Black Armbands for Alanta Braves 1978-1980

[RJB44]

I came across this Bob Horner card (81 Donruss). Didn't the Braves switch to a completely different style in 1980? I would think this is what they wore from 1976-1979. Also, I could not find anything about the the black arm band. I know they wore one in 1984 for former player and coach Tommie Aaron.

[cordovacollector]

Is it just me, or does it look like that might not be an armband but rather a sort of "censor" mark to cover an "improper" word (ala Billy Ripken bat) or a team name or logo or something that wasn't allowed to be on the card. It looks like too square of a box ... or are my eyes just tired from all the fireworks last night?

[commando]

Here's Joe Niekro's 1981 Fleer card. Since Fleer and Donruss both released their first baseball sets in many years in 1981, I think they probably had to purchase some of their photos from whichever sources were available. The Horner and Niekro photos are from 1979, in my opinion.

Here's a 1980 Bob Horner card, to further prove the jersey(s) are from 1979.

[cordovacollector]

This is very interesting! That blows my theory out of the water. Hope someone much wiser can solve this!

[skipcarayislegend]

Just spoke with someone about this. The arm bands were apparently worn in late 1979 and appeared on road tops only. We're not sure who the bands were for. I'll try and find out.

[skipcarayislegend]

I'm guessing Bill Lucas.

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/a...=.jsp&c_id=atl