The Atlanta Braves are champions on and off the field
By Cory Sekine-Pettite
The Atlanta Braves recently released a report detailing the team’s impact on our community — from its economic effect on the field, including winning a national championship, to its many charitable works and community grant programs. The full report is available at braves.com/give but here are a few of the highlights.
Braves by the numbers
According to the report, the Atlanta Braves Foundation invested $500,000 last year in Cobb County non-profits and schools. Additionally, Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta generated more than $38 million in combined tax revenue during the 2022 fiscal year. Nearly $10 million of that revenue was allocated to the Cobb County Board of Education. And it should be noted that Truist Park is now net positive for Cobb County taxpayers.
Additional impacts “by the numbers” include the following:
- 17, 656 game tickets were donated during the 2022 season.
- 1,150 veterans served through The Warrior Alliance Home Base at The Battery Atlanta.
- 45,000-plus pounds of fresh produce and 2,100 hot meals were distributed through the Home Plate Project presented by Chick-fil-A.
- $1.4 million-plus in community grants and sponsorships were provided to 92 non-profit organizations.
- Two wishes were granted at Truist Park with Make-A-Wish Georgia.
Community partnerships
In addition to its partnership with Make-A-Wish Georgia, the Atlanta Braves have joined forces with Northside Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Susan G. Komen Georgia, Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression, and the American Red Cross among many other charitable organizations. According to the report, the Braves are “committed to supporting the health and well-being of our fans across Braves Country through a variety of efforts and initiatives.”
Moreover, in 2022, Braves staff volunteered at non-profit organizations and local projects across the metro area, accumulating more than 1,100 hours of service to the community. Among their many efforts, they hosted holiday events, planted a community orchard, served at the Hank Aaron All-Star school, and sorted holiday gifts for foster children.
Growing the game
The Braves continue to help grow the sports of baseball and softball through multiple efforts that create access to playing opportunities in under-served communities. The team’s recent efforts include assisting in the construction of a new park and turf fields in Gresham Park in south Atlanta, which is considered a hub for growth and development of Black baseball and softball players.
Additionally, the Braves and 7G Foundation hosted the first-ever Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park featuring top high school baseball players of Native American descent for a workout and showcase game in front of pro scouts and college coaches.
A lasting impact
Both the team and the Atlanta Braves Foundation do more for the community than can be summarized on one page in this magazine. But from the above, one can conclude that Cobb County and metro Atlanta are impacted deeply by this team and their efforts. One final initiative of note: After the passing of Braves legend Henry “Hank” Aaron, the team created the Henry Louis Aaron Fund in his honor. The fund pledges to continue Aaron’s passion for creating more opportunities for minorities in baseball — both on the field and in the front office. To learn more about the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the ways you can support our community, visit braves.com/give.
