Fielder's Choice

I got text after text during the World Series games.

Most came from oldest daughter Emma and son Andy. That’s our three-person Atlanta Braves texting group.

It’s our method of conversation throughout the Major League Baseball season — with me in Holly Springs, Emma in Little Rock, Ark., and Andy in Tupelo.

They developed a love for the Braves from their dad.

Emma experienced the Braves craze at a young age. I remember buying her a small baseball cap.

Then I was actually watching a Braves game in the hospital on May 19, 1994, minutes before Pam gave birth to Andy.

Before Game 1, I sent this text — “Y’all ready?”

Andy responded, “Born ready. Literally.”

The texting continued each game.

I was a week removed from emergency gall bladder surgery.

“Mom is threatening to strap me to the chair,” I texted during an exciting moment.

Emma’s response ­ “I already told her that if I had stitches currently, they already would have popped.” Eddie Rosario, who the Braves traded for at mid-season, had a huge post-season for the Braves.

Prior to the October 30 game in the series, Andy sent a photo of his new Eddie Rosario bobblehead.

We often questioned the umpires, too.

“This ump (behind the plate) is getting on my nerves with some of these calls,” Emma sent out.

“Tight strike zone for sure,” I replied.

We hoped the Braves were going to finish the series off October 31 at home in Game 5. It didn’t happen.

Here are a few comments during Game 5 — “That was painful” and “I just want this game to end and move on to Tuesday.”

We were all nervous about a return to Houston for Game 6 and Game 7 (if needed).

But Game 6 — Tuesday, Nov. 2, proved to be the Braves’ big night. Atlanta won its first World Series since 1995, in six games, by crushing the Astros 7-0.

“On my, we did it” — from Andy.

“I’m still kind of in shock” — from Emma.

Jorge Soler, another pick-up at mid-season was MVP. We agreed. But we would have been happy with Freddie Freeman or Tyler Matzek, too.

I was on my newspaper delivery route the next morning and sent another text.

“It wasn’t a dream was it?”

Emma quickly replied, “No sir, it really happened!”

Andy sent a picture of infield coach Ron Washington wearing his World Series Champions t-shirt and sporting a huge smile.

I sent back a photo of myself wearing my Braves cap for the day.

We’re all expecting more Braves clothing and souvenirs for Christmas. A text a few days later featured sweatshirts Emma and Andy requested.

Family bonds are the best. And sharing this love for the Atlanta Braves with Emma and Andy is special.

There will be lots of off-season news, as far as the Braves’ roster. And spring training (late February) can’t get here soon enough.