A short nine miles from campus, Turner field, home of the Atlanta Braves, offers discounted seats for regular season games. The Braves enjoyed a strong season last year even though they lost the Eastern Division title to the then future World Series champions, San Francisco Giants, in the fourth game of the playoff series. Although the Braves have not won a championship game since 1995, fans maintain high hopes because of the Braves’ young talent and new coaches.
Many Braves fans attribute last season’s success to the addition of rookie sensation Jason Heyward. Starting in right field for 142 games, Heyward posted impressive numbers, with a slugging percentage of 0.456 and 72 RBIs, over the duration of the season. There is some skepticism regarding Heyward’s talent, because he is only 21 years old. But standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Heyward is no pushover. He began the 2011 season with a homerun in the same fashion as his Major League Baseball debut last year.
Heyward played at Henry County High School in Georgia against the Giants’ rookie phenomenon, Buster Posey, who played at Lee County. A late-season playoff buzz emerged around the two players as they faced off for the Rookie of the Year award. Although Posey beat out Heyward for the award, at least it went to a fellow Georgia player.
After the retirement of the Braves’ head coach, Bobby Cox, last year, and his replacement with new head coach Fredi Gonzalez, the Braves set out to pick up where they left off last season. Bobby Cox coached the Braves from 1978-1981 and then from 1986-2010. Many Braves fans were saddened to see his departure, but hopeful for a winning 2011 season under Gonzalez.
Along with the addition of Gonzalez, the Braves also acquired veteran second-baseman Dan Uggla, who has played for both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Florida Marlins. A two-time All-Star selection and a 2010 National League Silver Slugger recipient, Uggla brings experience and another strong bat to the Braves’ roster. He could make the difference in the post season.
The Braves came into the 2011 season looking to capitalize on last season’s success and make the late-season push in the playoffs that was desperately needed last year.
Pavilion seating at Turner field is only $24 for regular season matchups, and on Braves’ value days the price drops to $16. Now is a great time to get involved and take a break from schoolwork to watch a stellar team at an amazing price. Buying group tickets increases the savings. Consider asking around and inviting friends to the game to share the experience.
