Gonzalez, players soak up historic Fenway atmosphere

BOSTON -- Manager Fredi Gonzalez brought his son, Alex, along for the team's trip to Fenway Park this week. The two went inside the Green Monster and sat in the famous red seat, where a 1946 home run by Ted Williams, that is said to have travelled 502 feet, landed. They enjoyed soaking in the history.

After playing Wednesday night in one of baseball's most historic ballparks, the Braves considered themselves lucky to spend time at Fenway.

"This is my first time, but to see all the history, it's awesome," said catcher Evan Gattis.

Second baseman Tommy La Stella got thrown into the fire Wednesday night, making his Major League debut in Boston. He went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles.

"Unbelievable. Growing up in New Jersey, I certainly watched a lot of Yankees-Red Sox games here," La Stella said. "I have tremendous respect for the organization, and in such a historical ballpark like this, I couldn't think of a better place to make my debut."

Gonzalez appreciates the historical aspect of baseball and the nuances different ballparks provide --- Fenway, Wrigley Field, the old Yankee Stadium were a few he mentioned by name.

As for La Stella, Gonzalez joked that it's nice the infielder got to make his debut in a "small, low-key venue."

"He can always say, 'My first at-bat was at Fenway,'" the manager said. "And that's got to be something special."