It was a highly controversial decision made in early 2021 when Major League Baseball moved its annual All-Star game from Truist Park to Coors Field in Colorado.
The Atlanta Braves had been promised their chance at the Mid-Summer Classic several years in advance and were eagerly anticipating hosting the game at their home stadium.
The move came after Governor Brian Kemp signed a controversial election bill into law.
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Local politicians and some fans expressed outrage at the game’s transfer to the league. At the same time, the move was welcomed by several civil rights groups.
A group of fans came together to file a lawsuit over the move in June 2021. The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge a few days later.
On Wednesday, Georgia’s Republican House Speaker sent a formal letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred asking him to allow the Atlanta metro area to host the game again.
There are possibilities for the game to make it back to Atlanta in the years to come.
The 2022 game is scheduled to be played on July 19 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The 2023 game is scheduled for Seattle’s T-Mobile Park.
In 2026, the game is scheduled to be played at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia.
The venues for the 2024 and 2025 games have not yet been announced.
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The Braves are expected to field multiple representatives for this year’s All-Star Game. RF Ronald Acuña Jr. was the top pick for the first round of All-Star selection and will start at right field for the Los Angeles game.
Braves manager Brian Snitker will lead the National League team this year. Other Braves players with good prospects include SS Dansby Swanson, DH/C William Contreras, 3B Austin Riley and C Travis d’Arnaud. Pitcher Max Fried will also likely be on the team. Pitchers Kyle Wright and AJ Minter are also expected to be selected.
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Before Friday night’s game against the Washington Nationals, the Braves are 49-35 in the season. That puts them 3.5 games behind the New York Mets. The Mets are coming to Atlanta to take on the Braves at Truist Park starting Monday night.
