ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves will celebrate Military Appreciation Day during Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres, celebrating U.S. veterans, active-duty and reserve members through a pregame presentation that will honor Medal of Honor recipients, recognition of all military branches, a flyover and more.

The Braves will host two Medal of Honor recipients, Edward C. Byers Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), and Leroy A. Petry, US Army (Ret.), and will honor them on the field for their service and sacrifice. Stephen Toboz, Braves Country Hometown Hero and former Navy Seal, will throw out the first pitch.

“This event brings the spirit of the Medal of Honor to life,” says Thomas J. Mundell, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership. “Thanks to the Atlanta Braves, we are not only honoring these heroes — we are amplifying their message of servant leadership to a wider audience.”

Chris Sale to host families from Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) at Truist Park

Atlanta Braves southpaw Chris Sale will host families from Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) in the Atlanta Braves Community Clubhouse before the game on Friday.

Sale typically does this once a month, welcoming families from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Miracle Network and Camp Sunshine in addition to TAPS. Sale visits with each group and takes photos, signs autographs and spends quality time with fans. Sale was named the Braves’ nominee for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, which honors the player “who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”

Last Memorial Day, Sale hosted five families from TAPS as well, meeting them and having them watch pregame batting practice on the field.

Pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach will join Sale in visiting the families prior to the game.

The Braves are looking for a little revenge against the Padres, given San Diego swept a four-game series against Atlanta on Opening Week. This, along with dropping all three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers right after, prompted a league-worst 0-7 start for Atlanta.

The team has played better as of late, going 24-17 since that horrid start, but sits over six games out of first place in the NL East as of Thursday.

First pitch is at 7:15 p.m. EST.