6 most exciting game-ending moments in recent Atlanta Braves history
By Austin Owens
Each day that passes, we move closer to having Atlanta Braves baseball back. With our excitement and anticipation, we thought it would be fun to reminisce on some of the most adrenaline-packed finishes the Braves have had in recent memory.
There are likely a plethora of moments popping into your head right now. Atlanta has been lucky to feature some of the best talent over the years and that helps lead to some exciting plays.
While we know there are many options to consider, here is a list of a few of the most exciting moments.
19-inning marathon at Turner Field
On July 26th, 2011, the Atlanta Braves took on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field. The game took nearly seven hours and turned into a 19-inning marathon. Atlanta came out victorious thanks to what many recognize as one of the worst calls ever by an umpire in an MLB game. Julio Lugo slides in and appears to be out by a mile. He even gives himself up and shows his surprise when Jerry Meals indicates he is safe and the game is over.
Clint Hurdle was obviously not pleased in the slightest as Meals clearly missed the call. I assume Meals was ready to go get a meal of his own after 19 innings of baseball. This has become an iconic moment due the absurdity of the call. You will certainly find this on many of the "worst umpire calls" compilations online.
Brooks Conrad surprise walk-off slam
May 20th, 2010 is one of the most memorable comebacks in Atlanta Braves history as Atlanta trailed the Cincinnati Reds by 8 runs. Thanks to a combination of great at-bats and costly errors for the Reds, the Braves found themselves down by just three runs with the bases juiced in the bottom of the 9th.
Brooks Conrad came off the bench and did this:
Conrad’s reaction makes this moment priceless, thinking he had been robbed and then realizing he just won the Braves the game. The ball barely cleared the wall and probably should have been caught but the baseball gods decided Atlanta deserved the win on this fateful day.