Braves Superfan and Bristol Resident Gets Her Wish of a Lifetime

When American House Bristol LED, Erika Robinson, learned that the Atlanta Braves were playing the Cincinnati Reds at the Bristol Motor Speedway, she knew someone who had to be there—Braves superfan and American House resident, Faye Bishop. Erika worked with her leadership to submit a Wish of a Lifetime through AARP. To her delight, the wish was granted!

Faye has been an Atlanta Braves fan her entire life but never had the opportunity to see them play live. In fact, she’s never attended a ball game, though she will not miss the Braves on television. “I’ve watched them throw that ball into home plate on TV and I could never believe how fast it was. I can’t wait to see this in real life, a ball going 100 miles an hour!” On August 2, she did! This was not only a pinnacle moment in the life of this charming lady, but a historic event—it was the first time a Major League baseball game was played in Tennessee, the state that Faye has called home her entire 78 years.

But why the Braves?

“I remember the Braves when Hank Aaron and Dale Murphy played on the team. I have just always loved watching this team,” said Faye.

Faye can relate to baseball. In fact, she has an inside perspective. Her many years playing softball throughout her childhood and on the company team at Valleydale Meatpacking, where she cleaned for 20 years, made her a true fan. Of her prowess as a first baseman, Faye says in her Southern drawl, “I ain’t bragging now, but I can catch pretty good.”

After arriving at the Bristol Motor Speedway with VIP parking, Faye and her daughter, Michelle, a retired teacher, watched the game from a VIP suite and enjoyed the $150 gift card they received to shop at the game—thank you, Wish of a Lifetime! Though the game faced multiple rain delays, and was ultimately canceled after the first inning, Faye never let the weather dampen her spirits. She soaked in the experience, enjoyed delicious gourmet food, spent the day with her daughter, and even got to see Tim McGraw perform before the game.

“I had the privilege of escorting Faye and Michelle to the game,” said Amy Wallace, Corporate Director of Life Enrichment. “Faye felt like a true VIP and it showed in every smile.”

Wish of a Lifetime’s Jeremy Garver facilitated the event. “I was moved by Faye’s story; she had a tough life and wasn’t given much. To us at Wish of a Lifetime, it’s about the impact something will have on someone, and we felt that this would really have an impact for Faye,” he said. Plus, there was just something about Faye. “When I talked to her, I thought she was wonderful. She has such an awesome personality.”

Faye’s Wish of a Lifetime stirred a lot of excitement with the residents and team at American House Bristol. There was a ceremonial Send Off for Faye prior to the game complete with Braves-themed decorations, a cake, cookies and, of course, Cracker Jack! Her neighbors came out to celebrate, and the room was joyful while singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

It all couldn’t have happened to a nicer lady—and, of course, one who loves the Braves. Superfans everywhere understand that even if the team isn’t having a winning year, you stick by them. As Faye says, “Now, I’m not putting them down at all. I mean, I still love the Braves, but they haven’t won too many games. I just have to go along with it, you know what I’m saying?”

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Wish of a Lifetime!

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