Atlanta Braves’ win over the Houston Astros ends 26 year championship drought

This fall, the Atlanta Braves won their first World Series title in over 26 years, led by a dominant overall effort from the team and coaches. This is the Braves’ fourth World Series title, including wins in 1914, 1957, and 1995. Despite initial struggles during their regular season, the Braves came out on top after defeating their series rival, the Houston Astros. 

Back in August 2021, the Braves were losing as many games as they were winning, making them a .500 team in the MLB. Furthermore, throughout the season, injuries plagued the players. Ronald Acuña Jr., the team’s star lead-off hitter, and Mike Soroka, a first-round draft pick, were both ruled out for the season due to injuries. Despite grim season predictions for the Braves, the team didn’t lose hope. 

“No one expected this remarkable finish until the start of our second half of play,” said vice chairman emeritus of the Braves, John Schuerholz. “That is when our team, emboldened by the key trade deadline acquisitions of our general manager, Alex Anthopolous, really took off.” 

Alex Anthopolous, the current general manager of the Braves, made strategic pickups throughout the season, which strengthened the lineup. The Braves signed many talented outfielders including Eddie Rosario, Jorge Soler, and Adam Duvall. These players were critical to the team’s success, with Soler going on to be named the World Series MVP.  

Additionally, the leadership from former number-one draft pick Dansby Swanson and veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman allowed the team to succeed. 

“The likes of Freddy Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Jorge Soler, our pitchers, and many others allowed us to be so successful,” said Schuerholz. 

With their additions and fighting spirit, the Braves ended the regular season in first place in the NL East, with a record of 88 wins and 73 loses. 

Once in the postseason, the Braves tore through the playoffs, beating both the number-two seed Milwaukee Brewers and number-four seed Los Angeles Dodgers. After decisively beating two top-seeded teams, the Braves geared up for the World Series against their third and final opponent, the Houston Astros.

“It’s a really good example of what a team can accomplish when they believe in each other,” said varsity baseball coach Chad Laney. “Talent only means so much. If you want to be champions, the team needs to have chemistry and needs to believe in each other.” 

On Tuesday night of Game 6 of the World Series, the Braves delivered an unforgettable performance and secured the championship for Atlanta. Many fans who tuned into the game described starting pitcher Max Fried as “unhittable” as he pitched six shutout innings, carrying the team with six strikeouts. But it was a monstrous 406-foot home run in the third inning by Jorge Soler that truly closed the door on the Astros season.

Just three days after the Braves were named the World Series champions, a parade was held in Atlanta to celebrate the team’s remarkable victory. The parade began in downtown Atlanta, where over 400,000 fans gathered to eagerly await the Braves arrival. 

“What really made it fun was that everyone, whether you knew them or not, was cheering and celebrating with each other,” said freshman Jamison Shears. 

The Braves proudly displayed the Commissioner’s Trophy, the trophy they received for winning the World Series, as they drove through Atlanta celebrating the victory with thousands of ecstatic Braves fans. 

“I had the honor of riding in one of the leading vehicles, with the Braves’ manager, coaches, players, and senior executives,” said Schuerholz. “It truly was a proud and joyful time for the Braves and the city of Atlanta. I even still get goose bumps just thinking about it!” 

Fans boasted Braves merchandise as they cheered on the team as the players and coaches, along with the team mascot, Blooper and Atlanta musicians Ludacris and Big Boi, paraded through the streets of Atlanta. The Braves’ triumph capped off a hard fought season that brought Braves fans, both young and old, together, as well as the championship that the city of Atlanta deserved.