It is with great sadness that I report that veteran Atlanta Braves broadcaster Harry Christopher Caray Jr.--you know him, of course, as Skip Caray--died yesterday. Caray, son of the legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harray Caray, became the voice of the Braves over 33 seasons.

Caray had been struggling with congestive heart failure, diabetes, reduced kidney and liver functions and an irregular heartbeat. Health issues sidelined him for several weeks at the end of last season, and had relegated him to calling home games only this season. He appeared to have been doing better recently, and his voice, which sounded shaky often this season, was sounding better as well. Fans tuning in to the Braves' most recent homestand no doubt noticed Mark Lemke sitting in for an ailing Caray, although there were no outward signs that Caray wouldn't be back at the mic soon.

Our condolences go out to his family, including sons and fellow broadcasters Chip and Josh Caray. He will be missed.

Atlanta is a land-locked city, but there’s no reason we can’t still enjoy some beach volleyball. The AVP CROCS TOUR, featuring some of the world’s best players and potential Olympians, returns to Atlanta this weekend for three days of intense play. The games take place at Atlantic Station through June 1. General admission is $20, with reserved courtside tickets for $35. For more information, visit www.avp.com.

Wake up to a new day in women’s basketball with the ATLANTA DREAM home opener. The team’s first-ever home game (against the Detroit Shock) starts at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night, Friday, May 23, at Philips Arena, and includes a performance by Sean Kingston. After the two teams battle it out, fans can stick around for the “Guns N’ Hoses” post-game match-up between the Atlanta Police Department and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Ticket prices range from $10 to $350. 404-249-6400. www.wnba.com/dream.

Just because you’re not ready to participate in a seven-day bike race across the state, doesn’t mean you can’t live vicariously through the riders of the TOUR DE GEORGIA. The race finishes up today on the streets of downtown Atlanta with a circuit course of 10 laps that includes Centennial Olympic Park.

The race gets started at 1 p.m., but before that, take part in the TOUR DE KIDS 5K RUN/WALK at the park. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and benefits the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorder Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Race-day registration is $25. www.choa.org/tourdekids. www.tourdegeorgia.com.

Attention golfers: The only thing better than playing a round is doing so to raise money for a good cause, are we right? TAKE A SWING raises funds for uniforms and programs for students at the Coretta Scott King Leadership Academy. The festivities kick off with a “Legendary Style” gala tonight at a private residence, and continue at 10 a.m. tomorrow, April 28 with the golf event at Tucker’s Heritage Golf Club. Tickets are $200. For more information, call 404-349-0233.

Catch up with football coach, NFL player and ESPN football analyst BILL CURRY as he discusses “The Five Characteristics of a Leadership Champion.” Curry played pro football from 1965 to 1974, was an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers and coached teams at Georgia Tech, Alabama and Kentucky. He speaks at 5 p.m. today at the Carmichael Student Center at Kennesaw State University. Admission is free, but registration is required. 678-797-2204. www.siegelinstitute.org.

Ever wanted to feel like a member of the team? Well, it’s too late to make this year’s roster, but you can experience the next best thing at this year’s BRAVES LEAD-OFF LUNCHEON at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead on Tuesday, April 22. Dine with current players, coaches and staff, and enjoy a silent auction and fun activities with the Tomahawk Team and the Heavy Hitters drum line. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. For information on tickets and reserved tables, call 404-614-1367.

Whatever your technique, sign your team up for Chick-fil-A’s first DUCK ’N’ DODGE TOURNAMENT. The day of dodgeball games starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 19 at the Cobb Galleria. The winning teams in each age division—middle school, high school and adult—receive free Chick-fil-A grub for a year. The adult team also gets $1,000. Registration is $200. Proceeds benefit Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation and Schools for Niger, which helps build and fund schools in the African nation. 
www.CFABDodgeballAtlanta.com.

Because we'll most definitely be in the stands at Turner Field tonight for the ATLANTA BRAVES HOME OPENER against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Root, root, root for the home team, including scheduled pitcher Tom Glavine, starting at 7:10 p.m. Tickets range from $6 to $75. 404-522-7630. www.atlantabraves.com.

Reception? Get it? See, DOUG FLUTIE is a famous former NFL quarterback, and tonight offers a rare meet and greet with him at 5 p.m. tonight (donation required), followed by a 6 p.m. presentation covering Flutie’s career and his experience as the father of a child with autism (open to the public). The event benefits Jerry’s Habima Theatre, Georgia’s only theatrical company featuring actors with developmental disabilities, a part of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. A production of “Footloose” follows. For more information, visit www.atlantajcc.org.