First home series at Truist Park: April 7-10, 2022 vs. Cincinnati Reds
On April 1, 1996, the Atlanta Braves took the field at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in their season opener against the San Francisco Giants in front of 48,961 fans. For the first time ever, a pro sports team from Atlanta was taking the field as the defending World Champions in their respective sport. The Braves defeated the Giants that day 10-8 behind Greg Maddux and a big day for the offense.
On April 7, 2022, the Braves will yet again get to play as defending champions on their home field when they take on the Cincinnati Reds. Sadly, Greg Maddux will not be available to pitch in this game.
The Reds finished 2021 with an 83-79 record, 12 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central division and seven games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Wild Card. Despite their disappointing finish, the Reds featured several talented players, highlighted by NL Rookie of the Year winner Johnathan India. The 24 year old second baseman finished with a .269/.376/.459 slash-line with 21 home runs, 69 RBIs, an .835 OPS, and 113 OPS+.
The team also carries solid players like Joey Votto, Jesse Winker, and former Georgia Bulldog Kyle Farmer.
The atmosphere around the Battery will be electric as fans gather to see the first home defense of the World Series Championship, and the Cincinnati Reds should prove themselves as worthy opponents for the Braves’ home opener of 2022.