MLB Speedway Classic Was A Smashing Success At Bristol Motor Speedway
Why would you transform a speedway into a baseball diamond at a world famous venue? Well why not, other sports have done it. But it was the first time for professional baseball to make use of the speedway. And the results are in; MLB Speedway Classic was a smashing success at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. The Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds were the teams chosen to participate in the event. Eventually the Braves came away with the 4-2 victory but not without some drama.
But first here’s a little history about the Bristol Speedway. It was opened in 1961, having been built for the purpose of stock car racing. However, since its inception, over the years the venue has hosted both professional and college football events. Along with concerts, worship services and boxing, among other events. So clearly, the speedway is used to being transformed into whatever it needs to be to host a variety of events. Now with the MLB Speedway Classic event, baseball has joined the ranks of the speedway faithful.
However, about that drama, the rain tried its best to play the spoiler. Attempting to ruin years of planning the event. According to NASCAR, there were several rain showers during the day. The start of the contest was delayed two hours and 17 minutes by a downpour that started during pregame ceremonies. The first pitch was finally thrown at 9:41 p.m. ET, but rain intensified, and the game was suspended in the bottom of the first inning with the Reds leading, 1-0.
MLB Speedway Classic Was A Smashing Success At Bristol Motor Speedway
The game continued on Sunday and right fielder Eli White had a very nice day. Especially considering he wouldn’t have been playing had Ronald Acuña Jr. not been on the 10-day injured list. White stepped in for Acuna and became the first player to homer not just once but twice at a NASCAR track. He completed his second career two-homer game. And also hit a no-doubt three-run homer off Reds reliever Brent Suter in the second inning.
It was a fun time for both the fans and the baseball staffers. There were plenty of Reds and Braves jerseys across the grandstands. While the staffers went all in dressing as pitstop crew members. Even some of the players got in on the act wearing speedway inspired helmets, gloves and cleats. And per MLB Analyst Ben Verlander, the game had a record breaking attendance of 91,032. It was officially the most attended game in MLB History.
This was the inaugural Speedway Classic for the MLB. But it was also the first regular-season game played in the state of Tennessee. Hosting the game at the speedway gave baseball fans a glimpse into the lives of the fans in Tennessee. So it wasn’t just another baseball game but also a cultural exchange. No doubt the MLB will continue to host these feel-good special edition games.
Baseball And Bristol Apparently Go Well Together
Here are some pictures posted on the x.com mlb page for your enjoyment!
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