Remembering Pablo Savdoval’s Time With the Atlanta Braves

On Sunday afternoon, Talking’ Baseball uploaded a video of former Brave Pablo Sandoval going deep representing Venezuela in the Caribbean Series that left some Braves fans nostalgic of his time in Atlanta.

“Panda,” played a part in the Atlanta Braves‘ trip to the World Series by providing in more than one crucial moment in the regular season.

Being signed to a minor league deal by the Braves in September of 2020, Pablo Sandoval only appeared in one regular-season game for Atlanta. While being on the postseason roster, he appeared in the 2020 NLCS against the Dodgers, posting two strikeouts and was hit by a pitch in four plate appearances.

Going into 2021, Sandoval inked another deal with the Atlanta. Despite his rough stat sheet, he was able to provide some big moments early in the season.

On Opening Day, Sandoval gave the Braves a two-run home run off of Aaron Nola that also served as Atlanta’s first runs of the season.

Not too long after, Sandoval hit yet another two-run shot, this time off of Tanner Rainey, to put Atlanta ahead of the Washington Nationals.

Just when baseball fans were wondering if the Panda magic may be over, Sandoval came in clutch yet again for Atlanta, hitting a three-run blast that gave the Braves the lead against the Marlins on April 15, which ended up as a walk-off win.

His final home run of the season came off of Hector Neris. This two-run shot in the ninth tied up the game for Atlanta.

Despite being remembered for the trade that brought in NCLS MVP Eddie Rosario to Atlanta, Panda’s home runs along with his attitude and clubhouse presence are very memorable for Braves fans and baseball fans alike. Who can forget the celebratory “Panda Hugs?”

While his time in Atlanta was short, Pablo Sandoval was a great piece for the clubhouse and created many memories both on and off the field. The legacy of the “Panda Hug” will continue to be a great memory of the Braves’ 2021 season.