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Richmond Braves Relocating to Gwinnett
Written by Colin on January 14, 2008 – 1:46 pmThe AJC is reporting that the Richmond Braves will be relocating to Gwinnett after the 2010 season. They quote two people familiar with the situation as saying that the top farm team for the Braves will move to the north Atlanta suburb. Apparently their lease expires after the 2010 season.
What are your thoughts on having the AAA squad so close to home? Will it help or hurt attendance at Turner Field? The obvious advantages include the lessened travel time for those called up to the bigs.
The venue for the AAA team has yet to be decided, but I’m sure we’ll hear more as it comes down the pipe. Good idea? Bad idea? What are your comments?
Posted in General, Minor Leagues | 13 Comments »
By Tony Inglis on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
I don’t think this would have any major effect on the attendance at Turner Field. Rome isn’t that far away, and I doubt there was any change as a result from that. I realize that Low Class A and AAA are two totally different animals, but I think there are plenty of people in the Atlanta area to support both. I’m personally stoked!
By Rue Grant on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
I think it’s a fabulous idea, to be honest. I think it will generate a lot of attention being closer to home. In fact, I can say this from some first-hand experience. I grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania, about an hour and a half north of Philadelphia. At the time, my hometown (Wilkes-Barre) was home to the Phillies AAA club, the Red Barons. That stadium packed out, and a lot of the people who went to Phillies games would follow players to Philadelphia. With a lot of the AAA players closeby, we would frequently see some of our very favorite players get yanked out even mid-game to go to Philadelphia. Another benefit is that there was interest at both levels – minors and major league – from the fans that went to that stadium.
Something that I”m excited about with this (other than the fact that I live in Gwinnett County) is that it will be a lot easier to follow. Although Richmond will lose some great fans, I think that placing the team here will allow them to have a larger following. Granted, I’d rather see my major league games than minor league ones, but I can pass up a Marlins game every now and then I suppose.
Plus, what a fabulous way to gain notoriety.
I’m very excited about this decision, I will just have to keep the excitement up for a few years.
Rue.
By Sheryl on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
I started watching baseball because of the Richmond Braves. I lived in Richmond back in 1963-1968. I remember Jim Beauchamp being on our team and getting called up to Atlanta.
This could be great fun. Catch all three teams play in one weekend would be a blast!
By Matt on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
I think this makes sense for another reason:
In this era of players having long careers, plus with the advances in modern sugery techniques, coming back from injuries has become a Major Leaque Routine. Given the fact that for pitchers, coming back from major surgery (such as Tommy John) involves several rehab starts at the AAA club, it makes since to have the farm team closer to the Big League team.
Also, I wonder if this move might give the Braves the opportunity to call up younger talent for a game or two to determine their readiness to play at the Major League Level?
Thoughts?
Matt
By Rue Grant on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
I think that’s a good point, and that was something I saw a lot of with the Phillies. However, with a AAA ball club, managers and coaches already know exactly what they have on that roster. It’s not a surprise, but it’s certainly advantageous to those players. Also, in this day and age, sure, it’s easy to READ or be told about a certain player online or via another communcation method. However, we all know that seeing someone in action is the true tell of whether or not they will be great.
I feel very good about this move. I also feel good about what it’s going to do for that area. Have you looked at where they are putting the stadium? It will be up 85N right past where 985 splits off.
By Jonathan on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
That’s a great idea Sheryl. I’m all for catching a Gwinnett Braves game Friday night, a Rome Braves game on Saturday and an Atlanta Braves game on Sunday . . . sounds like a great weekend to me.
I also agree that it’ll be a great bridge for fans and players alike. This will allow rehab assignments to take place a lot more easily. Also, local fans will have a much better opportunity to see the upcoming talent before making the short jump to Atlanta.
I can’t wait!
By Rue Grant on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
jonathan, we can take my car, but you’re paying for gas.
By Tony Inglis on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I don't think this would have any major effect on the attendance at Turner Field. Rome isn't that far away, and I doubt there was any change as a result from that. I realize that Low Class A and AAA are two totally different animals, but I think there are plenty of people in the Atlanta area to support both. I'm personally stoked!
By Rue Grant on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I think it's a fabulous idea, to be honest. I think it will generate a lot of attention being closer to home. In fact, I can say this from some first-hand experience. I grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania, about an hour and a half north of Philadelphia. At the time, my hometown (Wilkes-Barre) was home to the Phillies AAA club, the Red Barons. That stadium packed out, and a lot of the people who went to Phillies games would follow players to Philadelphia. With a lot of the AAA players closeby, we would frequently see some of our very favorite players get yanked out even mid-game to go to Philadelphia. Another benefit is that there was interest at both levels – minors and major league – from the fans that went to that stadium.
Something that I"m excited about with this (other than the fact that I live in Gwinnett County) is that it will be a lot easier to follow. Although Richmond will lose some great fans, I think that placing the team here will allow them to have a larger following. Granted, I'd rather see my major league games than minor league ones, but I can pass up a Marlins game every now and then I suppose.
Plus, what a fabulous way to gain notoriety.
I'm very excited about this decision, I will just have to keep the excitement up for a few years.
Rue.
By Rue Grant on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I think that's a good point, and that was something I saw a lot of with the Phillies. However, with a AAA ball club, managers and coaches already know exactly what they have on that roster. It's not a surprise, but it's certainly advantageous to those players. Also, in this day and age, sure, it's easy to READ or be told about a certain player online or via another communcation method. However, we all know that seeing someone in action is the true tell of whether or not they will be great.
I feel very good about this move. I also feel good about what it's going to do for that area. Have you looked at where they are putting the stadium? It will be up 85N right past where 985 splits off.
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
That's a great idea Sheryl. I'm all for catching a Gwinnett Braves game Friday night, a Rome Braves game on Saturday and an Atlanta Braves game on Sunday . . . sounds like a great weekend to me.
I also agree that it'll be a great bridge for fans and players alike. This will allow rehab assignments to take place a lot more easily. Also, local fans will have a much better opportunity to see the upcoming talent before making the short jump to Atlanta.
I can't wait!
By Rue Grant on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
jonathan, we can take my car, but you're paying for gas.
By TUCKER on Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
NAH WE NEED TO STAY AT HOME I HAVE NEVER MISSED ONE OF THEIR GAMES ITS NOT A GOOD IDEA NOT ALOT OF PEOPLE WILL LIKE IT ALL