Tift Braves fans get double visit from World Series trophy

Becky Taylor, The Tifton Gazette, Ga.
·2 min read

Jul. 24—TIFTON — Two hundred miles separate Tifton from Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, but for one day the distance was much, much closer. The 2021 World Series Trophy Tour made two stops in the Friendly City July 21 and Braves gear was ubiquitous.

Truist Bank and the Tift County Recreation Department hosted the Commissioner's trophy in separate stops, two hours at the former and three more at the latter.

Many attendees declared themselves Atlanta's No. 1 fans. World Series championship T-shirts were the most prevalent, followed by Dansby Swanson and Ronald Acuña Jr. replica jerseys. Some even wore the official replica championship ring.

Fans were not allowed to touch the trophy. For one group that had their picture made, it is hoped that in a few years they would not only be able to touch it, but hug it and hoist it over their heads as champions themselves. Tift County head baseball coach Greg Williams brought his squad to the recreation department as a team outing.

The Blue Devis stuck around after the photo, becoming the most actively involved in the activities set up in the recreation department gym. Cornhole, frisbee golf and a jumbo Connect Four board were busy while Atlanta Braves highlights played on a big screen.

Besides free pictures made with the trophy, Braves representatives gave away team gear to attendees, including hats, pennants, towels, World Series Coca-Cola bottles and stickers.

Tifton two stops have been unique on the Braves World Series trophy tour. None of the other stops — which run through Sept. 3 — will see the trophy as much. Those who were not able to visit the trophy here will have to travel to do so. After a run of several South Georgia cities, it will hit the road for the Columbus area, then in northeast Georgia and South Carolina.

For young fans, the World Series win was the first in their Braves fandom. Before 2021, Atlanta won the trophy in 1995. Before then, it was 1957, when the Braves were based in Milwaukee. Atlanta has been the Braves' home since 1966.