A former Atlanta Braves player is calling on the team to sign him again – for just one day – so he can qualify for a pension he’s been trying to get for more than 40 years. For 67-year-old Gary Cooper, baseball was everything. He spent several seasons playing in the minor leagues with the AA Savannah Braves. Then, in the summer of 1980, he got word the legendary Hank Aaron was calling him up to play for the Atlanta Braves. The season ended for the Braves 42 days and 21 games later, and Cooper was eventually sent back to the minors, not knowing he was just one service day short of qualifying for a pension. In order to be eligible for a pension from Major League Baseball and MLB Players Association, players must have 43 days on an active roster. Cooper has appealed to the MLB and Players Association twice and was denied a pension. Now, he is hoping to be signed to the Braves for one day in efforts to meet the qualification.
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Executive Producer: Steve Barnes
Hosts: Steve Barnes, Leslie Fram
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