ATLANTA – Before the Cincinnati Reds lined up on the third-base line for Opening Day introductions, more than a dozen players stood on the dugout railing to watch Atlanta celebrate its World Series title.
There was a video showing all of Atlanta’s highlights from their postseason run, fans cheering wildly at the most memorable moments. The 2021 World Champions banner, in red, was unveiled behind right field. The Commissioner’s Trophy sat on a podium behind the pitcher’s mound.
This was supposed to be a party for the sold-out crowd of 40,545 at Truist Park. It was a chance to remember Atlanta’s unlikely run to a title last year and a coronation for one of the National League’s top contenders this season.