(Atlanta) The Atlanta Braves were cheered by hundreds of thousands of fans on Friday in the parade celebrating their first World Series victory since 1995.
Some schools in the area were closed and students took the opportunity to attend the event.
“That’s the funniest part,” said Braves president Terry McGuirk. Each block there were only children. I never, ever expected to see so many children. ”
The parade began in downtown Atlanta, near Turner Field, the former home of the Braves. The route took buses, tanks and vans past a memorial to the late Hank Aaron, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. The procession then proceeded to Peachtree Street, where supporters filled the sidewalks.
Atlanta Police estimated that 300,000 to 400,000 supporters attended the parade during its downtown portion.
Fan participation was equally strong for the last mile of the parade, which ended at Truist Park, the current home of the Braves. The stadium was packed. Thousands of additional supporters filled the entertainment complex outside the stadium.
PHOTO BRETT DAVIS, USA TODAY SPORTS
The Braves were drawn to Cobb County by tax incentives and the opportunity to build a dining, shopping, apartment and entertainment complex next to Truist Park, which opened in 2017.
McGuirk said he thought “there were over a million people” in total.
The Braves won the World Series by defeating the Houston Astros 7-0 on Tuesday night in the sixth game of the series.
Shortstop Dansby Swanson, a native of Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta, had a particular take on the fans’ 26-year wait.
“The city has wanted a championship for a long time,” said Swanson. It’s nice that they closed the schools. Watching the kids enjoy the moment and be inspired, there is nothing better. ”
Despite the cold temperatures, outfielder Joc Pederson wore shorts. Most of his teammates and fans on the streets bundled up.
Pederson won the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, but said it was his first show.
“It’s amazing,” said Pederson. Participation is unreal. I expected no less. Atlanta is the best. I will remember it forever. It’s a special moment. ”
Braves manager Brian Snitker got into the back of a pickup truck with his wife, Ronnie. Snitker described the participation of supporters as “crazy”. He added that participating in the parade was “phenomenal”.
Aaron’s widow Billye said at the celebration at Truist Park that Hank, who passed away on January 22, “is here with us. He loved the Atlanta Braves and I’m very, very happy to see these young men take up the torch ”.
The general manager of the Braves, Quebecer Alex Anthopoulos, was unable to attend game six due to a positive test for COVID-19. In a lodge, he spoke at the ceremony and mentioned that “the flags fly forever and 2021 will fly forever”.