Episode 2 of Atlanta Braves “Learning From Leo” Series Focuses on Command

Braves and Leo Mazzone playing 4D Chess

Whether it was Glavine’s stubbornness of not allowing the hitter or umpire to dictate his definition of the strike zone or Maddux’s agitated attitude if his location was off by an inch, command and precision forever played a pivotal role in the trio’s success.

In one incredible tale, Mazzone narrates the moment where Greg Maddux faced off against Luis Gonzalez, who simply owned the 300-game winner (Lifetime .325 average, 10 home runs, 23 RBI against Maddux). Mad Dog, fully aware of the track record, stubbornly said to Bobby Cox that in just two pitches he would get Gonzalez to pop out to third.

A pair of pitches later, the ball landed in Chipper Jones’ glove.

And, of course, there was the other story of John Smoltz kicking off a regular-season start against the Reds with 32 straight fastballs. After a rightfully frustrated Bobby Cox scorned Mazzone, the pitching coach asked Smoltz, “What the hell are you doing?”

Smoltz replied, “I’m setting them up for the playoffs.”

Still, the most revealing aspect of the episode was when Mazzone opened up about leaving Atlanta for Baltimore following the 2005 season.

In a rather candid moment, Mazzone said, “It was miserable. It was a completely different setup.”

Despite having an average rotation led by Erik Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie, a toxic culture and Mazzone’s admittedly aggressive approach entering the organization led to his shortcomings.

“In Baltimore, you never knew what the owner would do,” Mazzone said. “Players could come and voice their complaints. When that happens, you have no chance.”

The final episode of “Learning from Leo” airs May 27 on Rudd’s YouTube channel. Prior to the release, check back with Tomahawk Take for a preview.