SPECIAL: Atlanta Braves Leaving Fulton County; One Final Story
As the Atlanta Braves put the closing touches on Turner Field, we reminisce one last time with Tomahawk Take Contributor, Colby Wilson. He shares his first time to Tuner Field in 1998.
The Atlanta Braves end their 2016 on a very high note. Posting their best month of the season, culminating in a 1-0 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Atlanta posted a 17-9 record in September/October, and along the way, spoiled some postseason hopes. It was a great way to send out “The Ted”. But that closing ceremony, though, how cool was that?
And like Turner Field, our Leaving Fulton County series is at its endpoint. Out final story comes from our fellow contributor, Colby Wilson.
At a time where we are celebrating the last moments of Turner Field, Colby remembers his first visit to Turner Field; August 4th, 1998.
And now, to say farewell to our Leaving Fulton County series here is Colby’s story.
“I’ll never forget watching Andruw jog to centerfield the next inning with a big grin on his face, having the time of his life on the best team in the NL.” – Colby Wilson
Gods Among Us
“You never forget your first, which is why I remember most vividly my very first experience at the Ted.
It was a week before my 11th birthday, and the 1998 Braves had long ago put the NL East to rest.
14 games up on the date in question, as a quick Baseball Reference search attests. I sat in the right field stands and prayed that Chipper Jones or Ryan Klesko would square one up and launch it toward me. I had my glove and was ready for my moment on TBS.
They never did, but Andruw Jones crushed the first big-league home run I’d ever seen in person. It was like nothing I’d ever seen–I couldn’t believe anyone could hit a ball that far with that much force.
I’ll never forget watching Andruw jog to centerfield the next inning with a big grin on his face, having the time of his life on the best team in the NL.
That season’s Reds were a smoking tire fire that wound up losing 85 games. John Smoltz was phenomenal for seven innings against the likes of Chris Stynes and Eddie Taubensee.
There were fireworks. Semantics, all–as far as I was concerned, the Braves were immortals and Andruw Jones was a god amongst us”.
Final Thought
While at times, this year has been tough to get through, I can count on one hand the times when it wasn’t at least entertaining or fun.
The Braves may be leaving Fulton County, but they’re still the our team, they’re still the Atlanta Braves. The names will be the same on the front of the jersey.
Some new names will be on the backs of them. But when all is said and done, and the move is realized, we’ll still be there to root them on, suffer the heartbreak, and celebrate the walk-off win.
2017 has a promising feel about it. Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte, Matt Kemp, Mallex Smith, Ozzie Albies (hopefully), and Freddie Freeman. The 2017 team is going to be fun to watch.
Next: Braves Win Finale; Off-Season Begins
I can’t wait to see what transpires this offseason. Free agency, trades, the Winter Meetings … following more in-depth with the farm systems, it’s a great time to be a Braves fan.
Keep on Chopping Braves Country, and stay “Always Brave”.