A former Atlanta Braves player is urging the team to re-sign him, even if it’s just for a single day, to fulfill the 43-day requirement for his pension, a pursuit he’s been engaged in for over four decades.
Gary Cooper, a 67-year-old native of Garden City, dedicated his youth to baseball, playing in the minor leagues with the AA Savannah Braves. His dream came true when he was called up by the Atlanta Braves in 1980, playing alongside legendary figures like Hank Aaron. Despite his brief stint in the majors, he fell short of the 43-day threshold for pension eligibility due to an unexpected rule change that year.
Despite appeals to Major League Baseball and the Players Association being denied, Cooper remains determined. He’s inspired by instances where players like Hank Aaron and Satchel Paige were supported in securing their pensions. Cooper’s plea has gained traction, with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and over 10,000 supporters rallying behind him, emphasizing the significant impact even a modest pension would have on his life, especially considering his recent struggles with homelessness and financial instability.
In essence, Cooper’s story underscores the enduring passion for the game and the quest for fairness in honoring commitments made to players who dedicated their lives to baseball.