Braves Collection: Cito Gaston

1978 Topps

So, a few days ago, I praised the MLB Network for their broadcast tomorrow night of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. They deserve all the kudos in the world for this kind of programming. Sometimes though, they step all over everything and screw something up that should be special. Consider the tribute to retiring managers Lou Pinella, Joe Torre, Bobby Cox and the guy above, Cito Gaston during the winter meetings.

The tribute started off fine as Bud Selig delivered a nice, if somewhat boring tribute to each manager. Each manager then got to speak, say a thanks, and point out where their careers intersected with their fellow nominees (with John Schuerholz speaking for Cox since he had to return to Atlanta due to a family illness). Then, the press was allowed to ask questions. The tribute had become entertaining, at which point, MLB goes back to the studio. Breaking news? No. Just so Harold and Mitch can speak about the managers. Isn't this the kind of thing the MLB Network should specialize in? If I want to watch talking heads talking about things that are happening, I'd tune into ESPN, and I don't watch ESPN unless there's a game on I want to see. Oh well.

Cito, now that you are retiring, I can forgive you for beating the Braves in the 1992 World Series. I never really considered you a traitor since the guy who hired you as hitting coach up there was Bobby Cox. Enjoy your retirement.