Grab your kleenex Braves fans, this one will hurt.
As one hero returns, we bid farewell to another. When Braves fans witnessed Alex Anthopoulos’ late-night deal a few days ago, they experienced a wide variety of emotions. Yes, they were pleased to see the 2021 World Series MVP return, but it also meant sending a beloved hero back to San Francisco.
Tyler Matzek essentially gave up his arm to get the Braves to the 2021 World Series. The night shift was working overtime on that run. Matzek has yet to regain the velocity that made him one of baseball’s most dominant relievers.
After struggling early in 2024, Atlanta placed Matzek on the 15-day injured list due to elbow soreness. Matzek was still around, supporting his teammates and the city he had grown to love. However, the trading deadline spares no emotional bonds.
This deadline saw the Braves’ 2021 postseason hero deal for two of the same players he had that run with. As a result, Tyler Matzek has received an outpouring of support and affection from his fans. All of this was acknowledged by Matzek and his family. Tyler Matzek’s wife, Lauren Matzek, sent an emotional farewell to Braves fans yesterday.
#BravesCountry I literally have no words. The @Braves took a chance on @TylerMatzek in 2019 when they signed him out of Indy ball & the rest is history. The #BravesOrganization truly felt like home. I’m forever grateful for the fans & forever friends that I’ve made in ATL #ChopOn
— Lauren Matzek (@lauren_matzek) July 30, 2024
Lauren Matzek pulls at our heartstrings
We’ve all heard the story before, but reflecting on it makes it much more poignant. Tyler Matzek had left baseball and was playing in the independent circuits when the Braves came calling. He became a secret weapon during the Braves’ 2020 postseason run. By 2021, he had established himself as a high-leverage choice for Brian Snitker.
Then the magic of 2021 arrived. Matzek saved the Braves and Luke Jackson in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. He backed that up with more dominant performances and a World Series ring. Pretty good stuff for a man who was out of baseball due to the yips.
It’s the type of story that everyone can root for. We’re currently working on a proper farewell to Tyler because this little reply post isn’t sufficient. Regardless, the Braves community will always support Tyler Matzek and his family. We may need to cry after reading Lauren’s post.