Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker speaks during a baseball news conference Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in St. Louis. The St. Louis Cardinals and Braves are scheduled to play Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Sunday in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
ATLANTA — Charlie Culberson was a member of the Braves for less than three complete seasons. He hit a respectable.265 with a.768 OPS in 230 games, but he was a free agency the year before the Braves won the World Series in 2021.
Nevertheless, in recent years, he was among the most well-liked Braves. This was demonstrated once more on Friday, when it was announced that he was leaving Triple A. The fan response was significantly higher than what is often expected for a utility player, let alone one who bats.204 with 24 minor-league games played this season, one home run, and a.489 OPS.
But in the Braves clubhouse, it didn’t take long to recall why “Charlie Clutch” was so well-liked in addition to a ton of huge hits and defensive plays. On Friday, he received numerous hugs from players, coaches, clubhouse staff, security officers, and pretty much everyone. These were no careless embraces. Hugs that said, “Hold it for a moment, and say something to Charlie,” from guys who grinned and became animated at the sight of Culberson.
“Oh, that was really awesome,” remarked catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who spent his first 2020 season as a Brave and the third and last of Culberson’s initial Atlanta tenure. “I mean, I am aware of his accomplishments and the value he has added to this organization. Therefore, it means a lot to us all that we can pick him up and have him back home with us.
He is well-liked in Atlanta. He’s also a really nice guy who is always rooting for you. Also a delightful person to be around
In Friday’s 6-2 series-opening victory over the Mariners, the Braves did not use Culberson. Bryce Elder (2.06 ERA) delivered another excellent start, Orlando Arcia drove in the game’s winning run in the late innings for the second straight game, and Matt Olson, who has been struggling recently, hit a home run and an RBI double. However, there’s a chance Culberson may stay and continue to have an impact on some games as he did in the past now that Ehire Adrianza (left shoulder injury) was placed on the 60-day injured list on Friday.
In Friday’s 6-2 Braves victory over the Mariners, Bryce Elder gave up two runs in six and a half innings thrown. In fourteen consecutive starts, he has pitched at least five innings. He has the fifth-best ERA among MLB qualifiers, at 2.06.
In the home clubhouse on Friday, a small group of reporters questioned 34-year-old Culberson. He was all smiles, had no corny responses, and expressed a clear understanding of his particular role—which is probably going to be rather limited. He did not attempt to minimize his sense of luck at being back in Atlanta, which is only a little over an hour away from his birthplace of Rome, Georgia, his high school education in Calhoun, and the suburban Marietta home he and his spouse, Sarah, have shared for ten years. They are parents of three children.
