Ted Turner, former Braves owner, media mogul, dies at 87 - ESPN

Ted Turner, the former owner of the Atlanta Braves and Hawks who made his mark as a media mogul and a philanthropist, has died at the age of 87.

Turner died Wednesday at his home near Tallahassee, Florida, according to a family spokesman.

In September 2018, Turner revealed that he was battling Lewy body dementia, an ailment that causes a progressive decline in mental abilities with physical signs and symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

Turner purchased the Braves in January 1976 following a 67-94 season by the club, saying at a news conference: «I don't want to see any more headlines calling Atlanta 'Loserville U.S.A.' I want to see Winnersville U.S.A.,'» He helped open baseball's free agent price wars by signing pitcher Andy Messersmith shortly after buying the team and once managed the club for a day — May 11, 1977.

The Braves won a World Series in 1995.

«Our good friend and former owner, Ted Turner, was one of a kind — a brilliant businessman, consummate showman and passionate fan of his beloved Braves,» the team said in a statement. «Ted's visionary leadership and innovative approach to broadcast television transformed the Braves into 'America's Team.'

»… We will miss you, Ted. You helped make us who we are today, and the Atlanta Braves are forever grateful for the impact you made on our organization and in our community."

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In addition to owning the Braves, Turner bought a majority stake in the Hawks in 1977. He said at the time that he purchased the team to keep it from moving out of the Atlanta area. The Hawks made the playoffs 15 times during Turner's ownership, and the club retired a jersey in honor of him in 2004.

«I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ted Turner — a true