Katie Hearn

One of the joys of writing a Braves history book a couple years ago was hearing so many great Ted Turner stories. After the team’s first home loss after he purchased the team, he said his players deserved better than lunch meat for the postgame spread. As he tried to leave, he couldn’t get the clubhouse door to open. So, he kicked it and broke his toe. He walked around with a cane when he returned to Fulton County Stadium the next day. Turner and Terry McGuirk fought countless battles against other MLB owners who didn’t want the Braves aired in their markets. The power of TBS’ satellites changed sports television and the impact is still felt whenever the Braves visit cities like Seattle, where countless Braves fans have been seen on the streets and in the stadium this week. Also enjoyed Stan Kasten talking about how he was just a few days into his job as the Braves’ legal counsel when he returned to his place, turned on the game and saw Turner in uniform, serving as the self-appointed manager that night in Pittsburgh. There are countless great stories about Turner. But there was only one Ted and the Braves were fortunate enough to call him their own.