Play Ball! Gwinnett Braves Open Thursday

The Gwinnett Braves will feature a roster with some major league experience, and a ballpark with plenty of fun when they open the 2013 season Thursday, April 4, vs. Charlotte.

The opening day roster will include a player with Atlanta Braves experience, shortstop Tyler Pastornicky. Two returning phenoms -- Ernesto Mejia and Jose Constanza -- could be in Atlanta uniforms before the season is over.

Constanza led the International League with a .318 batting average in 2012, and Mejia cranked out 24 HR, 96 RBI, and batted .296.

This year, the G-Braves have a new manager -- former major league player Randy Ready.

Chopper, the famed mascot, has made his .

And there are several promotions lined up for the opening weekend, too. They include:

• T-shirt giveaway (April 4, first 2,000 fans);
• Post-game fireworks (April 5)
• Brandon Beachy bobblehead figurines (April 6, first 2,000 fans).

The complete Gwinnett Braves 2013 schedule is here.

-- What are your thoughts about the G-Braves in 2013? Share them in the comments below.

See also:

• Chopper Speaks! Weather Guarantee Issued for Gwinnett Braves

Don’t miss any Suwanee or Gwinnett news. Subscribe to Suwanee Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.