May 11, 1977: Ted Turner takes matters into his own hands
Submitted by BTGrimes on Tue, 05/11/2010 - 5:00am |
| No more owner-managers PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner became Atlanta Braves manager Ted Turner on this date in 1977. He was fed up with a 16-game losing strike, so he put on the uniform and headed to the dugout himself. It didn't help. The Braves lost their 17th straight. Owner as manager also didn't last long. Turner's actions were the impetus for a rule change. National League Commissioner Chub Feeney put the kibosh on the idea of an owner ever taking over managerial authority right away. He also initiated a rule change stating that a team manager cannot own a financial interest in the team (wonder how George Steinbrenner voted). The Braves won the next game however. Molino Leon beat Pittsburgh's Bruce Kison 2 to 1. It was a long season though. The Braves ended up in last place in the Western Division. Their record was 61 and 101; second worst in baseball to the expansion Toronto Blue Jays. CONTRIBUTING SOURCES: This story is brought to you by TODAY in |
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