How To Be an Atlanta Braves Fan In 2016

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Mar 15, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; A young Atlanta Braves fan tries to get an autograph before a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

So, here are some useful tips for being an Atlanta Braves fan in 2016.

First – Keep up with the farm. Many of you are doing this already. The Atlanta Braves are currently so terrible that they have actually been doing pre-game broadcasts in Rome. “And now, let’s have a live look-in at our Rome affiliate as what’s-the-blonde-girl’s-name? meets up with some Rome Braves players and special guest Fred McGriff!”

It’s like beating a dead horse at this point, but the farm system is actually very strong right now. It’s not a cop-out, but fans really should be excited about the Braves farm system right now. Keep up with guys like Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Mike Soroka, Rio Ruiz and Austin Riley just to name a few.

Get on Twitter. If you follow Braves fans on Twitter, you will soon learn that Atlanta Braves fans might actually be the best fans in sports. As terrible as the team has been, fans on Twitter are deeply engaged, exchanging stats, facts, updates on minor league players, and of course the good ole fashioned stats debate. If you’re a Braves fan and you’re not on Twitter, you’re doing it wrong. To get you going, here’s just a few Braves Twitter fans I enjoy following: @BravesOptions, @BravesOwner, @JBlakeSilvers, @Sheffield1022, @UVApolitics87, @Liz_Chandler22.

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Get outside. These painful accumulated Braves losses can put a toll on the body and mind. The next morning, after another loss, try going for a walk, a hike or a run. I read some science article that my fiance posted on Facebook yesterday about how hiking is great for the mind. It seemed pretty convincing. If you don’t have time in the morning, try doing it between work and the game. Since most Braves games come on at 7:10, this gives most folks who get off around 5:00 a couple of hours to get outside.

Go to a minor league game. This goes along with my first tip. Gwinnett is just up the road from Atlanta, so many of you are accessible to a Gwinnett Braves game. If you live on the west/northwest side of Atlanta, come to a Rome Braves game. Dugout tickets are $12 and on Thursdays beer is only $1. I don’t recommend drinking and driving . Bring a DD. Or stay at my place two miles away.

Eat healthy. Sugar is bad for you and can actually have a negative effect on your mood and energy. Since we’re already upset and down in the dumps about the Braves forgetting how to play baseball, we don’t need any added negativity. Try eating meat, vegetables, and fruit. Stay away from energy drinks and processed foods. Unless it’s a hotdog at State Mutual Stadium. Beer and bourbon are good, but only in moderation.

Pick up a new hobby. While being a hardcore dedicated Braves fan is just as important during the bad times as the good times, it’s okay to reallocate some of that time and energy to finding a new hobby. Ever thought about fly fishing? Don’t live near a mountain stream? You can actually fly fish for bass in lakes – Google it. Ever wanted to learn a new language? Ever thought about brewing your own beer? I’ve found with the help of YouTube you can learn almost anything.

Make sure to laugh. Humor is a great medicine for troubled times. Practice your sarcasm. Try saying this out loud and then see if you laugh. “The Braves are amazing right now. They are currently the best team in baseball at not hitting home runs!” At some point, Aaron Blair might be throwing a no-hitter or a one-hitter in the 6th inning while the Braves are up 2-0 and Fredi Gonzalez will pull him because he’s exceeded 80 pitches, so instead of being angry, just laugh about it.

Jeff Francouer is hitting .300. I don’t care how many at-bats he has. I don’t care HOW Jeff Francoeur is hitting .300. I don’t care that batting average isn’t the most accurate way to assess a player’s overall offensive value to a team. Let’s be thankful that Jeff Francoeur is hitting .300 while it lasts.

Finally, be excited that Fredi Gonzalez is not signed past the year 2016. After Monday night’s missed call at second base, Fredi Gonzalez defended his decision making by saying he had the “worst seat in the house.” You know, because the dugout is the worst seat in a baseball stadium.

Chipper Jones says that what makes a great player is his ability to adjust. Talent gets you there and the ability to adjust is what makes you great. I have no idea if that pertains to us fans, but I’m trying here. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m actually adjusting just fine. This current Braves team appeals to my grumpy “old man” cantankerous sensibilities.

Next: Trouble Starts With Freeman

If you have any additional tips, please leave them in the comments section below.

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