Some bold moves pay off long term (1990)

1990 was a pivotal year for the Braves. Bobby Cox moved back into the dug out as manager replacing Russ Nixon. He had been fired in 1981 at the close of his 4th season. But his return heralded better days. Of course, the record that year didn’t reflect it. The Braves end sixth in the NL West, 26 games behind the leader.

Dale Murphy, in a bold move, was traded to Philadelphia. That made room for David Justice to move to right. Greg Olson, who to some extent was a minor league castoff, began to shine as an All Star catcher. Ron Gant joined the 30-30 club. Mark Lemke became a full-time major leaguer. Steve Avery and Charlie Leibrandt arrived on the scene.

It was indeed a landmark year for the future even if the record didn’t show it.