TOYS OF SUMMER
Par for the course
What: Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz disappeared into the closet a few yards from the Braves’ clubhouse Wednesday. Would he emerge with a new glove, a new jersey, a new pitch? Nope, he came out carrying his golf clubs for his team’s weekend trip to Florida. Golf, perhaps more than any other activity, occupies off days and mornings around the league.
Why: Smoltz is an avid golfer who has played the Master’s course and participated in last year’s Super Bowl hole-in-one contest with Arizona’s Royce Clayton. During their magical run, Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux credited the links for strengthening their bond.
The solution: Thanks to golf, every team needs a veteran. It’s his job to help pull strings in spring training to get guys on the best courses on short notice. Golf means so much to some hangers-on of the players, they have been known to trade autographed memorabilia for cushy tee times.
