Atlanta Braves The Freeze gets challenged by former Braves pitcher and his response was fantastic!
By Jeff Schafer
Braves newest craze gets challenged on Twitter…yes, we need to set this up!
The newest “mascot” — maybe you can call him that — or at least the newest attraction swirling around the majors and the internet is Atlanta Braves’ own The Freeze.
Never heard of him? Well, that would be surprising.
The Freeze’s real name is Nigel Talton and was a track star at Peach County High School in Fort Valley, Georgia. He then went on to run track at Iowa Western Community College and Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. The 26-year-old is a former member of the Braves’ grounds crew.
Why are we talking about him? Because the dude is fast and he’s beating almost everyone in this foot race.
The Freeze gives a randomly chosen fan the chance to race him around the outfield warning track from pole to pole…did I mention he gives the fan a huge start?
He’s maybe lost two or three times this season, but other than that he’s been untouchable.
The Freeze is even gaining a little confidence as he recently said he’d like to race Cincinnati Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton.
“I hope The Freeze can get an opportunity to run him,” he said referring to himself in the third person. “But I won’t give Billy a head start.”
The Braves play the Reds at SunTrust Park on August 18-20.
Many in BravesFam have gotten behind The Freeze and are encouraging him each night. Even the Braves bullpen has been getting into the fun. Jason Motte, in particular, is enjoying this mid-game attraction.
.@JMotte30 with the assist for today's @BeatThaFreeze contestant. 🐰 pic.twitter.com/5W3wZQeKLB
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 24, 2017
The Freeze is gaining national attention and attention around the league as well. Former Braves prospect Adam Wainwright has proposed a challenge to The Freeze.
Wainwright is offering up his buddy and teammate Michael Wacha to race The Freeze. Wacha attended the University of Texas A&M, but in this photo, you’ll see him wearing a TCU track suit. I’m guessing it has something to do with his running jokes with teammate Matt Carpenter who went to TCU.
Hey @BeatThaFreeze If you're still taking all challengers I'd like to submit my teammate @MichaelWacha and his @TCU track uni into the mix pic.twitter.com/SuSFmODZKT
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) June 25, 2017
Wacha put on the uniform and did a little pose to support Wainwright and this challenge.
What’s even more funny than Wacha in a running jumpsuit? The Freeze’s response to this tweet. It’s fantastic!
You should race my #2. His name is Febreeze. He's a little slower and smells like flowers. Beat him, then we'll talk 😏
— The Freeze (@BeatTheFreeze) June 26, 2017
Would he be a true challenge to The Freeze?
Jason Motte doesn’t think so. Neither do I!
Haha yes. Well done @UncleCharlie50 and @BeatThaFreeze. Sorry but @MichaelWacha you got no chance our guy @BeatThaFreeze can float. pic.twitter.com/sejGapNt7j
— Jason Motte (@JMotte30) June 26, 2017
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Here’s a proposal…could we somehow get The Freeze to the All-Star game?!?