2011 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule Highlights

Champion Stadium at Walt Disney World comes alive with the roar of Braves' fans beginning February 26^th. Whether fans are wishing to see the Atlanta Braves in action under the guidance of a new manager, or if they are there to see one of the greatest National League rivalries, as the Atlanta Braves face the New York Mets, this game will definitely draw fans.

The 2011 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Season will not only attract fans because of well-known rivalries, but many spectators will be interested in watching how new manager, Fredi Gonzalez meshes with his new team. Nostalgic Marlins fans will want to attend March 23^rd to see Gonzalez, if they can not make the drive to the March 7^th game in Jupiter, Florida .

One player to watch out for is long-time Braves 3^rd Baseman, Chipper Jones. Out for the better part of the season with a torn ACL, Jones' age may or may not have hindered his playing. While there are many players older than 39 (Jones' age this season) that play extremely well into their mid-40's, having an injury at a later age means the body has already had more years of wear and tear on it than younger players. However, the experience, leadership and knowledge about the Braves organization is what truly makes Chipper Jones an asset to the team.

Dates to experience some of the most popular rivalries will leave most Atlanta Braves' fans scrambling to the Ticketmaster site or the Champion Stadium Box Office, as there are only limited dates when the full squad takes on their rivals. February 27^th, March 5^th, and March 12^th are dates to see the Braves vs. Mets, while March 27^th is the only day to see the Braves vs. Phillies at Disney's Champion Stadium.

Other dates of interest include some popular American League teams. The Braves take on the N.Y. Yankees on March 8^th and the Boston Red Sox March 16^th. Both of these events are scheduled to have a full line-up, so you will definitely be able to spot some of your favorite players.

One person of interest, who will be absent from the game, is former Atlanta Braves Manager, Bobby Cox, who retired last season. Always one to stick up for his players, I will miss seeing the predictable, and at times entertaining, ejection of Cox from a Braves game.