Angels in the Outfield

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It's been 45 minutes, my TV is still going, and my two cats, Maddux and Glavine, are completely un-phased as I sit here, jittery and baffled, in my over-sized, battered Andruw Jones shirt that's still sticky with a little sweat from anxiety, shock, and undeniable euphoria.

Tonight, for the first time in 22 years, the Atlanta Braves clinched the NLCS, in a 4-2 series- officially heading to the 2021 World Series. 

I have waited for this moment my entire life- a lot of us have. Being an Atlanta fan of any sport, well, best of luck.

This series, to me, was something I haven't witnessed in baseball in a long time. There was passion. There was hunger. There was resilience. There was strategy. 

They played the type of game that made baseball what it is. 

I'm not sure which inning it was- I'd like to say before Snitker put in Matzek because... WOW- when I felt my phone vibrate beside me. I'd already been having conversations with friends so I almost simply ignored it as I'd nearly just fallen off my bed. I pick it up anyways.

The text message reads:

"I'm a nervous wreck... lmao"

Immediately I am taken back to when I am 4, sitting between the legs of my Aunt Frances, as she rocks in Nany's old recliner. 

Recliners- a Southern staple and you'll typically find one in every Southern home. That recliner holds history- and it's more than likely been deemed someone's throne and I highly suggest to just sit on the couch if you're unfamiliar with the household. Bless it.

I'd sit there with her as she'd scream at Chipper, Glavine, and Maddux- rarely Smoltz. I remember the necklace she wore, a charm necklace. A delicate chain with 2 single charms:

An Atlanta Braves tomahawk and charm that read, "Mom."

She died when I was 13- had bouts of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. She left something behind- unfortunately not the necklace.

She left behind a legacy with a wish. A wish that has been fulfilled many times. A bond built on baseball, books, concerts, tough love and relentless love.

My eyes fill with tears as the Dodgers make a hit, Riley throws to Freddie and just like that:

Braves win.

My mouth drops open, a tear rolls down my cheek, and alone in my room I start to scream and yell celebrating a moment in time I will never forget. 

My phone vibrates again, and the text message reads:

"Yes!!!!!!!" 

and I swear I can hear a scream nearly identical from Heaven.


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