Rain put a damper on the Braves game. I had checked the forecast: no rain. Got to the ballpark and was close to the front of the line, after making good time on 285 from work. On the walk up to the stadium I searched for Maggy, the offspring of the Ponce de Leon Park magnolia that had been planted outside Truist Park. Maggy wasn’t where it had been planted – instead it looked like a bunch of new bushed had just been planted in Maggy’s place. No wonder the Braves are losing.
At 515 the forecast called for rain after six. Ugh.
Gates opened and I made a beeline for Blooper’s new Clubhouse, out in the new kid’s area.
Then back to line up for the pregame parade. We marched downstairs underneath the stadium to the walkway out near the right field foul pole. That’s when the rain hit. We were marched back upstairs.
I collected the season ticket gifts for the GM: two limited edition golden Chipper Jones bobbleheads, and two All Star game ticket paperweights. The GM has been displaying his bobbleheads in his office, but was surprised this morning when he gifted me one of the gold bobbles.
With the downpour, fans were milling about on the crowded mezzanine. I retraced my steps to get the designated driver Coke. Since there was little to do, I signed up for a free Chevrolet Braves Country t-shirt. Eventually made my way upstairs to my seat. As I had while waiting for the gates to open, I busied myself going through emails and social media.
Blooper was out in the rain hitting whiffleballs – righthanded. Then he threw a few balls – righthanded. In previous years he’d carried a huge lefthanded mascot glove. Do we have a new Blooper? Or perhaps this was an understudy Blooper?
Got to see Schwellenbach go through his warmups. His long march in from the bullpen with catcher Sean Murphy, Eddie Perez, and the pitching coach – trading fistbumps with the relievers headed out to the pen. An above average rendition of the national anthem, while Braves players joined Kids Club members to line the baselines. Finally the game started at 8:10.
Soto slugged a first inning home run to deep right center. Acuna walked to lead off the bottom of the first. Acuna’s stats are vastly superior to Soto. Acuna’s long run to catch a blooper down the right field line was right in front of me. Some said he got a poor jump, as if they could’ve done better. Ronald went all out in an effort to make the catch. He limped back to his position, and I worried he might’ve reinjured himself. Later Acuna made a tremendous leaping catch, then doubled the runner off first base.
Down 4-1 the Braves rallied in the bottom of the 8th. Ozuna’s based-loaded double tied the game, and Riley’s long fly to the right centerfield fence drove in the winning run from third. A nice way to lead off the series. The long walk back to my car was much cooler than my pregame walk.
The Braves have a new contest, asking for bobblehead suggestions for next year. Winner receives Lexus Level season tickets. Doubtful that my Bobby Dews bobblehead suggestion will win.
NEWS: I bought my ticket to the All Star Futures Game on July 12, with the opening act being the Celebrity All Star Game. Bunch of young hip hoppers will be playing, along with Olympian Jenny Finch and, for some reason, CC Sabathia. You’d think Fox announcer John Smoltz would play, or Dale Murphy or Chipper. I’ll have to keep score of both games, in case some minor leaguer turns out to be a star. I think last year Drake Baldwin played.Since I am volunteering at the All Star FanFest, I should be able to park for free.
Denison: how Iran is currently threatening American citizens.
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