ATLANTA, Ga. – Atlanta Braves president John Schuerholz announced today that, effective immediately, John Hart has been named as President, Baseball Operations.
Hart has agreed to terms on a three-year contract that will run through December 31, 2017, and will carry the Braves through their first season in SunTrust Park, which is slated to be ready for the 2017 season opener.
"I'm delighted that John Hart has agreed to accept the position of President, Baseball Operations," Schuerholz said. "Our organization is now poised to move forward in the best possible manner to do the important work that lies ahead. John's credentials speak for themselves. He has had great success as a baseball executive and demonstrated remarkable ability to construct championship teams. We are excited by John's dynamic and positive leadership style and look forward to him leading our baseball operations."
Hart, 66, was named Atlanta's interim general manager on September 22. He joined the Braves in November 2013 as senior advisor, baseball operations. Hart spent eight seasons (2006-13) as a senior advisor with the Texas Rangers organization, following four seasons (2002-05) as that club's general manager. He has been an analyst for the MLB Network since 2009.
Before joining the Rangers in November 2001, Hart spent 13 seasons with the Cleveland Indians, including the last 10 as executive vice president and general manager. After not advancing to postseason play since 1954, Cleveland captured six American League Central Division titles in a span of seven seasons (1995-2001), including two American League pennants (1995 and '97) under Hart's leadership. He was honored by The Sporting News as the Major League Executive of the Year in both 1994 and '95.
