Braves manager Brian Snitker leaves family home on opening day due to ‘hostile crowd’ in Philly.
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker’s family remained away from Philadelphia on opening day. Snitker chastised Phillies supporters during spring training for what he described as inappropriate behaviour in the playoffs against his wife and other Atlanta friends and family members. “It’s rough there,” Snitker stated during an interview with Atlanta radio station WZGC on March 21. “And they don’t seem to mind, quite frankly. It was quite harsh on them last year, to the point of concern.”
In the last two seasons, the Phillies have defeated the Braves in Philadelphia in the NL Division Series. The Atlanta Braves have won six consecutive NL East titles, as well as the World Series in 2021. Snitker also stated that Philadelphia had “by far the most hostile crowd” and that his wife would not return to Citizens Bank Park. When asked what made his family feel frightened at the game, Snitker responded on Friday, “I’m not going to get into all that. Let us chat about today.
“My wife is babysitting, and the grandchildren are at school,” Snitker said from Atlanta’s dugout. “They wouldn’t be anywhere, honestly, other than home.” Snitker praised the atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this season and has acquired a reputation as one of baseball’s rowdiest venues. “This is a passionate fan base and there’s a lot of energy in the air, and rightly so,” Snitker said in a statement. “This is a very good club. These fans are enthusiastic about what they do. It’s a fantastic location to play, to be honest, since there’s so much energy.”
Snitker ran to the third base line during lineup introductions before Atlanta’s 9-3 victory over the Phillies on opening day, ignoring almost 45,000 booing fans and breaking out in a huge smile and laughter. “They don’t boo nobodies,” Braves starter Spencer Strider explained. “That is what I have been told. I enjoy playing here. It’s an enjoyable area to play. On the other side of the pitch, there are passionate spectators and a strong team. Usually, it results in a good game.
