As one hero returns, we say goodbye to another. Braves fans had a wide range of emotions when they saw Alex Anthopoulos' late night trade from a couple of days ago. Yes, they were happy for the 2021 World Series MVP to return, but it also meant sending a beloved hero back to San Francisco.
Tyler Matzek basically sacrificed his arm to GET the Braves to the 2021 World Series. The night shift was working overtime during that run. And Matzek has yet to find the velocity that once made him one of baseball's most dominant relievers.
After he struggled early on in 2024, Atlanta placed Matzek on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. Still Matzek was around supporting his teammates and the city he had come to love. But the trade deadline spares no emotional attachments.
This deadline saw the Braves 2021 postseason hero traded for two of the same guys he experienced that run with. Thus bringing the overwhelming support and love toward Tyler Matzek for what he gave the fanbase. All of that was recognized by Matzek and his family. And yesterday, Tyler Matzek's wife, Lauren Matzek, posted an emotionally farewell to Braves country.
#BravesCountry I literally have no words. The @Braves took a chance on @TylerMatzek in 2019 when they signed him out of Indy ball & the rest is history. The #BravesOrganization truly felt like home. I’m forever grateful for the fans & forever friends that I’ve made in ATL #ChopOn
— Lauren Matzek (@lauren_matzek) July 30, 2024
Lauren Matzek pulls at our heartstrings
We all know the story by now, but looking back on it makes it all the more emotional. Tyler Matzek was out of baseball and in the independent circuits until the Braves swooped in. He became a secret weapon during the Braves 2020 postseason run. By 2021 he established himself as a high-leverage option for Brian Snitker.
Then the magic of 2021 came. Matzek saved the Braves, and Luke Jackson, in game six of the NLCS. He followed that with more dominant stuff and a World Series ring. Pretty good stuff for a guy who was out of baseball because he had the yips.
It's the type of story every person can root for. We're still working on a proper farewell to Tyler because this short reaction post isn't nearly enough. Regardless, Braves country will always support Tyler Matzek and his family. We may just need to have a good cry after reading Lauren's post first.