5 memorable moments from the Atlanta Braves 2023 season
The 2023 season was full of highlights for the Atlanta Braves.
2023 was one of the most memorable seasons for the Atlanta Braves franchise. The season didn't end like fans wanted it to but they were still treated to some of the greatest memories in recent Braves history.
Between individual records and team records, 2023 had it all for Atlanta. Spectacular web gems, clutch home runs, and walk-off hits were the norm for baseball's best offense. With the new year upon us, let's revisit some of the most memorable moments from 2023.
Atlanta Braves' most memorable moments in 2023
5. Pour Larry a Crown
In early June, the Braves and Mets competed in a back-and-forth game for the ages. The Braves had an early 3-0 lead on the Mets but New York jumped all over Spencer Strider and suddenly Atlanta found themselves in a hole.
However, it didn't take long for the Braves electric offense to strike back and answer almost every time the Mets added on. It took the entire offense to climb back into this one. Clutch hits from Travis d'Arnaud, Marcell Ozuna, Austin Riley, Eddie Rosario, and Orlando Arcia were necessary to get things tied in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Orlando Arcia lucked out and was bailed out on a check swing that looked like he went on replay. Fortunately, the Braves caught a break and he homered on the next pitch to tie things at 10 apiece. Atlanta couldn't add on another run and this led to extra innings.
This game was already special as 4 former Braves were calling the game in the booth. Bally Sports South featured Jeff Francouer, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones for the broadcast. There was a lot of joking around and you could tell how much fun everyone was having.
Everyone traded off home run calls throughout the game and they knew the magic they were creating for everyone at home. It was a lot of fun and led to one of the most iconic moments of the 2023 season. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th innings, the Braves had 2 runners on with 2 outs. Ozzie Albies stepped to the plate and provided fans with an unforgettable ending.
On a 1-0 count, Albies got a pitch right down the middle and deposited a 3-run game-winning homer into the Chop House. As soon as the ball left the bat, John Smoltz proclaimed "That'll do it!" as Truist Park erupted into a frenzy. Jeff Francouer followed with a comment most fans will always associate with this moment as he said "Pour Larry a Crown!". Chipper Jones added, "Time to eat boys, time to eat!".
This completed a Braves sweep of the Mets as they continued to dominate New York all season and took home a sixth NL East title. This will be a moment fans talk about for years to come.
4. Braves send 8 to the All-Star Game
If there was any doubt as to how good the Atlanta Braves roster was in 2023, it was squashed once the Summer Classic rolled around. The Braves sent a franchise record of 8 players to the MLB All-Star game in Seattle. The entire Atlanta infield was featured in the game with Sean Murphy, Matt Olson, and Orlando Arcia getting the start at their positions.
Eventually, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley checked into the game to replace Luis Arraez and Nolan Arenado. Ronald Acuna Jr. was of course featured in right field as he received the most votes out of anyone in Major League Baseball. He received more votes than international phenom Shohei Ohtani.
Pitching-wise, the Braves sent Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder as well. Neither would pitch in the game but being there was honor enough. Strider was probably one that most fans would have expected but Bryce Elder was a big surprise at the time as he had the best ERA in the NL at one point.
This was one of the proudest moments of the 2023 season and one that likely will be repeated in 2024 as the Braves roster remains mostly unchanged.
3. Matt Olson breaks franchise HR record
I don't know that anyone ever expected Andruw Jones' franchise record of 51 home runs in a season would be broken so soon but Matt Olson did just that in September against the Marlins. Olson had shown his power to Braves fans in 2022 but he unlocked something more in his 2023 campaign. Something clicked with his swing and he seemed to hit a home run every other game.
Number 52 was a game-tying home run in the 6th inning against Miami. Matt went on to add 2 more homers to complete the year with 54 of them. His final home run of the season came at Truist Park and helped him break another franchise record. This home run was a 2-run go-ahead line drive into the Chop House seats. Olson passed Eddie Matthews for the most RBI by a Brave in a single season. Matthews had 135 in a season and Matt's homer gave him 136 RBI and he went on to end the year with 139 of them.
It certainly was a breakout season for Matt Olson and I believe it solidified him as a favorite for a lot of Braves fans after having to fill the void of a franchise first baseman in 2022.
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.
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