Atlanta Braves to reduce Tomahawk Chop in Game 5

The Atlanta Braves announced they will not distribute foam tomahawks to each seat Wednesday for Game 5 of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The decision is part of an effort by the Braves to "reduce the Tomahawk Chop" during Wednesday's game, a response to recent concerns voiced by Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley.

Helsley, a member of the Cherokee Nation, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch last Friday that he believes the Tomahawk Chop is "disrespectful" and "devalues" perceptions of Native Americans.

"Out of respect for the concerns expressed by Mr. Helsley, we will take several efforts to reduce the Tomahawk Chop during our in-ballpark presentation today," the Braves said in a…