Gil Pound: Pound for Book club

Feb. 27—"World Series or bust" were the words multiple Atlanta Braves players used to describe expectations for the 2024 season upon reporting for spring training a couple of weeks to go.

It's good they're saying that, because that's exactly where the bar should be for a team that returns perhaps the most talented roster in all of Major League Baseball. An abundance of All-Stars comprises the lineup headlined by reigning NL MVP and 40-70 man Ronald Acuña Jr.

What could he possibly do for an encore? The only step up would be to lead the ball club to a second World Series victory in four years after having missed out on the first one due to injury.

All that and more has me excited for the upcoming campaign. Going to Braves Fest at Truist Park with family a few weeks ago helped as well. We got to walk down onto the field, throw in the bullpen, hear my 2-year-old daughter call the Braves mascot Blooper 'Mr. Potato Head,' and even stand in the spot where Michael Harris II made his flying catch into the wall before doubling up Bryce Harper at first base in last year's NLDS. Sure, it was basically the only highlight in an otherwise dismal series for the Braves, but what a moment it was.

Having a little trouble getting into the baseball spirit when it's still 40-something degrees outside when you wake up in the morning? I've got a book for that.

I recently dove into "Welcome to the Circus of Baseball," ESPN reporter Ryan McGee's firsthand account of working for the Asheville Tourists, a minor league team in North Carolina. In the book, he talks about his experiences and the wacky promotions the club would do in order to get fans to fill the stands. There may or may not be a story dealing with an off-brand Evel Knievel whose daredevil act includes a coffin and lit dynamite.

I'm only about a quarter of the way through, but I feel safe in saying McGee's humor shines on every page, and his ability to tell a story is on a level all its own. Some former all-time great Braves are mentioned in the book as well.

So concludes another edition of 'Pound for Pound.' Come for the sports opinions, stay for the... book recommendations? I think that's a first in my almost seven years writing this column. Gotta keep y'all on your toes.