NBC Sports Philadelphia, the home of the Authentic Fan, sent Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury and baseball analyst Ricky Bottalico on a road trip to Clearwater, and the fourth trip took the guys to a legendary baseball landmark.
Somehow, while passing through Atlanta, Jim and Ricky encountered more snow than the city of Philadelphia has seen this entire winter. Go figure.
After having a catch with some snowballs at a rest stop, our duo headed towards their main goal: Fulton County Stadium, where Hank Aaron hit his legendary 715th home run.
But arguably more important history at Fulton County Stadium? Ricky's Major League Baseball debut, which he made July 29, 1994.
The appearance came during a 5-2 Phillies loss to the Braves, but Ricky remembered plenty of great moments from his debut. He and Jim talk about the nerves and the excitement that go into a major league debut, especially a good one: Bottalico pitched one inning, allowed two hits, notched a strikeout, and got out of the inning unscathed.
Salisbury, too, has fond and history-rich memories of the former ballpark: he covered the final game played at the stadium, a playoff game against the Yankees featuring one Joe Girardi.
What a world. After a long last look around, the boys get back on the road.
MLB
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s social media channels will be posting numerous photos, videos and anecdotes surrounding their trip on @NBCSPhilly. Salisbury will also be posting on his twitter account @JSalisburyNBCS.
Ricky and Jim will be filling up with Wawa food and fuel along the route.
Up next? Clearwater, Florida!
Tune back in for more episodes from the road here at NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com.
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