Where will the Savannah Bananas be playing during 2026 season
45 states, 75 stadiums, and 3.2 million fans. Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas looks ahead to 2026 Banana Ball Championship League.
Got the speed of an Olympian?
Got the showmanship to flaunt in front of 45,000 people each night?
You could be the next ‘Freeze’ runner for the Atlanta Braves.
The MLB organization posted the position for ‘mascot sprinter’ recently, looking for the newest sprinter for the fan-favorite runner. Here’s what to know about the job.
The Braves began one of the most fun promotional events in all of MLB several years ago when they had a runner with Olympic speed face off against a regular fan in a race around Truist Park’s warning track.
It began as a promotion for RaceTrac convenience stores, headquartered in Atlanta, for its frozen soft drinks.
In the race, the fan gets quite the head start (where the outfield’s first hard cut begins) before The Freeze gets to start. Most times, The Freeze catches and passes the fan with ease, but several times the fan wins. It adds quite the excitement to the stadium in between innings.
In one of the more famous races, a young fan thought he had the race locked up before The Freeze caught him and passed him with about 20 yards to go. The fan, who assumed victory, got a little too cocky and fell on his face while waving to the crowd.
What does it take to be The Freeze?
The posted job reads:
“If you are driven to deliver exceptional fan experiences that are beyond anything possible elsewhere and interested in working alongside a team of innovators and enthusiastic over-achievers, you will enjoy working with us!”
The position says the hire must “entertain fans while performing in the “RaceTrac Beat the Freeze” in-game promotion. This promotion requires the performer to sprint while racing a fan on the field.”
The position emphasizes that the person be physically fit and in great shape.
The qualifications, as listed on the Braves website says the following:
Must be physically fit and in good health to endure conditions including extreme high and low temperaturesMust be able to run during the “RaceTrac Beat the Freeze” on-field promotion.Previous mascot or athletic experience is strongly preferred, but not requiredAbility to interact in front of large crowds, engage with families and childrenHigh-energy employee with confidence and charismaGood verbal and non-verbal skillsAvailability to work weekends, weekdays, evenings, and some holidaysReliable transportationWilling to cooperate and work in a team environmentAbility to be flexible to adjusted show times, appearances and overall live entertainmentGeneral knowledge of the game of baseballMust complete a successful background checkWhen are The Freeze tryouts for the Atlanta Braves?
Hopefuls must show off their speed in live auditions.
Those are December 13 from 2 to 5 p.m., presumably at Truist Park, although it’s not specified in the posting.
Ryne Dennis is the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X @RyneDennis and email at rdennis@onlineathens.com.