Has it been 20 years already?
The Braves recognized the 1982 Division Championship team last night. It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since I fell in love with that team watching them on the Superstation TBS, Channel 17. That was a great team managed by Joe Torre who got off to a hot start winning their first 13 games in a row to begin the season.
Later that season, the players went on strike and they ended up splitting the season. The Braves lost to the Dodgers in the playoffs and then finished 2nd the next two years before firing Torre and becoming the losingest team in the 80's. I'm much happier with the recent success since '91 with 10 straight division championships and another on the way this year.
Nonetheless the '82 team was a classic... Dale Murphy won the MVP, Steve "Bedrock" Bedrosian and Gene Garber out of the bullpen, Phil Niekro with his dancing knuckleball, Bruce Benedict behind the plate, Bret Butler roaming the outfield and beating out bunt hits, Jerry Royster (now manager of the Tigers) made a great catch that was on highlights for years robbing a homerun, Bob Horner hit many dingers as 3rd base, Chris Chambliss played 1st after starring for the Yanks, Bob Watson was on the coaching staff.
It was a fun, fun team to watch. Many happy memories from Ash Street watching the games with Grandma and Granddad.
The Braves recognized the 1982 Division Championship team last night. It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since I fell in love with that team watching them on the Superstation TBS, Channel 17. That was a great team managed by Joe Torre who got off to a hot start winning their first 13 games in a row to begin the season.
Later that season, the players went on strike and they ended up splitting the season. The Braves lost to the Dodgers in the playoffs and then finished 2nd the next two years before firing Torre and becoming the losingest team in the 80's. I'm much happier with the recent success since '91 with 10 straight division championships and another on the way this year.
Nonetheless the '82 team was a classic... Dale Murphy won the MVP, Steve "Bedrock" Bedrosian and Gene Garber out of the bullpen, Phil Niekro with his dancing knuckleball, Bruce Benedict behind the plate, Bret Butler roaming the outfield and beating out bunt hits, Jerry Royster (now manager of the Tigers) made a great catch that was on highlights for years robbing a homerun, Bob Horner hit many dingers as 3rd base, Chris Chambliss played 1st after starring for the Yanks, Bob Watson was on the coaching staff.
It was a fun, fun team to watch. Many happy memories from Ash Street watching the games with Grandma and Granddad.
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