Braves Night

On a cold, blustery night, more than 1200 “brave” souls from Mt Bethel “braved” the icicles and frigid temperatures of the nose bleed section in Turner Field to watch the Braves bunch their hits in a timely manner to beat the Oakland A’s 3-2 on Friday night, May 16th. This annual event organized by the Recreation Ministry once again kicked off with the parade of Mt Bethel athletes and parents around the warning track and some crowd pleasing t-ball play on the outfield grass. All of this was viewed with great interest by more than 30,000 fans in the stands on the Big Screen behind center field.

Chipper raised his .418 batting average with a 2 for 3 night and Brian McCann continues to demonstrate that he, not Frenchy, should have been on the cover of Time magazine in 2006 with 3 timely hits. This is definitely not the Braves of 2007 as the bullpen held the lead for the win. Also the game clearly proved that Tom Glavine will get into the Hall of Fame because of his pitching skills, not his bunting efforts.

Almost as much fun was watching all the fans in shorts and t-shirts suddenly realize around the 3d inning that summer has not arrived in Atlanta. They flocked to the stores to buy “bargain” Braves sweat shirts or sneaked down to the lower levels seeking defilade and protection against the arctic blast that kept our drinks cold for the evening. Atlanta was confirmed that night as the prostate capital of south; I have never seen so many men make so many bathroom trips in the course of a 3 hour game. I’m sure that the fact that the wash rooms were heated was strictly a coincidence.

Those hardy souls who stuck it out were rewarded with an incredible fireworks show sponsored by Publix. Of course those who rode the bus were forced into staying for the show because the director of Men’s Ministry didn’t answer his cell phone (yes you can queue 48 voice mail messages) from whiners who wanted to leave after the 4th inning. His very credible defense was that he couldn’t hear the phone ring over the howling of the wind.

A tip of the hat to Pam “White Shoes” Skelton and the Rec Staff for again organizing this wonderful event.

Blessings

Mike

Braves Night 2008

Since 2002 Mt. Bethel Recreation has organized an annual spring season Braves Night and this year is no exception. In 2002 we took 300 fans to the Braves game and by 2007 the numbers had grown to 1300. We hope to exceed that number this year.

Before each game our players and coaches are allowed to parade around the field in their uniforms as their teams are announced while our t-ball teams play a game on center field. Over the years, members of our church and recreation program have participated in the opening ceremonies.

Our own Dan Boswell and Aaron Sheffield have thrown out the first pitch. Kathy Wilkerson has sung the national anthem. Alex Kirk and Adam Sheffield have been honorary grand marshals while Alex Sovitch and Philip Hamilton were honorary team captains.

This year, Braves night is May 16, Braves vs. Oakland A’s. Game time is 7:35 (parade at 7:00), tickets are $14.00 each and can be purchased in the CAC beginning April 19. Please join us.