Ben Ingram had a bird’s-eye view earlier this month as the Atlanta Braves won its first World Series championship in 26 years.
The Madison, Mississippi, native and Mississippi College graduate has been the primary play-by-play voice for the Atlanta Braves Radio Network since 2019.
Ingram, who joined the network in 2011, said participating in the Braves’ championship parade was memorable.
“The last time I was in a parade, I was playing the trombone in the sixth grade Christmas parade,” he joked.
Rare opportunity
According to city officials, 300,000 to 400,000 fans attended the festivities.
“I had never seen that many people together,” Ingram recalled. “I can’t remember the last time that I have seen that many people together all happy about the same thing.
“Think about our current day and age and the state of our country. If you have that many people together, they’re usually pretty upset about something. So to see that many … elated and happy for what the team accomplished, it was really special knowing what that meant to so many people.”
Ingram has built strong bonds with Braves fans during his 10-year tenure with the Braves Radio Network.
“There are so many Braves fans out there, [and] the World Series title meant everything to them. And there are so many great fans out there who are going to be there no matter what — good or bad,” Ingram asserted. “But it was great to see them all be able to experience this.”
‘Do everything in the name of Jesus’
Ingram’s faith is an important part of who he is, he said, and despite a hectic schedule during the season he makes sure he finds time for spiritual disciplines.
“I dedicate my mornings to that. When it comes to listening to a sermon online or being in Scripture or praying or reaching out to someone who I would view as a spiritual mentor, those are things that I spend my mornings on. That’s really important to me, whether we’re at home or on the road.”
One of Ingram’s favorite passages is Colossians 3:14-17: “‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Jesus,’” he said, quoting portions. “That’s always been something that has been a foundation for me.”
Ingram noted it is “super special” to be working in the region of the country he’s from.
“There are so many people from back home who are huge Braves fans — Mississippi is a big part of Braves’ country. And that makes it even more meaningful, knowing I can be a part of this, and people from back home are pulling for the team they’ve always been pulling for. I’ve gotten lots of messages, texts and phone calls from friends and family and even people that I haven’t spoken to in years.”
