Glen Cove Native Nick Markakis Joins Atlanta Braves Despite Virus

GLEN COVE, NY — Glen Cove native Nick Markakis has decided to rejoin the Atlanta Braves three weeks after saying he would sit out the season due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Markakis, 36, said Wednesday he had a change of heart after watching his teammates play the first handful of games, The Associated Press reported.

"Sitting at home, watching these guys compete ... and all the risks they’re going through going out there, in the pit of my stomach I felt I wanted to be out there," he said.

Markakis, who was born in 1983 in Glen Cove and attended Woodstock High School in Georgia, said the decision came after he received a call from Alex Anthopoulos, the team's general manager. Markakis earns about $25,000 for each game he's on the roster or injured list.

He said his family — including three kids — are behind him.

"It was nice to be home with the family, but more than anything I know my family wanted me to be out there with (the Braves)," Markakis said.