Former Braves first baseman Bob Watson dies at 74

Bob Watson mainly made a name for himself in Houston. He played 14 years for the Astros and was a two-time All-Star. But the big right-handed hitter finished his great career with the Atlanta Braves.

Watson died Thursday night at the age of 74. He will also be remember as the second African-American general manager and the first to win a World Series, when his Yankees beat the Braves in 1996.

The Braves got Watson in a trade on April 23, 1982 for right-handed pitching prospect Scott Patterson (who later became an actor, known for his work on Gilmore Girls). Watson was acquired to be the main pinch-hitter and backup to Chris Chambliss at first base.

And Watson did that very well. In 1982, he…