Atlanta Braves newest outfielder Nick Markakis speaks with reporters in the baseball team's clubhouse, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, in Atlanta. Markakis signed a four-year contract with the team on Wednesday. / photo: Associated Press
ATLANTA -- Nick Markakis rattled off the names of Braves players he cheered for as a kid living near Atlanta.<br />
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Chipper Jones. Andruw Jones. David Justice. Fred McGriff. Greg Maddux. John Smoltz. Tom Glavine.<br />
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Markakis says the Braves teams of his youth played "the right way ... it's what they preach over here." He says signing a four-year, $44 million free-agent deal with Atlanta "just felt right."<br />
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Markakis spoke with reporters in the Braves' clubhouse on Friday after passing a physical exam. He was assigned the No. 22 jersey that had been worn by Jason Heyward, who he'll replace in right field.<br />
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The 31-year-old Markakis says he has "mixed emotions" leaving Baltimore, where he played his first nine seasons.
