Braves at Padres 4/6/1982 - Opening Day

Just weeks earlier, Phil Niekro was throwing batting practice to the Braves starting line-up before a Spring Training game. Rick Mahler hit a line drive that misses the "L-screen" protector and hit Niekro in the rib. Niekro would start the year on the "Disabled List" and Mahler would be chosen to replace Niekro as the opening day starter. Niekro didn't make the trip to San Diego for opening day but he called Mahler after the game in his hotel room to congratulate him.

This Braves 1-0 win would be the first of 13 straight wins to start the season.

Mahler's Dad recorded this game on a betamax machine. This is why only Mahler is mostly shown and most of Braves offense wasn't recorded.