November 11, 2021
680 THE FAN, ATLANTA – The Braves World Championship Parade was amazing! The players were both surprised and thrilled with the number of Braves fans that lined the streets of this great city to show their appreciation for bringing us all another title.
A new generation of Braves fans is now on fire for this organization. It’s great to see. This is a ride they won’t ever forget.
After all, this team didn’t even have a winning record until August 8th. Then, the run through the World Series kept us all plugged in. Since August 8th, no team in MLB played at the level our Braves did! Our team went a 43-22, after finally getting over the .500 mark.
Max Fried stepped up his game and the team went 13-3 in his starts, since that August 8th date. Can you say “Ace?” That’s what Max was down the stretch and it was fitting that he was on the mound for the World Series clinching game in Houston.
Our MVP Freddie Freeman was hitting .230 to start June, but absolutely took over the rest of the way. He went on a magic carpet ride! Hit .371 in July and just abused pitching the rest of the way! In August, September & October, Freddie hit .320 and was a difference-maker come postseason time. That’s just what you expect out of your star player.
My lasting memory of Freeman in the postseason will be his game-winning, series-clinching homerun off MLB’s best closer, Josh Hader! Talk about amazing!
What made it fun for the fans was the fact that there were so many players that elevated their play and made a difference! Soler & Rosario will always be remembered in Atlanta, regardless of where they go from here. Joc Pederson & Adam Duvall were both outstanding after arriving in trades. Braves fans will be forever grateful!
After Ronald Acuna, Jr. went down injured, Ozzie Albies jump-started this team and brought the energy every single day. He hit 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in the line-up. He played a gold glove 2nd base. He ran the bases like a man on a motorcycle! Fans will always cherish Ozzie!
My man, Austin Riley stepped up and had a breakout season at third base! He hit 30+ bombs and played the hot corner like an All-Star.
Charlie Morton was fantastic. d’Arnaud was a rock behind the plate. Dansby Swanson was clutch. Ian Anderson was untouchable.
The Braves Bullpen was just amazing in the postseason. Will Smith had to fight through some adversity during the season but did not allow a run in the postseason run. Matzek was lights out. Luke Jackson & AJ Minter got high-leverage outs in crunch time!
This entire Braves team gave us fans a ride we will never forget!
And thank you Brian Snitker for leading the way!
It was magical. Special. Thrilling. A season we all will cherish!
Buck Belue
Host of The Buck Belue Show
Weekdays at 10AM on 680 The Fan
