BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : WORLD SERIES : How Important Is Braves’ Experience?

The Atlanta Braves have one distinct advantage over the Cleveland Indians heading into the World Series--experience.

“I’m not so sure any of that makes any difference,” Brave Manager Bobby Cox said. “Good playing will take care of any of that type of edge.”

The Braves aren’t loaded with experience as 11 players have combined for 74 appearances, most in Atlanta’s World Series losses to Minnesota in 1991 and Toronto in 1992.

That seems like a lot, though, compared to Cleveland’s total of 25 World Series games by five players, obviously all with other teams.

Cox said the butterflies will remain for anyone in any sport no matter how many times they have been involved in championship competition.

The most successful Braves in World Series play have been second baseman Mark Lemke, who was in line to be the Series MVP had the Braves beaten the Twins in ‘91, and pitcher John Smoltz, who has a 1-0 record in four starts with a 1.95 earned-run average in 27 2/3 innings.

Lemke has appeared in 12 games with a .326 average and six RBIs. He hit .417 against the Twins, driving in four runs. He had three triples in four at-bats over a two-game span.

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National League umpire Harry Wendelstedt will be behind the plate for Game 1 on Saturday, and Cal Ripken Jr. will throw out the first pitch.

Hank Aaron, baseball’s career home run leader with 755, will deliver the first pitch before Game 2. Aaron is the Braves’ senior vice president.

Singing the national anthem before Game 1 will be Darius Rucker, lead singer of “Hootie & the Blowfish.”

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Some of the Indians recall the gloomy days, as recently as four years ago, when they were setting a franchise record for losses and contributing to the city’s sorry image.

“I remember the days when we had no chance to win,” catcher Sandy Alomar said. “Now we’re going to the World Series. I can’t believe it.”

“I know the people in Cleveland have been waiting such a long time for this,” second baseman Carlos Baerga said. “This is our gift to them.”