Braves, Twitter family donate brick in fan’s memory

Livingstone was active on Twitter, bonding with people who shared his same passion: the Atlanta Braves. Livingstone’s Twitter bio declares Braves baseball his “happy place.” As such, he used his account as a baseball haven. He became one of many who considered themselves part of “Braves Fam,” a movement started organically by fans and supported by the organization itself.

“It speaks to the power of social media,” said Greg Mize, senior digital marketing director of the Braves. “… Having a common emotional attraction to something, in this case the Braves. It goes deep than balls and strikes and wins and losses. I know the community enjoys the interactions with each other.”

Warren Bennett, a Braves Fam member and friend of Livingstone's, started a GoFundMe campaign to receive donations for a legacy brick at SunTrust Park in Livingstone's honor.

Within 56 minutes, the campaign hit its $200 goal. The Braves Twitter account, mostly maintained by Mize and digital marketing senior coordinator Victoria Kline, caught wind of it. The team offered to donate the brick in Livingstone’s memory. His family will provide the inscription.

“It was the right thing to do,” Mize said. “It’s a good group of fans. The fact they rallied together was so cool to see and I’m glad we got to play a small part in it. It speaks volumes about how the Braves Fam and this community rally together. We were honored to play a part.”

Bennett said, “The response was quick and overwhelming. Very classy on the Braves part to step up like they did.”

The bricks are located on the east side of the ballpark, outside the walkway near the player statues. There are approximately 6,000 bricks at SunTrust Park, according to the Braves.

Livingstone was loved for his playful personality and frequent engagement with fans, according to Ken Hendrix. Hendrix met Livingstone about three months ago. The two, along with mutual friend Josh Brown, worked on the “Knockahoma Nation” podcast. Livingstone would contribute ideas to the hosts and share stories, including how much he valued going to a Braves game with his father a few weeks ago.

“He befriended every Braves Twitter friend he could find,” Hendrix said. “I saw him in conversations with people from all across Braves twitter and he made a ton of friends really fast.”

Hendrix also benefited from the support. His father died earlier in the year, and he credits the “special” community of Braves fans for giving him an escape. The group has an additional GoFundMe for the hospital bills of fan Jeff Adams, whose wife, Debra, just had successful surgery in her second battle with cancer.

Brown saw Livingstone in a similar light. They bonded over sabermetrics discussions and the aforementioned podcast.

“Seeing so many members of our crazy community of Braves fans on Twitter come together for Jeremy has been completely incredible,” Brown said. “I really have no words for it. Losing him has been so sad, but at the same time it’s reminded me of how amazing people are.”

“There’s always been something special about baseball …” said Drew Lasater, a member of Braves Fam. “Those little conversations we have 140 characters at a time while the game is on became friendships, and this week, those friendships became a way to help people through a horrible personal tragedy and honor the memory of a lost friend.”

The Braves organization has taken note of the assembly. Mize said several with the team have met members of Braves Fam in person, but it’s been “rewarding” getting to know them through social media nonetheless.

Mize said his and the Braves’ thoughts are with Livingstone, his family and friends through this time.

Bennett is continuing the GoFundMe campaign for those who wish to donate toward the funeral costs. The goal is $1,500, with the current donations sitting at $505 as of Monday evening.

Now, thanks to friends of the same mantra, Livingstone’s memory will forever be entrenched in his happy place.