As you’ll see in this installment of six things we learned in Atlanta sports business this week, the business of the Braves dominated the week:
1. JOHN SCHUERHOLZ STEPS ASIDE AS BRAVES PRESIDENT. After 8 1/2 years as the Braves' president, and 17 years before that as their general manager, Schuerholz moved into an advisory position as the team's vice chairman. The Braves promoted Mike Plant and Derek Schiller to president of development and president of business, respectively. Details here.
2. SCHUERHOLZ PLEASED WITH NEW ROLE. Schuerholz, 75, described himself as "very happy" about the change. He said he'll still be actively engaged with the team, particularly in the area of player personnel, but also vowed to spend more time with his family and have "a better balance in my life." Details here.
3. BRAVES CEO WANTS SCHUERHOLZ IN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME. "My fondest hope is that the Cooperstown Hall of Fame notices all that John has done … and that he gets a call from them in the very near future," Terry McGuirk said. Details here on how and when that could happen.
4. PALM BEACH AND SARASOTA AREAS REMAIN FOCUS OF BRAVES' SEARCH FOR NEW SPRING-TRAINING HOME. In an interview, McGuirk offered some insight into those two options and where the process stands. Details here.
5. FAREWELL SEASON AT TURNER FIELD WILL FEATURE SOME CHANGES. When fans arrive at The Ted for Monday's season opener, the absent Chick-fil-A cow and a countdown display on the outfield wall will signal that the ballpark's days are numbered. Details here.
6. COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME HIRES NEW CEO. The downtown Atlanta attraction hired veteran marketing executive Dennis Adamovich, who previously worked at Coca-Cola and Turner Broadcasting, as chief executive officer. Details here.
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