Richardson joins elite fraternity

Tue, Sep 6th 2011, 10:24 AM

When Antoan Richardson was sent in to pinch hit by Atlanta Braves Manager Ferdi Gonzalez on Sunday in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he directly delivered a single and strode into Bahamian history.
The appearance in a Major League game enabled him to join a very special fraternity of Bahamian baseball players.  There was once the "Elite Five of Bahamian Baseball" headed by Andre Rodgers and inclusive of Tony Curry, Wenty Ford, Ed Armbrister and Will Culmer.
They were the only ex-Major League players.  Now that group has expanded to six with the 27-year-old Richardson.  He's got an excellent opportunity to stay with the big club for the rest of the season.  If that happens, his chances of making the 2012 roster become that much greater.
Here are a couple of scenarios that favor Richardson.
To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Braves placed outfielder Nate McLouth on the 60-day disabled list.  The transfer of McLouth's status means that it is highly unlikely he will be back with the team this season.  Richardson is that extra outfielder now.
Then, there is Gonzalez' love of speed on the base path.  Speed has always been Richard's forte in baseball.  Of slight built (5-8, 160-pounds), Richardson's quickness in general has been his primary attraction as a player.
With the Braves in the playoff hunt in the National League East, Gonzalez is obviously opting for more speed to go along with Michael Bourn who has stolen 49 bases.  Richardson had 17 stolen bases in 22 attempts with the Braves' Mississippi AA club before being called up.
The Braves are 82-57 and in the fight for a wild card playoff spot.  If Richardson can make a positive difference, he will impress his manager.
That's what counts.  That's all that matters.  Best wishes Antoan!
For The Bahamas, it has been a long wait for another of our sons to take the field during a Major League game.  It's been almost 30 years since Will Culmer played his last game with the Cleveland Indians in May of 1983.
That's a long drought.
It didn't come easy for Richardson.  He was first drafted in the 27th round by the Baltimore Orioles way back in 2001, played two seasons of AAA ball and four in AA.  He has indeed endured many frustrations.
Nevertheless, he's on the big stage now.
Congratulations to this son of Bahamian soil!
His mother is Glenn Huyler.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at frobertsturrup@gmail.com).

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