This issue marks the first installment of “Sam’s Seven,” in which I will discuss seven things to do with the sports world, whether Atlanta sports or Westminster based. Over the course of the year I will cover the good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between to bring you the most essential information for a sports fan. This issue’s segment will feature the first three reasons to be an Atlanta Sports Fan.

7. The Rathbun’s Steak Sandwich

Of all of the ballpark foods I have ever had, this one takes the cake. Served in the second level of Turner field right behind the first base bag, this delectable sandwich comes packed with tender, juicy steak, a soft bun, crispy potato chips, and tasty horseradish sauce. In a city known for its food, this sandwich is second-to-none in the ballpark food department, and is definitely worth a try for anyone looking for a delicious bite to eat.

6. Jeff Teague

Although attendance levels for the Hawks are low, the perennial playoff team has some exciting players. Chief among those is our point guard from Wake Forest, Jeff Teague. Known for his breakneck speed, agility, and complex layups, Teague is a rising star in the game today. I recommend that everyone check him out in person or on TV, or at least watch his highlight tape on YouTube.

5. The regular season

Atlanta sports teams have gained a reputation across the nation: one of the best teams in the regular season, but a choke monster in the playoffs. This causes many fans to become depressed. However, I have a different perspective: enjoy the regular season while it lasts! Just this past year, the Braves owned the best record in the major leagues for the majority of the summer, and the Falcons compiled a 13-3 record. With disappointment sure to come in the playoffs, it is always fun to enjoy some winning and savor the moment.

4. The college football season

One of the most unique parts of living in Atlanta is the wide variety of colleges people’s parents have graduated from. For instance, I know people who are Georgia fans, Ole Miss fans, Alabama Fans, North Carolina fans, Notre Dame fans, and myself, a Florida fan. With pretty much every SEC and ACC School represented in some way here, the college football season always becomes very interesting. The south has always taken a particular interest in this sport, and it is fun to watch friends hate each other for three hours every Saturday as their teams battle against each other. As a Florida fan, I vividly remember gloating to my friend Chase (an Alabama fan) as Florida won in the 2008 SEC Championship Game, only to eat my words a year later as Alabama dominated. This creates excitement for the entire fall, and always inspires friendly but intense arguments among peers.

3. Andrelton Simmons

If anyone has ever seen or watched a Braves baseball game, you all know what I’m talking about. Simmons, the young shortstop from Curacao, has quickly become the best and most exciting defensive player in baseball. Simmons makes difficult ground balls look simple and impossible balls possible. Although Simmons is an average hitter at best, he can change a game with his glove and is one of the best assets the Braves have.

2. Julio Jones

A perennial fan-favorite in Atlanta, Jones has been a star ever since he stepped into the league. A star at Alabama, the Falcons traded away five draft picks just to nab him with the sixth overall pick. Ever since then, all Jones has done is prove his doubters wrong. A tall, strong, and fast receiver, Jones has all the physical tools to dominate. A touchdownthreat at any time, every Falcons fan knows   that if they see Jones go long and Matt Ryan rear back to throw, something exciting is about to happen. “JULIOOOOOOO” will be a bright spot on the Falcons for years to come.

1. The Tomahawk Chop

The Atlanta Braves’ Tomahawk Chop has been a symbol of Braves fans for as long as I can remember. Although sometimes spurned by the PA announcer, at Braves games the Atlanta fans are known to chop for minutes on end whenever the Braves get a hit, score a run, or make a comeback. But truly, it can happen at any time. For instance, at Music Midtown, the crowd began the Chop for a solid five minutes in anticipation for Imagine Dragons, and seniors chopped as they ran in for the pep rally on the first day of school. Although Atlanta sports teams have experienced shortcomings, these reasons make any time of the year a great time to love sports in Atlanta.