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Rome Braves Program Vol. 2

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Rome Braves Program Vol. 2

APR 26-MAY 1, 2022

Tanner Gordon Sets Franchise Record with 12 Strikeouts against Hudson Valley

Featured Story: The story of Rome Braves First Lady: Starla Roden

Northwest Georgia’s largest health care network

Learn more at AdventHealth.com

Simply Starla: The Story of Steadfastness FEATURED STORY

8 Greensboro Roster

9 Rome Braves Roster

10 Rome Braves Photo Roster

12 Group Tickets

13 Tradin’ Post Item of the Homestand

PLAY ALONG DURING THE GAME Answers revealed in the 5th inning

2022 SCHEDULE

HOME

AWAY

Times, dates, and opponents are subject to change.

CHARLIE MORTON BOBBLEHEAD JUNE 24

MAX FRIED BOBBLEHEAD JULY 9

Simply Starla A Story of Steadfastness by Justin Franklin

When you think of the history of Rome Braves baseball, it is easy to think of all the legendary names that have come through and spent time on the field at AdventHealth Stadium. Fran- coeur, McCann, Fried, Acuña, Albies, Riley, Freeman, and Kimbrel are some of the most famous names to don the back of a Rome Braves jersey. Howev- er, some of the most important mem- bers of the Rome Braves organization will never step foot in the batter’s box or toe the rubber. Starla Roden is the Rome Braves retail manager, and has been a part of the organization since

its genesis nearly twenty years ago.

In January of 2003, Starla Roden was a 31-year-old mother of two kids. At the time, her son Evan was six and her daughter Ansley was two. After taking a year off work to spend more time with her family, Starla responded to a job listing. The job listing simply said it included “bookkeeping and reception duties”. There was no organization listed, but Starla took the gamble and went to the interview.

“I went to the interview, and I inter-

viewed with Jim Jones.” Starla said. “After the interview I was introduced to Mike Dunn who welcomed me to the Braves organization.” It was at this moment, Starla Roden knew she was about to take the opportunity of a life- time. “I went home that day and told my husband Jerry that I had accepted that position, and that we were going to be a part of something big.” Claiming that it was “something big” may have been an understatement. Starla recalls the early days of the Rome Braves, and what it was like to work for a team that did not even have a stadium yet. “Our offices were on Broad Street in downtown while we were waiting on the stadium to be completed. Terry Morgan and I were the first of our staff to occupy the sta- dium during those final stages.” Starla said. “We came out and set up the tick- et office and sold over two thousand season tickets. The excitement in the community was just amazing.” As the initial Rome Braves staff made their way from Broad Street to Braves Boulevard, everything was starting to settle into place. “During the transition to the stadium, we hired Jo-Bird.” If you are unfamiliar, Jo-Bird Mathis is a long time Rome Braves employee and is an integral part of the day-to-day operations of the ticket office. There is also a pretty good chance she sold you your ticket to tonight’s game. Jo-Bird’s poise and experience more than likely stems from the early days of the Rome Braves and the craze that surrounded the brand new ballclub. “By that point, the ticket office was running at full speed at all times.” Starla says. “There were days where we would sell out by lunch time.”

With a freshly finished stadium and people lined up waiting to get in, there were bound to be a few hiccups. “I remember one game we had a seat malfunction, and there was absolutely nowhere in the stadium to put the fan who was supposed to sit in the seat. So Terry [Morgan] brought out some folding chairs. That memory has just stood out for me. I’ll never forget win- ning the championship that year and that winning atmosphere.” In their first year, the Rome Braves had clinched a playoff spot after go- ing 78-61 and finishing second in their division. After a hard fought postsea- son, the newest team to the South Atlantic League found themselves in the championship series against the Lake County Captains, an affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians at the time. The series went to 4 games, and in their inaugural season with guys like Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann, the Rome Braves won the 2003 South At- lantic League title. In 2016, the Rome Braves would find themselves atop the South Atlantic League yet again, this time with the likes of Ronald Acuña Jr., Max Fried, Mike Soroka, and Austin Riley. “That was another one of my most memo- rable moments.” Starla says. With the opponent this time around being the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, The Braves were going to have to make the haul up the east coast. But the Rome faith- ful were not going to let the Braves travel lightly. With mostly front office staff and executives getting to board the plane with the Braves, there were a few special invitations handed out. “Imagine my surprise when Mike and Christina invited me to fly with them

and the team to New Jersey. Celebrat- ing with that staff and team was also something I will not forget.” Starla would get to see first-hand a domi- nant, championship clinching pitching performance from future World Cham- pion Max Fried, and ultimately experi- ence the thrill of victory right along side the Braves’ most prized prospects. “All of these moments lead to 2021…” Starla says. “After spending twenty years in this organization, it is a feeling I will never be able to describe.” On No- vember 2nd, 2021, the Atlanta Braves won their first World Series since 1995, and on April 13th, 2022, Starla Roden received her World Series Champion- ship Ring. “I’m fifty years old this year.” She says. “My rings represent all the relationships that I cherish. So many years and so many people that mean so much to me.”

We were going to be a part of something BIG

Those relationships are what has kept Starla around for all these years. “It is definitely the people. I love my job, I love what I do, and I love the Braves. But the people here, it is just one big baseball family. That is the only way I can describe it.” Although, just like any job, there are good days and bad days. Starla, however, sees it in a different light. “I believe that within this orga- nization that is so tight-knit, there are far more rewards than there are chal- lenges.” Even though she began her days working in the front office as assis- tant office manager, the opportunity to begin working in retail presented itself without warning. “It was just a timing thing.” Starla says. “Our retail manager at the time was leaving, and I looked at Mike Dunn and said ‘I think that’s something I would like to do.’” So she did it. It really was that simple for Starla. Much like her initial hire with the Braves, she took a chance and went for it. Every day, Starla welcomes people into the Tradin’ Post and sells them jerseys of players who she has seen begin their careers on the field just steps away from the checkout counter. Little do her customers know, Starla is just as big a fan as they are.

“It never gets old.” Starla says. “Watch- ing them succeed. Watching those guys grow up. I remember Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward being roommates when they were here. You get to know them on a personal lev- el, especially in retail. Not only them, but their families… As a fan, you never take that for granted.” Starla recalls the personal interactions her own family has had with Braves legends throughout the years. “Watching my son’s face. I mean, can you imagine being a six-year-old boy and hanging out with Jeff Francoeur? Because that’s what he did.” Starla’s son Evan is twenty-six now, and he still cherish- es the memories that his mom’s job provided him. On paper, Starla Roden may be just the retail manager for Rome Braves, but to the folks in Braves country, she is much more. As much as the Braves or- ganization means to Starla, she means more to the Braves organization. Her steadfastness, dedication, and unwav- ering allegiance to not only the Rome Braves organization and its continued success, but to her family and the peo- ple around her is something that does not go unnoticed and is greatly valued. It is simply Starla. So the next time you stop by the Tradin’ Post, make sure you say hello to a staple of Rome Braves country.

GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS Manager: Callix Crabbe Coaches: Ruben Gotay, Fernando Nieve, Justin Orton, Collin Wilber, Matt McNamee, Glenn Nutting

PITCHERS Carey, Jack DeVito, Ricky

NO.

B/T

DOB

48 32 45 50

R/R 6' 0" S/R 6' 3" R/R 6' 6" R/R 6' 5" R/R 6' 1" L/R 6' 4" R/R 6' 0" L/R 6' 1" R/R 6' 5" R/R 6' 3" R/R 6' 2" R/R 6' 3" R/R 6' 5"

205

9/20/99 8/21/98 10/11/98 5/9/00 3/11/98 4/20/99 9/27/99

195

Florencio, Adrian Florez, Santiago

205 222 175 215 185 180 220 190 170 185 190 205 175 180 WT 210 214 170 190 WT 150 180

Ford, Grant Garcia, Nick

Gonzalez, Domingo

31 51

Jones, Jared

8/6/01 9/3/97

Junker, Cameron Leonard, Garrett Mateo, Oliver Miliano, Michell Montout, Wandi Samaniego, Tyler

24 35 23 22 47 30 49 37

9/25/96

11/7/97

12/22/99 3/21/97 1/30/99 10/2/00 6/25/01

R/L

6' 4"

Sullivan, Sean

R/R 6' 1" R/R 6' 1"

Yean, Eddy

CATCHERS Davis, Henry

NO.

B/T

DOB

R/R 6' 2" R/R 6' 0" S/R 6' 0" R/R 6' 2"

9/21/99 10/31/99 5/26/00

Gutierrez, Abrahan Rodriguez, Endy

Wilson, Eli

7/6/98

INFIELDERS

NO.

B/T

DOB

Acuna, Francisco Escotto, Maikol Finol, Claudio Glenn, Jackson

R/R 5' 6" R/R 5' 11" R/R 5' 11" R/R 5' 9" R/R 6' 1" R/R 6' 1"

1/12/00 6/4/02

52 44 27

171

4/13/00 10/24/97

205 183 210 WT 179 198 180 190 195

Lopez, Dariel

2/7/02 1/17/99

Ordonez, Ernny

OUTFIELDERS Fajardo, Yoyner Gorski, Matt Head, Hudson Herman, Jack Siani, Sammy

NO.

B/T

DOB

L/R 6' 0" R/R 6' 4"

4/6/99

12/22/97

L/L

6' 1"

4/8/01

26 36

R/R 5' 9" L/L 5' 10"

9/30/99 12/14/00

ROME BRAVES Manager: Kanekoa Texeira Coaches: Wes McGuire, Danny Santiesteban, Bobby Moore, Jesus Aviles, Joe Powell

PITCHERS Barger, Alec De Avila, Luis Dodd, Dylan

NO.

B/T

WT 201 160 210 210 215 210 195 190 183 170 230 198 205 185 215 WT 215 180 195 WT 182 180 220 212 185 190 204

DOB

30 34 38 58 20 32 26 45 46 54

R/R 6' 2"

3/24/98 5/29/01 6/6/98 7/6/97 10/26/97 2/2/00 3/12/96 4/14/00 4/14/00 7/24/98 1/27/97 6/22/99 6/21/98

L/L L/L

5' 11" 6' 3"

Freure, R.J.

R/R 6' 1" L/R 6' 5" R/R 6' 5"

Gordon, Tanner

Hoffmann, Andrew McSteen, Jake Munoz, Roddery Munoz, Rolddy Santos, Lisandro Schwab, Davis Smith, Austin

R/L

6' 0"

R/R 6' 3" R/R 6' 2"

L/L L/L

6' 1" 6' 4"

R/R 6' 3" R/R 6' 6" R/R 6' 4" L/R 6' 5"

Spain, Dylan

Van Buren, Malcolm

23 22

7/5/98

Yeager, Justin

1/20/98

CATCHERS

NO.

B/T

DOB

Estrada, Rusber

36 55

R/R 6' 0" L/R 6' 2" R/R 5' 10"

6/5/95 7/16/00 11/19/98

Tolve, Tyler

Valdes, Javier

INFIELDERS Bunnell, Cade

NO.

B/T

DOB

L/R 6' 0" R/R 6' 3" L/R 6' 3" R/R 6' 2" L/R 5' 10" R/R 6' 0" R/R 6' 2"

5/14/97 1/5/01 3/6/99 2/19/00 12/23/98 10/23/98 3/15/98

Grissom, Vaughn

Horne, Bryson

Malloy, Justyn-Henry

Milligan, Cody

2 8

Philip, Beau

Stephens, Landon

OUTFIELDERS Campbell, Drew

NO.

B/T L/L

WT 170

DOB

5' 11"

11/10/97 4/8/97 12/22/96 11/23/99

Carter, Willie

14 51

R/R 6' 0" L/R 5' 11"

205 180

Moritz, Andrew

Robinson, Christian

L/L

6' 2"

211

ROME BRAVES COACHES

Wes McGuire Pitching Coach

Danny Santiesteban Hitting Coach

Bobby Moore Assistant Coach

Kanekoa Texeira Manager

Jesus Aviles Athletic Trainer

Joe Powell Strength + Conditioning

Angel Piva Clubhouse Manager

ROME BRAVES ROSTER as of 4/26/22

Cody Milligan Infielder

Cade Bunnell Infielder

Dylan Spain Pitcher

Beau Philip Infielder

Bryson Horne Infielder

ROME BRAVES ROSTER as of 4/26/22

Drew Campbell Outfielder

Austin Smith Pitcher

Willie Carter Outfielder

Vaughn Grissom Infielder

Javier Valdes Pitcher

Landon Stephens Pitcher

Tanner Gordon Pitcher

Justin Yeager Pitcher

Malcolm Van Buren Pitcher

Justyn-Henry Malloy Outfielder

Christian Robinson Outfielder

Jake McSteen Pitcher

Alec Barger Pitcher

Andrew Hoffmann Pitcher

Luis De Avila Pitcher

Rusber Estrada Catcher

Davis Schwab Pitcher

Dylan Dodd Pitcher

Roddery Muñoz Pitcher

Rolddy Muñoz Pitcher

Andrew Moritz Outfielder

Lisandro Santos Pitcher

Tyler Tolve Catcher

R.J. Fruere Pitcher

GROUP TICKETS

307 306 305

Pressbox

309 308

304 Jumbo Suite

311 310

Boardroom Suite

Terrace

314

301

201

200 202

203

204

206

205

208

207

100 102

210

101

209

103

104

106

105

Gate 6

108

107

ugo

y D

110

Awa

109

112

Bubba’s BBQ Barn

111

113

Marina

115

117

Picnic Pavilion

Kids Zone

Suzuki Showcase

The Terrace

Suites

The newly renovated Terrace is set to debut for the 2022 season. The Terrace is the most exclusive area at the stadium. Terrace parties include a 90-minute pre-game buffet inside a climate-controlled area with full bar service available. The Terrace also offers your guests one of the best views in the stadium.

An evening in a Rome Braves luxury suite is the perfect way to watch the Rome Braves at AdventHealth Stadium. In fact, a luxury suite is much more than a night of exciting ac- tion-packed entertainment. It’s Rome’s most exclusive opportunity to entertain your clients, employees, family and friends.

Picnics

Parade of Champions

Perfect for large company outings, Picnics in- clude a 90-minute pre-game buffet and a re- served Box Level ticket for each guest. Unique compared to other group areas, there’s no limit on how big your party may be.

Any group reaching one of three reward tiers will be invited to parade around the warning track during pre-game festivities and the Rome Braves will make a donation per the reward program back to your organization.

Suzuki Showcase

Birthday Parties

A covered private party area in Right Field is the perfect place to celebrate little league team parties or birthday parties! With picnic table seating and a grassy-berm area, it’s the perfect area for all to play. Reserve your date today and let the children celebrate.

Celebrate your birthday with the Rome Braves! Enjoy the game with three reserved picnic ta- bles, cake, and the opportunity to eat it too! We’ll even get the entire crowd to sing happy birthday on your special day. National Anthem Packages Does your choir, class, or church group want to perform the national anthem? Groups of 50 or more will receive a discount when booking through our group line!

Picnics

Perfect for large groups who don’t need the amenities of a group area. Discounts are based on how many tickets are purchased.

Under Armor Camo Tee