A look at the Gwinnett Stripers and their role in Atlanta Braves’ success

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — You’re no doubt enjoying watching your favorite Braves players this postseason. But did you know you could have watched them before they were in the majors?

Twenty-one current Atlanta Braves players and 489 players overall have played minor league baseball for the Gwinnett Stripers since its inception in 2009. And the Braves manager, Brian Snitker, also managed the Gwinnett Stripers for years before he was promoted.

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“We’re the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves,” said Dave Lezotte, radio “voice” of the Stripers.

Lezotte has seen all of the former Stripers players make it to the big leagues over the years. He knows all of these guys and calls them friends.

“It’s really cool when you see them have that success in the major level that you can say, ‘Hey, I know this guy,’ and when I see this person, he’ll recognize me,” Lezotte said.

As the Braves Triple-A franchise, this is where young stars get ready for the major league, like Ian Anderson, Max Fried and Adam Duvall. It’s also where injured major leaguers come back to get healthy.

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Lezotte was on the field for Game 6 of the NLCS and when guys like Austin Riley and Duvall spotted him after winning, they came over for photos.

It’s that kind of personal relationship, a bonding, you can only get in minor league baseball.

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“As excited as they are and as wrapped up as they are in the hugest moment of their career, they still recognize you right away. They come over. They want to talk, and they want to share that moment with you,” Lezotte said.

You can find a list of every Braves player that has come through Gwinnett here.

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