Storybook endings only happen in fairy tales and Disney movies right? Incorrect, on Sunday afternoon we saw a storybook ending on the baseball diamond. Many Atlanta Braves fans know by now that Charlie Morton was picked up to make one last start in a Braves uniform less than 50 days away from his 42nd birthday.
Morton was handed the ball for the season finale, and after he escaped a shaky first inning, 'ol Chuck Morton strolled back out to the mound for one final batter. Right-handed hitter Alexander Canario was in the batter's box.
Morton started him off with a filthy curveball in the dirt that induced a whiff. After a couple of misses and a check swing strike the count ran to 2-2. What followed was straight out of a movie as Morton broke off one of the nastiest curveballs of his 18 year career to get one last swinging strikeout on his signature pitch. It was a special moment, and it turns out it was one orchestrated by Brian Snitker.
What a way to end it ❤️#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/oW8LJXF9Tr
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 28, 2025
Braves manager pushes the right buttons for one last Charlie Morton strikeout
Prior to the Braves taking the field in the top of the second inning, Brian Snitker told rookie catcher Drake Baldwin to "Go for the strikeout," against Canario. Baldwin followed those orders and called for four curveballs in that final at-bat. Thankfully, Morton executed the pitches necessary to record the 2,196th strikeout of his career.
Morton then handed the ball to staff ace Chris Sale and walked off the field to a standing ovation. The moment grew as Morton walked off the field into the arms of his loving family who awaited him right beside the Braves dugout. It was an emotional scene and one that Morton so greatly deserved. Moves like that showcases why Snitker is respected by so many veterans in the Braves clubhouse, and why a few of them are lobbying for his return in 2026.
The 2025 season did not go how Braves fans wanted it to go, but the beautiful scenes from Sunday and the momentum the club built during the final few weeks will hopefully spring Atlanta towards an exciting offseason. Credit to Snitker and Baldwin for giving Charlie Morton and Braves country one last signature moment.