What is it about shitty ex-Braves and uniform burning? Frank LaCorte, one of the worst hurlers in Braves history, torched his Astros uni. Talk about your fashion statements, heeeeey!
When Damaso Garcia burned his Blue Jays togs in the summer of ’86 the Braves pounced, acquiring the two-time All Star with a .293 BA and an average of 34 SB over five seasons for Craig McMurtry, was was 10-26 over his last three years in Atlanta. The late Jesse Outlar of the Atlanta Constitution called the deal “almost too good to be true.”
It was true, but there was nothing good about it. Garcia missed the entire ’87 season with knee problems, returning the following year a shell of his former self. Garcia totaled just seven hits as a Brave — three of which came in the ’88 opener. After that, he managed but four hits in 53 AB. That’s an .075 BA. His .117 BA that year was lower than pitchers Rick Mahler, Zane Smith and Charlie Puleo.
While his talent dissipated, Garcia was as big an asshole as ever. He was released in May after twice pulling himself from the line-up and refusing to play third base.
The Braves celebrated Garcia’s departure by burning his uniform.
Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the worst team Atlanta has ever seen, regardless of sport. Despite having 5 present, future or borderline Hall of Famers (Bruce Sutter, Glavine, Smoltz, Murph, Ted Simmons), the ’88 Braves lost 106 and should have lost more. They ranked next-to-last or last in the NL in:
