THE Don Sutton

It was 1989, and we (Randy & Spiff) initiated an amusing phone topic during our Fox 97 morning show. The topic was “embarrassing dates.” The phone lines were jammed as Randy cracked open our mics, and I asked the listener, “What’s your name? Tell us your embarrassing date story.” 

“Hello, this is Don Sutton and …”

I interrupted, “THE Don Sutton?” 

“Yes.”

“THE LA Dodgers Don Sutton?” 

“Yes.”

“THE Don Sutton who is now an Atlanta Braves broadcaster?” 

“That’s me.”

“Okay, THE Don Sutton … go ahead.” 

Don then spun a very humorous tale that took place when he was pitching in the minor leagues. His date night ended abruptly when he somehow planted his foot in a large bowl of French Onion dip.

As it turned out, THE Don Sutton was a big fan of our radio show. Through the years, he often called in. We became friends. When a “Don Sutton Charity Roast” was announced, he requested that Randy & I be included on the panel of celebrities that poked fun of him that evening. I completely colored a baseball in blue ink and presented it to Don that evening, telling him that I had every major league player who hit a tape measure home run off him, sign that ball. He got quite a kick out of that.

I loved listening to Don broadcast the Braves games. His stories, insight, and humor added much to the broadcasts. Sadly, Don passed away on January 19, 2021.

1969 Baseball Card

I can only imagine what Saint Peter said to Don that day. “THE Don Sutton? THE Baseball Hall of Fame, Don Sutton? Don’t just stand there in the on-deck circle, step through those Pearly Gates! But first, will you autograph this baseball card for me?”

RIP, my friend.