Longtime Atlanta Braves Usher Takes Center Stage

Longtime Atlanta Braves usher Walter Banks greets fans Tuesday outside of SunTrust Park. On Friday, the Braves are giving away bobblehead dolls in his likeness.

Emil Moffatt / WABE

It’s a couple hours before the game, and Atlanta Braves fans are strolling through the plaza. They’re greeted by Walter Banks, the usher who has welcomed thousands of fans for the last five decades – from Fulton County Stadium, to Turner Field and now SunTrust Park.

“You can go to all the other stadiums, including football or basketball, and you remember the experience you received just because you showed a smile, a greeting, just a little tip of kindness,” Banks said.

This Friday is bobblehead night. Normally, the figurines feature an all-star player or a Hall of Famer. But this time, the Atlanta Braves are honoring their longtime usher.