Sac Fly: Braves OutKast Night

Friday, May 26, 2023

Braves OutKast Night

Left work about 12:15 and stopped by Taco Bell on the way to the ballpark. Wasn’t happy about waiting in line over 9 minutes, though I knew I had plenty of time. Of course traffic was jammed on 285 west. Made it to my parking spot just after 1 pm. The nice uphill walk to the ballpark took 30 minutes. Only a few fans arriving and milling about.

No one at the first three gates I passed. Only ten at the Right Field Gate, but perhaps 50 down at the Chop House Gate.

I browsed through the team store, then walked down the street to Threads, the new team store that sells all sorts of special Braves gear. Saw the new All Star Game cap, and a green Braves “golf” cap. Not super crazy about either.

Walked back and became the first in line at the First Base Gate, though soon a few others joined me. Still a few minutes before 2 pm. I’d just rather arrive early then be all worried about traffic and being far back in line. I had plenty to keep me busy: responding to a few work emails, checking social media, entering a few sweepstakes, talking to Ceil, texting Matthew, and cleaning out over 550 emails from my personal accounts. Chatted with two fans, one who’d brought his son and mother up from Panama City.

I wore my royal Hokas and matching royal Braves socks, a new pair of navy Tommy Bahama dri-fit shorts, and blue dri-fit t-shirt. Old school 1974 Braves cap to match my royal 1974 Braves road jersey, similar to the one rapper Big Boi would wear to throw out the first pitch. I brought my 10” x 10” clear plastic zipper bag, filled with my jersey, a phone charger, a second bag, and a cap for my friend Chris.

As a security guard passed by, he looked at my bag and said it was too big. Had to be 5” x 9”. A new policy I hadn’t seen anywhere. Later the Braves posted the policy on social media. Great. I wanted the bag so I wouldn’t have to carry the bobblehead around all night. Later I asked a second security guard, and he said it was too big as well. But by 5 pm I’d given Chris his cap. Had the smaller bag folded up in one pocket. Charger in a pocket. Wallet and keys in a pocket. Phone in the fourth pocket. I was wearing my jersey. The clear plastic bag now empty, folded up and stuffed behind me.

By five there were fans everywhere. Long lines. Great people watching. All sorts of Braves gear. Just a few Phillies fans. Several ATLiens jerseys. I would consider getting one, but I’m too old to pull it off. Saw other middle-aged white guys in such gear, but they looked more foolish than cool. Like me.

At 5:30 the gates opened. I was first inside. First to get a bobblehead (except all the fans with special tickets who entered early to watch batting practice). Went over to grab my designated driver coke, then headed upstair to my seat above the press box. Saw announcer Ben Ingram. So nice to sit in the shade. More people-watching. Saw friends Eric Newman, Norman, and Darrell. Chris had his young son and brother-in-law.

The OutKast Night promotion was a smart idea. Drew in lots of fans that might not normally come to a game. Third biggest crowd in ballpark history. Maybe they meant regular season. Sold lots of standing room only tickets, but I saw plenty of empty seats.

The OutKast bobblehead is becoming one of the most popular ever. Not really my genre, though it is cool.

Finally the game. Lots of offense. I paid close attention to Ozuna. When he misses is when his bat swings far back close to the catcher. Nice that he’s hitting better.

Later I went downstairs for a closer view. Fans like to stand in the mezzanine behind the lower stands, and those spaces were jammed. I wedged my way in.

I think all the booing just fires Bryce Harper up. Hit a home run, then bunted for a hit that sparked a rally. Nice comeback by the Braves.

The game ended around 10 pm. Walked back to the car and drove home. C was still up.

Lifted weights for a second straight morning. My legs and feet are sore from all the walking. Wore my Nike KD7’s to the gym and to work. Can't believe they are 9 years old. Not sure the khakis make them cooler. On the way home I was walking through a parking lot, and a guy driving past hollered "Those KD's are HARD, sir!" Made me smile.