Matt Olson’s standout performance during the 2023 season earned him widespread recognition, particularly for his exceptional power at the plate, leading Major League Baseball in both home runs and runs batted in. Setting franchise records with these impressive stats, Olson proved his prowess as a formidable hitter, complemented by a respectable batting average of .283. However, amidst his remarkable achievements, there’s one aspect of his game that his teammates couldn’t resist poking fun at: his speed on the basepaths.
Throughout the season, Olson’s lack of speed became a recurring source of amusement among his Atlanta Braves teammates, as revealed in a humorous interview aired by Bally Sports: Braves on X. When asked about his speed, Olson responded with a smirk, admitting that while he doesn’t consider himself fast, he compensates with his ability to take good angles.
𝗔𝗺 𝗜 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁? 💨
Matt Olson asked the question about his speed.
We tried to find the answer. pic.twitter.com/KH0ARnjK5e
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) February 17, 2024
During the interview, teammates such as Max Fried, Tyler Matzek, Travis d’Arnaud, and A.J. Minter chimed in on Olson’s speed, playfully highlighting his modest tally of three triples from the previous season. Matzek jokingly attributed these triples to luck and subtly teased the speed of other players acquired from Oakland, like Sean Murphy.
Adding to the banter, relief pitcher A.J. Minter playfully challenged Olson’s speed, suggesting that they settle the debate during Spring Training. Meanwhile, Olson himself humorously recounted the celebrations following his triples, including a memorable moment where he gestured the number three towards the Braves dugout, playfully reminding his teammates of his base-running abilities.
Interestingly, Olson’s former teammate Joey Wendle, now with the Miami Marlins, also contributed to the teasing about his speed, prompting Olson to question his pace after hitting a triple against Wendle’s team. Despite the playful ribbing about his speed, Olson’s three triples in the 2023 season marked a personal best, hinting at the potential for more entertaining moments on the basepaths in the upcoming season.
While speed may not be Olson’s defining attribute, the camaraderie and lighthearted humor shared among him and his teammates add an enjoyable dimension to their on-field performances. With Olson’s knack for hitting homers and the occasional slow-motion triple, fans can expect more amusing antics from the Braves both on and off the field in the future.