The Atlanta Braves had a notable presence at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday for the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry between Georgia and Auburn. Former manager Brian Snitker and his wife, Ronnie, were spotted on the sidelines — joined by several Braves icons, including Chipper Jones and Auburn alum Tim Hudson.
But what caught attention most was who else was there — and what it could mean for Atlanta’s managerial search.
David Ross sighting adds intrigue
Multiple reports confirmed that former Braves catcher and managerial candidate David Ross was at the game, seen in a group photo posted by Auburn reporter Jason Caldwell on X.
Ross, who played college ball at Auburn, was reportedly greeted by Snitker during the event. According to WSB’s Alison Mastrangelo, Snitker told Ross he “hopes to see him in Atlanta soon.” No response from Ross was reported, but the exchange added fuel to the speculation.
Ross has stated this month that he hopes to manage again in the Majors and is interested in the Braves’ open position. He previously managed the Chicago Cubs from 2020 to 2023.
Mark DeRosa was also in attendance
Adding to the intrigue, another familiar face — Mark DeRosa — was also in attendance. DeRosa, who played for Atlanta from 1998 to 2004 and later managed Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate.
There is no confirmed reason for DeRosa’s presence at the Auburn game. However, the timing, given the Braves’ ongoing managerial transition, drew attention from fans and reporters alike.
DeRosa, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, has not been tied to Auburn, so his attendance raised eyebrows — though it could simply reflect his friendship with Jones and other Braves alumni.
Convenient timing amid Braves ongoing search
The Braves have not commented publicly on their managerial search since Snitker’s retirement, and no official timeline has been shared. Still, sightings like these — featuring multiple potential candidates in the same place — naturally stir conversation among fans.
Whether this was an alumni gathering or an informal meeting of future staff remains to be seen. But the presence of Ross and DeRosa together, alongside Snitker and Chipper Jones, gives Braves Country something to talk about during the offseason’s early days.
