Walking Off in Style Opening Day at SunTrust Park
By Casey Harrison
The smell of fresh cut grass and popcorn in the air is a pleasant association with baseball season, for Atlanta Braves fans. With the team relocating their home to the newly built SunTrust Park, people from all over Georgia are experiencing the great features the venuehas to offer. An excellent restaurant and bar scene, a mini-water park and a live drumline in the middle of the stadium are perfect ways to excite Braves’ fans as the season opens.
“It’s crazy being back with the team in a new stadium. Everything is so different from Turner Field, but in a good way. The players, coaches, stadium employees, and fans all help to make this stadium the best one in the country” said Tomahawk team member Rachel Perkins.
It’s only the second year that SunTrust Park has been home to the Braves and their fans – and the season already feels like its off to a good start. The park allows fans from across the country to come together to support their beloved Atlanta Braves.
“Before it was tough getting people to come to the games or stadium, but now there is so much going on and it’s always packed. Even weeks before opening day, people were intrigued by The Battery – and now that the season has started the turnout has been remarkable” said Perkins.
The Braves opened their second season at SunTrust Park against their divisional rivals, the Phillies on Thursday, March 29th. Led by first basemen Freddy Freemen and a few other proven veterans, the team hopes to improve from last season’s record of 70-92. Dansby Swanson, a young but gifted rookie is playing for the second year with the Atlanta Braves and brings so much talent.
Prior to the opening day game, The Battery hosted multiple events to entertain fans. The Battery, an assortment of newly built restaurants, shops and entertainment spots, is connected to SunTrust Park. “To celebrate the beginning of another exciting year of Braves baseball, we’re pulling out all the stops for our fans,” said Atlanta Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller. “We want to invite everyone to come join us for what should be a memorable day filled with exciting baseball and performances.”
The first pitch was thrown by none other than recent Hall of Fame inductee Chipper Jones. The pitch was followed by a stunning National Anthem performance by Clay Cook of Zac Brown Band. University of Georgia’s former football star Nick Chubb announced “play ball” as the Braves took the field to begin the game.
The Braves chose Julio Teheran for the fifth consecutive year to start the season opener. There was a great display of hitting from both teams, but the Braves found themselves down five runs in the seventh inning. With the team approaching the power of its lineup, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies and Nick Markakis batted them in to mark the largest ever opening day comeback.
It was Braves right fielder, Markakis, who hit one over right field wall making the game 8-5 and beating the Phillies. This victory could be an indication of how the season is going to play out and how the Braves just might make a run all the way to the World Series.