Atlanta Braves may do it with "Pride"

BY THOMAS MAY

When you watch the Atlanta Braves regularly, you get to know the players as you hear the announcers comment about some of the players' individual traits, etc. Quite often Skip, Don, Joe and Pete will tell of some of the characteristics or habits of the players that give those of us who are Braves' fans a better insight to the players.

The Atlanta Braves have a unique player this year in Curtis Pride. It was Pride's determination that led him to a professional baseball contract with the New York Mets when he graduated from high school. He also signed a basketball scholarship with William & Mary College and played four years with that school. During the summer months he joined the baseball team and finally was able to reach the major leagues. What some may not know about Pride is that he excelled in several sports even though he has about a five-to-ten percent hearing capability. He also was successful in obtaining a degree in financing while playing the two sports.

Pride was in Bullock County Monday visiting his grandparents, Lensie and Sippie Pride of the Smuteye Community.

When I asked for an interview with Pride, I did not know how well it would go talking to someone who could hear very little. What I found out was that Curtis Pride is not handicapped. He heard every question which made the interview enjoyable.

Most of the questions hinged around Pride's baseball career now with the Atlanta Braves. This is his first year with Atlanta coming over from the Detroit Tigers of the American League.

Pride says he is most happy to be with a winning team and gave a thumbs up when asked if the Braves would take it all this year.

Pride has also played in the majors with the Montreal Expos for two years.

He was asked about his favorite Braves player and his response was, "I have no favorite. They are all good friends. None of these players have an ego."

When asked who was the best pitcher on the Atlanta Braves, a quick answer said, "Greg Maddux, without a doubt."

Bobby Cox, manager of the Braves is smart, according to Pride. "He knows what he is doing. He is honest and up front with the players. He runs the team," Curtis stated.

He was asked about Mark Wohlers' problems in recent weeks. Wohlers is supposed to be the Braves' closer but has been unsuccessful lately. "He'll be back," Pride says. "Everyone has a slump and it is Wohlers right now but he will be back."

He feels the same about John Smoltz, who had surgery and was late getting started this year. After a few weeks back with the team, injuries put him on the disabled list and eventually saw him back in the minors to get it all together again. "Smoltz will be back," Pride says.

When asked about Chipper Jones, Pride said he is great. "What about Klesko?" I asked. "He is a good person," Pride said, "He and I go fishing together" He also told of his younger days when he fished in the ponds around Smuteye.

Pride is not a starter for the Braves but he says, "my time will come." He says he can contribute as a pinch hitter and he has. He is batting .265 this year and had a winning home run during one game against Ron Beck of the Chicago Cubs.

Does he have any problems communicating with other players? No. When asked how he was understanding my questions, Pride said he was reading my lips and could hear some things I was asking.

During a game when he is playing in the outfield, how does he know who is suppose to catch a ball when another outfielder could catch the ball as well as Pride?

"We have ways of communicating," Pride answered. "If the other outfielder wants to catch the ball, he just waves me off."

What about hearing the ball hit the bat. Pride does not hear that but he has adjusted to this problem. He watches very closely.

Pride was asked if it is difficult sitting on the bench day after day with little playing time. "I would like to be a starter but I can contribute to the team coming off the bench," he said. "My time will come. I probably have five or more years left. You just have to be at the right place at the right time." Pride is 29 years of age.

He explained that baseball is hard work. Games usually begin at 6:40. Pride leaves his home in Atlanta at 2:00 and heads for the park to do a number of things so he is ready should Bobby Cox call on him to pinch hit, pinch run or play in the outfield.

Pride is a good base runner and is probably the fastest runner on the Braves' team.

He points out that playing professional sports gives players an opportunity to help with various charities and he named some with which he is involved.

Pride had not visited his grandparents in the Smuteye Community for 13 years until Monday. He was born in Washington, D.C. to John and Sallie Pride. His parents now reside in Maryland. He has three sisters.

His grandparents do not get to watch the Braves unless they happen to be on one of the three major networks. The Braves' TV channel is on cable and cable does not reach the Smuteye Community. But Lensie says "we listen on the radio to all the games."' When asked who their favorite player is, they answered with "Pride."

Curtis was married in January of this year. His wife, Lisa, gets to go on two road trips each year. She attends most of the home games and says she has always been a baseball fan.

Curtis Pride forgot he had some disabilities and moved up the ladder to what many young men only dream about. We will keep watching for Pride's "time to come."

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Originally Published: Union Springs Herald, 17 June 1998
Copyright Union Springs Herald 1998