Last week I interviewed audio blogger for Bravesblast.com Kent Covington, who is an avid Atlanta Braves fan and is in the process of launching a regionally syndicated baseball broadcast radio show within the upcoming year. The purpose of the interview was to discuss the Mets/Braves rivalry that occurred during the mid 90’s-mid 2000’s and get the point of view of the rivalry from the other side, the Atlanta Braves side. Here is our conversation.
New York Mets Today: The Mets/Braves rivalry was very bitter from a Mets’ fans point of view. We hated the Braves. The hate was probably derived from the fact that we could never beat the Braves. Did Braves’ fans look at the rivalry in the same way?
Kent Covington: Well, first of all, I appreciate the invite to chat with you! Anytime Mets and Braves fans can come together, I feel we’re one step closer to world peace! As for our feelings for the Mets… I don’t mean to sound like a wise guy, but there’s always more hatred from the side that comes up on the short end of the stick, but there was certainly at least a very spirited dislike for the Mets. After all, they were our division rival, and you have to dislike your rivals! It’s your duty as a sports fan, right?!
New York Mets Today: As much as Mets fans respect Chipper Jones as a ballplayer, we dislike him a lot. Was there a particular player on the Mets during these years that the Braves fans hated?
Kent Covington: I can’t really think of a particular player off the top of my head.
New York Mets Today: What was it like rooting for John Rocker?
Kent Covington: LOL, well at first, it wasn’t clear what a tool the guy was, and because he was such a dominant closer, he was loved in Atlanta in the beginning. After he started to humiliate himself, though, I don’t think most Braves fans liked the guy, but we still wanted him to get the job done. It wasn’t long after his stupid comments, however, that he really imploded. He lost the mental edge you need to succeed, especially as a closer, after that. It wasn’t just Rocker’s comments in the press, though. At times, Rocker was a jerk to his teammates as well, and that’s the sort of thing that will buy you a ticket out of a Bobby Cox clubhouse. The Braves organization has little patience for lack of character, as seen with Yunel Escobar getting traded this season. One particular event comes to mind involving Rocker. He was brought in to close out a game, and an infielder made an error behind him, allowing a run to score. Rocker then turned around and screamed at the infielder. After the game, Braves broadcaster and HOF pitcher, Don Sutton, told Rocker “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen a pitcher show up a teammate in front of everyone like that”. Rocker responded, “Well, there’s a first time for everything.” What an ass.
New York Mets Today: In a clutch situation during those years, who was the hitter that would fear Braves fans the most?
Kent Covington: I guess I’d say Mike Piazza, though there may have been different guys in different years that we didn’t want to see at the plate more than others. However, if I had to choose a guy from more recent Mets teams, it would have to be Jose Reyes. When he’s healthy and running all over the place, he is incredibly irritating to opposing fans!
New York Mets Today: During the run of 14 straight NL East division titles, did you guys ever “fear” the Mets, or were you always confident that you would beat us?
Kent Covington: After a while, I think we as fans took it for granted that the Braves would win the division. Atlanta Braves fans became very, very spoiled.
New York Mets Today: In 1999, when we finally made the playoffs and ran into the Braves for the NLCS crown, were Braves fans nervous to play us?
Kent Covington: I think Braves fans were confident that we’d get to the WS in 99’, though I think most of us knew we’d be flattened once we got there…..and we were.
New York Mets Today: Robin Ventura’s Grand Slam single is one of the most popular moments in Mets’ history. Was it a big deal in ATL or is it just another game in Braves history?
Kent Covington: Honestly, it sounds vaguely familiar, but I don’t really remember it. I think Braves fans were focused mainly on the Braves, and trying to get another WS ring to go with all those division titles, which began to feel empty after so many postseason disappointments.
New York Mets Today: Obviously the events of 9/11/2001 had a great effect on this country, but even more so in NY. The Mets victory over the Braves in the first sporting event in NY after the horrible events of 9/11 was a very memorable moment for Mets fans and the city. How was that game viewed by Braves fans?
Kent Covington: The first game after 9/11 was really cool. Bobby Cox said it was the only time he was ever glad to lose a game. NY needed that win. It was an honor to see the Braves have the opportunity to be part of the first game back after 9/11.
New York Mets Today: Out of the trio of Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux, who is regarded as the best and who is the fan favorite?
Kent Covington: Well, I think Greg Maddux (given what came to light about Clemens’ chemical enhancements) is unquestionably the greatest pitcher of the modern era. But Smoltz was the better postseason horse, and was here before Maddux got here and after he left. So as a fan favorite, I think Smoltz wins. Glavine lost a LOT of favor when he signed with the Mets.
New York Mets Today: The Mets/Braves rivalry has cooled the last several years and the Phillies seem to now be the Mets big rivalry. This rivalry is different however. It is a lot more heated than it ever was with the Braves. Mets fans seem to hate the Phillies while we respected the Braves. Is the rivalry between the Braves and Phillies just as heated?
Kent Covington: Yeah, there is a growing hatred for the Phillies now. They’ve been on top for the last few years, which makes them easier to hate. Especially since Phillies fans have gotten so damned cocky lately.
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