Jimmy Carter death: Former president's love of Atlanta sports ran deep

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Former United States President Jimmy Carter watches the action between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros during Game One of the 2005 National League Divison Series on Oct. 5, 2005, at Turner Field in Atlanta. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty

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ATLANTA - While many know former President Jimmy Carter from his work as an elder statesman, human rights and housing advocate, and man of faith, one title had a special place in his heart - sports fan. 

Carter was a lifelong fan of the Atlanta Braves and often could be spotted with his wife Rosalynn at the team's games.

SEE MORE: Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States, dies at 100

He was in attendance when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s Major League Baseball home run record at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on April 8, 1974. More than two decades later, he threw out the first pitch in Game 6 of the 1995 World Series between the Braves and the Cleveland Indians.

Even at the end of his life, Carter would keep up with the team, watching games while in hospice at his home in Plains, Georgia.

Governors Jimmy Carter (R) of Georgia and Sherman Tribbitt (C) of Delaware draw a big laugh from Braves' slugger Hank Aaron as they visit him in the clubhouse on Sept. 27, 1973, after the Braves' rained out bout with the Dodgers. (Getty Images)

"The Atlanta Braves are deeply saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter," the Braves said in a statement. "President Carter was a testament to the best America, and Georgia, can produce.

"He served both his country and home state with honor his entire life. While the world knew him as a remarkable humanitarian and peacemaker, we knew him as a dedicated Braves fan and we will miss having him in the stands cheering on his Braves. Our deepest condolences to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren."

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FOX 5's Buck Lanford remembered being with Carter during Game 7 of the National League Championships in 1992 when the Braves' Francisco Cabrera slid into home plate, securing a last-minute win for the team.

Lanford was an intern working for the sports department at the time and happened to be at the same place by the team's locker room with Carter and Evander Holyfield.

"When Sid slid, the entire stadium erupted, and me - an intern - jumping up and down celebrating with Jimmy Carter and a heavyweight champion of the world," Lanford remembered. "The Secret Service didn't care. They were jumping around too.

Jimmy Carter and the NFL

 As president, Carter made history by being the first to welcome a Super Bowl champion to the White House, beginning a tradition that has continued to this day.

Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates met with Carter in 1980.

 Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement before Sunday's kickoff saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of his good friend and mentor. 

"He lived his life with great civic responsibility and took it upon himself to be the change he wished to see amongst others," Blank said. "On behalf of my family and our family of businesses, we send a heartfelt message of condolence to his loved ones. President Carter’s kind and uniting spirit touched so many lives. He was a man of deep faith, and did everything with principle and grace, doing things the right way for the right reasons."

Jimmy Carter and the Hawks

Carter would also cheer on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.

The former president and first lady received cheers from fans after appearing on the Hawks' Kiss Cam on Valentine's Day in 2021.

The Hawks responded to the news of Carter's death by saying he "represented all the best of Georgia."

"From his rural upbringing that he never strayed from, to his passion for Atlanta sports, Carter was proud of his home state and left a legacy for Georgians to be proud of, too," the Hawks wrote. "He showed the world for a century what could be accomplished when leadership, faith, and diplomacy meet southern hospitality. He and his wife Rosalynn left Georgia and our nation better than they found it, pouring their lives into service, especially for those who could not protect or provide for themselves. Our deepest condolences along with our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."