The Atlanta Braves have made a habit of living on the edge this season. They’ve struggled on the road, dropped winnable series to sub .500 teams, and seen their offense go quiet far too often.
And yet—somehow—they’re still in the fight. Monday night’s wild ride against the Washington Nationals was just the latest example of this rollercoaster campaign, and it also confirmed one very important thing: The Braves have themselves a new celebration, and it’s glorious.
The Game That Nearly Got Away From the Braves Again
Everything seemed to be clicking early on. Grant Holmes pitched admirably, keeping the Nationals to just one run through six-plus innings. For once, the Braves’ bats weren’t completely snoozing, and it looked like they were cruising toward a much-needed win. But this is 2025 Atlanta—we don’t get normal endings.
Enter Raisel Iglesias, who found himself in yet another mess in the ninth. Two borderline pitches got poked for hits, and Nick Allen’s rare defensive blunder turned what should’ve been the final out into a game-tying disaster. Instead of high-fiving their way off the field, the Braves were suddenly staring down extra innings—or worse.
Verdugo and the Bubble Bucket
But just when it looked like another heartbreak was coming, Alex Verdugo stepped up. With Eli White on base, Verdugo laced a game-winning RBI single to right, saving the night and sending Truist Park into a frenzy.
But the hit was only part of the story. The real show came seconds later, when Verdugo was crowned with the now-iconic Dubble Bubble bucket—a pink, plastic candy container that’s quickly becoming the Braves’ symbol of clutch success.
Credit where credit’s due: this isn’t a random gimmick. Michael Harris II has quietly emerged as the ringleader of this quirky celebration. He was the one who anointed Drake Baldwin after his walk-off earlier this season.
He was the one who plopped the bucket on Verdugo’s head Monday night. And three walk-offs later, this is no longer a fluke. It’s a tradition in the making.
Something Special Brewing in the Chaos
Sure, this season has been anything but easy. The Braves haven’t looked like a dominant force. Their offense has been hot and cold, and the pitching staff has had its fair share of ups and downs. But even amid all the struggle (losing the series to the Pirates), this team shows something that can’t be taught: fight.
They’ve been scrappy late in games. They’ve found ways to force extra innings. And when the stakes are highest, they’ve delivered walk-offs—three, to be exact—each punctuated by the candy bucket crowning. Is it superstition? A lucky charm? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just a reminder that baseball, at its core, is a game. And games are supposed to be fun.
Whatever the reason, Braves fans have a new ritual to watch for. And as far as lucky helmets go, the Dubble Bubble bucket is batting 1.000.
