Jerry Summers
In the summer of 2021 when our beloved Atlanta Braves were floundering, I took it upon myself to voluntarily give my non-expert opinions that their loss of close games was because of (1) all players swinging for the fences; and (2) never laying down a “bunt” to advance a runner on second base with 0 or 1 out; and (3) Dansby Swanson should learn to hit the ball to right field.
I am sure that none of the above suggestions were heard or implemented by the Braves, but they suddenly caught on fire and won the World Series last October.
I don’t recall that I actually reduced my apology to writing but I did remark to a couple of acquaintances that the above practice of “eating crow” did not leave a good taste in my mouth and I would prefer a .25 beer and hot dog at any new baseball stadium that would be erected in downtown Chattanooga.
“Eating Crow” is defined in various ways:
1. To admit that one is wrong when doing so triggers great embarrassment or shame;
2. To display total humility, especially when shown to be wrong; and
3. To acknowledge an embarrassing error and humiliating abase oneself.
A story published in the Atlanta Constitution newspapers in 1888 claims “that toward the end of the War of 1812, during a temporary truce, an American went hunting and by accident crossed the British lines, where he shot a crow.” He was allegedly caught by an unarmed British officer who by complimenting him on his fine shooting, persuaded him to hand over his gun. The officer then pointed the gun and said that as punishment for trespassing the American must take a bit out of the crow. The American obeyed, but when the officer returned his gun, he took revenge and made the Briton eat the rest of the bird.”
(For those not familiar with the taste of crow meat it is generally acknowledged that it tastes terrible and not a substitution for filet mignon!)
My actions in eating said delicacy for my criticism of the reigning World Champions is not without prior precedent.
The titular head of the Chattanooga branch of a national political party was noted to claim that if their chosen candidate did not get re-elected that “they would leave the country.”
There doesn’t appear to be a public pronouncement of apology after her public official took a licking but it should be noted that she has still maintained a successful business in this town and the “Athens of the South” but has been less vocal with any promises to exit the Gig City in the upcoming 2022 and 2024 elections.
Although “Choo Choo City” no longer has any passenger rail service until we get the Amtrak link from the State Capitol to its Big Brother in the Peach State, the race to get public and government approval to build a “no glare in your eyes” successor to Joe Engels vacant ghost on East 3rd Street and the long gone “Hawk Hill” is moving at breakneck speed to get approved (the thought of giving away a paper/plastic pair of sunglasses has never been a viable alternative).
I have taken a neutral position on the soon to be recorded political and public stances because there is no bigger baseball fan in the “Dynamo of Dixie” then yours truly.
(Besides the word of an old, tired trial l _ _ _ _ _ wouldn’t carry much weight if I took either a pro or anti position on something that will affect 375,000 local citizens and our neighbors to the north, east, south, and west who will share in all of the benefits.)
The rhetoric between our pot hole filling city mayor, our soon to be unemployed county mayor, the public minded citizenry of property owners, religious leaders, lame duck political leaders, etc., should all be lauded for their dedication in guaranteeing that there will be no property tax increase, the baseball team will be here forever (not just five years) and the “Dynamo of Dixie” may revert to it’s pre-Civil War days of being bigger than Atlanta.
What a future awaits Hamilton Countians! Maybe bike lanes on the freeway, full CARTA busses, and a chicken (or crow in every pot)?
Now if we just get J.
Pat, Tim B. and Weston to get on board for the community good.
Crow may become the future delicacy now that Nikki’s is gone!
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You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com)