The Atlanta Braves have recently found an unexpected boost in morale and performance, and it might just be the fluffiest member of their squad. Known as "Snitbear," this cuddly stuffed animal has been riding the dugout bench wave of success alongside the team, sporting his very own oversized blue and white Braves cap.
Since "Snitbear" was introduced to the dugout during a convincing 9-2 victory over Tampa Bay on June 15, the Braves have been on a statistical upswing, going 5-1 in this stretch. Brian Snitker, the team's manager, seems amused by the superstition surrounding the stuffed bear. "I don’t know," Snitker admitted in an interview obtained by FOX5 Atlanta, "I should have bought the damn thing two months ago."
How exactly the bear ended up with the Braves is somewhat a dugout mystery. Snitker recounted that he had a clubhouse attendant cautiously open the package that contained the bear, half-expecting a prank. "I didn’t want a tarantula to jump out at me or something. It was a bear and I thought, what the hell, why not?" Snitker said, according to a FOX5 Atlanta report.
The presence of "Snitbear" seems to quickly warmly the hearts of players and fans alike. Sluggers like Jarred Kelenic have taken kindly to their new dugout companion. Kelenic, riding the wave of a seven-game hitting streak, told FOX5 Atlanta, "So far it’s given us some good luck." Meanwhile, third baseman Austin Riley, enjoying a blistering period at the plate, sees the bear as part of the game's mysterious charm. Conveying his thoughts to the Associated Press, Riley said, "It’s a weird game and we’ll find anything and everything to get us going and get some good mojo."
This turn of events is a classic example of how baseball teams often latch on to unique totems or rituals in search of an edge. Whether "Snitbear" truly has the power to help motivate a group of highly skilled professional athletes, or if the team's improvement is just coincidental, remains to be seen. For now, as long as the wins keep coming, this stuffed bear will likely continue to enjoy the best seat in the house.
