Dansby Swanson will be in the building Tuesday Night as the Braves welcome in the Chicago Cubs. Swanson spent the first seven seasons of his career in Atlanta before leaving this offseason to head to Chicago on a big contract. A contract that the Braves did not want to match. The seven-year $177-million-dollar deal was reportedly too rich for the Braves, who chose to give the starting shortstop job to Orlando Arcia (Arcia made his first All-Star Game appearance this season).
Dukes & Bell know how much Dansby means to the team, but also know this is no time to look back on fond memories
“Guys, he helped us win a World Series. He’s a hometown kid. He played here, gave his all and it’s not necessarily his own fault that he’s not here. We all know how that played out. But Mike, he’s back as a Cub tonight, what kind of ovation is he going to get?” Carl Dukes questioned.
“I think if it’s back in April or May, he would get a huge ovation. But it’s a school night, it’s football season. So it’s kind of just a thing. He’ll get a nice round of applause.” Mike Bell explained.
Swanson, a leader and longtime fan favorite, should be treated with an ovation during his first at-bat. But the adulation should stop right there. These games are important for both clubs. Chicago is locked in a Wild Card Battle and the Braves are fighting for the best record in baseball. This series has too much on the line for emotions to take over like they did when Freddie Freeman first returned after leaving the Braves to sign in LA with the Dodgers. It is, however, a bobblehead giveaway night at Truist Park, so the stands may be packed after all.