Atlanta hosts the 2025 All-Star Game on July 16 as the NL wins. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson shine for the home crowd at a dazzling Truist Park showcase.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The baseball world turned its eyes to Atlanta on Wednesday, and our city, our team, and our park did not disappoint. The 2025 MLB All-Star Game descended on Truist Park, transforming it into a dazzling showcase of baseball's best, with a distinctly Braves flavor running through the entire celebration.
The loudest ovation of the night wasn't for a towering home run, but for our very own Matt Olson, a testament to the deep connection between this team and its city.
While the National League secured the win, the real victory was the event itself. Truist Park was electric, especially during a breathtaking tribute to the legendary Hank Aaron, complete with a light show and fireworks that honored his enduring legacy. On the field, Ronald Acuña Jr. represented the A in the starting lineup, lacing a single and scoring a run in his two at-bats. The NL's sixth-inning power surge, featuring homers from Pete Alonso and Corbin Carroll, ultimately sealed the deal, but the night felt like a win for Atlanta.
Before he entered the All-Star Game in the seventh inning, first baseman Matt Olson gave the home crowd a thrill in the Home Run Derby. The Atlanta native put on a solid display, launching 15 baseballs into the stands, including a hot streak of five straight. Though he didn't advance, the thunderous ovation he received was the loudest of the night, a powerful reminder of how much this city loves its own. It was a special moment that went beyond the box score.
While the stars played on the field, the Braves front office was busy securing the future. With the MLB Draft taking place just steps away at the Coca-Cola Roxy, the organization made a clear statement, selecting three shortstops with its first three picks. Tate Southisene from Nevada (22nd overall), Alex Lodise from Florida State (60th), and Cody Miller from East Tennessee State (96th) are now part of the Braves family. This aggressive focus on athletic, up-the-middle talent shows a clear strategy to keep the farm system stocked for years to come.
The Braves organization masterfully used the All-Star spotlight to celebrate more than just baseball. A key part of the week's festivities involved honoring athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with representatives from Morehouse College and Atlanta Public Schools being recognized. It was a classy, meaningful gesture that reinforced the team's commitment to the community and the rich history of baseball in Atlanta.
With the All-Star festivities now in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts back to the pennant race. The break was a spectacular showcase for the city and the organization, but now it's time to get back to business. The second half of the season awaits, and the Braves look rested, ready, and poised to make another deep run toward October.
