Atlanta Braves' nemesis J. R. Richard throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior for the ALCS. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves of the 1970s had a love-hate relationship with J.R. Richard, he loved facing them, and they hated to see him on the bump.
J.R. Richard passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2021, and former Atlanta Braves players were among a host of his peers to express their feelings for an opponent who made future Hall of Fame players look overmatched at the plate.
Gary Matthews was a member of the Braves from 1977 through 1980, just as Richard was reaching his prime.