The Nature of Being an Atlanta Braves Fan in 2015

Are you like me and wondering “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?”

We (us) are not like the casual fan that sees the news and sits back and accepts whatever is dealt.

No, you and I (us) are the type that will sit down and analyze (sometimes too much) “what just happened?” and try to place ourselves in the same mentality of the GM and formulate some sort of logical explanation of “what are they thinking?”.

These days, it is getting increasingly harder to do so when these seemingly random transactions are NOT followed by some sort of press release or statement from the team.

I am in a few groups and communicate about the team on Facebook. My favorites are the Tomahawk Take Facebook Fanpage (of course) and a Facebook group called ChopOnDamnIt. In the group and on the fanpage we debate about our Braves daily.

As with most debates, some people are biased. That bias may stem from puppy love, potential love interest (as if), personal attachments (alma mater, autograph, memorabilia, etc) or they may have attended a game once and now this player and/or team, “they can do NO wrong”. Such is the environment of being a fan.

But me (us) we are a different breed.

This off-season we have had a LOT to talk about and with every move you will get the typical fan that will scream “Go Braves” regardless of the transaction.

I (we) are not built like that.

When the team traded Jason Heyward, the casual fan was commenting “I wish him well” or “we couldn’t afford him anyway”…

*PAUSE*

We just lost the BEST defensive Right Fielder in all of MLB and the immediate reply is “I wish him well”?

(expletive)

I was livid.

(expletive)

I was so upset that I had to purchase a new television the next day (John Hart, I can send you the receipt for reimbursement)

(longer expletive)

**UnPAUSE**

More from Tomahawk Take

Are we bad fans for questioning the motives?

Are we not allowed to question what the bosses of our favorite team are doing?

Is it against some sacred code for us to say “wait a minute, why did you do that?”

When did it become sacrilege to offer a difference of opinion than the status quo?

I don’t like being biased and I refuse to conform without questions, this is what democracy is all about… that freedom of EXPRESSION.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Atlanta Braves as much as I hate the New York Yankees. That emotional ride is definitely balanced but how am I a “bad fan” (as said by some) for saying “why”?

I don’t think that I am any less of a fan for questioning the moves of management and conversely, you are not a greater or better fan for just following along with the program either.

We are all fans of different decree.

You follow along, I question.

I like to keep it real.

Real to me is being honest and open in dialogue and the thing with adults, we HAVE to be able to convey a message, come to an understanding and if/when possible AGREE TO DISAGREE.

If we are not allowed to question what is going on and we are force fed to accept the actions and deeds of the organization then where are the checks and balances?

There have been countless moves this off season that have made me scratch my head.

And then there are some that have made me throw a can of Pringles and an entire 6 Pack of Coca-Cola at my tv screen. All of them (we are being told) are necessary.

But are they?

I respect the moves because I really have NO choice in the matter but as a fan…

….as a ticket buying fan…

….as a ticket buying concession purchasing fan…

….as a once a month ticket buying concession purchasing fan…

as a family of 6, once a month game attending, online ticket buying, official merchandise ONLY having, concession FOR 6 purchasing (plus parking) FAN…

I think I have the right to be vocal on whether I like a transaction or not.

I am not saying that since I am spending money I have that right, I am saying that I have something vested in the team.

For me it is time, money, resources, emotions and expectations. For you it could be the same or even more. We are BOTH still fans. One no greater than the other.

I am not ridiculing the casual fan or the overzealous fanatic.

I am merely stating that if you see me spitting flames or farting rhetoric towards the administration, management or the players and/or absurdly question a few moves they made r didn’t make; it is not because I don’t love my Bravos…it’s actually quite the opposite.

So as we (all of us) go into 2015, where do you stand?

Realistically, it’s not going to be bubblegum and chocolate covered strawberries all season.

We have to build and develop team chemistry. We have to learn tendencies, develop better hitting strategies and be more efficient at running the bases.

There WILL be some growing pains. Will you be there during the downs? Will your praises ring as loud if we have a 100-loss season (God forbid). Will we still wear our shirts, flags and hats as proud members of Braves Nation?

I will… Will you?

PLEASE keep your arms and legs forward and buckle up because this WILL be a fun ride for all.

But along the route, if I throw-up in your lap, be sure to stay positive and share in that enthusiasm.

….bumpy rides give me gas too by the way.

Go Braves!

~UnBiased Brave

*All images belong to UnBiased Brave. Taken on location of Braves Caravan.

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