The Atlanta Braves are well-known to have unique celebrations each season. Earlier this year, fans were treated to the "A-Town Down" celebration which is still in use and, of course, no one can forget the panda costume head celebration or Guillermo Heredia and his swords. It is just a fun way for the players to show their personality and create something unique to them and it looks like we may be seeing another one form in front of our eyes.
Obviously the big news from yesterday was Drake Baldwin's walk-off hit in extra innings and rightfully so. Baldwin has been tantalizingly close to breaking out at the plate this year (seriously, go look at his Statcast page), so it was nice to see him step up and get his moment to shine. However, during the celebration, Baldwin emerged with a empty Dubble Bubble gum bucket on his head. What gives?
At the 7:36 mark in the video above, you see Michael Harris II put the bucket on Baldwin's head with purpose. As it turns out, it seems as though that bucket featured in another walk-off win from the Braves this week and could (and should) be a regular celebration.
The origins of the Braves' Dubble Bubble bucket hat celebration are somewhat mysterious
It isn't that weird that random found objects get featured in celebrations because, well, players are excited and will grab anything they can get their hands on to help the cause. However, it seems as though this particular bucket was getting thrown/bounced around after Marcell Ozuna's walk-off earlier this week (go to the 0:15 mark in that video).
As to why the Braves have seemingly gravitated towards this bucket to celebrate? No idea! Sometimes it is best not to question such things. What we know is that it is delightfully scuffed as a celebration and the guys seem to be having a lot of fun with it.
Perhaps someone on the Braves beat will ask Money Mike or Baldwin how this celebration came to be especially if it starts getting used for more than just walk-offs as the bucket does look like a fitting crown for someone after they hit a home run. Whatever the reason for the celebration, it is fun chapter in the lore around this Braves roster that has a lot of fun playing together.