#37 PRESTON HANNA

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1970'S

#37 PRESTON HANNA

ATLANTA BRAVES 1976-1981

The main thing I remember about Preston Hanna was his confidence. He had alot. He also seemed to have a good fastball. He gave hope to the Braves during an era that needed a little hope.  After a May 8, 1978 complete game win over the Phillies, he had a 4-0 record for that season. In his next start, he had a good chance to go 5-0, but his one run lead was blown by Jamie Easterly and the bullpen. Then things began to unravel for Preston. He had a lot of trouble finding the plate. I remember once he threw a wild pitch while just trying to give a batter an intentional walk. On July 21, 1978, he walked 7 men in only 4 innings. He went on to lose 13 of his last 16 decisions. The early promise of his career fell apart and he was released by the Braves in 1982 after only 17 career wins.

But I still liked his confidence.