Braves Hall of Fame Member Pete Van Wieren Announces his Retirem

Pete Van Wieren, a member of the Braves Hall of Fame has announced his retirement, ending his 33 years as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves. He spent this past season doing radio exclusively for 94.9 the Bull, 640 WGST and the Braves Radio Network, but had been a part of the Braves broadcasts on TBS for many of those 33 years.

"This is something my family and I have been thinking about the last couple of years," said Van Wieren. "It's simply a desire to live my life without the restrictions of a baseball schedule. I want to thank the Braves, my broadcast partners and especially the fans for their support over the years."

Since joining the Braves network in 1975, "The Professor" as he is known throughout baseball, has also covered the Atlanta Flames of the National Hockey League, the Hawks and the Atlanta Falcons NFL pre-season football. He also served as a sports reporter for CNN and served as a play-by-play announcer on TBS's Big Ten Conference college football games.

"This is a monumental moment in Braves history and a sad one for me personally," said Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz. "Pete has been in our homes and in our lives as one of the great Braves voices, and we will sorely miss him. We wish him many years of good health and happiness in his retirement after 33 years as a beloved and admired voice of the Atlanta Braves."

In 2006, Van Wieren won the Georgia Sportscaster of the Year Award from the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, marking the 10th time he won the honor (1980, 1988-95, 2006). He was dubbed Atlanta's Favorite Sportscaster in 1977 by the Atlanta Journal.

In 2004, he was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame, along with fellow announcer Skip Caray, who passed away this past August. In 2000, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell declared July 30th "Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren Day" in honor of their 25 years of broadcasting Braves games.

Prior to joining Turner, he began his broadcasting career working as the play-by-play man for the Tidewater Tides of the International League for two years. He has also broadcast hockey, college and professional basketball and college and professional football. He also has been a sportscaster for WDHO-TV, Toledo, Ohio; WNBF-AM/FM/TV and WINR-AM/TV, both in Binghamton, NY; WPRW-AM/FM, Manassas, Va.; and WEER-AM/FM, Warrenton, Va.

Van Wieren, who was born in Rochester, NY, attended Cornell University. He and his wife Elaine live in Alpharetta, Ga. They have two children, Steven and Jon.

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AirTran Airways, Danica Patrick Put Atlanta Gamers in the Driver's Seat

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today announced that IndyCar Series driver and 2008 Indy Japan 300 winner, Danica Patrick will be challenging three Atlanta residents racing skills via video game for a chance to win a roundtrip ticket to anywhere AirTran Airways flies in the U.S. The event, which will include approximately 50 gamers looking for a shot at taking on Patrick, will take place at the ESPN Zone Buckhead on November 12. The top three scorers will face-off against Danica in the final round.

"AirTran Airways and Danica Patrick are proud to provide racing fans with this unique opportunity to test their gaming skills against a real professional race car driver," said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways. "The lucky winner of the competition won't have to miss anything when he or she flies, because we offer free XM Satellite Radio at every seat, to ensure racing fans can listen to the IndyCar Series Racing channel."

"With all due respect to the challengers, I expect to win this competition," said Danica Patrick. "If you think you can beat me, bring it on."

Prospective contestants can enter at http://www.airtran.com/danica and all fans are welcome to come to the ESPN Zone to watch the competition. Directly after the racing competition, Patrick will be available for a Q & A session followed by a meet and greet. Be sure to arrive early as signatures and photos may be limited.

For complete contest rules and information see http://www.airtran.com/danica.

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2008 World Series

The Tampa Bay Rays will play the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2008 World Series beginning Wednesday, Oct. 22, in St. Petersburg, Fla. This will be the 104th edition of major league baseball’s best-of-seven championship series, marking the first World Series appearance for the American League champion Rays since entering the league in 1998. The National League champion Phillies make their sixth appearance, with their only victory coming in 1980 over the Kansas City Royals. To commemorate this occasion, the Census Bureau has compiled a collection of statistics relating to the metropolitan areas — Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla., and Philadelphia — represented by the teams in this year’s Fall Classic. Unless otherwise indicated, the data come from the 2007 American Community Survey.

Our National Pastime

30 million
The estimated number of hot dogs consumed at major league ballparks in 2008. Source: National Hot Dog and Sausage Council

$46 million
Retail sales of hot dogs in Philadelphia in 2007, the fourth largest total in the nation. Only New York, Los Angeles and Washington/Baltimore spent more on hot dogs. Source: Information Statistics Inc.

1908
The year when the song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was written by Jack Norworth and composed by Albert Von Tilzer. Cracker Jack — a blend of peanuts, popcorn and caramel — is immortalized with the third line, “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack.” Source: Cracker Jack

$5
Price for a 21-ounce draft beer at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. This price is the cheapest in the major leagues, according to Team Marketing Report. At Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, $5 gets you 16 ounces of beer. Source: 2008 Team Marketing Report

Tampa Bay (Rays)

19th
Where Tampa Bay (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla.) ranked on the list of the nation’s most populous metropolitan areas. This area’s estimated population on July 1, 2007, was 2.7 million. Source: Population estimates

26%
Percentage of Tampa Bay’s residents age 25 and older who had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2007; 87 percent had at least graduated from high school.

18%
In 2007, the proportion of Tampa Bay’s residents age 5 and older who spoke a language other than English at home.

25.6 minutes
Average amount of time it took Tampa Bay’s residents to get to work in 2007. Eighty-one percent of the metro area’s workers drove to work alone, 9 percent carpooled and 1 percent took public transportation.

$46,607
Median household income in 2007 for Tampa Bay. The national median income was $50,740.

$203,300
The median value for owner-occupied housing units in Tampa Bay in 2007. The national median value was $194,300.

11.3%
Tampa Bay’s poverty rate in 2007. The national poverty rate was 13 percent.

Philadelphia (Phillies)

5th
Where the Philadelphia metro area (Philadelphia-Camden, N.J.-Wilmington,
Del.) ranked on the list of the nation’s most populous metropolitan areas.
This area’s estimated population on July 1, 2007, was 5.8 million. Source:
Population estimates

31%
Percentage of the Philadelphia metro area’s residents ages 25 and older who had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2007; 87 percent had at least graduated from high school.

14%
In 2007, the proportion of the Philadelphia metro area’s residents age 5 and older who spoke a language other than English at home.

28.2 minutes
Average amount of time it took Philadelphia metro area residents to get to work. Seventy-four percent of the area’s workers drove to work alone, 9 percent carpooled and 9 percent took public transportation.

$58,309
Median household income in 2007 for the Philadelphia metro area.

$240,300
The median value for owner-occupied housing units in the Philadelphia metro area in 2007.

11.5%
The Philadelphia metro area’s poverty rate in 2007.

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Braves' Hanson Named AFL's Pitcher of the Week

Scottsdale Scorpions infielder Drew Sutton (HOU) and Mesa Solar Sox starting right-handed pitcher Tommy Hanson (ATL) are the Arizona Fall League's week two player of the week and pitcher of the week, respectively.

Sutton - Sutton hit a robust .643 (9-14) last week in four games, including two home runs and five runs batted in. He posted a .667 on-base percentage and 1.143 slugging percentage.

The Fall League's leading hitter at .600 (12-20) two weeks into its 17th season, the 6-3, 190-pound Sutton also leads in on-base percentage (.680) and slugging percentage (1.000).

The 25-year-old Jackson, Tennessee native and former Baylor star was the Astros' 15th-round selection in the 2004 draft. He hit .317 in 2008 at Double-A Corpus Christi with 20 home runs, 63 extra-base hits, 69 runs batted in, and 20 stolen bases.

Other player-of-the-week nominees were Phoenix Desert Dogs' outfielder Eric Young, Jr. (COL) and Peoria Saguaros infielder Daniel Murphy (NYM).

Hanson - The 6-6, 210-pound Hanson was nearly perfect last week, winning both his starts while allowing only one hit over 6.2 innings pitched. In his most recent start last Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. the frontrunning 8-2 Peoria Saguaros, Hanson struck out eight of the first nine hitters.

The 22-year-old Tulsa, Oklahoma native, who has allowed just one hit in 8.2 innings overall, is riding a streak of 8.1 consecutive hitless innings. He has not allowed a hit since a one-out single by Young in the first inning of Hanson's first start on Opening Day (Oct. 7). His earned-run average is 0.00 and he is one of three Fall League pitchers with two wins. He owns 14 strikeouts against three walks.

Hanson, who played college baseball at Riverside (CA) Community College, was the Braves' 22nd-round selection in the 2005 Draft. After starting 2008 at Advanced-A Myrtle Beach where he was 3-1 with a 0.90 earned-run average in seven starts, Hanson was promoted to Double-A Mississippi where he was 8-4 with a 3.03 earned-run average in 18 starts. He struck out 114 batters in 98 innings while allowing only 70 hits. Two other right-handers - Scottsdale Scorpion Clay Buchholz (BOS) and Peoria Saguaro Tobi Stoner (NYM) - were nominated for pitcher-of-the-week.

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Erik Compton Champions the Cause of Organ Donation As He Competes This Week to Win PGA Tour Card

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just four months after his second heart transplant, Professional Golfer Erik Compton is back on the course this week, competing to achieve his lifetime goal—a card to play on the PGA Tour.

Perhaps cheering loudest for Compton will be the 90,000-plus Americans waiting on organ donor waiting lists. An average of 17 people die each day (over 6,000 each year) waiting for a transplant.

Though golf will be his focus this week as he competes in the first of three qualifying tournaments starting on Tuesday (October 21st) to earn the right to play with the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, Compton will also be promoting a cause, literally near and dear to his new heart.

“Organ donation is literally the gift of life,” said the 28-year-old former University of Georgia All-American, who suffered a massive heart attack in October 2007. “I owe my life to two families and two donors, who made the decision to make available life-saving organs for transplants. I’m honored to be able to give back by supporting the Transplant Foundation in Miami and their effort to build awareness through the sale of a specialty Florida license tag—“Donate Organs. Pass it On.”

Both causes are generously displayed on Compton’s golf bag, shirt and hat. Compton also carries a special gift from a young athlete killed in a motorcycle accident—a strong and healthy new heart.

“I’m here today because of him,” said Compton, who hopes someday to meet the young donor’s parents.

Compton, who received his first heart transplant at the age of 12 as a result of heart disease, will be competing with 1,100 golfers competing across the country at 11 courses in the stage one qualifying round to ultimately earn a PGA Tour card. The PGA has granted Compton the right to use a cart during qualifying stages.

Slowly regaining his strength from a life-saving heart transplant, Compton’s golf swing is in top form, however, stamina is an issue, where walking four to five miles a day during a typical tournament has proved to be too taxing.

Recently in a warm-up tournament on the same Crandon Park Golf Course where he will compete in stage one Q School this week, Compton scored a sizzling 65, winning the Key Biscayne Open by six strokes. In fact, in three tournaments in which Compton has competed since his near fatal heart attack, he has played well, shooting 66, 67 and 65 respectively.

“It’s like throwing darts,” said Compton. “Golf is a game of skill. Once you’ve learned the skill, it never goes away. I’m swinging the clubs well enough to be competitive, I just need to get strong and healthy so I can get back to walking the course like everyone else.”

The PGA has given Compton a six-month rule waiver so he can play from a cart. He will have to reapply to continue at that time.

In passing the first qualifying stage, Compton’s next test will be a stage two qualifying tournament in Georgia, with the final qualifying tournament in Palm Springs, where 25 golfers will receive PGA Tour cards.

About Erik Compton

Erik holds the distinction as being the only professional golfer in the world to compete with a transplanted heart. Erik, who became the #1 junior golfer in the country and AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year in 1998, accepted a scholarship offer at the University of Georgia. At UGA, Erik went on to become an All-American. Erik’s success on the course led to him being named to the prestigious Walker Cup and Palmer Cup teams in 2001. Since turning professional in 2001, Erik has found success at every level of competition. He has won international events such as the King Hassan Trophy II of Morocco in 2005. He finished at the top of the Order of Merit List (money title) for the Canadian Tour in 2004 (after winning numerous events that season), and has won numerous times on the NGA Hooters Tour (most recently in 2006). Since turning professional in 2001, Erik has competed primarily on the PGA Nationwide Tour circuit. He has had several top-10 finishes throughout his career. His best finish on the Nationwide Tour was tied for 1st at the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open in 2004. Erik has competed successfully on the PGA Tour as well where he has made 5 cuts in 11 career starts. This summer, Compton married Barbara Casco, and the couple is expecting a child, ironically scheduled on the anniversary of Erik’s first transplant on February 26th.

About The Transplant Foundation

Transplant Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) dedicated to funding patient services, public education to increase organ donation and lifesaving transplant research. The goal is to provide the Gift of Life to all in need. For more information, please contact Transplant Foundation at 1-866-901-3172 or visit www.transplantfoundation.org. The revenues from the sale of the specialty Donate Organs. Pass it On license plates will be used in the areas of research, patient services and education. Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando and Miami offer medical facilities specializing in transplants.

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Churchill Downs to Become First U.S. Racetrack to Offer High-Definition Simulcasting

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Churchill Downs will become the first racetrack in the United States to offer simulcasting in high definition (“HD”) when it opens its 2008 Fall Meet on Sunday, Oct. 26. The HD signal will be rolled out progressively to select off-track betting locations (“OTBs”) and racetracks across the nation, as well as on-track in a variety of public areas.

“Churchill Downs is delighted to take the lead on this innovation and bring to our customers across the country the unparalleled quality and clarity that high definition provides,” said Tom Jenkins, vice president for Churchill Downs Incorporated. “From the day this technology upgrade was proposed, our goal was to focus on the end-user experience. We wanted to ensure that our customers, whether on-track or at simulcasting outlets, could enjoy the experience of high-definition racing from Churchill Downs, and that goal will become a reality on opening day of our 2008 Fall Meet.”

Churchill’s high-definition simulcast will present live racing in full 16:9 HD format, offering customers a larger and clearer view of the race itself. In addition, on-screen graphics and racing information will be presented in high definition within the 16:9 format, allowing for additional and enhanced wagering information for both the on-track and simulcasting customer. More than 100 HDTVs on-track at Churchill Downs will benefit from the high-definition signal. Those televisions will be spread throughout the facility in both luxury seating locations and areas open to the general public. Locations include the Silks and Champions Club Lounges near the ITW area, the Jockey Club and first-floor Jockey Club, the Turf Club, Gold Rooms 2 and 6, the Finish Line Suites lobby, and the Directors, Stakes and Aristides Rooms inside the clubhouse. The televisions will be marked with signage to help customers identify and enjoy the HD experience.

Churchill Downs is also working with select OTBs and racetracks across the country to provide the technology needed to take advantage of high-definition simulcasts. Installation of the necessary components is currently underway, and a full list of locations offering the Churchill meet in HD will be forthcoming.

The 2008 Fall Meet at Churchill Downs will also be offered in a typical standard-definition format for facilities without HD technology in place.

“Today’s announcement is just the first step in what we hope will be a continuing process of HD upgrades, expansions and improvements for our customers,” Jenkins added. “We’re also open to any interest from other simulcast outlets that may want to offer the Churchill Downs signal in high definition. We’re looking forward to receiving and acting upon feedback from our customers to continue improving their experience at the races.”

For nearly a year, Churchill Downs has worked with several technology providers to make its high-definition transition possible. Key among those is Roberts Communications Network, which helped devise a system to deliver HD simulcasts to OTBs in a manner that works with their existing television infrastructure. Two other major providers are International Sound Corp., which will provide the new high-definition graphics package with enhanced wagering information, and Thomson Grass Valley, which was chosen to provide the Kayak digital video production switcher and LDK 4000 mk II high-definition camera.

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. The track’s 2008 Fall Meet runs from Oct. 26 through Nov. 29. Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record six times, and will host the international racing event again on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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Braves Museum and Hall of Fame Announces Offseason Specials, Including 'Free Admission Day' on November 15

This offseason, baseball fans will have the opportunity to explore the rich history of the Braves franchise and see behind-the-scenes areas of Turner Field during special monthly promotions at the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame. Monthly specials will begin with "Free Admission Day" on November 15, when fans of all ages will enjoy free admission and tours all day.

Offseason Specials at the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame

November 15, 2008: "Free Admission Day"
On Saturday, November 15, the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame will offer free admission during normal museum hours from 10 AM - 2 PM. Tours of the stadium, normally $12 for adults, $7 for children, and $10 for groups of 20 or more, will also be free on November 15th. Tours leave on the hour starting daily Monday-Saturday at 10:00 AM, with the last tour leaving at 2:00 PM.

December 1- 22, 2008: "A Toy for a Tour"
Children 13 and under who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive free admission to the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame and a complimentary tour of Turner Field December 1-22. The Atlanta Braves Foundation will donate the toys to children's charities for distribution to those in need during the holiday season.

February 1-28, 2008: Black History Month education initiative
In an effort to encourage youth to learn about the many achievements of African Americans in baseball, children 13 and under who read a book about the Negro Leagues, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, or any African American contributors to the sport, will receive complimentary admission to the Braves Museum and a free tour of Turner Field.

Students can bring in the book they read or a note with the name and author of the book from their teacher or librarian on school letterhead, Monday-Saturday during Black History Month.

The Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum & Hall of Fame features more than 600 Braves artifacts and photographs that trace the team's history from its beginnings in Boston (1871-1952) to Milwaukee (1953-65) to Atlanta (1966-present).

This educational and entertaining destination is open year-round and is the starting point of one hour guided tours of Turner Field. Tours take fans through behind-the-scenes areas of the ballpark including the press box and broadcast booths, and give fans the opportunity to sit in the Braves dugout and see their favorite players' lockers in the Braves clubhouse. Other stops along the tour include Sky Field, a luxury suite, the SunTrust Club, and the Braves Museum store.

The Braves Museum and Hall of Fame is open Monday - Saturday during the offseason from 10 AM - 2 PM, with Turner Field tours leaving on the hour. The museum will be closed November 27 - Thanksgiving Day, December 23 - January 2, and January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Turner Field tours, including admission to the Braves museum, are $12 for adults, $7 for children 13 and under, and $10 for groups of 20 or more.

Free parking is available during the offseason in the Turner Field Green Lot, on the corner of Hank Aaron Drive and Ralph David Abernathy Avenue.

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