Braves begin '22 with championship celebration

ATLANTA -- As the Braves prepared for a celebratory Opening Day game against the Reds on Thursday, manager Brian Snitker said he wanted the defending World Series champions to soak in everything they experience over the next couple of days.

“You’re never guaranteed to do what we did, and you’re never guaranteed you’re going to get to experience this again,” Snitker said. “I want them to enjoy every second of this.”

What the Braves are calling Champions Week began on Thursday, when the 2022 Braves paraded through The Battery and felt the love of fans who lined the streets located just outside Truist Park. This marked the first time the team had gathered here since soaking in the glory of the World Series parade in November.

“Each year, you’re able to do this is such a blessing,” Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “I’m so extremely grateful to be here. To be on this team with these guys is almost a feeling you can’t describe. But I think each Opening Day is emotional.”

Chipper Jones threw the ceremonial first pitch and a sold-out crowd roared when the team unveiled the 2021 World Series flag. The team will distribute World Series rings to the players, coaches and staff members before Saturday night’s game.