2. Michael Harris II plays Superman
The Atlanta Braves 2023 postseason is one to forget but there were some highlights worth remembering. After taking a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the 8th in Game 2 of the NLDS, Michael Harris II provided a superhero leap for the ages to provide fans with a boost of energy.
Nick Castellanos launched a ball into center field and it looked destined for extra bases allowing the Phillies to tie things up. Fortunately, that didn't happen and Harris made an UNBELIEVABLE catch. He immediately tossed the ball back in as Bryce Harper rounded second base assuming Mike wouldn't catch the ball. The throw was errant but luckily Austin Riley was in the right place at the right time and the Braves doubled up Harper to end the game.
Truist Park exploded with one of the loudest cheers I've ever heard. While the series ended up going sideways after that point, this was a moment that sticks with me and will for many years to come. I expect fans will be treated to many more years of web gems from their talented center fielder.
Matt Olson's reaction to the catch was absolute gold and you know a play is exciting if he's showing that kind of emotion.
1. Ronald Acuna Jr.'s season rewarded with unanimous NL MVP
There's no way I could pick just one Ronald Acuna Jr. moment to end this list. His entire 2023 season was memorable and one that Atlanta Braves fans will not forget. Winning NL MVP is the reward for having the best performance in all of MLB.
Fans saw flashes of the MVP potential of Acuna Jr. during the 2021 season before he was injured and missed the rest of the season. 2022, he was adjusting to playing again and it took a while to get back to full speed. He returned in 2023 with a mission and that was to reach the World Series and win the MVP. He was able to accomplish one of those goals.
He was voted as the NL MVP unanimously despite a strong competition with Mookie Betts which ended after Betts' offensive production took a hefty dip after August. The beginning of the end of that race happened as the Braves and Dodgers played a 4-game series in Los Angeles.
The Betts and Acuna race was decided that weekend, in my opinion. Both players shined during the first two games of the series but Acuna turned things up a notch during the final month of the season. Ronald reached his first milestone by hitting his 30th homer of the year and he became the first player in MLB history to have 30 homers and 60 RBI in a season.
That all happened after Acuna wed his longtime girlfriend on the same day. So, he will likely remember that for the rest of his life with no problem. What a way to celebrate.
However, that wasn't enough for Ronald as he hit 11 more home runs during September and was able to steal 73 bases total on the season. Those 73 stolen bases broke the Braves franchise record set by Otis Nixon. He now joined the prestigious 40/40 club and stood alone in 3 clubs featuring just one member, himself. Acuna Jr. was the first and only player with a 40/50, 40/60, and 40/70 season.
Ronald Acuna Jr. had already proven to Braves fans how special he was but 2023 proved to all of baseball just how incredible he is. He deserves and has earned the respect of MLB fans everywhere. 2024 could be just as special. I, for one, am ready for that ride.