Baseball MVP Blog

Turner Field was the home of the Atlanta Braves from 1997 through 2016. Located just south of downtown Atlanta, the stadium became one of the most recognizable ballparks in Major League Baseball and was affectionately known by many fans as “The Ted,” a tribute to former Braves owner Ted Turner.

Originally, the venue was constructed as Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 Summer Olympics. After the Games concluded, the massive Olympic venue was transformed into a baseball stadium and reopened as Turner Field for the 1997 MLB season. This unique conversion made it one of the few Olympic stadiums successfully adapted for professional baseball.

Turner Field seated nearly 50,000 fans and witnessed many memorable moments in Braves history, including division championships, playoff runs, and the 2000 MLB All-Star Game. The Braves played their first game there on April 4, 1997, defeating the Chicago Cubs 5–4. The final Braves game at Turner Field was played on October 2, 2016, a 1–0 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

The Change of the Baseball Have you ever ripped open a baseball to find out what was inside? Or even went as far as unraveling the yarn to find the rubber or cork ball at the core? I did that a few times as a kid and actually hit the cover off one ...

The 1997 Atlanta Braves featured one of the greatest starting rotations in Major League Baseball history. Led by future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, the Braves dominated hitters all season. Their staff posted a remarkable 3.18 team ERA, which was 0.44 runs lower than the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers (3.62 ERA). Atlanta also allowed the fewest runs in baseball, surrendering just 581 runs while winning 101 games and capturing the National League East title.

Archie Manning (full name Elisha Archibald Manning III) was born on May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi. He is one of the most respected quarterbacks in football history and is widely recognized as the patriarch of the Manning football family.

Early Life and College Career

Manning grew up in the Mississippi Delta and became a standout athlete at University of Mississippi, where he played quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels. His exciting passing and running ability made him one of the nation's top college football players in the late 1960s.

NFL Career

The New Orleans Saints selected Manning with the second overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. He played for the Saints from 1971 to 1982, often carrying the team through difficult seasons with his toughness, leadership, and playmaking ability.

After leaving New Orleans, Manning finished his NFL career with brief stints for the Houston Oilers and the Minnesota Vikings. Over 13 NFL seasons, he passed for more than 23,000 yards and threw 125 touchdown passes.

Legacy

Although team success was limited during much of his career, Archie Manning became one of the most beloved figures in New Orleans sports history. His impact extends beyond the field as the father of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning.

Today, Archie Manning is celebrated not only for his accomplishments as an NFL quarterback but also for his sportsmanship, leadership, and contributions to football across generations.

Fun Fact: The Saints retired Archie Manning's No. 8 jersey, and he is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Darryl Strawberry was one of the most exciting prospects in baseball during his 1982 season with the Jackson Mets, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets. At just 20 years old, Strawberry dominated the Texas League and established himself as a future superstar. He hit .283 with 34 home runs, 97 RBIs, 45 stolen bases, and a remarkable 1.021 OPS, earning Texas League MVP honors.

The 1982 season is often considered the year Strawberry transformed from a highly talented prospect into a complete ballplayer. Reflecting on that season, he later said, “1982 is when I became a ballplayer.” His combination of power, speed, and athleticism made him one of the most feared hitters in the minor leagues.

The photos above show Strawberry during his Jackson Mets days, including a famous pregame portrait taken at SPAR Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The image captures the young slugger before he reached Major League Baseball stardom with the New York Mets. That season in Jackson was the final major step before his MLB debut in 1983, when he would win National League Rookie of the Year honors.

The 1982 Jackson Mets finished with a 68–65 record and featured several future major leaguers, but Strawberry was the unquestioned star. His 34 home runs and 97 RBIs led the club and helped make him one of the most celebrated prospects in baseball.

The Stars Align at the Stadium 🤩

Royal Sweep 🧹

Ribbies & Rice 🥩🍚

Gerrit 🤝 Game Belt

Baseball x Rule of Thirds ✨

Opened in 1912, Fenway Park is MLB’s oldest active stadium and features the iconic Green Monster wall.