Box 17, Folder 6, Document 125

Box 17, Folder 6, Document 125

Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. and Arthur Montgomery, Chairman of the
Stadium Authority, invited me to visit Atlanta to look at the new municipal
stadium being built and to make a first-hand inspection of the growth and

expansion in this fine city and its supporting region,

The Stadium Authority has given me a firm contract for consideration
of the Braves. I am taking this back to Chicago as part of the evaluation I

am making regarding the Braves' future.

The Braves recognize the responsibility and public trust involved in
even considering the moving of a professional sports franchise from one area
to another. However, since baseball is truly a national sport, we can no longer
ignore the vast areas of this country which do not currently enjoy our great

game,

I want to compliment the people of Atlanta, Mayor Allen, Arthur
Montgomery, the Stadium Authority and the other elected officials for their
foresight in creating the facilities and atmosphere for the inevitable
introduction of major league sports to the southeastern area of the United

States.

STATEMENT BY WILLIAM C,. BARTHOLOMAY
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
MILWAUKEE BRAVES

October 14, 1964