The final day of the Braves Country Caravan wound its way to Chattanooga Thursday. Enthusiastic fans arrived early in the morning (reportedly a couple fans were there at 2:30 a.m.). A large number of people were lined up while waiting for the caravan to arrive.
After the bus parked in the center lane of Market Street in front of Taco Macs, several Braves’ employees came off the bus with materials. Eventually, Rhea County’s smiling Cory Gearrin climbed off the bus as fans (including his mom) cheered. Gearrin could soon be seen along the sidewalk being interviewed. Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward moved quickly off the bus went directly inside Taco Macs where they graciously met the press and answered questions.
New hitting coach Greg Walker was the fourth member of the party. Walker mentioned that he grew up about three hours south of Atlanta. He clicked off the names of several southern Georgians who went on to play Major League baseball. Walker will be participating in his first spring training with Atlanta after serving in the same role with the Chicago White Sox.
Freddie Freeman said he had made four trips back to his home in California but spent most of his time in the off-season working out in the Atlanta area.
The story of Jason Heyward is well known to Braves’ fans. A stellar rookie year – with a home run in his first at bat – followed by injuries and a disappointing second season. The Georgia native has spent the off-season getting in shape, losing weight, and working on his hitting.
After they enjoyed lunch at the Taco Mac, the players spent the rest of the time signing autographs. After that, they re-boarded the bus and moved on to Knoxville.