Braves News: Michael Harris II honored in hometown, Spencer Strider and more

Feb 8, 2023 - 11:00 AM

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Although it was a slow day for the Atlanta Braves, it was a huge day for outfielder Michael Harris II, who was honored by his former school district in McDonough, Georgia. Stockbridge High School held a celebration for the 2022 Rookie of the Year on Tuesday with an on-field ceremony and more. Students from his former elementary and middle schools were among those in attendance.

“It means a lot,” Harris said following the commemoration. “It’s something I definitely didn’t expect. I didn’t know what was going on today. I guess everybody kept it a secret from me.”

“I teared up a little bit whenever they told me they had signs on the streets,” he added. “As a kid, I never would have thought this would happen. It means a lot to come back here and get such honors.”

The 21-year-old was called up from Double-A Mississippi at the end of May and has been nearly unstoppable at the big league level. Across 441 plate appearances, Harris tallied 19 home runs and put together a .297 batting average. He logged 1021 innings at center field and had 252 putouts in 257 opportunities.

Harris’ celebration was much deserved after an incredible rookie season.

More Braves News:

Spencer Strider has some high expectations for 2023 after being named the NL Rookie of the Year Runner-Up in 2022.

Based on the incoming preseason projections, the Braves look to be a World Series caliber team once again.

In the From the Diamond Podcast, Grant McAuley looks at what 2023 has in store for Matt Olson and Austin Riley.

Let’s look back at every 3-0 pitch the Braves swung at in 2022…

MLB News:

After the club signed Jeff McNeil to an extension, the New York Mets are now pressured to extend first baseman Pete Alonso.

The Toronto Blue Jays and SS Bo Bichette avoided arbitration after the two agreed to a three-year contract.

Cincinnati Reds reliever Tejay Antone received a plasma injection to treat a flexor strain in his right forearm. The 29-year-old is expected to miss the first half of 2023.