Reports out today indicate that Time Warner Corp is considering selling the Atlanta Braves along with regional cable network Turner South. We can only hope that these reports are true. The cost cutting out-of-town corporate ownership has slowly been bleeding the Braves to death. Only the wizardry of John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox has allowed The Streak to continue as many of the best players walk away as free agents. The company claims that the Braves are losing revenue. Fine.
Hopefully today’s news will open the door to local ownership who are fans of the Braves to take over. One name already being discussed is Arthur Blank, the very popular owner of the Atlanta Falcons, who has transformed an organization perennially mired in mediocrity or worse into a winner. Folks in Atlanta would love to see him take over. A representative of Blank’s company said that if they were approached about buying the Braves, “we would look at it… and if it made sense we would pursue it.” You better believe they’ll be approached. I could certainly live with Turner Field being renamed Home Depot Park! (Blank was cofounder of Home Depot.) Of course, there’s always the idea floating around that Ted Turner could re-purchase the Braves. Both of these options would be good for the Braves and their fans, as both men are locals who will care and be willing to pay to win.