The Team That Makes Us Smile

I write this on the eve of the National League Division Series, during which the Atlanta Braves will battle the Philadelphia Phillies in an attempt to advance to the League Championship Series, which could land them in the World Series. Depending on when you read this, the Braves may be on their way to another Fall Classic, or they may have fizzled out. Either way, their remarkable 2023 regular season merits a closer look.

Despite the departures of fan favorites Freddie Freeman (in 2022) and Dansby Swanson (in 2023), the Braves have rolled over opponents with a barrage of home runs and stolen bases, winning 104 games in the regular season, their most since 1998.

Manager Brian Snitker, a Brave since 1977, seemed destined for obscurity just six years ago after being demoted from the Braves coaching staff to one of their minor league teams. After being appointed interim Braves manager during a disastrous 2017 season, he has now become the game’s gold standard. He’s the patient grandfather who gives the kids free rein as long as they play hard and stay out of trouble. But when they get out of line, there are consequences. Behind closed doors, of course.

You see the difference when you watch lesser teams. It’s every man for himself. Sulking players who point fingers instead of taking responsibility. Even an occasional fight in the dugout. But not in Snit’s house.

Reserve outfielder Kevin Pillar, he of the Herculean calves, could be an everyday player for most teams, but you don’t hear him whining about his part-time status. Instead he stays ready, serving as an inspiration for the younger guys.

Catcher Travis d’Arnaud had to take a back-up role when the Braves acquired younger, stronger Sean Murphy to serve as the primary catcher this year. Ever the team player, d’Arnaud didn’t demand a trade or pout in the dugout. He is a steady leader, and is widely respected by his teammates.

Those who play every day have become household words. Ronald Acuna Jr. is must-see TV every time he bats. You don’t want to be in the kitchen when Acuna hits a 450-foot bomb, or breaks another stolen base record.

Ozzie Albies lights up the field with his ever-present smile, making me wonder why Major League Baseball hasn’t made him “the face” of the game.

Strapping 3^rd baseman Austin Riley is Mr. Consistency with the bat and the glove. Watch him play the game. Are the Braves winning 10-1? Or losing 10-1? You will never know by looking at him. He plays all out, no matter what.

Matt Olson had the impossible task of replacing Freeman, once the team’s best-loved player. Impossible expectations, somehow surpassed. A year later, shortstop Orlando Arcia was given the same assignment when Swanson left. He has silenced all doubters.

Marcell Ozuna had more critics than anyone. A series of bizarre off-the-field incidents, combined with a lengthy hitting drought, turned baseball’s friendliest fans into boo-birds. He was determined to win them back, and he worked hard to do so.

Michael Harris II came on strong as a rookie in 2022, but faltered early this year. “Experts” like me were ready to send him back to the minor leagues for more seasoning. He figured it out, and thankfully he’s not going anywhere.

As for the pitchers, you have to love the determination of Spencer Strider, the laser-sharp focus of Max Fried, and the grit of Charlie Morton. 40-year-old relief pitcher Jesse Chavez has found the fountain of youth, and the 9^th inning wins are punctuated by the outstretched arms of Raisel Iglesias, reaching toward the heavens.

If the news of a bad economy gets you down, visit Cobb County when the Braves are in town. Almost every game (even on school weeknights, high school football nights, and college football Saturdays) is sold out, the Battery runneth over, and the Clubhouse jersey and souvenir stores are packed. Then visit Buc-ees on the way home. The cost of attending a game has been affected by inflation like everything else, but Braves fans don’t mind.

It’s a good time to be in Braves country. Like Ozzie, we have smiled a lot this year.