There have been many incredible celebrations over the years when you think of the Atlanta Braves. From team celebrations after insane wins to iconic moments that will go down in franchise history, there’s no shortage of incredible moments to choose from as a Braves fan.
Major League Baseball has made it a focus to promote the “Let the Kids Play” mindset over the last few seasons. The Braves have done a great job at allowing this culture to thrive and have also done so in a respectful way (most of the time, anyways).
Between multiple outstanding regular season wins and multiple deep postseason runs, Braves fans have been treated to some iconic celebrations. Let’s check out 5 of the best celebrations in recent Braves history.
5 Braves celebrations from recent years that fans will never forget
Dansby Swanson runs away from his teammates after walk off win
It’s hard to forget when the Braves mount a miraculous comeback against a division rival. In 2018 against the Marlins, Atlanta found themselves down 9-4 in the bottom of the ninth. Things looked bleak after Dansby Swanson struck out to start the frame.
However, the Marlins could never have prepared for what came next. Ryan Flaherty, who checked in the game due to an injury to Ender Inciarte, drew a one-out walk. That free pass kickstarted an unforgettable come-from-behind win.
The Braves chipped away at the lead until they batted around and gave Swanson a chance to do something special with the bases loaded. He redeemed himself after fouling off multiple pitches with a walk-off two-run single. This moment was exciting due to the deficit Atlanta faced but also because Swanson forced his teammates to chase him down to celebrate the win.
Braves responsible for a boost in Atlanta-area umbrella sales
Josh Donaldson shocked Braves fans when he signed with the team on a one-year, $23 million contract for the 2019 season. Donaldson took a one-year deal with Atlanta after a tough three-year stretch where he just couldn’t stay healthy.
Luckily for the Alabama native and the Braves, he returned to form in a big way. Donaldson hit well with a .259/.379/.521 slash line that season. This featured 33 doubles, 37 homers, 94 RBI, a 5.2 WAR, and a 131 wRC+.
☂️ THE RAIN MAKER STRIKES AGAIN ☂️
Josh Donaldson is making the umbrella SunTrust Park's hottest accessory. #Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/okUQtfzv65
— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) September 8, 2019
However, JD’s tenure with the Braves will forever be remembered for his unique individual and team celebration. The self-proclaimed “Bringer of Rain” began carrying an invisible umbrella around the bases after hitting a home run. Once he got to the dugout, someone handed him a physical umbrella and celebrated by tossing water, bubble gum, and sunflower seeds above him. Before the season ended, fans were bringing their own umbrellas to games to celebrate along with the team.
Braves clinch 2021 NLCS to break their Dodgers curse
The 2021 season was a battle of the wills for the Atlanta Braves. They struggled to reach the .500 mark until after the first half of the season. Atlanta turned things around in a big way and found themselves back in a playoff race fans will never forget.
To get to the ultimate prize, the Braves had to exercise their demons; which came in the form of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
No matter how hard the Braves tried from 2018-2020, LA found a way to crush their dreams. Atlanta finally got over that hump in the 2021 NLCS. It took everything they had but after taking a commanding 2-0 lead after back-to-back walk-off wins, Atlanta finally realized they had a chance. The Dodgers fought back but Atlanta took control in game six with gutsy performances from the entire team.
Ian Anderson gave a hell of a playoff performance for a pitcher of his age, Eddie Rosario crushed a three-run home run, and Tyler Matzek pitched probably the best inning of his entire life. Will Smith struck out the first two batters he faced and induced a ground ball to Dansby Swanson for the final out. This sent Truist Park into a frenzy as the Braves had finally conquered their foe and reached their ultimate goal of the World Series.
Swords out with Heredia
No one had more fun on a baseball diamond than Guillermo Heredia. It seemed like no matter what, he was going to have a great time. Heredia was an incredible clubhouse presence and is responsible for one of the most iconic team celebrations in recent memory.
𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕣
🅰️ Heredia with the swords
🅱️ Swanson with the helmet pic.twitter.com/BuTbDASnDM— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) August 1, 2021
After the team scored or got a big hit, Heredia could be seen using pink swords in the dugout to celebrate with his teammates. He even ran out on the field with the swords after Max Fried hit a walk-off single against the Marlins in 2021. His energy was infectious and you could tell his teammates loved every moment.
Braves defy the odds in 2021 to win the World Series
There isn’t much that needs to be said about this celebration so we will keep this brief. After the Braves beat the Dodgers in the NLCS, there wasn’t any doubt they were going to play with a chip on their shoulder in the World Series.
THE ATLANTA BRAVES ARE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 26 YEARS ‼️ pic.twitter.com/WWCscFx2Zs
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 3, 2021
After missing an opportunity to win game five of the World Series at home, the Braves would have to clinch on the road if they wanted to bring a championship back to Atlanta. Game six will never be forgotten as it was all Braves once Jorge Soler launched a no-doubt three-run homer in the third inning. Atlanta ended up scoring seven unanswered runs and like déjà vu, a ground ball to Swanson and a throw to Freddie Freeman cemented the Braves as World Series champions.
