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Atlanta Braves Leaving Fulton County: Crime Dog Catches Fire

By Dan Horton

Mar 5, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves special assistant to baseball operations Fred McGriff (27) jokes with the umpires before the start of the spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves special assistant to baseball operations Fred McGriff (27) jokes with the umpires before the start of the spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Braves Welcome A New Hero; The Crime Dog

July 20th, 1993, the Atlanta Braves almost didn’t play.

The moment on this night was an auspicious night for everyone in attendance. On this day, the famed “Press Box Fire” occurred. There was also a new player in town, and the events leading up to the game were overshadowed by the arrival of Fred McGriff.

If you would like to feel even older, check out the CNN coverage from later that night talking about the fire here.

Trader John Schuerholz masterminded one of the greatest trades since acquiring John Smoltz. Fred McGriff’s arrival to Atlanta, and the very real, metaphor-like fire in the press box, excited fans all over Braves Country. McGriff didn’t disappoint. In his first game as a Brave, in the bottom of the sixth inning, McGriff caught fire.

He blasted the game tying home run to straight away center field. Cardinal center fielder and future Brave Brian Jordan, watched it sail over the wall.

Fred McGriff was a steal from San Diego. Actually, it was highway robbery. Years since the trade, the players sent to the Padres never developed into the prospects they were billed to be.

Minor Leaguer Vince Moore and MLBers Donnie Elliott and Melvin Nieves went to San Diego. Nieves had a respectable time as a Padre, but never really blossomed into what was expected of him.

Looking back, it was a surreal and very defining moment in Fulton County Stadium history, as well as Braves history. No one will forget the night Fulton County, and the Braves, caught fire en route to another division title.

The moment and the events on that night were definitely scary. Fans arriving early had to leave the stadium. Players halted batting practice. And fire and rescue crews worked to put out the flames. The game almost didn’t happen, and after the night was over, Atlanta had secured another win, 8-5, and finished that season with 104 wins.

Next: Morning Chop: It's Getting a Little Netty in Here

Thanks Crime Dog for a great memory and moment. You’ll always be a Brave, and you’ll always have a home in #Hotlanta.

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