The beginning and the end. Alpha and Omega.

 You probably aren't expecting a post about Charlie Morton. that is what it is though. Initially I was upset the Braves let him get away. Not so much anymore I kind of got over it. Was still stinging on the Max Fried getting away especially to the Damn Yankees, lol. Mix in the rumor mill regarding Chris Sale. UGH!

The Braves drafted Charlie in the amateur draft right out of high school in 2002. You can tell with 2002 Upper Deck Prospect Premieres card. Just a kid.

He bounced through the farm until 2008 when he made his debut on June 14, 2008. Charlie is looking a little (not much) older on his 2008 Bowman Draft Prospects card. The Braves traded him off to Pittsburg for Nate McClouth. That didn't work out as planned. Charlie remained a Pirate from 2009-2015 (only 1 winning season 2013). 2016 found Charlie in Philly. Then off to Houston where he would have his second winning season (and a World Series ring). After the 2018 season he'd be heading HOME to Tampa where he would stay put for 2019 & 2020 as he was contemplating retirement. The Braves came and scooped him up where he would gain another World Series ring. Do y'all remember him that post season.... trying to remain in the game after breaking his leg. That is a trooper, and that kind of determination is why I kind of felt bummed to see him go.

Here we have Charlie on his 2024 Braves Topps card. The last (or should be) but you know how Topps is I wouldn't be surprised if some 2025 cards has him in a Braves uniform instead of the Orioles. Who knows right now. 

I put together some interesting tidbits regarding Charlie. As of right now he is the highest ranking active pitched with hit batsmen. He ranks (tied) for the #7 spot all time. The swooping curve ball especially to lefties is a doozie. He has 186  HBP on record right now, the next closes "active" player is sitting at #55 on the list. In fact Charlie has hit the #1 spot for a season 4x, 2nd 3x, and 3rd 3x too. he also is up there up the charts for most allowed triples (by season) he had the #1 spot for that a lot.

His best years have been the last 8 years. Current record 138-123. You could always count on him for strikeouts. He currently has 2,047 K's under his belt with 1,991 hits in 2,125.2 innings.

I wish Charlie luck (unless he's pitching against the Braves). There you have it, the beginning and then end of Charlie Morton and the Braves.

Have a great night.