Sheffield Happy to Be a Brave

Gary Sheffield arrived in Atlanta wearing earrings in both lobes--a no-no when he takes the field in a Brave uniform.

“I have no problem taking ‘em off,” Sheffield said Thursday, beaming as he donned a Brave cap and jersey for the first time.

Two days after being acquired from the Dodgers, Sheffield showed up at Turner Field to meet with team officials and introduce himself to a city he considers his second hometown.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Sheffield, who actually lives in Tampa, Fla. “My dream has come true.”

After a series of well-publicized skirmishes with Dodger management, including trade demands and acerbic accusations, Sheffield vowed that he won’t be a disruptive force in the Atlanta clubhouse.

“This is a fresh start for me,” Sheffield said. “I want to make this clear: I want to fit in with my teammates, get along with the media and do my part.”

Sheffield was acquired from the Dodgers for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and a minor league pitcher.

*

The New York Yankees released infielder-outfielder Clay Bellinger and signed infielder Enrique Wilson to a $720,000, one-year contract.