I caught this during batting practice at an Atlanta Braves game circa 1974, in the Old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Signed by Hall of Famer Phil Niekro. I keep it on my desk, and thought it would make an intersting picture. In case there are any "old" Braves fans from the seventies, it is signed by several Braves of note including Darrel Evans, Biff Pocoroba, Ralph Garr, Larvell "Sugar Bear" Blanks, John "Blue Moon" Odom and others. It was the day when autographs were free and a kid could meet the players as they left the stadium at the "Player's Tunnel" and interact with the heroes.

Funny story about that day. The Cubs beat the Braves, and after the game I saw Phil Niekro standing by the dugout talking to someone. I was going to impress my buddies, and I started hollering "Mr. Niekro, Mr. Niekro!!!" In the stadium noise it was very hard to hear, but the other guys joined my lead and finally we got his attention. Phil looked up, kind of distracted with a face that said "what kid, WHAT???" I froze in my tracks when he looked at me, and then I just smiled and said "Hey!" while giving a quick wave. I think he realized what was going on and he just cracked up and smiled and said "Hey boys!"

At the Player's Tunnel he gave me a grin when he signed the ball, remembering that moment just an hour ago.