Braves fans overpowered the All-Star voting process, putting seven Braves into the election for the starters. That is tied for the most in the National League, with the Cubs also sending seven.
The Braves’ entire infield consists of finalists: first baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Ozzie Albies, third baseman Josh Donaldson, shortstop Dansby Swanson and catcher Brian McCann. Additionally, Ronald Acuna and Nick Markakis are among the outfield finalists.
“It’s awesome,” Freeman said. “It really is. A lot of us in here don’t play for All-Star games and stuff like that, but when you do get recognized nationally, it makes you feel good. Especially when you play well and you’re in first place. It makes it all worth it in the end. We have one more voting to go through, so hopefully our fans come out and vote for us again because a lot of our guys deserve it.”
Freeman led the NL in fan voting last season. He joined Markakis, Albies and starter Mike Foltynewicz in the midsummer classic, the Braves’ most representatives since 2012.
The Braves had six All-Stars in 2010 and five in 2011. They have a legitimate chance at a similar total next month in Cleveland. Fan support for the Braves is at a record high.
“I think that big homestand we had really made some hay,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Huge crowds. It’s really neat to see how Braves Country has supported the guys. It’s something else, all your guys in the final vote. Hopefully they all can go. That’d be really neat.”
The 10-game homestand Snitker referenced, in which the Braves went 8-2, was the most robust at SunTrust Park. They drew 126,423 for a pivotal series against the Phillies, setting a ballpark record for attendance over a three-game series.
Despite inconsistent weather, the Braves averaged over 30,000 for the homestand. They had surged into first place in the National League East just before the homestand and sit 4-1/2 games up entering Saturday.
And they’re doing it with a fun, exciting team, which has made them that much easier for Braves fans to support.
“It’s going to be like this for a while,” Snitker said. “We have some young talented guys people want to see. A lot of these guys are going to be on All-Star teams. It shows the support our fan base has. You look up middle of the week, you’ve got 37,000. It was awesome support the whole 10 days.”
About the Author
