Crosstown rivalry might take on a new dimension when the Atlanta Braves move to the Marietta area in 2017. For now, we have interleague play to keep us in the game. Here’s what Marietta residents should know before attending the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox games on June 17 and 18.
Many fans enjoy interleague play because it’s a chance to see new action from old rivals.
When Major League Baseball made interleague play a regular part of the season, it took advantage of natural geographic rivalries like the Mets vs Yankees, A’s vs Giants, Dodgers vs Angels, and Cubs vs White Sox.
There are also historic rivalries like the Yankees vs Red Sox (a perennial battle for the Northeast) and the Mets vs Red Sox (Boston has never gotten over Bill Buckner’s Game 6 error and losing the 1986 World Series).
Braves vs Red Sox: Boston Baked Rivals
Some people are puzzled by the interleague matchup between the Braves and the Red Sox. However, the Braves franchise did play in Boston for three quarters of a century. From 1876 to 1952, they were the Boston Red Stockings, Bees, Rustlers, Doves, Beaneaters, Red Caps and, finally, the Braves.
The Braves and Red Sox also have a history of sharing the same baseball field. The Braves played and won the 1914 World Series at Fenway Park because Braves Field wasn’t yet completed. They played the 1915 season there as well.
The Red Sox played the 1915 and 1916 World Series at Braves Field because it had a larger seating capacity than Fenway Park (the Red Sox won both championships).
How are the Red Sox and Braves Doing This Season?
Today’s Boston Red Sox include big names like second baseman Dustin Pedroia and 2013’s World Series MVP David Ortiz. However, Boston has been hovering around last place in the American League East this season. Boston recently fired its pitching coach as its rotation ranks near last in multiple pitching categories this season.
Atlanta’s five man pitching rotation of Julio Teheran, Alex Wood, Shelby Miller, Mike Foltynewicz and Eric Stults has helped the team maintain a .500 season. Miller has been particularly impressive lately. When he shut out the Philadelphia Phillies in May, he became the first pitcher this season to throw a complete game in less than 100 pitches.
Also propelling the Braves are first baseman Freddie Freeman and right fielder Nick Markakis, both of whom ranked among the top 25 of National League Batting Leaders this season. Meanwhile left-fielder Kelly Johnson was among the the top ten home run leaders in May.
Red Sox fans residing in Atlanta have been known to come out in force for games against the Braves. If you’re traveling from Marietta, you’ll want to arrive early. Game time is at 7:10 but fans are encouraged to get to Turner Field at least one hour before the first pitch.
For tickets to any 2015 Atlanta Braves game, please visit
http://www.frontrowseatsllc.com/atlanta-braves-tickets.aspx
To purchase tickets to the Atlanta Braves games against the Boston Red Sox, please visit the following Front Row Seats page.
Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox Baseball Game on June 17
http://www.frontrowseatsllc.com/tickets/turner-field/06-17-2015-710-pm/atlanta-braves-vs-boston-red-sox-tickets.aspx
Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox Baseball Game on June 18
http://www.frontrowseatsllc.com/tickets/turner-field/06-18-2015-710-pm/atlanta-braves-vs-boston-red-sox-tickets.aspx
