Every Braves fan remembers exactly where they were three years ago when Jorge Soler launched a monstrous home run, forever sealing that glorious 2021 World Series moment.
That swing, echoing through every corner of Braves Country, signaled not just a run scored but a crown reclaimed, a dream realized after years of playoff heartbreak.
Rough Start To The Braves Season
That season had started rough. The Braves entered 2021 with high hopes but quickly faced a lineup of challenges fit for a baseball drama. By June 16, they were third in the NL East, an uninspiring 30-35, and riddled with injuries.
Michael Soroka re-tore his Achilles. Marcell Ozuna was sidelined and faced legal troubles. Travis d’Arnaud was out with a ligament tear in his thumb. And Cristian Pache, expected to be a rising star, struggled mightily and was eventually sent down.
The Braves seemed far from contenders with a beleaguered bullpen and inconsistent performance. The low point came on July 10, when Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL. The Braves fell below .500, and the season seemed all but lost with their star sidelined.
Braves Alex Anthopoulos Made Moves
Just before the All-Star break, team president Alex Anthopoulos made a move that would change everything. In a surprising deal, he acquired Joc Pederson. He was a seasoned outfielder who brought energy and belief back to the clubhouse.
“Things can change at any time,” Anthopoulos said, keeping hope alive. The front office decided to double down, and by the trade deadline, the Braves had revamped their outfield. They acquired veterans Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, and Soler.
It wasn’t a flashy approach. They didn’t bring in any big-name stars. Anthopoulos assembled an unlikely band of journeymen and veterans with playoff experience. And just like that, Atlanta’s second half became the stuff of baseball legend.
Unbelievable Second Half of the Season
In August, the team surged to an 18-8 record. By September, they had taken the lead in the division. They wrapped up their NL East title against the Phillies, a fitting finish to a relentless comeback season.
The Braves then marched through the postseason with unbreakable spirit. They took down the Brewers in the NLDS, powered by Freeman’s unforgettable homer off Josh Hader. In the NLCS, they faced off against the Dodgers which was the very team that had dashed their dreams in 2020.
But this time, it was different. Rosario’s hot bat and Tyler Matzek’s legendary pitching, including a thrilling strikeout of Mookie Betts, pushed them through.
The Braves Make it to the World Series
The World Series finally arrived, with the Braves facing the Houston Astros. Despite injuries and setbacks, Atlanta held their ground. Ian Anderson pitched five no-hit innings in Game 3. Game 4 saw a dramatic rally as Soler and Dansby Swanson hit back-to-back homers, catapulting the Braves to victory.
Then, in Game 6, Max Fried delivered the performance of his career with six scoreless innings. Soler crushed a home run that would secure him the Series MVP, making him the hero yet again.
A Truly Historic Year
That 2021 Braves squad defied all odds and reminded the world of the power of perseverance. The city of Atlanta witnessed a rare and unforgettable championship win that October. Those memories are pure baseball magic for every fan, coach, and player.
And though the roster may have changed, and the seasons since haven’t ended with a trophy, that incredible 2021 championship run is forever etched in the heart of Braves Country.
