03-05-2025
Special Guest at Braves-Dodgers Turns Heads
Friday, Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed six scoreless innings, Mookie Betts belted a solo homer, and Evan Phillips closed out a 2–1 Dodgers victory over the Braves after Matt Olson's seventh-inning blast. On top of that, a special guest graced the stands.
University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart made a surprise appearance at Truist Park as a special guest for the Atlanta Braves–Los Angeles Dodgers series. Sporting his signature flat-billed visor, dubbed 'Kirby's Vi$or' by fans on Instagram, Smart settled into his seat behind home plate to take in the action.
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Fox 5 reporter Miles Garrett posted on social media saying, "Definitely a day for a visor. UGA Head Coach Kirby Smart is at Truist to check out Braves vs. Dodgers".
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) and first baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) celebrate after a victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
After stumbling to a 0–7 April start, Atlanta has rallied behind sluggers Austin Riley and veteran Chris Sale, while eagerly anticipating the returns of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. to bolster a contending club.
A two-time national champion (2021, 2022) and three-time SEC Coach of the Year, Smart has compiled a 105–19 record since taking the helm in Athens in 2016.
Beyond the competition, Smart paused to greet fans throughout the ballpark, chatting with a local couple celebrating their 100th birthdays and handing high-fives to young attendees, embodying his affable sideline presence off the gridiron. His midgame stroll through the concourse stressed both his appreciation for America's pastime and his connection to Georgia's broader sports community.
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