Longtime Atlanta Braves announcer and former Milwaukee Braves pitcher Ernie Johnson, Sr. died at the age of 87 Friday night. The passing of the "voice of the Braves" prompted the organization to announce its players will wear a special patch in his honor for the remainder of the season.
In this statement, president John Schuerholz spoke for the rest of the franchise and its fan base:
The Braves family has suffered a great loss today. Ernie was the heart and soul of the Braves for so long, first as a player and then as the voice of the team in the broadcast booth. Our hearts are heavy today and we will miss him dearly. We send our deepest condolences to his wife of 63 years, Lois, his children, Dawn, Chris and Ernie Jr., and to his grandchildren.
Johnson passed away while under hospice care and with his wife beside him.
For more on Johnson and the Braves, head to Talking Chop.