Knights End Inaugural Season at Braves Classic

George, Hunter and JD enjoy their time
in the show.

The Marietta Knights got a deserving reward with a parade around Turner Field to end their inaugural season. Although they lost a tough game earlier in the day to the Middle Georgia Tigers, the boys were all smiles as they paraded around Turner Field before the Braves vs. Astros game Saturday night. The Knights got a big cheer from their adoring fans above the CF wall and they earned at least one new fan behind home plate when a young lady gave a hearty "Go Knights!" as the team walked by. Of course, each of the kids tested out the padding on the outfield wall. It was a real treat to see the wide eyes of the boys as they made their way around the field, particularly when they came upon Brian McCann stretching in the outfield. Until JD shouted "I love you, Brian!" and then it just got kind of awkward. It was also a great sight seeing the team sitting together cheering on the Braves. The camaraderie and friendship created over a season of baseball was clearly evident and wonderful.

Sunday morning the Knights took the field for the final time to battled the Dublin Bulls, winner of the Triple Crown World Series in Myrtle Beach. The Knights played the Bulls tough but ultimately came up short losing 9-2. Back to back hits by Hunter Williamson and Garrett Wells gave the Knights an early 1-0 lead causing the Bulls to call on their ace who they had hoped to save for the championship game. There were two Defensive Players of the Game. JD Rinehimer was perfect at short stop with 5 assists. The thicket of infield grass caused balls to speed up, slow down and change directions but JD made it look easy by making great adjustments and laser throws to 1B. Tristan Herrera made 2 great plays stealing extra base hits in LF. On one he ranged back and towards center to haul in a deep line drive that appeared to be headed to the fence. The other was a looping line drive that Tristan lunged and scooped just above the grass. Coach Rob was very proud of the solid effort to end the season against a very good team. 

It was great seeing all the teams parade: The Marietta Knights, Knoxville Thunder,
Houston Astros...Astros? Hey, what's Javier Bracamonte doing in our parade!?

The 2012 Marietta Knights at the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy