The Braves are in a playoff race, but does anybody care?
See? Some folks were in the house Monday. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
The announced crowd at Turner Field on Monday was 25,046. I’d guessed the actual attendance as 15,000 and thought I was being kind. But no matter the number, the image was clear.
Another big baseball game in the A-T-L.
Another unpacked house.
And here I’m supposed to get all righteously indignant and say something like, “It just goes to show what a lousy sports town this is. If this game had been in Boston or Chicago or New York, you couldn’t have gotten a ticket.”
But you know what? I’m not going to say anything like that. Because I don’t really care about the folks in Boston and Chicago and New York. (And anyway, I just came from a Patriots game in Foxborough, where Gillette Stadium was officially sold out but empty seats were apparent.) Besides, this time I feel no call for indignation, righteous or otherwise.
As I tried to note last night, this is a weird sort of stretch drive. It crept up on all of us, the Braves included. It wasn’t until last week that things got interesting, and when the Braves returned home only 2 1/2 games behind Colorado they were facing some powerful mitigating circumstances.
School’s in session. The economy’s adrift. Lots of locals are still bailing out basements after last week’s rain. And let’s be honest: The Braves haven’t been flavor the month for more than a months of Sundays. Lately we’d gotten in the habit of keeping one eye — one only — on the Braves and saving our real enthusiasm for the Falcons or the Dawgs or Tech or even the Hawks.
But now the Braves are in a race we never saw coming, and we’re only just catching on. I’d imagine the crowds will increase as the week unfolds, and if the Braves keep winning I’d expect 40,000 on Friday night and that many again on Saturday afternoon. And Sunday afternoon, if the game is meaningful, could well be sold out. (The Falcons are off this week, FYI.)
And I’ve long since stopped associating raw attendance numbers with depth of fan interest. We didn’t ever tune the Braves out; we just followed them a bit less closely. These hadn’t become the dark days of the ’80s, when, as the joke went, you could leave two Braves tickets on your windshield and come back and find four. Most of us will have no trouble finding our way to the ballpark this weekend. We’ve all been there before, many times.
And even if there were only 25,000 (or 15,000) on hand Monday, it wasn’t a bored corporate gathering. These were folks who knew what was going on and who’d come to see baseball. “The crowd was into it,” Bobby Cox said afterward, and it was. It didn’t feel like just another night at the ballyard. It felt like a night at the races.
And, on another Braves-related matter: Getting way ahead of ourselves, we wonder how the playoff rotation might look. Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz? Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson? And what happens to Derek Lowe?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
310 comments Add your comment
otisnixonsmokescrack
September 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
So…15/17, which is 2007 Rockies-like(made the WS) is not showing any fire? Really???? The Marlins should change their stadium name to “Life after People.”
Joe Fan
September 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
The Braves are an entertainment product and as such compete with other entities for a fan’s disposable income. Plus, television has made it so much easier to view a game than fighting traffic, paying for tickets, gas, parking and food. Sporting events are being produced to fill television time / sell advertising. No where are fans really the top consideration.
Born2Buzz
September 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
I will agree with all the folks who say it is really difficult to get to the stadium. Atlanta is the worst city for traffic management I have ever experienced. If the Braves want to increase attendance maybe they could work with the State DOT to build a light rail spur that connects to a few Marta rail stations. As noted above, taking Marta to the stadium is a joke. And driving and getting home to the Northside is troublesome as well.
Fortunately I live on the soutside and getting into and out of the stadium is much easier going that way.
I hope there are more people showing up for the last 5 games. This has been a remarkable run that should have some folks fired up to see good baseball.
If I wasnt leaving town on Friday I’d be there Sat and Sun.
Oh, and one more thing about the game day experience…the food is just awful and way overpriced.
MadFan
September 29th, 2009
1:50 pm
Why don’t I come to ball games??? I don’t come because I don’t want to see Bobby Cox take out a pitcher who’s thrown eight innings,of shutout ball, for a hack reliever who promptly gives the game away. I don’t come because I don’t want to see Ryan Howard continue to be pitched to, even though he smokes the ball over the wall and wins game after game. I don’t come because I know that these kinds of things are going to continue to happen as long as Bobby Cox is the manager.
Patricia Templeton
September 29th, 2009
1:50 pm
Enter your comments hereDon’t think that because we’re not at the park we don’t care. I’d love to be there, but just can’t this week. But I’m watching or listening to every play. And the rotation should be Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson. Lowe in the bullpen, and Hudson there, too, unless we need a fourth starter. Lowe and Hudson haven’t gotten us this far, the other three guys have.
smitty
September 29th, 2009
1:51 pm
All these guys spouting that it’s too expensive are full of shizz. The Braves offer the cheapest sports tickets in the city. If you don’t want to buy a $4 hotdog, bring your own from home, they’ll let you. I had season tickets before and would always buy a 20oz coke or a bag of peanuts on the outside before coming in. There are ALWAYS cheap tickets on stubhub for nearly every game. There’s somebody selling tickets for .70 a piece
Tomas
September 29th, 2009
1:54 pm
Go to the game, who cares about the NFL, the Falcons suck anyway. If I lived in Atlanta I’d be like the guy in Fever Pitch that doesn’t miss a game in Fenway.
MadFan
September 29th, 2009
1:56 pm
From what I’ve read in this blog, Braves if you want fans to come out to your games, it’s simple. Lower ticket, parking and food prices, train your ushers to be friendly, get a convenient MARTA connection to the Ted and dump Bobby Cox.
Richard Dawson
September 29th, 2009
1:57 pm
I don’t care. Baseball season should end in August when football begins. Wild-card teams don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. So who cares?
budke
September 29th, 2009
1:57 pm
Fair weathered fans, you can find them anywhere. I will be cheering and screaming until the last game has been played.
eric the elder
September 29th, 2009
2:00 pm
There are now about 220 posts on this blog. About half of them are critical of the Braves’ management, the team, the manager, the beer, the hassle of getting to the stadium, the cost, etc.
Yet a few of you chose to attack me personally for saying little more than many others have said. I am called an idiot and urged to commit suicide. Sheesh!
For the record, I’m not a religious elder – - I’m just old. Age 74 on a fixed income. I am not anti-capitalist or anti-business – - typical distortions. I spent 20 years in the Navy, and my pension barely covers my health insurance, which partly explains my comment.
I watch nearly every game, and I’m at the Ted in spirit. Take a breath, guys.
kevin johnson
September 29th, 2009
2:00 pm
I AM 110% excited about the run. I live in El Paso now, Army moved me here but I lived in Atlanta for over 28 years of my life. I watch the Braves the few times they are on TV, if Im in my car I log onto mlb.com on my phone daily and just keep hitting refresh button. If I am at home Im on yahoo watching the game live. I watched the Braves lose a 100 games a year. I watched them win all division championships. I am watching them now. I am even more excited about this team, they don’t quit. They are awesome. Great pitching staff, and consistent hitters. Prado coming up big , McCann on hot streak, Laroche is usual big 2nd half, Chipper gonna come up big now too!!! Go Braves!! I would do anything for a chance to still go to their games!!! Way to far West Texas, no games even close. GO BRAVES!!! Back them up ATL
We have a chance for all three major sports programs to make playoffs!!!
BravesFan1
September 29th, 2009
2:00 pm
Heck ya I care! I am going to the game tonight! Go Bravos!
Tami
September 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
@JEZ…not airing dirty laundry..LOL. I’m just irritated with people who think things are the same around here as it was 10/15 years ago. It’s not. If I had a choice, I’d be at every home game. But, unfortunately LIFE gets in the way.
KC 8
September 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
I have loved the Braves since I was 2 years old, I am 30 now…and I have lived and died with them through the playoff and World Series runs. There are so many factors that go into why the people of Atlanta don’t show up for the games, the two greatest being the location of the stadium- The majority of Braves fans live in the suburbs and have to fight traffic often enough, and the lack of public transportation right to the stadium- My wife has put up with me enough to go to games in Seattle, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York, and it was extremely easy to hop on a train and get off a block from the park.
All of you Cox haters that feel the need to post- seriously, I would love to see you jump in that dugout and make those decisions when there is something big on the line, after years of coaching experience, sometimes you make the right decision and sometimes you make the wrong one, you just have to be able to keep plugging things in until you come up with the right combination.
I am hoping to make it to the Ted this weekend, either Friday night or Sunday afternoon with the kids and the wife, and it would be great to have something to celebrate….I was there with my parents in ‘93 when we won and everyone watched the Giants lose on the big screen and that is one of my greatest baseball memories to this day….hopefully my kids will have their first great baseball memory this weekend.
Go Braves. I Believe.
DC Bravesfan
September 29th, 2009
2:06 pm
http://www.stubhub.com/atlanta-braves-tickets/braves-vs-marlins-9-29-2009-719699/
There are 53 tickets on stubhub for less than $11; THERE ARE FOUR FOR LESS THAN A DOLLAR!!! If you don’t get the stubhub tickets, you can get there after the game started and get tickets for a severly reduced rate, $3-5 or so. Most ballparks allow you to pack a picnic and bring it in. Bring a flask in and you’re good to go!
Rob
September 29th, 2009
2:07 pm
Im a METS fan and I hope do you not only catch the rockies, but over take the PHILLIES on the last day of the season and win the division!!!
this team is exciting and fun to watch, i said it during spring training, if the Mets have 2 injuries they are done, they have had 20 and are done, so, lets go Braves…whoop on the phillies for us!!!
Ishmael
September 29th, 2009
2:08 pm
That’s okay, Braves. Everything’s gonna be Pickrick!
Braves4life
September 29th, 2009
2:08 pm
I feel confident that if we could somehow pick up Turner Field and simply move it to the Northside of town that the attendance would increase drastically not only for the rest of this play off push, but for many games to come! I would be at the game every night if it was just a 10-20 minute drive but to come from Lawrenceville is not the cheapest drive plus I don’t have a steady job so if anyone is hiring I would gladly use my hard earned wages to make it to the game tonight!
Proud Braves Fan since ‘82
Pete
September 29th, 2009
2:08 pm
Amen, Eric….and thank you for your service to our country.
DOA Wallet
September 29th, 2009
2:10 pm
I live 180 miles away and still have seen 8-10 games a year in recent years. This year I have seen NONE- I AM BROKE. Despite the ridiculous money that the players make, I still watch 90% of the games.
It’s just that this year I am struggling to pay the CABLE bill rather than pay for TICKETS. I don’t think I’m alone out here.
Joe
September 29th, 2009
2:10 pm
Todd said it the best. I have no idea, but every time I watch a game they seem to lose in heartbreaking fashion. When I tune them out for a week, they win six straight, including one or two in extra innings. Go figure.
Man I can’t believe the Cards lost that last one to the Rockies. They had it in the bag… I’ve been dreaming of only being down 1 game with six to go. But we are officially in the hunt.
kevin aka ugakev
September 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
If we sweep the Marlins i will be there this weekend. But i dont see that happening. Braves are the third most popular team in major league baseball and thats a fact because espn came out with that this year. The fan base is there its just across the united states. Its diff then most fan bases. Look at how well the braves travel on the road. Braves fans are good fans they just cant travel 500-1000 miles to the games. I would like to see a nicer smaller stadium built for the braves one day hold around 40K. It would make it look more full alot of games.
HTOWNBRAVESFAN
September 29th, 2009
2:17 pm
Regardless of how this turns out, it has been a great run and has given all Braves fans a reason to be optimstic next year. Also, to those out there who don’t think the Braves can be competitive if we sneak in, we were 4-3 against the Dodgers, 4-2 against the Cardinals, and 10-8 against the Phillies. Case closed there. Furthermore, a couple of idiots stated this team will tease you and then choke. That’s happened in the past, but would you rather be in last place? Grow up. Enough with the superstitions and just believe the best team will be left standing.
Nic
September 29th, 2009
2:18 pm
Remember a few weeks ago the article you wrote on how Atlanta was a great sports time. I am just now wondering how crow tastes? Atlanta by far the worstest sports city in America.
brian
September 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
all of you are idiots – quit bitching
MK
September 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
Here we go again fan bashing! Let’s not hold Cox’s poor coaching decisions (JS, KJ and JF). No, let’s get on that tired topic of how bad we the Atlanta fans are! How predictable!
Louis
September 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
I am still having trouble getting over the Barmes play against the Cardinals…that really pisses me off.
Rex
September 29th, 2009
2:20 pm
Pete why weren’t the devil rays called the st pete rays then?
brian
September 29th, 2009
2:21 pm
Enter your comments hereMark Bradley The Braves are in a playoff race, but does anybody care?
10:01 am September 29, 2009, by Mark Bradley
(more…) .ShareThisPrint
..241 comments Add your commentSanford Drive
September 29th, 2009
1:23 pm
Braves on Friday. Dawgs on Saturday. Falcons on Sunday. That, my friends, is a perfect sports weekend.
LinkReport this comment.Inspector G
September 29th, 2009
1:24 pm
Inspector G wonders if Mark Bradley has become so distracted with wanting to fire Willie Martinez that he has overlooked that the Braves are in a playoff hunt?
LinkReport this comment.Facts Please
September 29th, 2009
1:25 pm
Distracted no, I know whats going on. I also know that they will find a way to blow it right at then end. Cox will put in the pen and they will load the bases up while he sits and scratches his head. Then they will all go home.
If by chance they make it, I will be at every home game they play. But not until they make it. Im sick of watching them blow a good thing.
LinkReport this comment.Pete
September 29th, 2009
1:27 pm
Mr Me the Marlins arent even in Miami is one reason they dont draw much; about 20-30 miles north in Hollywood. Thats why theyre called the Florida (not Miami) Marlins.
LinkReport this comment.Villa Rica DAWG
September 29th, 2009
1:28 pm
I would love to see the Braves playing in a sold out stadium. HOWEVER, I’m just too worn out between Saturday’s in Athens to go during the week, with work and all.
Sorry guys. I do love the Braves, and will be VERY EXCITED to watch almost every game of the post season on TV if they make it. But my trips to Turner Field occur in the Spring/Summer. Short of somehow ending up with NLCS/WS tickets, the DAWGS get me during the fall…
Win consistantly and THROUGHOUT the season and you won’t be begging fans to drop everything and come see you – let’s be honest – probably let them down when the season is almost over. Not only do you guys gotta win, but Colorado has to lose at the same time. While I really want to see it happen, I know it probably will not – even if you win out…
LinkReport this comment.Nolerick
September 29th, 2009
1:29 pm
I share the same sentiments as others that I am afraid to start watching. Everytime I started to pay attention and really get my hopes up, they get swept by the likes of San Diego(totally unacceptable), and for God sakes please stop pitching to Ryan Howard.
I will pay attention to the score, but after having your heart broken (at least 5 times I can recall), its like doing the same action and expecting a different result. I wont watch and they will win, If I watch, they will get blown out, and then wonder “why did I even get my hopes up?”
LinkReport this comment.Pete
September 29th, 2009
1:31 pm
SANFORD, only 1 problem with your perfect weekend……Falcons dont play Sunday lol
LinkReport this comment.Ross
September 29th, 2009
1:32 pm
Honestly, I am just scared to say anything because I am afraid to jinx it.
LinkReport this comment.otisnixonsmokescrack
September 29th, 2009
1:34 pm
Let’s see 2 games left to play against a depressed Fish Club… 1-11 w/risp last nite…. And then 4 at home with the Nats? Are u kidding me? That was a major reason the Phillies squeaked pass the Mets in 07/08. We played the Nats at home to close it out. You not only get the Nats, but you get them for 4 games? Come on…. The Rockies will loose 2….At min the Braves get a 1 game play-off for the WC.
LinkReport this comment.Villa Rica DAWG
September 29th, 2009
1:34 pm
Also, do something about the traffic… If you want games sold out during the week you’re gonna have to figure out a way for fans to get from the office to the house to the ball park with their families without it taking 4 hours.
LinkReport this comment.Dave
September 29th, 2009
1:35 pm
C’mon guys…..it’s football season. Baseball season ended at the beginning of September. It’s like this every year. Doesn’t matter if the Braves are in the cellar or the penthouse, baseball season ends when football season begins. Think about it, baseball is the only game you can follow without paying attention. Football is the 800 lb gorilla that sets the tone. Now sit down, shut up and pass me a beer. The game is about to start.
LinkReport this comment.edward
September 29th, 2009
1:36 pm
If I could I would be there. Unfortunately I live in PITTSburgh where they just set a record of another kind. As a native Georgian, I understand the fan base. I’ve been a fan since 1978…That’s a lot of losing years. The run was amazing and i went as much as possible when I lived back home. The best thing for me was to watch them on tv. Now even that is taken away from me. All ESPN shows are the stupid Yanks-Sox games like everyone in the world cares about them. TBS is a joke now and I obviously don’t get peachtv. When i can, I listen to the radio show from Macon on the computer.
Not everyone is ignoring the Braves on this improbable late run!! GO BRAVES!!
LinkReport this comment.Northern Songs, Ltd.
September 29th, 2009
1:38 pm
Worst. Baseball. Fans. In. America.
LinkReport this comment.submariner
September 29th, 2009
1:38 pm
Braves fans are spoiled from the hay day in the 90’s and are tired of being let down over and over and over………..14 division titles doesn’t mean squat. 1 WS title in that run is awful…Bottom Line: Fans aren’t going to come out because they know, in their heart of hearts, that what ever Braves team is on the field, they will always let them down. No fire! No killer instinct! No flash! Just the same ole thing “Business like”. This is a sport! A battle of the will! Fans want a team to show some emotion! Some get in your team mate’s face when he makes a mistake! Not “He had a bad day today, we’ll get ‘em next time.” Where were they when the division was wide open for the taking. Complete domination from start to finish is what ATL fans want from their team.
LinkReport this comment.Chris
September 29th, 2009
1:40 pm
We just wanted the Marlin to fell right at home…you know playing with no one watching.
LinkReport this comment.submariner
September 29th, 2009
1:43 pm
……….and ther’s no excuse for not dominating from start to finish with a pitching staff that most teams would sell their first born to have!
LinkReport this comment.Bob
September 29th, 2009
1:43 pm
Enter your comments here
Go Braves… You CAN do it! Right now… the best team in baseball
LinkReport this comment.Randy J.
September 29th, 2009
1:43 pm
I live in the Dominican Republic, I wish i live in Atlanta, Im still supporting the team From here, Go Bravess
LinkReport this comment.southern hope
September 29th, 2009
1:47 pm
This is just me but I don’t go to more than 2 or 3 games a year because I literally can’t handle the stress. When I went to the Marlins series here last month, I had to keep leaving my seat & going to the restroom. And not because I needed the facilities but because I was too nervous to keep watching & I wanted to listen to Don Sutton instead (he’s broadcast over the speakers in the women’s restroom. LOL. )
But the Braves have a huge fan in me….my friends think I am a Braves nut. I just don’t go to the game.
LinkReport this comment.otisnixonsmokescrack
September 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
So…15/17, which is 2007 Rockies-like(made the WS) is not showing any fire? Really???? The Marlins should change their stadium name to “Life after People.”
LinkReport this comment.Joe Fan
September 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
The Braves are an entertainment product and as such compete with other entities for a fan’s disposable income. Plus, television has made it so much easier to view a game than fighting traffic, paying for tickets, gas, parking and food. Sporting events are being produced to fill television time / sell advertising. No where are fans really the top consideration.
LinkReport this comment.Born2Buzz
September 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
I will agree with all the folks who say it is really difficult to get to the stadium. Atlanta is the worst city for traffic management I have ever experienced. If the Braves want to increase attendance maybe they could work with the State DOT to build a light rail spur that connects to a few Marta rail stations. As noted above, taking Marta to the stadium is a joke. And driving and getting home to the Northside is troublesome as well.
Fortunately I live on the soutside and getting into and out of the stadium is much easier going that way.
I hope there are more people showing up for the last 5 games. This has been a remarkable run that should have some folks fired up to see good baseball.
If I wasnt leaving town on Friday I’d be there Sat and Sun.
Oh, and one more thing about the game day experience…the food is just awful and way overpriced.
LinkReport this comment.MadFan
September 29th, 2009
1:50 pm
Why don’t I come to ball games??? I don’t come because I don’t want to see Bobby Cox take out a pitcher who’s thrown eight innings,of shutout ball, for a hack reliever who promptly gives the game away. I don’t come because I don’t want to see Ryan Howard continue to be pitched to, even though he smokes the ball over the wall and wins game after game. I don’t come because I know that these kinds of things are going to continue to happen as long as Bobby Cox is the manager.
LinkReport this comment.Patricia Templeton
September 29th, 2009
1:50 pm
Enter your comments hereDon’t think that because we’re not at the park we don’t care. I’d love to be there, but just can’t this week. But I’m watching or listening to every play. And the rotation should be Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson. Lowe in the bullpen, and Hudson there, too, unless we need a fourth starter. Lowe and Hudson haven’t gotten us this far, the other three guys have.
LinkReport this comment.smitty
September 29th, 2009
1:51 pm
All these guys spouting that it’s too expensive are full of shizz. The Braves offer the cheapest sports tickets in the city. If you don’t want to buy a $4 hotdog, bring your own from home, they’ll let you. I had season tickets before and would always buy a 20oz coke or a bag of peanuts on the outside before coming in. There are ALWAYS cheap tickets on stubhub for nearly every game. There’s somebody selling tickets for .70 a piece
LinkReport this comment.Tomas
September 29th, 2009
1:54 pm
Go to the game, who cares about the NFL, the Falcons suck anyway. If I lived in Atlanta I’d be like the guy in Fever Pitch that doesn’t miss a game in Fenway.
LinkReport this comment.MadFan
September 29th, 2009
1:56 pm
From what I’ve read in this blog, Braves if you want fans to come out to your games, it’s simple. Lower ticket, parking and food prices, train your ushers to be friendly, get a convenient MARTA connection to the Ted and dump Bobby Cox.
thats the worst comment i have ever heard….buy yourself a 3 dollar seat that nobody in the league offers…ushers? what kind of stupid comment is that…marta goes right there parking is 12 bucks most places its 15 plus guess what there are free places to park…food prices are the same everywhere eat before you go im sure u can last 2 hours without food…or can u?
brent a.
September 29th, 2009
2:24 pm
Some of these posts sound like John Rocker describing New York.
It’s funny really. I’ve been panhandled when heading to sporting events in New York, LA, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Miami, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans (and yes, even in Athens, Tuscaloosa, Lexington, Columbia), you name it. If it’s in the US, I’ve probably been to a sporting event there, and yes, I’ve dealt with dirty public transportation, panhandlers, etc.
If that keeps you from wanting to go to a game, then so be it. Other people, in other cities, can make many of the exact same complaints. At the end of the day, it’s your choices. You have your priorities. However, most of us that attend regularly have come to discover that these things are mere nuisances, and are not really large enough detriments or deterrents from wanting to see our favorite team’s play.
Sure, they need to add a Marta spur to TF, that’s obvious. But it’s funny, you can still get within a mile on Marta, and then walk. It’s not bad, at all. In fact, most of the parking puts you about 1/2 mile from the stadium entrance anyway. That’s a simple extra 1/2 mile. But I realize, that’s too inconvenient for a lot of you. Again, it’s your choice.
Something tells me, though, that if UGA and Georgia Tech played a football game at Turner Field on a Thursday night, half of Gwinnett County would be fighting to get in. But to be fair, the football season is about 1/15th to 1/10th of the length of the baseball season. Mid-week is not a convenient time to attend a sporting event, I get that!
But also, if you don’t like coming to the city of Atlanta. That’s your choice. But, as a former resident, I can tell you that attending Braves games is not that big of a hassle, even using Marta. Of course, if you can’t walk very well, or don’t know your way around, sure, it’s gonna be hard. But, if you’re willing to figure out how to make it happen, then you’ll do just that and enjoy yourself in the process.
Something else I’ve noticed is that so many people are fascinated with beer. Maybe that’s one reason I find it so easy to enjoy the Braves, I don’t waste my money on the stuff. Perhaps some of you who complain about the huge expense of attending a Braves game, could try and enjoy an outing with your family that doesn’t involve beer. Who knows? You might actually enjoy the game, and be happy with the money you save.
My typical Braves game – $6-$8/per ticket, $2 for Marta (or $5 to $10 for parking), and that’s it.
Don’t let the negative hype keep you away from the stadium.
Steveo
September 29th, 2009
2:24 pm
I believe we can win 2 more games than the rockies right now. im going tonite
bduke
September 29th, 2009
2:29 pm
Stop whining, moaning and blaming our Braves. Simply put, for the die-hard fans out there (myself included), it comes down to an interesting end of a good season. I WILL be there tonight, screaming and cheering until the very end.
For others, please remember, if you can’t say anything nice …..
CHAD OWNBEY
September 29th, 2009
2:29 pm
Why does no one mention the poor location of the stadium? Or the absolute worse transportation system in the country as reasons people do not attend games. Chicago, for example, is great. I went last year with my Braves jersey and watched us play at Wrigley field. There are tons of fun bars, a safe atmosphere, and good food within walking distance of the stadium. Then you just hop right on the train and head home. If you go to the Ted, you have to park in the ghetto. There is NO fun bars walking distance for college and young professionals to hang out. Maybe you live near a Marta but what are the chances of that? Create some jobs Atlanta. Talk to your politicians, improve public transportation and clean up the slums around the stadium and contribute to restoring the economy in the state of Georgia!!!!!! I hate ATL. I left there for Charleston SC years ago and I will NEVER come back to the concrete city of ATL.
Jeff
September 29th, 2009
2:54 pm
As a lifelong Braves fan, I’ve been the victim of the futile, make it close and hook everybody in, tantalizingly close but not quite enough comeback many, many times. Yet, I always watch until the final out. Crazy, huh?
Why would I be such a glutton? Because, every once in a while, it actually happens. And, when it does, it’s sports fan magic. The trouble with this approach is that you have to be willing to take multiple stomach punch games to get the occasional magic. And, you can’t have it both ways. You have to believe EACH TIME. Fully invested and not bracing yourself for the seemingly inevitable negative outcome.
And, especially for fans at the games, when you’re fully invested and believe, it helps the team believe. Rather then the fans holding their collective breath and bracing for the worst. The players can feel that negative energy. It seeps in and infects the team.
I still believe in this team. Believe in a 1991, before multiple stomach punches, not jaded by 14 consecutive division titles kind of way.
Yes, I am insane. Who’s with me?
Cream Daddy Puff Muffin
September 29th, 2009
2:56 pm
2 little, 2 late. 2 bad Cox isn’t retiring b4 next year. Without a bullpen the starters should have been going 8 or 9 innings within the first 6-8 weeks of the season. Looking forward to next year, but even more so, the year after that.
GO BRAVES!
September 29th, 2009
3:00 pm
TAKE A LOOK AT THIS! BARMES DIDN’T MAKE THE CATCH…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crwelling/3963132624/
John
September 29th, 2009
3:00 pm
Suburbanites bitching about being too far away from the stadium because they chose to live in the Federal Witness Protection program neighborhoods of Gwinett County have no gripe. You are subjecting your family to cultureless suburban hell and you need to get out more.
Sting 'em Buzz
September 29th, 2009
3:01 pm
I care, but the reality is I am going to be laid off in the next few months, so the expense of going to see them play is just not worth it.
Jay
September 29th, 2009
3:05 pm
Atlanta is a weak sports market, but thanks to years on TBS, the Braves have a large regional fan base in the southeast. I live in TN and have been following all season long, but making it down to ATL for a game is tough, although I just might make the drive this weekend if they are within a game.
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
3:07 pm
That’s true about the regional aspect, Jay. Tough for out-of-towners to get to Atlanta and home on a weeknight in September.
WisePatH2Follow
September 29th, 2009
3:10 pm
If the Braves come up one game short, we can all look back to August 21, against the Marlins. I particularly made note of it for future reference. After that game is when I completely gave up on the Braves. I have not watched since then, and live out of state so cannot attend. After a long 2 1/2 hr. rain delay the Braves were losing 5-3 and it had been stopped in the middle of the ninth. When it was finally restarted and the Braves came up to bat it was very obvious what they were doing. It was in the 2AM area and they knew if they tied it up they could be there a long time. All they wanted to do was to go home. First batter up was CJ and he did not take any pitches even after a long delay to see if their pitcher had his control. He swung at a pitch way outside and softly lined it to third. Next Brian McCann who normally takes pitches and fouls a lot off, took none, and stuck out on a pitch way outside. Next LaRoche did take a pitch but then lined a hit to right and for some unknown reason tried to stretch it into a 2B, even though his run did not matter being 2 behind at that juncture. He would have been just as well off at first. He was thrown out by a mile. It was very obvious they only wanted to go home. Two comments by Joe Simpson verified my opinion. I have direct feed with no commercials and after the cut away he said, “well how do you like that”. I knew exactly what he was thinking. He even commented after CJ’s tap out, “I don’t know what his hurry is”. After staying up that late and seeing them give up like that turned me off, and I have not watched since. I predict they will come up one game short, and I hope they will all think back to that game. If they do get lucky and make the playoffs, being an avid Braves fan, I will watch but only because of my sincere allegiance. They really broke my heart that night.
Ponceinletbon
September 29th, 2009
3:14 pm
A true fan is a true fan. I just returned from SE Asia where the time is exactly 12 hours ahead of Atlanta. I got up each morning and listened to the game over WGST over the internet. Did I come to the park–no, but I have been a fan of Atlanta baseball since the Crackers days in Ponce DeLeon Park across from Sears. If Marta actually went to the ballpark I bet many, many more people would attend. The traffic and parking make it prohibitive. You want people at the park–lobby to have Marta reroute to The Ted.
Parker
September 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
I think this is awesome. I just moved to Virginia or you better believe I would be at every single one of these last games. I am so happy the Braves decided they were a good team and at least trying to make this interesting. I will also admit that 3 weeks ago I was so mad a disappointed in the team that I had completely given up. I hope people come out for these next couple of games. With the way our staff is pitching this late in the season I think anything is possible if you hit the playoffs as hot as the Braves are. Go Braves!!!!
Mechanicsville
September 29th, 2009
3:23 pm
It’s up to the communities surrounding Turner Field to make a difference.
As a baseball fan and resident of Mechanicsville I live 2 blocks away and wonder why there are no bars or restaurants to liven up the baseball experience.
Do you know that one guy named John Elder owns all those great store fronts on Georgia Avenue in Summerhill. Just think about the gold mine he’s sitting on… and yet it’s been vacant for 20 years.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-of-Atlanta/74992360448?ref=ts#/group.php?gid=123753825241&ref=ts
Parker
September 29th, 2009
3:26 pm
I also agree with people above, complaining about traffic and location. I believe that their are plenty of Braves fans in Atlanta but who wants to drive and pay $12 to park… They should be paying me to drive to the game! And Marta is a joke even after you get off at Underground you still have to walk way out of the way to get on a bus. Poor planning by the city council years ago. The fans are here there is just no way to get to Turner Field.
stupidest comment in ajc history
September 29th, 2009
3:34 pm
“there is just no way to get to Turner Field.”
lame
Go Braves!
September 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123753825241&ref=ts
Mike
September 29th, 2009
4:04 pm
I know a bunch of people talking aboug going this week. Everyone just kept saying if we are close to the Rockies, let’s go. Looks like tomorrow we will all be at the game.
Wes Barker
September 29th, 2009
4:09 pm
Enter your comments here Dearest Mark, I retired back in 92 from the Air Force and moved here to Atlanta because I am a die hard Braves fan. I wasn’t there last night because we have nine homes in our neighbor who were 8 feet under water. So I love my braves and I watch them every night around 8 or 9 because I’m helping my neighbors. Why should we care what you guys think, a month ago all you could do is call for Bobby Cox’s head. That why I don’t listen to you media types. My Braves don’t quit they play it out to the last game. Go Braves win it ALL. Wes