Swanson enjoys heading home to the Braves

ATLANTA — When Dansby Swanson called his mother early Tuesday evening to tell her he was packing his bags and coming home, her immediate maternal reaction was to ask if her son was OK. After a brief chuckle, Swanson clarified his message by making it clear he was coming home to experience a Major League debut that he, his family, friends and countless Braves fans have long anticipated.

“I’m looking forward to everything Atlanta has to offer over the next seven weeks,” Swanson said before he batted eighth and began his reign as Braves’ shortstop during Wednesday night’s game against the Twins at Turner Field — the stadium he visited while fostering his big league dreams during his suburban Atlanta childhood.

Swanson arrived approximately nine hours before Wednesday’s first pitch and immediately took delight in seeing his name and number adorned on a Braves jersey that hung in his locker. But he said the greatest thrill might have simply been the realization that he was no longer a guest.

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“Driving up to the stadium was pretty surreal, just because I’m driving up to play in a game, not to watch or not to do FanFest,” Swanson said.

Starting tonight at shortstop for his hometown Atlanta #Braves, number 2, Dansby Swanson. #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/bN3ftpqPL7

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 17, 2016

Starting tonight at shortstop for his hometown Atlanta #Braves, number 2, Dansby Swanson. #ChopOn …

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