For the first time since joining the Cubs in the offseason, Dansby Swanson took the field against his former team, the Braves, in Atlanta on Tuesday evening.

Before signing with Chicago in December on a seven-year, $177 million contract, the shortstop spent his entire MLB career in Atlanta and was one of the faces of the organization during his tenure.

Swanson was a cornerstone to Atlanta’s success in recent years. In his seven seasons with the Braves, he had a batting average of .255 with 411 RBI, 102 home runs, and was a crucial part of the Braves’ World Series run in 2021 – in Game 6, he had a 2-run homer to help seal the Braves’ first championship in 26 years. He was an NL All-Star and won a Gold Glove in 2022. 

The Kennesaw, Georgia native was appreciative in his first return to Truist Park, saying he was grateful to be back home and spend time with his loved ones. He told reporters he has “nothing but love” for his former teammates, and when the eventual tribute comes, he wants to soak it all in. 

On coming back to Atlanta, Swanson said, “I spent so much time here and I appreciated every second of it. Being able to come back and feel that same amount of love is pretty awesome.” 

He also said how much he appreciates both Braves and Cubs fans, saying he is grateful to have played for both teams.

“The loyalty runs so deep, and being able to experience that on both sides has been nothing short of amazing,” Swanson said. 

For the full interview with Swanson, check out the video above.