Ted Turner is one of America’s most well known media moguls and philanthropists.  Besides being known by many as the founder and owner of CNN or as the man that donated $1 billion to the UN, Turner also had important influence in the sports world.

On this day, January 14th, in 1976, Ted Turner took over as CEO of the Atlanta Braves baseball franchise.  Turner’s involvement in the franchise included a brief, one-game stint as general manager, but more importantly, Turner gave the Braves coverage on his WTBS network.  For the first time, Atlanta Braves games were televised nationally.  Turner also used his influence to promote the Braves as “America’s Team.” It was through these efforts that the Braves became the first baseball team with a nationwide fan base.

More than thirty years later, the Braves monicker as “America’s Team” still sticks in many parts of the country.  Among his many other accomplishments, Ted Turner can be credited with forever changing the path of the Atlanta Brave franchise. Turner undoubtedly played a large role in creating the prestige and popularity that the Braves enjoy today.