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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 11, 1977: Braves owner Ted Turner gives manager Dave Bristol a 10-day paid leave and takes over as field manager. After the Braves lose again—for the 17th straight—to the Pirates 2–1, with Phil Niekro going to 0–7, Turner is relieved of his new job by NL president Chub Feeney. A league rule prohibits a manager from owning a financial interest in his club. Turner then makes a public plea claiming harassment, but names 3B coach Vern Benson the manager for the May 12th game.
»May 12, 1977: With Vern Benson as manager, the Braves win—finally—beating the Pirates in Pittsburgh, 6–1. Tomorrow, the team will return home and Benson will return to coaching 3B. Dave Bristol will cut short his 10 day leave and once again take the helm. The team will resume their play under Bristol with a shutout loss to the Cardinals.