Silverbacks Defender Paul Black Continues To Dive Into Atlanta Sports Scene

One Silverbacks player has further delved into Atlanta sports after attending his very first Atlanta Braves game.

Some say Atlanta sports fans are a finicky bunch, picking and choosing when to root for their teams whenever it suits them best. Those who say that obviously haven’t met Atlanta Silverback fullback Paul Black, who has taken it upon himself to become the biggest Atlanta sports fan on the roster.

Black attended an Atlanta Hawks game not too long ago, and the Englishman made it to his first Braves game on Monday night.

“I’m just excited to be here taking in the atmosphere. It’s completely different than what I’ve experienced back home,” Black said. “I went to a basketball game and that was different. Now, this is just completely different.”

For those used to America’s pastime, the difference in how actively the fans are involved could be confusing. English soccer fans are known for their constant singing and standing, rooting their teams to victory. Baseball fans are not quite as active for the whole game, instead standing during important parts of the game. Black may be used to screaming soccer fans, but he’s just as happy with those who venture out to Turner Field.

“It’s completely different. You don’t get loud, singing songs," Black said. "But the entertainment’s there. Like when they keep pointing at people dancing on the screens and that. It’s like a concert. It’s an amazing atmosphere.”

Black was lucky enough to catch a foul ball in the ninth inning, which is something most first time baseball fans can only dream about. For Black, it might’ve been the catalyst for his new obsession.

“To catch a foul ball in the ninth inning just sums up the experience for me,” said Black. “I keep pinching myself. It’s an incredible story.”

Obviously, baseball and soccer are two very different sports. Soccer players are constantly moving, making sure that their positioning and vision remain in attack to thwart opposing defenses. For Black, he sees the opportunity to watch other sports as a way of winding down after practice.

“Being full on with soccer, it’s nice. I love playing golf and, at home, I like to watch cricket," Black said. "This is similar in the sense that it’s a more laid-back sport and you can sit, relax, and watch it. I’m really enjoying it. It’s nice to come away from soccer every now and then and appreciate other sports.”

Some people spend their entire lives close to home, choosing comfort over the option of experiencing something new. This particular member of the Silverbacks is no such person.

“This is my first time in America and I’m enjoying every little minute and I’m so grateful for every moment," Black said. "I’m very privileged to be living in the country and be able to experience all of these amazing experiences.”

The Braves should be thankful, too. It doesn’t appear Black’s obsession is going to slow down anytime soon. 

“I’m definitely going to go and watch every game I can get to now. I think it’s a nice, relaxing, therapeutic experience to switch off from soccer," Black said. "I’m really excited to go and watch them. Hopefully I’m not a curse because they lost (on Monday).”

For athletes, there’s always that thought of “What if I had played another sport?” Black doesn’t seem to think that way, though. Instead, he sees baseball as an extremely difficult sport, especially when trying to hit a 95-mile per hour fastball.

“I can’t even see it just watching it," he said. "I’ve got no chance of hitting it. I don’t know how they do it.”

If he did play, his preferred position may be surprising.

“The outfield or the furthest one away. I’d just stay away from it as much as I could. Keep that ball furthest away from me as possible.”

All in all, Black is enjoying his time in the city with the help of Atlanta sports. While he has not yet been to an Atlanta Falcons game — something he is looking forward to doing — the Hawks and Braves have already cultivated Black’s love for the city’s teams.

“Right away, I’m madly in love with American sports,” he said.