Today in Braves history: McGriff acquired in trade

Fred McGriff’s career with the Braves began with a bang 26 years ago.

On July 18, 1993, McGriff was acquired in a trade with the Padres for prospects Melvin Nieves, Vince Moore and Donnie Elliott. Two days later, in his first game with the team, McGriff homered to help the Braves to a come-from-behind win over the Cardinals in what became known as the press-box fire game.

During batting practice before the game, McGriff and his new Braves teammates watched from the field as the press box at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium caught on fire and burned for nearly an hour.