Braves Fire Tanner and Hire Nixon

CHICAGO — Manager Chuck Tanner was fired by the Atlanta Braves Sunday and Braves’ minor league manager Russ Nixon was named as his replacement, general manager Bobby Cox said.

Coaches Willie Stargell, Bob Skinner, Al Monchak and Tony Bartirome were also fired.

“We appreciate the many contributions that Chuck and his staff have made over the last few years but we felt it was time for a change,” Cox said in a statement.

Atlanta is 12-27, the worst record in the National League. The Braves lost their first 10 games this season.

Tanner, 20th in victories on the all-time managing list, was fired after the Braves beat Pittsburgh, 6-4, Sunday. Atlanta is in last place in the NL West, 11 1/2 games behind Houston.

The Braves retained pitching coach Bruce Dal Canton and bullpen coach Brian Snitker. Atlanta named Bobby Wine, Roy Majtyka and Clarence Jones as new coaches.

Stargell, who played for Tanner in Pittsburgh and been on his coaching staff with the Pirates, is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer.

Tanner and the coaches were told off their dismissal when they arrived Sunday night in Chicago, where the Braves play today.

The Braves finished last under Tanner in 1986 and were fifth in 1987.

The Braves were 153-208 under Tanner, who took over the team in the 1986 season.