United Way of Central Georgia Board of Trustees’ Jeff Battcher will have a front row seat (cut-out style) through the Atlanta Braves’ final homestand this week in recognition of his many contributions to the Central Georgia community. According to a release by the Braves, Jarrod Simmons of the Braves nominated Battcher as a Hometown Hero “for his hard work with Boys & Girls Club of Central Georgia, along with the United Way of Central Georgia, to start Major League Baseball’s RBI program in his hometown of Macon.” Shortly after jumpstarting Macon RBI, Battcher spearheaded a $1.6 million fundraising and turf field facility project to ensure children have a great place to play ball.
When the Braves reached out to Jeff Battcher, he was honored. Then when Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Georgia Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and Macon Sports Hall of Fame’s Bobby Pope passed away in early September, in true Jeff Battcher fashion, Battcher reached back out to the Braves and asked them to please replace his cut-out with the legendary Bobby Pope and instead honor Pope. Battcher said, “The Braves called me back and said we won’t do that. Instead, we will have a cut-out of Bobby Pope and you. And you both will have a seat next to each other behind Homeplate.”
“I am honored to be recognized as an Atlanta Braves Hometown Hero representing all the tremendous work by everyone who makes the Macon RBI program possible. I also thank the Atlanta Braves for recognizing longtime Macon sportscaster and icon, Bobby Pope,” said Battcher.
Battcher and Pope’s “virtual fan cut-outs” are seated directly behind Homeplate in tonight’s game through the Braves game on September 24th.