Reliving my childhood... Two Glorious Nights with the Braves

Flashback to the 1990s. Growing up, I watched the Braves all the time. I have the 1995 newspapers from the playoffs, I cried in 1996 when the Yankees beat the Braves in 6 games, and my mom took me on a tour of Turner Field for my 12th birthday. Every year, the Braves made the playoffs, my teachers would show the games on TV at school, and I would always write letters to my favorite players (like Ron Gant, Fred McGriff, and Tom Glavine). In short, the Braves represent something nostalgic and formative for me.

Flash to 2010. I haven't seen the Braves play live since 2008. I keep up with the team through box scores and headlines, but this is a far cry from watching them nightly at the dinner table. This year, however, the Braves made the playoffs for the first time in five years. They clinched the Wild Card in the last game of the regular season,  and serendipitously they faced off with the San Francisco Giants. The Braves were in the playoffs, and I was acting like a 10-year old... Suddenly, it was feeling more like the 1990s.

Seizing the opportunity, Tracy and I committed to go to both games in San Francisco. Luckily, Tracy's dad was able to help out with some great seats for the first game, and our friends, Dave and Adena, got us a deal on a couple seats for the second game. And the games did not disappoint! I saw an amazing performance by Giants' pitcher, Tim Lincecum; Bobby Cox's last ever ejection; a comeback Braves win in extra innings; and two beautiful nights at AT&T ballpark. I also got my fair share of heckling from Giants fans and two amazing dates with Tracy! A few pictures for the annals.  

Game 1: Lowe vs. Lincecum, a one-run thriller

Me, Tracy, Adena, and Dave at Game 2

Two Lone Braves Fans at Game 2; An unforgettable comeback capped with a Braves Homerun hit into the Bay

Since, the Braves lost to the Giants in four games. It matters not. Reliving my childhood for two days was priceless. Go 2011 Braves!