How to get an autograph from a Brave

Atlanta Braves

Fans often gather early before games in search of Braves players and their autographs. Some locations are more fruitful than others, but these fans have staked out where and when they can approach Mark Kotsay (above) and have him ink a ball.

The wait begins. Josh Gralton (left) and Jamie Cooper hang outside the players' parking lot along the right field foul line of Turner Field two hours before gametime. Cooper is ready with a picture of Tom Glavine for when he sees the pitcher. He plans to give the signed photograph to his brother. Cooper likes this spot because "[It's] a time to develop a relationship with the guys [players]."

The wait continues. Cooper, of Cartersville, passes the time playing one-on-one basketball with Stephen Butler, of Tucker. "This is my hobby, some people golf I do this," says Cooper about seeking autographs. Fans gather outside the front of the gate of the players' parking lot in hopes they can coax players' and coaches to sign their balls, bats, and other souvenirs at the fence.

Batter up. Braves catcher Brian McCann and first baseman Mark Teixeira sign memorabilia during a batting practice field visit before a game. During batting practice the team allows field visits to a select few. The group of fans got this opportunity by paying for the experience in an auction for Tim Hudson's charity event for Childrens' Health Care. Batting practice is 2-1/2 hours before their game.

Warming up. Catcher Corky Miller sits along the first base line where fans gather until an hour before a game starts in the hopes that a player, like Miller, will stop and sign autographs.

Play ball! Braves outfielder Greg Norton tosses a ball to an autograph seeker above the dugout moments before gametime. Fans hang around the top of the dugout hoping a player will reward them with a souvenir.

Bring the kids. Cartter Frierson holds sons, Blake, 7 (left), and Scotty, 5, as they talk about the autographs they hope to get outside the players' parking lot after the game. The Friersons, from Chattanooga, stopped on the spur of the moment. Cartter said about his sons, "They are loving this."

You can always wait for later. Catcher Miller signs an autograph from his truck for fan Cassi Wiggins as he exits the players' parking lot -- one of ony four players to do so on that day. Fans line up along a gate in hopes of players' stopping to sign autographs for them. The line starts around the seventh inning.

Mission completion. If you're dedicated you'll be able to hold the fruits of your labors with pride. Josh Gralton displays a ball with almost all of the Braves players' autographs, including Mark Teixeira's. Gralton, a regular autograph collector, needs just two players -- John Smoltz and Matt Diaz -- to have the entire Braves team's signatures. "It's an all day commitment," Gralton says.

1/9

Today's Gallery Headlines

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort

More Galleries

PHOTOS: Braves take opener against Yankees

PHOTOS: Atlanta rolls out the red carpet for MLB All-Star Game

PHOTOS: 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta

The Atlanta Braves select short stop and outfielder, Tate Southisene, in the 22nd pick of the 2025 MLB Draft Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta. (Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Alerts