Waldrep’s whirlwind day: From 4:45 a.m. wake-up to earning his first MLB win at a NASCAR venue
From Road Trip to MLB Victory: Braves Rookie Waldrep Shines at Speedway Classic
Atlanta's Hurston Waldrep makes memorable debut at Bristol Motor Speedway, pitching 5 2/3 innings in a rain-delayed victory.
A long drive couldn't deter Atlanta Braves rookie Hurston Waldrep from making history. The 23-year-old right-hander earned his first major league win Sunday in the unusual setting of Bristol Motor Speedway during the MLB Speedway Classic.
Waldrep's journey to the mound began with a five-hour road trip from Triple-A Gwinnett, Georgia, arriving just before game time after being called up the previous night.
“Wake up at 4:45, got in the car a little after 5, drove here with my girlfriend. Got here 9:45 or so. Everything since then, it’s been nonstop,” Waldrep said, describing his whirlwind day. “Didn’t really have time to sit here and think about how it all happened. Nonetheless, grateful for it, happy to be here. It’s been an unbelievable day.”
The drive from Gwinnett County to Bristol is a staggering 250 miles – over 450 laps around the famed track itself. Waldrep tried to catch some sleep during the journey but found it difficult.
“It was really breathtaking to walk out, see how they set everything up, see the field, and just hearing from the players how last night went,” he said of his arrival at the unique venue. “It was all around just awesome.”
A Strong Debut on a Special Stage
Sunday's game marked Waldrep's first appearance in the majors this season. He delivered a solid performance, allowing just one run and three hits across 5 2/3 innings. This followed his big league debut in 2024 where he started two games for the Braves.
"After I took him out, I was like, 'Everything we put you through today you’ve done your job,'" manager Brian Snitker said. "He’s made a lot of strides. I think his time in Triple-A has been really really good for him."
Waldrep's impressive performance and unique journey highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball, proving that even the most unusual circumstances can lead to remarkable moments.