LILBURN, Ga. — Many Atlanta Braves fans feel if anyone is going to replace all-star first baseman Freddie Freeman, it should be a hometown hero.
Channel 2′s Christian Jennings went to new Braves player Matt Olson’s alma mater where he’s already made a huge impact in Gwinnett off the field.
On Tuesday, the Braves announced that Olson has signed to an 8-year contract worth $168 million that will run through the 2029 season.
Olson’s jersey number is retired at Parkview High School, but it’s really his contributions off the field and his friendships that loved ones said make him stand out.
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Lou Blankenship and her son Reece Blankenship are the founders of ReClif, a Gwinnett County fitness-based therapy center that caters to those on the autism spectrum.
“Matt is a phenomenal baseball player, but even more he’s a wonderful person,” she said.
It’s an organization Olson has been supporting since its start four years ago, but Olson’s friendship with the Blankenships started when Matt was in middle school.
“We’ve watched Matt grow up, and Reece is a year younger than Matt. He’s a nonspeaking autistic,” she said.
Reece was over the moon when he learned that his good friend Matt was returning to Atlanta to play for the Braves.
Reece typed out a message for Jennings that said he believes the move is the universe lining up perfectly.
“Him and Reece always had a very strong connection,” Lou Blankenship said.
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Lou shared photos of Olson and Reece from Matt’s wedding, and she recalled a lunch they had just a few weeks ago.
“It was just like old times because here’s Matt, 6′5, Reece is 5′7 on a good day, and Reece grabs Matt from behind and I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh he’s still Matt; that’s just the kind of person he is,’” she said.
She says the community is not only getting a stellar first baseman, but also someone Braves fans of all ages can look up to off the field.
“I think he’s going to be a great model for any of these younger kids coming up looking for the Braves,” she said.
Parkview head baseball coach Chan Brown said he knew Matt Olson was special back when he wore the No. 21 jersey on the Parkview baseball field.
“We won state championship 2011, 2012, national championship 2012 underneath him. He hit some game-winning home runs, was our No. 1 pitcher,” he said.
Brown said the Braves are getting a phenomenal young man.
“I think kids in Atlanta are gonna fall in love with Matt, start wearing those jerseys around, so it’s gonna be an awesome thing for Matt,” he said.
Brown said Matt is impressive both on and off the field.
“His mom teaches right next door at Camp Creek. They’ve been in Lilburn their whole lives, and him and his brother both played here. They’re quality people, integrity is there, and as a player what he brings is leadership and being a power hitter. Even more than that, his defense is really good, so it’s an exciting time for the Braves, too,” he said.
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Matt’s brother, Zack, said the entire family is still in shock that he’s returning home.
“I have to admit I’ve gotten a bit emotional over the past couple days. It’s a testament to the hard work he’s done and the support system he’s had. No one deserves an opportunity like this more than Matt,” he said.
Brown said Olson usually comes to Parkview a couple of times a year to talk with young players and students. Brown said he’s looking forward to seeing him a lot more.
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