someone to be the voice for a generation that doesn’t even know how to play baseball.
• They need a familiar face that they can identify with for them to rekindled that light in them to help it shine.

You could be that guy.

Yeah I am still bummed the Braves didn’t go all in on you  before the trade but even now but I know that Chicago is where God needs you to be.

You presence there should be used to jumpstart a movement to get urban youth out of the house and back on the diamond.

Jason Heyward. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

If MLB doesn’t use you for their RBI Initiative in that area then the program should be shut down because it is for THIS very instance it was created and now they have you as an ambassador for a desperate and dying populous.

As a Braves fan, I am bummed that you are still not here.

As a baseball fan, I am super amped that you are in that little shoebox that they call a stadium, because ALL of your numbers should increase.

As an African American, I am proud that you are not only representing us Black Males in a positive light but you now have the chance to implement real social, economic and environmental change for a whole new generation.

Thanks for your time in Atlanta.

Sorry for the shameful exhibit of fandom from St. Louis (you can’t fix stupid)

And many well wishes from me, my family and from Braves fans throughout Braves Country.

Good luck and best wishes Jason.

s/n: Next time you are in Atlanta, let’s do lunch at the Varsity. Lunch is on you though… I mean, don’t act like you ain’t got it. Peace bro.

Special thanks to Jeff Shultz at the AJC for writing THIS and letting me know I wasn’t the only one