Franco will replace Andruw Jones in the competition
Ticketholders for tomorrow’s game against the Diamondbacks are encouraged to arrive early
FILE – Atlanta Braves’ Julio Franco looks to throw the ball after fielding a ground ball at first base during preseason workouts on Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 in Kissimmee, Fla.. Franco, who joined a local team in the Dominican Repbulic for the rest of the winter league season is now back with the Braves, and at age 46 is showing no signs of slowing down. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
ATLANTA (Friday, August 14, 2026) – Atlanta Braves legend Julio Franco will compete in MLBx: Atlanta, a high-energy, co-ed baseball competition coming to Truist Park, tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, as part of the Braves’ 2026 Alumni Weekend presented by your Local Ford Dealer. Franco will be replacing Andruw Jones in the competition.
After making his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1982, Franco embarked on one of the most memorable careers in MLB history – one that spanned 25 years, concluding with his final game on Sept. 17, 2007, at age 49. Franco recorded 2,586 hits, 173 home runs, and 1,194 RBI over 2,527 career games and was named an MLB All-Star three times, won five Silver Sluggers, and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 1983.
MLBx: Atlanta follows the excitement generated by the 2025 Home Run Derby and Home Run Derby X events in Atlanta during MLB All-Star Week. The new Alumni Weekend event will continue that momentum with MLBx: Atlanta, featuring four teams of three players, each led by a Braves alumnus, who will be joined by an AUSL player, and a college baseball player from Georgia Tech or the University of Georgia.
The competition will include two semifinal matchups and a swing-off final. During each semifinal game, every player receives a 90-second at-bat while the opposing team plays defense. Teams score points through home runs, defensive catches and bonus targets, with a five-swing “Hot Streak” allowing points to be doubled. At the end of a game, the team with the most points wins. The winners from each semifinal will take part in a Championship Alumni Swing-off to determine the MLBx: Atlanta champions.
Alumni roster and participant lineup are subject to change.
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2026 MLBx: Atlanta Teams |
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Team Franco |
Team Jordan |
Team Pillar |
Team Culberson |
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Julio Franco |
Brian Jordan |
Kevin Pillar |
Charlie Culberson |
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Megan Grant |
Bri Ellis |
Jordan Woolery |
Sydney Romero |
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Will Baker |
Jake Hanley |
Ryan Zuckerman |
Jack Arcamone |
Fans attending the Braves’ Saturday, August 15 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks are encouraged to arrive early to watch MLBx: Atlanta on the field at Truist Park beginning at 5:30 p.m. A game ticket is required.
Additional Alumni Weekend information, including the full schedule, participant updates and event map, will be available at Braves.com/AlumniWeekend and in the MLB Ballpark app.
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