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.
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
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