Just a Thought on the Atlanta Braves

Just a thought on the Atlanta Braves – that’s what we’re asking of you here as the Major League Baseball franchise prepares to embark on another season on Monday.

What’s the first thought that pops into your mind when you think of the franchise that first began playing in downtown Atlanta in 1996?

When last seen, the Braves were producing yet another October flop as the team melted down in a playoff series loss at Los Angeles. The Braves have dropped seven straight playoff series, and the 2012 National League wild-card game, as it was way back in 2001 the last time the team won a playoff series. Do recent team failures come to mind with this ball club?

Of course, it was no normal offseason for the Braves, who about a month after the season ended, announced that would be bolting their downtown home for Cobb County in 2017.

Atlanta elected officials cried foul and many intown Braves fans were appalled that the team would turn its back on the city. Others said good riddance and raised hopes for what might come for the neighborhoods surrounding Turner field after the team leaves.

In Cobb, the reaction was equally mixed. Some residents have championed the team’s planned move to the Cumberland area, while others have protested vehemently the use of taxpayer money to help build a new stadium in Cobb.

People in other areas of the region could probably care less about the move in three years, just so long as the team is still around to be seen. And they will be as the boys of summer are back with Monday’s season opener at Milwaukee.

The Braves return to Turner Field next as the April 8 home opener against the New York Mets will be played 40 years to the day when Hank Aaron launched his historic 715th home run to eclipse Babe Ruth as baseball’s home run king.

Maybe that’s what you think of when the Braves come to mind – all the great players who have come through Atlanta; all the fantastic games. Maybe you're looking forward to attending a game this season - ticket prices and packages can be found at braves.com/tickets.

Maybe this is the year the Braves break through and win another World Series to go along with the club's 1995 title?

If you will, share your thoughts when you think of the Atlanta Braves.