The Atlanta Braves of the '70s

The decade of the 1970s began with music on vinyl, and WVOP AM playing Top 40 Hits. Nixon was President, and we were in the middle of the Vietnam Conflict/War. Integration of public schools had just begun in the Deep South. In Vidalia, we had 4 channels to watch on television. Pete's Drive-In was a local attraction for movies. Downtown Vidalia was a vibrant shopping area, there was a strip (Highway 280) for teenagers to cruise with a timely break to eat at Jack's "fast-food" restaurant. I was 8 years-old and baseball was my favorite sport.

The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1965. As the team entered the decade of the '70s, they were fresh off of a 1969 Division Title. However, they were swept by the Mets in the playoffs. As a matter of fact, it would be 13 years before they won another Division Title (1982), and they were once again swept in the playoffs (by the Cardinals). The '70s decade was basically my childhood, ages 8-17. So for better or worse, I was invested in the Braves. The Braves teams of the early part of the decade were pretty good, but by the latter part, there were rotten. They were sometimes called a minor league team playing in the Bigs.

As we turn back to 1965 and the arrival of the Braves in Atlanta, it was a big deal. This was the first Major League baseball team in the Southeast, so the team had fans from states throughout the Southeast! Up until the mid-70s, we did not have cable. We had 4 channels to choose from on television. So, we listened to the Braves on the radio, and we loved it! If you don't know any better, you don't know any better! I can remember vacationing at Savannah Beach and listening to the Braves as part of our night-time entertainment. However, there was 1 game per week shown nationally on Monday Night Baseball. But the only Braves game that I remember being a part of the Monday night line-up was an April night in 1974 when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's all-time Home-Run record by hitting number 715!

Looking back at some of the seasons of the 70s, there were some shining moments. The 1973 team boasted of the first team in major league history to have 3 players hit 40 or more home-runs: Darrel Evans 43, Dave Johnson 41, & Hank 40. The '74 team actually finished above .500 led by a pitching staff that included Ace Buzz Capra, who had a 9-game winning streak during the season. The best thing that happened to the Braves in the mid-70s was being shown on cable, which we fortunately were hooked up with in Vidalia. We were appreciative WTGS showed the Braves. WTGS later became WTBS, and finally TBS as it is know today.

My family went to the Braves's games almost every year in the 70s. One positive about having a terrible team was the great seats available! Then, there was the hour prior to the game. As a boy, this wait was excruciating! I can't believe how excited I was to watch those games! I am very appreciative to my parents for giving me that gift of those games.

As I think back to the players the Braves put on the field in the '70s, I liked all of them whether they were good or terrible. There must have been well over 300 players during the decade, so I will just list a few from memory. We must start with Hank Aaron, who gave the city pride by being the home-run king for over 30 years until Barry Bonds broke his record. There was the "Road Runner" Ralph Garr. Rico Carty, who said, "I can hit in any league," and he could. Howdy Doody Darell Evans was a great home-run hitter with over 400 life-time homers for several teams. One of my favorite names: Larvell "Sugar Bear" Blanks, who played SS. Other infielders included: Clete Boyer, Darrel Chaney, Mike Lum, Rod Gilbreath, Felix Millan, and Bob Horner. Outfielders included: Gary Matthews, Jeff Burroughs, Rowland Office, Dave May, and Dale Murphy. Pitchers included: Phil Niekro, Gene Garber, Rick Mahler, Dick Ruthven, Andy Messersmith, Rick Camp, and Buzz Capra. Catchers included Biff Pocoroba and Vic Correll. Special Pinch Hitter: Cito Gaston.

Finally, it's weird how a not-so-fancy stadium like Atlanta Fulton County Stadium can become one of your favorite places in the world, but it was one for me! I can still hear the late-great Marshall Mann on the PA saying, "Fans, you don't want to miss this opportunity!" or "Go to Aisle 102 to pick up your prize." While the Atlanta Braves of the 1970s were not the BEST team, they were OUR team! By the way, if you wonder how it felt to be a Braves fan of the 1970s, the last 2 seasons have given you a great model!