Phil Tonseth ‘22
Editor-in-Chief
The World Series. The Fall Classic. Every year, 30 teams play 162 games in an attempt to make the playoffs, just to get a shot at the World Series. Some teams see themselves there frequently while some haven’t won a World Series since immediately after WW2 (sorry Indians/Guardian fans). So when the chance arose to watch my beloved Atlanta Braves play in their first World Series since 1999, you bet I jumped on it.
My desire to see baseball played at its highest level between the champs of the National and American Leagues was not a lonesome desire. In traveling to Atlanta for Game 5 this Sunday, I was joined by four other LawHoos: Stan Birch ’22, Sarah Walsh ’23, Jack Brown ’23, and Parker Kelly ’23. The first two and myself are die-hard Braves fans, with Parker opposing us —and in the minority of the ballpark attendance by being a Houston Astros fan. Jack was just happy to be there and was quickly adopted by the Braves faithful to root, root, root for the home team.
Pictured, left to right: Parker Kelly '23, Stan Birch '22, Jack Brown '23, Sarah Walsh '23, Phil Tonseth '22
Now you may have a few questions. Weren’t tickets expensive? Absolutely. Isn’t Atlanta far? Stan and I made it there in about 7.5 hours, so also yes. Is it worth all of that trouble just to watch one baseball game? If this question came to your mind, I’d ask you to seriously reevaluate whether you can be friends with me. Baseball is America’s pastime. It’s a mental chess match between athletes performing actions that few can fathom, let alone execute. Plus, throw in a chance to win a championship, surrounded by friends, with a ballpark hotdog and cold beer in hand? I’d pay almost anything to go to the next game just to experience it again.
For those unfamiliar with the Atlanta Braves, they recently built a new stadium with an adjoining outdoor mall, following the end of their lease to use the refurbished 1996 Olympic stadium as their field.[1] The fact that the stadium buttresses an outdoor mall allows for fans to truly congregate and tailgate before first pitch, which is why Stan and I arrived to “The Battery” five hours before first pitch. We chatted with like-minded fans, heckled those rooting for the Astros, and wandered the mall enjoying the libations. Knowing the stadium would be packed, we entered as soon as the gates opened at 5 p.m. for the 8 p.m. first pitch. With the Braves only needing to win the game to win the seven-game series by a score of 4-1, the stadium was rocking. It was in line near our seats that we met up with Parker, Sarah, and Jack, and the fun truly began.
As any fan knows, you have to dress in full regalia to adequately support your team. Thus, the first stop for our five-some was the team store, where Jack bought a jersey of his new favorite player (the only jersey they had available), Sarah wisely bought a fleece blanket to stay warm, and I bought ANOTHER hat and some pearls.[2] In being a good sport, Parker held our drinks and remained outside where he was endlessly heckled for supporting the wrong team.
I wish I could write that the rest of the evening went amazing. I mean, the Braves hit a grandslam in the first inning, the first time that’s happened since 1960.[3] But after that, the wheels began to unravel for the Braves. Sarah said it best in quipping “I refuse to acknowledge anything that happened after the first inning.” As the emotions are still raw and I’m running on no sleep writing this, I’ll leave the commentary at that. The Braves ultimately lost the game. Never fear, the Braves still have two chances to win the World Series in Houston. Being the resident Astros fan, Parker was collegial, and in true UVA fashion stated “Atlanta fans were remarkably gracious in their defeat.” This may have been said because he was relying on Sarah and Jack to drive him home eight hours after the game, but that's yet to be determined.
Did I spend way too much money on tickets, food,[4] and memorabilia? That’s easy. Have I ever felt the level of euphoria, of pure bliss, as I did when I watched that grand slam leave the park in the first? I will never experience that high again. You may find that sad, but if you’re a die-hard sports fan and you experience a moment that could be so pivotal, surrounded by likewise fans in the tensest environment for the sport, you know that’s a memory I’ll take to the grave. Chop on.
[1] Also known as Turner Field.
[2] Look up Joc Pederson. His swag is playing in a full set of legitimate pearls and it has swept the Atlanta fanbase into a frenzy. Stan did not need to buy any at the stadium because his mom decked him out in the real thing on his way out the door.
[3] Citecheck to Jack Brown for this cool find.
[4] Getting there 5 hours early, plus the 4 hour game, means I may have eaten 8 hotdogs. Good thing I don’t need to wear my Halloween crop-top anymore.