#53 BROOK JACOBY

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#53 BROOK JACOBY

ATLANTA BRAVES 1981-1983

The 1984 Donruss card really rubs it in 
by showing Jacoby in a Braves uniform but stating
that he is really the Indians property.

The Braves worst trade of the 80's is generally regarded as the Brett Butler for Len Barker trade. But not only did the Braves give up a lead-off man who would be productive for the next fifteen years, they also gave up Jacoby, who became a solid American League third baseman for the next several years and a two-time all-star.

Brook had some big minor league seasons, including two hundred RBI seasons for the Braves. I'm guessing with Bob Horner at third, there wasn't really a place for him on the big team. Brook had two hits in his first two at-bats for the Braves in 1981, but then was hitless in his next sixteen. And so marked the end of his Braves career.

Brooke Adams of Invasion of the Body Snatchers had the
same number of homers for the Braves as Brook Jacoby.

#54 DION JAMES

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#54 DION JAMES

ATLANTA BRAVES 1987-1989

After being acquired from the Brewers by the Braves in 1987, Dion had a career year, hitting 10 home runs and hitting .312. Good games for Dion that year included four different four hit games, though he is probably best known for a routine fly ball he hit at Shea stadium on April 12, 1987 that struck a dove (or was it a pigeon, there still seems to be some controversy there) and killed the poor bird instantly and gave Dion one of the most unusual doubles of all-time.

I had a friend who liked to sing Dion songs every time Dion
James came to the plate.

#55 DOYLE ALEXANDER

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#55 DOYLE ALEXANDER

ATLANTA BRAVES 1980, 1986-1987

Doyle Alexander 1981

The odd, nomadic career of Doyle Alexander is definitely a mixed bag. 194 career victories, but winless in five post season decisions. Eleven time double figure season winner, but switched teams nine times during his career! Two of those switches involved the Braves. He was traded by the Rangers to the Braves in 1980 for Adrian Devine and had a fourteen win season for Atlanta that year. This included a three hit shutout against the Cubs on June 21, 1980. Then he played for a few other teams before returning to the Braves in 1986. He pitched fairly well in 1986 and so-so in 1987 before being traded late in the season to Detroit for a pitcher named John Smoltz in a trade that worked out pretty well for the Braves.

Doyle Alexander 1987

#56 TED SIMMONS

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#56 TED SIMMONS 
ATLANTA BRAVES 1986-1988

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Ted Simmons 1987

 

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Ted Simmons

Career: Ted Simmons was one of the best catchers in the National League for the Cardinals during the 70's. He made the all-star team eight times during his career and helped lead the Milwaukee Brewers to their only World Series appearance in 1982.

The Bomb squad: Ted spent the last three years of his career as a role player for the Braves and is actually given credit for coining the term bomb-squad for Atlanta's veteran bench warmers. Ted's three year Brave career resulted in 10 homers and a .248 batting average, but I always liked him and he did seem to get several big hits during his Atlanta tenure. In fact, I was sure I could find big home runs in each of his Brave years and found them very easily.

1986: June 3, 1986-Grand slam off of Cecilio Guante of the Pirates leading the Braves to a 8-5 win.

1987: May 16, 1987-Three run homer off John Smiley of the Pirates leading the Braves to a 10-8 win.

1988: April 9, 1988-Three run homer off Jim DeShaies of the Astros leading the Braves to a 5-4 win.

Bomb squad leader indeed!

Ted Simmons 1971

#57 BILLY SAMPLE

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#57 BILLY SAMPLE 
ATLANTA BRAVES 1986

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Billy Sample 1986

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Billy Sample

Career: Billy Sample's pre-Brave resume isn't quite as impressive as most of the other bomb squad members, but he was was a starter for many of his eight seasons in the majors before coming to the Braves in 1986.

The Bomb squad: I remember Billy in '86 as being at the forefront of the bomb squad. Billy hit six home runs in his part-time role with the Braves that year, including one off of Mike Scott of the Astros on April 13th, during a season when it didn't seem like anyone could hit Mike Scott. Billy parlayed his last season with the Braves into later joining the Braves broadcast team where he described himself as "The Bob Newhart of announcers."

Billy Sample 1982

#58 GRAIG NETTLES

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#58 GRAIG NETTLES 
ATLANTA BRAVES 1987

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Graig Nettles 1987

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Graig Nettles

Career: Played in five World Series. 1976 AL Home Run leader. 2-time Golden Glove winner.

The Bomb squad: Graig didn't make it to Atlanta until 1987, well after his 40th birthday. He hit five home runs during that season coming off the bench, but only managed to hit .209. Brave hitting highlight was probably a pinch-hit grand slam off of Aurelio Lopez of the Astros on May 2, 1987 to break open that game.

Graig Nettles 1977

#59 KEN GRIFFEY

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#59 KEN GRIFFEY 
ATLANTA BRAVES 1986-1988

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Ken Griffey 1987

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Ken Griffey

Career: Three-time all-star and two-time World Champion with the Big Red Machine team of the mid-70's.

The Bomb squad: Coming to the Braves late in his career, Ken was actually a pretty good role player for the Braves during his two plus years with the team. Definitely a charter member of the actual bomb squad!  His career Brave highlight was probably hitting three home runs off of Kevin Gross and the Phillies on July 22, 1986. But as the Braves usually did in 1986, they lost that game anyway.

Ken Griffey 1975

#60 BRUCE SUTTER

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#60 BRUCE SUTTER

ATLANTA BRAVES 1985-1988

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

  

Bruce Sutter 1986

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Bruce Sutter

Career: Bruce Sutter is the only player on this bomb squad list to make the Baseball Hall of Fame. The premiere reliever of his era, Bruce led the league in saves every year between 1979 and 1982. He also led the league in saves in 1984 and won the Cy Young Award in 1982. He made the Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Bomb squad: This certainly seemed like a good acquisition at the time. Bruce had just come off another stellar season when he joined the Braves as a free agent in 1985. But arm troubles and ineffectiveness sank his save total that year to 23, about half what he had the year before. His ERA was never under 4.34 during his three years with Atlanta and was released before the 1989 season. Needless to say, on his Hall of Fame bust he isn't wearing a Braves cap.

Bruce Sutter 1982

#61 LEN BARKER

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#61 LEN BARKER

ATLANTA BRAVES 1983-1985

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Len Barker 1985

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Len Barker

Career: Barker won 19 games for the Cleveland Indians in 1981. He pitched the first major league perfect game in fifteen years in 1981. He had another good season in 1982, winning 15 games. He slumped a bit in 1983 before being traded to the Braves for Brett Butler late in the season.

The Bomb squad: Yes, the Len Barker for Brett Butler and Brook Jacoby stands alone as the Braves worst trade of the decade. It would have been a bad trade if it had been Barker for just Brook Jacoby! But giving up fan favorite Butler, who went on to be one of the best lead-off hitters in baseball over the next fifteen years really makes this trade stand out. But you can see why the Braves wanted to acquire a proven winning starting pitcher, but arm troubles plagued Barker for the next three seasons. He was no help in the 1983 pennant race and finished his last year with the Braves in 1985 at 2-9. I link the Barker trade as the set-off point for the Braves dismal run during the late 80's.

Len Barker 1980

#62 JOHN MONTEFUSCO

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#62 JOHN MONTEFUSCO

ATLANTA BRAVES 1981

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade

.

John Montefusco 1981

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-John Montefusco

Career: John "The Count" Montefusco made a big splash in the mid-70's with the Giants posting 15 wins during his rookie of the year season of 1975 and 16 the following year. He even had the audacity to throw a no-hitter against the Braves on September 29th, 1976. He also led the league in shutouts that year and made the all-star team.

The Bomb squad: Montefusco's career began to taper off by the end of the 70's, so the natural move was to trade him away to the Braves. In the Count's first start for the Braves in 1981, he gave up only one hit in six innings of work. His first win for the Braves came against his old teammates in San Francisco on April 23rd. He won only one more game for the Braves during the strike-shortened 1981 season and became a free agent at the end of the season.

John Montefusco 1976

#63 AL HRABOSKY

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#64 AL HRABOSKY

ATLANTA BRAVES 1980-1982

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Al Hrabosky 1981

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Al Hrabosky

Career: Al Hrabosky had a fine career as a reliever with the Cardinals and the Royals during the 70's. He led the NL in saves and winning percentage in 1975. He is best remembered for psyching himself out behind the pitchers mound before slamming the ball into his glove and going to work on the batter with a good fastball and an even better fu manchu moustache.

The Bomb squad: I was happy when the Braves got the colorful reliever when the Braves signed Al as a free agent before the 1980 season.  In Al's first game as a Brave, he came in the bottom of the ninth against the Reds on April 12, 1980 to preserve a one-run lead. It was great to see Al go through all his eccentric machinations in a Brave uniform and then strikeout the first batter! After giving up a hit, he got out Ken Griffey before facing the next batter. But then, Dave Conepcion hits a game winning two-run homer and all of a sudden Al's eccentricities suddenly seemed kind of embarrassing. . 

He did okay overall during his his first two seasons with Atlanta, even posting a 1.07 ERA in 24 games in 1981. But by 1982, his fastball was gone and his ERA ballooned to 5.54. He was released after the end of that season.

It's a shame thing didn't work out for Al as a Brave. I always liked him.

Al Hrabosky 1977

#64 JODY DAVIS

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#64 JODY DAVIS

ATLANTA BRAVES 1988-1990

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Jody Davis 1989

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Jody Davis

Career: During his seven plus years as a catcher with the Cubs, Jody made two all-star teams. He hit 17 or more home runs four years in a row, including 24 in 1983. Jody also hit .389 for the Cubs during the 1984 playoffs.

The Bomb squad: Jody's brief career with the Braves resulted in a less than whopping batting average of .161. In his first game after being acquired from the Cubs, he hit a three-run homer off of Tom Browning of the Reds. But, alas, it was not a sign of things to come for the Gainsville, Georgia native and he was released in 1990.

Jody Davis 1982

#65 ODDIBE McDOWELL

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#65 ODDIBE McDOWELL

ATLANTA BRAVES 1989-1990

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.
 

Oddibe McDowell "in action" in 1991

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Oddibe McDowell

Career: In his first two years as a lead-off man for the Texas Rangers, he hit for power (18 home runs both years). He also stole over 25 bases during his first five seasons.

The Bomb squad: During his first year with the Braves, he actually hit .304 in about half a season. He slumped to .234 in 1990 and was released before the 1991 season. Oddibe's only multi-home run game as a Braves came against Doug Drabek of the Pirates on August 29, 1989. He also gave ESPN's Chris Berman fodder for one of his better nicknames, Oddibe "young again" McDowell.

Oddibe McDowell 1984

#66 OMAR MORENO

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#66 OMAR MORENO

ATLANTA BRAVES 1985

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Omar Moreno 1987

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Omar Moreno

Career: Omar led NL in steals in 1978 and 1979. Was the star lead off-man for the "We are Family" Pirate teams during that time. Had eleven hits in the 1979 World Series.

The Bomb squad: Omar was given one last chance to assert himself for the Braves during the 1986 season. His best game was a 5 for 5 performance against the Padres on August 13th, but hit only .234 on the season overall. He was released at the end of the 1986 season.

Omar Moreno 1979

#67 RICK CERONE

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#67 RICK CERONE

ATLANTA BRAVES 1985

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Rick Cerone

Rick Cerone 1986

Career: Regular catcher for the Yankees during the early 80's. Played in 1981 World Series. Best season was 85-RBI season in 1980. 

The Bomb squad: When the Braves acquired Cerone in 1985, his best years were definitely behind him. He hit .216 with the Braves in 96 games. This included three homers, including a blast off Nolan Ryan of April 19, 1985. After the '85 season, he was traded to Milwaukee for future bomb squad captain Ted Simmons.

Cerone shared his 1977 rookie card
with Dale Murphy.

#68 GARY ROENICKE

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#68 GARY ROENICKE
ATLANTA BRAVES 1987-1988

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Gary Roenicke

Gary Roenicke 1987

Career: Eight year career with Baltimore included 25 and 21 home run seasons and appearances in the 1979 and 1983 World Series.

The Bomb squad: A role player and real bomb squad member during his final two years with the Braves. He did manage nine home runs in this role in 1987. His best Brave game was probably a two-homer game against Jamie Moyer and the Cubs on August 20, 1987,

Gary Roenicke 1980

#69 GAYLORD PERRY

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#69 GAYLORD PERRY

ATLANTA BRAVES 1981

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Gaylord Perry 1982

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Gaylord Perry

Career: Hall of Famer. Won the Cy Young award in both leagues. 4-time 20-game winner. 

The Bomb squad: The Braves acquired the famed 42-year-old sometime spitballer in 1981 when he was a dozen wins shy of 300. The baseball strike that year prevented him from reaching that milestone in a Braves uniform. He finished 8-9 that year and led the league in hits given up that season. The thing I remember most about that season with Perry is Bobby Cox running out of players in one game and having to use Gaylord as a pinch-runner. I seem to remember the other team doubling over in laughter when Perry was brought in in that role, but that memory may not be completely accurate.

Gaylord Perry 1962

#70 DARRYL MOTLEY

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#70 DARRYL MOTLEY

ATLANTA BRAVES 1986-1987

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Darryl Motley 1987

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Darryl Motley

Career: Motley had a couple of good seasons with Kansas City in 1984 and 1985, hitting 15 and 17 home runs during those seasons. He is probably best remembered for his at-bat against John Tudor in Game 7 of the 1985 World Series. He hit a mammoth shot that went foul on a 3-2 pitch. He switched bats and hit another blast that went fair and put the Royals up to stay in that game.

The Bomb squad: After being traded to the Braves in 1986, there wouldn't be such heroics. His two-year Brave career resulted in only 2 hits in 19 at-bats. He did manage one RBI in 1987, even though he was 0-8 at the plate that season.

Darryl Motley 1985

This post made me think of the old Motley's Crew
comic strip.

#71 JIM MORRISON

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#71 JIM MORRISON

ATLANTA BRAVES 1988

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Jim Morrison 1989

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Jim Morrison

Career: Before coming to the Braves during his last major league year of 1988, Jim played in parts of 12 seasons in the bigs. Career highlights included playing in all 162 games for the White Sox in 1980. He finished with a career high of 174 hits that season. He hit a career high of 24 home runs as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986.

The Bomb squad: Jim signed as a free agent for the Braves midway through the 1988. He managed to hit only .152 in 92 at-bats for the Braves the remainder of that season. He did hit a home run in his penultimate game that season on September 27, 1988 to send that game into extra innings. The Braves eventually lost that game when Alex Trevino (an ex-Brave) drove in Rafael Ramirez (another ex-Brave!) with the game winning run. Jim also pitched in three games for the Braves that season without giving up a run, but a potential new career as a closer was not to be and 1988 proved to be his last major league season.

Jim Morrison 1980

Jim Morrison 1968

#72 DAMASO GARCIA

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#73 DAMASO GARCIA

ATLANTA BRAVES 1988

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Damaso Garcia 1989

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"-Damaso Garcia

Career: Regular second baseman with the Toronto Blue Jays during much of the 1980's. Made the American League all-star team in 1984 and 1985.

The Bomb squad: The Braves traded Craig McMurtry to the Blue Jays in 1987 for Damaso Garcia. On the positive side for Damaso, he hit his only home run as a Brave on April 17, 1988 off Don Sutton of the Dodgers to lead the team to their first victory of the season! (after losing their first 10!). But the rest of the results weren't quite so nice as Damaso hit only .117 during his brief Brave tenure and was released by May.

Damaso Garcia 1986

#73 DARRELL EVANS

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#73 DARRELL EVANS

ATLANTA BRAVES 1969-1976, 1989

During the Braves late 80's doldrums, the team actually put together a fairly productive bench of reserve players. These players were dubbed "The Bomb Squad" by former all-star Ted Simmons and charter member of the "BS." For my version of the Bomb Squad, I use the phrase in more general terms for eighteen players the Braves got at the wrong end of their career during that decade.

Darrell Evans 1989

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"THE BOMB SQUAD: 1980'S FORMERLY PRODUCTIVE 

MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS THE BRAVES ACQUIRED

NEAR THE END OF THEIR CAREER"...Darrell Evans

Career: Hit over 130 home runs with three different teams during his career (Braves, Giants, Tigers), 2-time all-star, led AL in homers in 1984. Led NL in walks in 1973 and 1974 with the Braves. One of three Braves to hit 40 home runs in 1973 (with Dave Johnson and Hank Aaron).

The Bomb squad: Unlike the other bomb squad members on this list, Darrell had some very productive years as a Brave for part of his career. He was dealt away in 1976 in what turned out to be an ill-advised trade to the Giants for Willie Montanez. By the time he returned to the Braves in 1989, he managed to hit only .207 with 11 homers in limited playing time. He retired after that season and I admit that I'm glad he finished his career in a Brave uniform.

Darrell Evans 1973

#74 RANDY JOHNSON

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#74 RANDY JOHNSON

ATLANTA BRAVES 1981-1984

I have the recollection of reserve infielder Randy Johnson hitting a lot of doubles during his three-year Braves career. When I looked it up, he only had 21 career doubles. Huh. He did have a couple of two double games in 1984, including a June 2 game against the Reds...Maybe that's what I remember.

Randy Johnson of the Braves is not to be confused with
former Mariner fireballer Randy Johnson.

Randy Johnson of the Braves is not to
be confused with former Falcon
quarterback Randy Johnson.

#75 JOE BOEVER

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#75 JOE BOEVER

ATLANTA BRAVES 1987-1990

Twelve year reliever Joe Boever really had his only chance as a closer during his 3+ year stint with the Braves, recording 30 of his career 49 saves during that time. Inevitably nicknamed "Boever the Saver" or "Leave it to Boever," Joe was traded to the Phillies for Marvin Freeman in 1990.

Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver preparing to go
in for the save.

#76 ANDRES THOMAS

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#76 ANDRES THOMAS

ATLANTA BRAVES 1985-1990

Despite being the Braves regular shortstop for a couple of years in the late 80's, there is something about him that never quite set right. His career was kind of a mixed bag. Starting on some of the worst Braves teams of all time, he did have some pop in his bat for the position, hitting 13 homers in 1988 and 1989. He also led the league in starting to turn double plays at shortstop in 1988. 

So what's the problem?

I'm reminded of the negative on the comprehensive Braves website https://rowlandsoffice.wordpress.com,

where he is rated the worst Braves player of all time. Part of the problem was his on-base percentage, which was really awful considering he had only 59 walks in a 2,159 at-bat career. He also led the league in errors at the shortstop position in 1988 and was second in 1987 and 1989. As I said, a mixed bag. 

After being released by the Braves in 1990, he never played in the majors again.

Leading the league in errors at shortstop in 1988 was
not a leader stat mentioned on the back of this card.