A New Brave: Dansby Swanson

The Jones & Swanson family was thrilled last week upon the announcement of the most recent addition to the Atlanta Braves’ lineup. Attorney Chase Swanson’s younger brother, Dansby Swanson, received the call on Tuesday that he would be starting in Wednesday night’s game against Minnesota.

Here’s a little background on Dansby’s baseball career: He was a standout athlete at local Marietta High School, earning numerous honors in both baseball and basketball. Dansby was a 38^th round pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 2012 draft, but ultimately decided to continue his education and playing career at Vanderbilt University. During his time at Vanderbilt he produced great statistics and was a member of the team that won a College World Series. Dansby was voted MVP of the College World Series tournament, won a Golden Spikes Award, and ultimately became the No. 1 draft pick in the 2015 MLB draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. His trade to Atlanta caused much excitement within the community – a hometown player putting on a Braves uniform doesn’t happen very often.

Needless to say, he can play ball. Dansby got the call on a Tuesday night inviting him to make his MLB debut the following day against the Minnesota Twins. So he made the six-hour drive from Mississippi to Atlanta and stayed the night with his parents at his childhood home, which is only 25 minutes from The Ted. While only running on about 4 hours of sleep, his lifelong dream came to fruition. And Jones & Swanson couldn’t be more proud and excited!

Dansby’s opening night went well – starting at shortstop and batting eighth in the lineup. Come his first at-bat, Dansby supporters were abundant at Turner Field – in a standing ovation that would be present at every at-bat. Dansby would end the night going 2-4 in his MLB debut.

Marietta First Baptist Church is promoting “Dansby Swanson Night” on Wednesday, August 31, as the Braves take on the San Diego Padres at home. Tickets are on sale for $10.00 each. Seats are located at field level, on the 3^rd base side in the left field corner (Section 124). We hope to see you there!

The Jones & Swanson family hopes the Braves’ decisions supporting Dansby thus far means their plan is to make him a long-term Brave, maybe even a future face of the franchise… no pressure, Dans! This is a dream that’s been long-awaited and is well-deserved. Congratulations Dansby, and Go Braves!