Atlanta Braves 'Big Hat' Home Run Celebration Has to Go Bye-Bye
Major League Baseball has told the Atlanta Braves that they cannot use the 'big hat' prop anymore when celebrating home runs.
We've seen celebrations in the dugout become commonplace in major league dugouts after home runs in recent years. Just this year, the Baltimore Orioles garnered praise for their "home run bong" celebration and the Seattle Mariners have gained notoriety for the "home run trident."
The reason the Braves have to stop using this prop is because New Era, the on-field supplier of hats for Major League Baseball, has complained about this hat. Joon Lee of ESPN had the initial report.
Lee wrote earlier on Thursday that:
"The Braves began the celebration after More than Sports, a local sports memorabilia collector, gave the hat to Ozzie Albies and A.J. Minter during opening weekend.
The Braves confirmed to WSB-TV in Atlanta that the celebration was nixed because of the request from New Era. The larger-than-life hat received a lot of play, as Atlanta currently ranks second in baseball in homers, trailing just the Tampa Bay Rays."
I mean, I understand why New Era doesn't want anything not New Era related in dugouts, but this stinks. Baseball has made a concerted effort to appeal to young people and young fans, and this kind of fun does just that.
Can't New Era just make their own version of the hat and give it back to the Braves?
The Braves lost to the Marlins on Thursday, 5-4, to fall to 17-9 on the season. They'll open a series with the Mets on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET.
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