Braves top prospect Dansby Swanson went 2-for-4 with two singles and no balls hit to him at shortstop in his major league debut Wednesday night against the Minnesota Twins. Here’s what the Atlanta native said afterward.
On putting on the Braves jersey and going on the field for his first game at Turner Field:
“Probably as close to a dream come true as possible. That’s the only way I can sum it up. Playing for your hometown team, basically going out there and doing what you’ve worked your whole life for is pretty special.”
On his family and friends cheering and chanting his name from a seating section straight back from home plate:
“They’re nuts, I know. It was great to hear that. I means a lot to me. I love every single one of them and I’m just glad they were able to be a part of it.”
On not getting much action in the field:
“Caught a couple of ground balls at second but no ground balls. Maybe some tomorrow.”
On squaring up three balls, hitting them all hard including line-out to center:
“Just talking to Seitzy (hitting coach Kevin Seitzer), going up there with a good plan and just committing to that plan really helps whenever you’re able to have a clear mind going to the plate.”
Are you itching to go back out there?
“I need to some sleep first. I’m going on four hours’ sleep. But I’ll regroup and be ready play again tomorrow.”
Were you nervous when you actually walked out with your walk-up music – “Georgia” by Ludicrous and Field Mob – playing and the crowd cheering?
“Not really, because my walk-up (song) I played last night in the car a lot, so I kind of envisioned the whole thing. Kind of weird, I know, but…. So I guess I was kind of expecting (the reception) I got, really. It’s obviously better in real life than thinking it in your head, but it kind of prepared me for tonight.”
Were you nervous at all?
“I didn’t really feel nervous the whole game, really. I guess just kind of like the visualization – my whole life this is what I wanted, now it’s here. The guys were keeping it loose and having fun, everybody laughing, so that makes it a little bit easier. Credit to those guys like Frenchy (Jeff Francoeur) and Gordon (Beckham) and Freddie (Freeman) for just kind of walking me through it and just telling me to have fun and enjoy it, and that’s what I was able to do.”
