Rachel Fullerton, 26
Brookhaven
I grew up watching the Braves with my dad. After college, I went into a pretty deep depression, and the Braves were there every single day to dig me out of it. Their camaraderie on the field and off helped me see the light. The best thing to get me through a tough day is knowing that there’s a Braves game at the end of it.
Shanna Rich, 35
Columbus
My father, the late Jim Beauchamp, was both a player and coach for the Braves. His first year as bench coach was ’91, so you can imagine the memories we have shared as a family. Although (Brian) McCann, (Tim Hudson) and (Jordan) Schafer are the only players left that my father had a hand in coaching and developing, many of the people still part of the organization were very important to my father.
Bobby Cox and Fredi Gonzalez were both there in his final days. Bobby and John Schuerholz spoke at his memorial. Frank Wren continues to host the charity golf tournament that my dad began in his honor.
The Braves mean more to me than your average fan. They were my family’s livelihood, my dad’s second family and the reason for the greatest childhood a girl could dream of. Every time I watch the Braves, I’m watching with my father “Beach” and rooting for their legacy along with my father’s.
Karen Thomas, 59
Social Circle
1990 was a rough year for me. My health and my family were both suffering. But when the Braves began their “Miracle Season” run for the pennant the next year, they put a healing balm on both. My little family would put everything else aside when the Braves were on TV to do the tomahawk chop and cheer them on to victory. By the end of the season, we were a family again. I will ALWAYS be thankful for that common denominator that was a catalyst for healing in my life.
Nick Ingram, 30
Lawndale, Calif.
The Braves have always been reliable. Living on the West Coast, the Braves were the first game I watched after coming home from school. Being able to sit at the table, do homework and watch baseball was the perfect way to end my day. From April to October, the Braves are always there, regardless of the box score and no more TBS.
Bill Robinson, 74
Harrisonburg, Va.
My very first introduction to baseball was when my dad bought a 9-inch TV in summer of 1948. I spotted the Boston Braves, on their way to the World Series with the Indians. I was hooked on MLB from that moment on! He took me to Braves games in Boston, until they moved. Then I went to Milwaukee a few times on my own. Then they moved on to Atlanta and I watched on TBS. Now I am 74 years old, retired and still a Braves fan, 65 years later. I watch them on mlb.tv now and seldom miss a game.
Bryan Boyd, 39
Mableton
On May 6, 2003, I sustained a life-threatening injury in which I shattered my neck and pelvis in a fall at my house. I spent 24 days in the hospital and six months in a wheelchair. Every night, after visiting hours were over with my family, when I needed something to lift my spirits — the 2003 Atlanta Braves team was there for me. That year, that team, and that circumstance, made me the fan I am today where I never miss a game and share every exciting Braves moment with my 4-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter.
Tim Reed, 58
London, Ontario
When I was about 12, I used to share a room with two brothers and we used to listen to Braves baseball on WSB, Atlanta 750. We lived in Ontario, Canada and the game would fade in and out due to the power of WJR, Detroit. We all learned to love the Braves. I am now 58 and I have indoctrinated my four children into the tomahawk tradition. We are still all avid Braves fans, and we all appreciate the awesome Braves tradition. I waded through many losing seasons, but the wait was truly worth it.
Fury Copeland, 53
Ohatchee, Ala.
The home opener of 2012 was the last sporting event my wife and I attended before she died from cancer on July 3, 2013. We wanted to get to a game this season, but she was just too sick. She loved the Braves as much as I did. We went to several games together, and we had so much fun. All of the folks at Turner Field are top-notch, and we always walked away after a game happy. I will cherish the memories from those times forever.
Erin Breedlove, 23
Fayetteville
As someone with cerebral palsy unable to play team sports, the Braves have taught me that perseverance goes farther than any talent or ability. At the same time, they’ve taught me that there are other, creative ways to make a career out of enjoying the game and providing that enjoyment for others in similar situations to my own.
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