Braves players, president react to fan death at Turner Field

The Atlanta Braves held a moment of silence prior to their Sunday afternoon game against the New York Yankees for Greg "Ace" Murrey, who tragically died after falling from the upper deck at Turner Field one day earlier.

"It was the worst moment in my 20 years of broadcasting major league games," said radio broadcaster Jim Powell. "I had no interest in continuing."

A number of Braves players also offered their reaction, with many having family members sitting close to where the incident occurred.

"It was within 10 feet of her," second baseman Jace Peterson said of his girlfriend who was sitting near where Murrey fell. "Everybody's family who was here definitely experienced some part of it. It's not good for anyone to see something like that.

"I know there were quite a few players in here whose families were right there within a few feet away," he continued. "I heard some pretty graphic stuff. I mean, it's not something I really want to get into. It's just unfortunate."

Jonny Gomes meanwhile expressed his concern that more fans were in danger due to the fact that the game was never halted.

"I've played this game a long time, seen a couple scenarios similar," the outfielder explained. "But you're talking about real-life death. The game didn't even stop.

"People were not watching the game when this occurred. Foul balls could have started plunking people. They have signs all game long about, stay alert, watch the ball. And then you've got 500 people looking the other direction wondering what's going on."

Team president John Schuerholz - who told reporters that grief counselors were available for all players and their families - was asked about future changes to the stadium regarding fan safety.

"That's not something we're thinking about now, but something we always think about. It's something that every major league team thinks about, at all times.

"We're making sure that we deal with this tragedy in the appropriate manner first. Not to dismiss the importance of all those (future structural) issues, but there will be another time and another moment to focus on those."