Former catcher Javy Lopez inducted into Braves Hall of Fame

Former Atlanta Braves catcher Javy Lopez was a huge part of the team’s 14 straight division titles in the 1990s and early 2000s, and the Braves recognized his contributions by inducting him into the Braves Hall of Fame on Friday night.

Lopez, who played for the Braves from 1992-2003, had the honor of catching such Hall of Fame pitchers as Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Gregg Maddux, as well as setting a single-season major league record for home runs (43) in 2003. The Braves slugger was also a three-time All-Star and carried home the MVP of the 1996 National League Championship Series.

In an interview with FoxSports.com, Lopez shared some thoughts and remembrances of his time wearing a Braves uniform.

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On the final out, and winning the 1995 World Series against the Cleveland Indians;

"“That’s a photograph memory right there. Once I saw that ball in the air, a lot of things went through my head. From the beginning of spring training, all the issues, all the things we went through to get to that point when the ball was still in the air. Once (Grissom) caught it, it was like the greatest thing in the world.”"

On his single season home run record, and Evan Gattis — the current Braves backstop — and his chances of eclipsing it;

"“Gattis is a tremendous guy, strong enough to hit 40 home runs any time. It’s just a matter of time. … I believe he has the chance to hit a lot of home runs. I don’t know about breaking the record … but records are made to be broken,”"

He finished the interview with a classy tip of the hat to the organization that gave him the opportunity to shine;

"“I’m very thankful and very grateful for what I accomplished today. It’s a great honor to be part of a great organization for the rest of my life. You can’t ask for anything better.”"

Lopez was more than a great receiver for the incredible pitching staff that was the Braves’ rotation, and certainly more than a mid-lineup slugger. He was a team leader for Atlanta, coming through in the toughest of spots, even at times that he was himself in a slump.

Congratulations to a very worthy Javy Lopez. Perhaps Cooperstown will call soon.