On this date 23 years ago, the Braves traded number 23, outfielder David Justice, to the Indians.
Five months after losing the 1996 World Series to the New York Yankees, the Braves dealt away two thirds of their starting outfield in a salary dump move to Cleveland.
On March 25, 1997 — one week before Opening Day — the Braves sent Justice and center fielder Marquis Grissom, to the Indians for center fielder Kenny Lofton, considered the best leadoff hitter in baseball at the time, and relief pitcher Alan Embree.
It was not general manager John Schuerholz’s favorite deal to make.