Braves To Honor Hank Aaron With First Pitch At SunTrust Park

SMYRNA, GA -- Baseball legend Hank Aaron will have the honor of throwing the first pitch at the Atlanta Braves' inaugural game Friday at SunTrust Park, Patch has learned.

In their long-awaited debut in Cobb County, the Braves open a home stand against the San Diego Padres this weekend.

The game will be full of activities, including a homecoming for team greats John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Phil Niekro and more, the team announced.

The first pitch is a fitting tribute to Aaron, who has become part of the fabric of the Braves, largely due to one night more than 30 years ago.

On April 8, 1974, Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record when he smashed No. 715 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The record seemed untouchable for nearly 40 years until the Braves player from Mobile, Alabama saw it within his sights. Aaron sits alone atop Major League Baseball's all-time home run list.
Read more: New Braves stadium will be testament to Hank Aaron
One of the main artistic features of the ballpark is a baseball bat sculpture and a terrace displaying Aaron's 715th home run ball and bat.

On Thursday, the Braves unveiled a statute of Cox, the former manager who guided the club to an unprecedented 14 straight division titles, including one World Series championship.

"Opening Weekend will feature pre- and post-game concerts in the Plaza, special on-field ceremonies and flyovers, and during Sunday's game the Braves will celebrate a special kids Opening Day," the team said in a statement.

The entire ballpark development, along with the adjacent businesses, is catered toward a family-friendly fan experience. New restaurants hope to liven the area even more. Punch Bowl Social, an "eatertainment" concept, is opening a 27,000 square-foot "food and games" concept in The Battery in September.

Read more: See inside The Battery apartments next to SunTrust Park
The party won't end after this weekend, either. On a weekly basis, the ballpark will resume throughout the season, a number of features that played well with fans at Turner Field: Friday Night Fireworks, Kids Run the Bases and Alumni Sundays.

Pics: This Is What Inside SunTrust Park Looks Like

Image via Wikimedia / Creative Commons license