On April 22, 1977, the Braves edged the division-leading Dodgers 2-1, improving their record to 8-5. It was a surprising start for the Bravos, who won just 70 the year before.
On May 11, the Braves woke up 8-21 after dropping a doubleheader in Pittsburgh. Owner Ted Turner sent manager Dave Bristol on a 10-day scouting trip. Bristol’s replacement? Ted.
“If I’m smart enough to save $11 million to buy the team, I ought to be smart enough to manage it,” he said.
But Ted had given himself little to work with. Batting third that day: Junior Moore.