How would you like to be 17 years old and have $1.7 million dollars? That’s exactly what happened to the Atlanta Braves’ Jason Heyward after being drafted 14th overall in the 2007 MLB amateur draft out of high school. But with that selection comes the pressure to perform. For Heyward, living up to his high billing and the ensuing touting of him as the next big prospect was handled simply by relying on his family and a stunning source of motivation. Gear up for the Braves season and Heyward’s next as a pro with our selection of Atlanta Braves apparel and merchandise, including some great home, away and retro Jason Heyward jerseys and tshirts.
Heyward’s best friend a prep teammate died during his high school days and Jason wears #22 in honor of him. He also has become a sort of adopted son to Andy Wilmot’s mom Tammie Ruston, but really Heyward is looking after her, his favorite teacher from high school, following her son’s tragic car accident in 2007. In his first at bat of his first game in the Majors, he strode to the plate wearing #22 and his first swing against Carlos Zambrano was belted deep to right for a homerun, landing not far away from where Ruston was standing and cheering, while wearing a #22 Jason Heyward jersey. It’s the stuff of legends and an incredible human interest story.
You too can own a No. 22 Jason Heyward jersey in your favorite Atlanta Braves color, or choose from tons of other Atlanta Braves jerseys and merchandise. And stop back by to see our latest t-shirts designs and styles, which are constantly being updated.