I decided to swing by the Braves Caravan on Monday 2/8 that was taking place at the Publix right down the street from my house in Suwanee, GA. I left work at 4 PM thinking I would get there at 4:30 and that would give me enough time to park and be ready for them to arrive at 5 PM. Well, when I got there I saw a line that went all the way down the strip mall, around the corner and around the back of the building. Oh well, so much for getting an autograph today. I later found out from one of the managers of the Publix that fans started lining up there at 10 AM that morning. That's a full 7 hours before the Braves appearance! So I grabbed my camera and my Flip Video and headed to the front of the store. Here's the view from the entrance of the beginning of the line:
Shortly after I arrived the caravan arrived. Brian McCann pulled up first in his Range Rover (I guess he drove separately since he lives in Suwanee) and parked it right next to the people lined up to get in.
Next, the rest of the players got out of the Caravan Bus
Brian Jordan
Mike Dunn
Jo Jo Reyes
Jordan Schafer
And Don Sutton
Bobby Cox somehow sneaked in the back, and Roger McDowell showed up late. Here are all of the guys sitting at the table signing autographs
Also interesting to note that Jordan Schafer has assumed Kelly Johnson's old #2 jersey. So maybe Heyward will pick #24 now.
Here's a shot of Roger McDowell looking right at me
And a shot of Bobby Cox
You can check out all of the pictures from the first hour of the event (I left after that) and 3 video's at the following gallery: http://ten1photography.com/Sports/Atlanta-Braves/Atlanta-Braves-2010-Caravan/11184321_w4qxm#784136076_wY8mv
I can't wait for the season to start!