The Atlanta Braves Ft. Bragg Game, Part 3: The Event

Team Logistics on Display

On Saturday, July 3, the Marlins and Braves hook up in the 3rd game of their 4-game set.  That game begins at 3:10pm and probably will end around 6pm (Jose Fernandez works quickly… that should help).

At that point, things officially get nutty.

The Marlins actually have it easy.  They are already on the road.  They will arrive with suitcases in tow, pack up their gear as usual after the Saturday contest, and then head for the airport.

The Braves will have it a bit different.

• Yes, the players will treat it as a “getaway day”, but it’s not a usual one.  The team traveling party is said to be huge, so there will be a very crowded charter.  It is believed this will even include the Tomahawk Team and the Drum Line.
• This is still a Braves’ home game, so they will be responsible for the field setup, batting practice equipment, supplying the baseballs, bat boys, and all of the usual things required of a home team during the regular season.  That probably will require a truck, which will make for a long day for that crew.

It is believed that the teams are flying directly into Bragg via Pope Airfield – the former Air Force Base runway.  That will be a bit different from the usual airport experience, but might be easier in several ways.

Hopefully so, because I already can’t fathom how scheduled starters Matt Wisler and Adam Conley will be able to fare… they will need things to go absolutely as smoothly as possible!

Of course, when I asked the question on Reddit just now, I got the expected answer from the Airborne representative:

"We suggested they all jump in – but something about safety and 15-day DLs…whatever."

Nice!  Regardless, the teams will likely arrive in the area around 9 pm Saturday night and perhaps stay over on the base Saturday night – ready to get going for the festivities on Sunday morning.

Next: What Else?