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Show Turner's Braves takeoff "Geez, there are more members of the media here than we used to get at some of our home games," quipped maverick TV and sports entrepreneur Ted Turner before a recent Atlanta Braves game. The press always has had a fascination with underdogs rising to the top of their profession despite -the doomsayers. The Braves have provided the media with reams of good copy. The Braves were picked by virtually every so-called baseball expert to finish in the middle of the National League West. But the team, led by Joe Torre, a much-maligned manager who couldn't hack it as helmsman of the Mets, astounded everyone by racing to a huge lead in the opening weeks of play. ' If the Braves continue on their destructive path, Ted Turner stands to profit because his team is seen nationally on WTBS, the cable "Superstation." 1 More viewer interest should be generated if the Braves win the pennant, which, in turn will enable Turner to hike his station's national advertising rates. He may also come one step closer to his ultimate dream: purchasing a major network. |