Branches and Magnolias

Outstanding Uni Watch posting today, with a fantastic job by Ron Ruelle to create the Brooklyn Branches baseball team. Sure will be interesting to see the jersey, and hopefully Branches t-shirts and caps as well. Perhaps Uni Watch reader Keith Dussell can convince his young nephew that the Branches are a real team as well.

Trees Atlanta is an organization that helps keep the city green. I recently learned something interesting the organization does.

For decades Atlanta’s minor league teams (and Negro League teams) played in Ponce de Leon Park.  The unique feature of the park was the magnolia tree located in the field of play, in deep centerfield. Legend has it that only Babe Ruth and Eddie Mathews hit balls into the tree.

Railroad tracks ran beyond the rightfield fence, behind the magnolia. When Atlanta Stadium was built in the mid-1960’s, old Poncey was torn down - but the magnolia still stands to this day. 

Atlanta has converted the rail line into a popular bike / run / walking trail called the Atlanta Beltline, that will eventually circle downtown Atlanta. The Beltline passes right behind my son’s house, and passersby are constantly saying hello, and commenting on my son’s various house projects.

Trees Atlanta has taken cuttings from the magnolia and is growing saplings to sell, and plant along the Beltline.

Ponce de Leon Park, the magnolia, and Jackie Robinson’s historic first visit were the subjects of the 2020 SABR symposium I attended in January. My notes.