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In sharp contrast to the team's past, October baseball has become a yearly event in Atlanta. This year is no different, as the "Team of the Nineties" has locked up its seventh consecutive division title. The Nineties are nearing their conclusion, but the Braves have showed no signs of relinquishing their commanding position.
However, after a decade's worth of division titles, the Braves only have one World Series crown to show for it. This came in 1995, when Atlanta topped Cleveland in six games, and it ignited celebrations all over the city, including some inpromptu street gatherings by Peters Parking Deck that had to be broken up by police.
For the Braves to reach that level of success again, they will have to go through two tough rounds of playoffs. The San Diego Padres handily won the Western Division title, and the Houston Astros marched to their second straight Central Division crown. The Wild Card race is still up in the air. The Chicago Cubs currently lead the field with the New York Mets trailing close behind. Also, the San Francisco Giants are still in the hunt.
It won't be clear who Atlanta will meet in the first round until the last game of the season. If the Braves finish with the best record in the National League, then they will face the Wild Card in the Divisional Playoff. Atlanta is neck and neck with San Diego, and the way the Braves have been playing lately, the Padres may end up with the best record. Plus, the Braves can't face the Mets, because New York is also in the Eastern Division.
One thing is for sure, and that is that there will be plenty of exciting baseball in the coming month, as the competition in the National League is tougher this year then it has been in the past. The ground crew and vendors at Turner Field are gearing up for another postseason.
You can go down and catch the action, especially with Turner Field's standing-room only tickets. The Braves last homestand of the season is this weekend versus the Mets. Postseason dates and ticket prices will be announced later.
To purchase advance tickets, call Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or go to the ticket windows at Turner Field. To get there, ride MARTA southbound to Five Points, and then take the Braves Stadium Shuttle. Or, you can drive south on I-75/85 (once you pass I-20, you'll see the stadium) or go south on Courtland St. through Georgia State and then follow the signs.