The landscape of Atlanta sports changed in 2017.
Literally.
Stadiums were raised, razed and renovated.
There were many more significant moments in sports involving the city, it’s teams and people connected to our region.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution compiled and ranked a list of the 50 biggest moments in Atlanta sports for the year. Over 10 days, we will reveal the list in ascending order, five at a time, until it culminates with the biggest and most defining moment on Dec. 26.
Today: 11-15.
15. Braves hit with substantial penalties
On Oct. 2, Major League Baseball and the Braves announced an investigation into the team’s handling of international free agents that led to the sudden resignation of general manager John Coppolella (more on that in a future installment). On Nov. 21, the bill came due. It included a number of penalties including the forfeiture of 13 signed prospects, including infielder Kevin Maitan. The Braves were also penalized in future signings of international prospects. The decision came after Alex Anthopoulos was hired to replace Coppolella. John Hart who had served as a front office advisor stepped down four days before the announcement.
14. Hawks make over front office
During the Hawks postseason run, despite a drop in production since a trip to the Eastern Conference finals, principal owner Tony Ressler expressed to the AJC his confidence in the front office structure. He said the relationship between president of basketball operations and head coach and general manager Wes Wilcox was a good ground. It was not. It had deteriorated to the point the Hawks announced a major restructure to the organization that returned Budenholzer to just head coach, made Wilcox a special advisor to ownership and opened a search for a general manager and head of basketball operations less than two weeks later on May 5. Travis Schlenk would later be hired to fill that role.
13. Braves hire GM Alex Anthopoulos
With the image and reputation of the Braves tarnished with an MLB investigation into their operations in the international free agent market, the Braves called on Alex Anthopoulos on Nov. 14. Anthopoulos was the general manager of the Blue Jays and built them into a division winner and then helped get the Dodgers to a seven-game World Series in his second season as vice president in baseball operations. The 40-year old was given the ultimate say in baseball operations.
12. Atlanta United make playoffs
Atlanta United’s introduction to the MLS playoffs was filled with shots clanging off posts, a controversial offsides call, tremendous saves and an attendance record. What it didn’t have was a goal or winning team after 120 minutes of soccer. The Atlanta United and Columbus Crew played to a 0-0 draw before the visitors would win a shootout 3-1 on Oct. 26. It was a sudden end to the inaugural season for Atlanta United, the first expansion team to make the playoffs since Seattle in 2009. The season ended with a 15-10-10 record. A fan base and team are already eager for a second season.
11. Falcons win divisional playoff
The Falcons’ high-powered offense rolled into the NFL postseason and then proceeded to blow by the Seahawks. The Falcons won the NFC divisional playoff game, 36-20, on Jan. 15. They put up 36 points against the league’s No. 3 scoring defense that average half that many opponent points. They could have added another touchdown after having a first-and-goal at the Seattle 2-yard line with two minutes left but saw no reason to pile on. The Falcons earned a berth in the NFC championship game – one win away from the organization’s second Super Bowl appearance. Matt Ryan threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns.
The list so far:
11. Falcons win divisional playoff
12. Atlanta United make playoffs
13. Braves hire GM Alex Anthopoulos
14. Hawks make over front office
15. Braves hit with substantial penalties
16. Hawks hire GM Travis Schlenk
17. Atlanta United sets MLS attendance record
18. Kyle Shanahan out/Steve Sarkisian in as Falcons OC
19. Philips Arena begins major renovation
20. Georgia Tech makes NIT final
21. Georgia reaches No. 1 in College Football Playoff rankings
22. Atlanta United gets first win
23. Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof problems
24. Hawks trade Dwight Howard
25. Atlanta United play first game
26. Braves finally find deal for new spring training home
27. Georgia Tech fails to make bowl game
28. Braves pick up 2018 option on Brian Snitker
29. Hawks blow up roster in youth movement
30. Freddie Freeman breaks wrist after MVP-caliber start
31. Hawks eliminated from playoffs by Wizards
32. Devonta Freeman signs big contract
33. Falcons’ PSL sales become issue
34. Brian McCann wins World Series with Astros
35. Falcons draft Takk McKinley
36. Hawks draft John Collins
37. Deshaun Watson leads Clemson to national championship
38. Tour Championship double winners
39. Sergio Garcia wins Masters
40. Brad Keselowski wins Atlanta NASCAR race
41. Hawks open practice facility
42. Ascension of Brave’ Ronald Acuna
43. Kennesaw football wins conference, goes to playoffs
44. Georgia State takes over Turner Field
45. John Isner wins fourth BB&T title
46. Georgia Swarm win National Lacrosse League title
47. Matt Stafford gets NFL-record contract
48. Braves release of Bartolo Colon
49. Rams hire Dunwoody’s Sean McVay
50. Warrick Dunn in Falcons Ring of Honor
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