You think you know what a long baseball game looks like. Maybe a few extra innings, a blown save, or a rain delay that drags into the night. But if you weren't at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1985, you haven't seen anything yet. Honestly, the Braves Fourth of July tradition is basically built on the ghost of a single, chaotic night that ended with fireworks exploding over a sleeping city at four in the morning.
People called the cops. They thought the city was being bombed. Nope. Just the Braves.
The Night the Clock Stopped
It started with rain. A lot of it.
The 1985 matchup against the New York Mets was supposed to be a standard holiday celebration. Instead, the first pitch didn't even cross the plate until 9:04 PM. By the time the game hit the mid-innings, the outfield was basically a swamp. Looking back, it’s wild they even kept playing, but there was a massive crowd of nearly 45,000 people and a whole lot of expensive pyrotechnics waiting in the wings.
Director of PR Wayne Minshew had a problem. He had to fire those rockets.
The game turned into a 19-inning nightmare. Keith Hernandez hit for the cycle for the Mets, but that’s barely a footnote. The real story is Rick Camp.
👉 See also: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
The Most Improbable Swing in Baseball History
By the bottom of the 18th, the Braves were out of players. Rick Camp, a relief pitcher with a career batting average of .060, had to grab a bat. It was 3:30 AM. There were two outs. The count was 0-2.
The legendary broadcaster John Sterling (who was calling Braves games back then) basically told the audience that if Camp hit a home run, he’d "certified this as the wildest, whackiest, most improbable game in history."
Then it happened.
Camp connected. The ball soared into the humid Georgia night and cleared the fence. The 8,000 fans still in the seats—some of whom had literally driven off the highway at 2 AM to see what the lights were about—went absolutely feral. Camp’s teammates were at the top of the dugout steps with their hands on their heads. They couldn't believe it. They also realized they weren't going home anytime soon.
The Mets eventually won 16-13 in the 19th, and at 4:01 AM, Minshew finally gave the order. The fireworks went off. It was loud. It was late. It was legendary.
✨ Don't miss: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
Modern Traditions at Truist Park
Fast forward to now. Things are a bit more organized, but the energy around the Braves Fourth of July remains unmatched in the South. If you're heading to Truist Park in 2026, you're looking at a four-game series against those same New York Mets.
The Saturday, July 4, 2026 game is already one of the most anticipated on the calendar.
What to Expect at the Battery
The Battery Atlanta becomes a sea of navy, red, and white. Honestly, it’s a bit of a madhouse, but in the best way possible.
- Pregame Vibes: The Georgia Power Pavilion usually hosts live bands like Party Nation to get the crowd going before the gates even open.
- The Merch: Every year, the Braves drop exclusive "Americana" gear. If you want one of those July 4th on-field caps, you better get to the Clubhouse Store early. They sell out faster than a Spencer Strider fastball.
- The Food: Keep an eye out for specialty cocktails. In previous years, they've done a "Braves Pop!" drink—think Svedka vodka and blue raspberry lemonade with blueberry popping pearls that "burst" like fireworks.
The 2025 holiday game was a bit of a heartbreaker, with the Braves falling 3-2 to the Baltimore Orioles. Charlie Morton was dealing, racking up a season-high 19 whiffs, but the bats just couldn't quite find the gap when it mattered. That's the thing about baseball on the Fourth—it's high stakes even when it's just July.
Survival Tips for the Holiday Game
Parking is the boss fight of any Truist Park visit. For the Fourth, it’s even worse. If you aren't pre-purchasing a pass for a lot like Lot 29 or 31, you're going to spend your holiday in a gridlock on Cobb Parkway.
🔗 Read more: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
Also, the sun is no joke.
If your seats are on the first-base side or in the upper deck (the 400 sections), you are going to get baked until the sun dips behind the stadium around 8 PM. Bring a cooling towel. Seriously.
The post-game fireworks show is widely considered the best in the Southeast. It’s not just a few bottle rockets; it’s a full-blown choreographed production set to music. They don't wait until 4 AM anymore (thankfully for the neighbors), but they do wait until the field is cleared and the lights go down, which usually happens about 20 minutes after the final out.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To make the most of the Braves Fourth of July experience, plan your arrival at The Battery at least four hours before first pitch. This gives you time to snag a table at Yard House or Terrapin Taproom before the crowds become impenetrable. If you're bringing kids, head to the Kids Club Kiosk in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park for free holiday-themed temporary tattoos. Finally, if you're looking for a deal, check for the "Summer Steal" ticket packages which often include a seat, a drink, and a hot dog for a flat rate—a rarity for a premium holiday game.
Check the official MLB Ballpark app 48 hours before the game to confirm the exact start time, as national TV broadcasts (like ESPN or FOX) can sometimes shift the first pitch later into the evening.