Open Letter to the Braves

To the Atlanta Braves,

First of all, I wanna say I am a lifelong fan that’s been tracking Braves baseball since the run from “Worse to First!” Here’s what that means; I became a fan when the Braves turned the corner of consistency and superiority in their division of baseball. And the expectation to win may have been set ridiculously high.

To the management, job well done. In my opinion, Braves country has come to expect what we witnessed and celebrated back in the 90’s. Don’t get me wrong; we loved Hammerin’ Hank, Niekro, Matthews, Horner, and Murphy. But those 90’s teams were special. Alex, and the rest of the gang, you’ve drafted, traded, and signed players that have built a system meant to last awhile. I know Schuerholz must be proud. Thank you!

To the coaches, it’s so good to see you coming out of the shadows! The mantle of Bobby, rockin’ Leo, and Clarence Jones set what seemed to be an untouchable bar. But here we are in 2020 where Snit, Kranny, and Seitz are setting their own bar for what they expect from the guys wearing the red, white, and blue.

To the players, keep playing! The ever faithful fans of Braves country are loving this postseason run! In a time when many wondered if there was any hope of seeing you play on the diamond in 2020, you’re playing in October!

To the starting pitchers, wow! I’m being honest (and probably speak for most of Braves country) when I say we thought you would be the Achilles heel of this team. And dang it, Soroka, when you went down a little bit of my hopes and dreams did too. But you’ll be back! Let the success we’re having be motivation for you to come back ready to be the anchor of this staff again next year.

Fried, Anderson, and Wright, you guys remind me (on a very limited scale) of a few guys from the 90’s. Sure we have high hopes for you guys. But we didn’t know that those guys were HOF’s in the making. We just watched some young guys go to work and stay hungry for success. Keep doing the same!

To the relief guys, holy cow! Best Braves bullpen ever. You guys are deep and wide. Snatching up closers from all over the league to be role guys and setup guys tells me you wanna win. It’s not about saves and K’s; it’s about wins and rings! Can’t mention all of this season’s contributors but you all matter–Will, Grant, Shane, Chris, Tyler, Mark, AJ, Darren, Josh, Jacob, Bryse, Huascar–you guys are here now. Keep pitching lights out every time your number’s called.

To the every day position players, man, y’all are fun to watch. You guys coming up through the farm in Rome and Gwinnett. Others picked up off waivers or trades. You guys gel in the dugout and you’re each other’s biggest fans. That wins ballgames. Keep mixing it up!

Ozzie, you da man! I brought my son to a noon game last year to watch you and Ron Washington go through pre-game drills. You’re locked in as his favorite player. Your charisma is infectious. Reign in your boy Ronald and keep him focused on the ultimate prize–a WS win!

Acuña, you are perhaps the most talented player the Braves have ever had. You are the quintessential 5 tool player–hitting for power, average, running, catching, and throwing. Your energy brings so much fun to the club and to the game. Don’t lose focus. Personal accolades are nice. But let every accomplishment due you come in the midst of helping your team win. Not at the expense of it.

Freddie, you’re the most underrated player in a lot of faithful fans’ eyes. I agree. Here’s what I’ve loved. The one many have slated as the best Brave ever (Chipper) took you under his wing, and you let him. Much of the way you carry yourself (and this team on your shoulders at times) is a testament to your character, ability, and influence. You’re the captain of this team. Keep doing your thing #5!

Lt Dans, another GA boy! I’ve gotta be honest, I (and lots of others) wasn’t sure you could cut it at SS. I’ve seen a ton of guys come and go at this position. But you’ve held your own with deep pocket stops and strong throws. You’ve worked hard on your approach at the plate peppering balls to all parts of the field. Keep proving them wrong!

Marcell, what an addition to our World Series hopes you’ve become. Braves fans all over were disappointed when we didn’t re-sign Donaldson but you have left us all asking, “Josh who?” with steady shots of rain of your own.

Austin, last year had growing pains. Hot as a firecracker cooled down by a long and treacherous road bouncing around the lineup card at left and 3rd. You’re settling in–keep working hard and stay the course. You’re the hot corner member of the bomb squad that is set to log plenty of games for seasons to come.

Duvall, you’ve been an unsung hero. Crushing it in Gwinnett eventually landed you a spot in ATL and you’ve earned every bit of playing time you’ve gotten with power swings and timely hits during the season.

Markakis, thanks for coming back. You’re a veteran player who’s stayed the course. Another GA boy we were glad to welcome you back. In a COVID plagued season, your decision not to play was overtaken by a passion and loyalty to this team. As a family man, I understand the difficult decision. As a fan, I’m glad you’re here.

Pache, you deserve a line here. We’ve seen limited action at the MLB level, but for those of us that have been keeping up with your performance we know you have the potential to play a key role at the highest level on the grandest stage down the stretch. Stay ready!

To the catchers, you’re the nails in a tool chest of hammers. Flowers, glad you came back home to the great state of GA. Keep gaming with the framing. Travis, huge addition with a small guy packing a punch in the box. Keep swinging for the fences. You’ve earned your right to play under the lights for the A.

Charlie Clutch, a hometown boy with slightly above average skills with an indelible determination to see your dreams come true. Being highly respected by everyone in the clubhouse says a lot about you as a player, teammate, and man. You’re on the squad for this very reason; you’re the penultimate utility player. There’s no position or game time situation that you can’t fit. I believe you may be the rabbit’s foot of this postseason. Stay poised for the big stage!

This is just one fan’s view of the guys that keep us all hanging on to the hope that we’ll repeat the glory we shared in ’95. Mix it up! ChopOn! For the A!