Three years ago, the Chicago Cubs rolled into Atlanta for a late-September series that carried serious playoff implications. But for one surreal moment, the game itself took a backseat to history.

Ronald Acuña Jr. had just stolen second base in the 10th inning of a tie game—his 70th steal of the season—making him the first player ever to hit 40 home runs and swipe 70 bases in a single campaign. As Acuña picked up the base and celebrated, a highlight montage played on the video board, delaying the game.

"We're really stopping the game for a highlight montage?" Cubs announcer Boog Sciambi asked on Marquee Sports Network, disbelief in his voice. Analyst Jim Deshaies chimed in: "Can we get the base after the game? This is pretty absurd. I mean, it's a hell of an accomplishment, but..."

The Cubs lost that game moments later. That series would mark the beginning of the end for manager David Ross's tenure, as Chicago slipped out of a wild-card spot.

Now, under new skipper Craig Counsell, the Cubs return to Truist Park for another pivotal matchup against the Braves. But this time, the emotion runs deeper. Atlanta will honor two of its most beloved figures: former owner Ted Turner and Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox, both of whom passed away last week.

Turner was a visionary who transformed the Braves into "America's Team" by broadcasting games nationally on his superstation, TBS—a blueprint the Tribune Company would later follow with WGN-9 and the Cubs. He also holds the distinction of being the last owner to manage a game. After a 16-game losing streak in 1977, Turner sent skipper Dave Bristol on vacation and installed himself as manager.

Can you imagine Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts or White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf pulling on a uniform and stepping into the dugout? Go ahead, clean up that coffee you just spit out.

Turner had no clue what he was doing. When Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro jokingly asked where he would bat, Turner replied: "Hell, I don't know. You've been around here long enough. Hit wherever you want." Niekro told him to slot him into the usual nine-hole. The Braves lost that game, and Turner was banned from the dugout for violating baseball etiquette.

Now, as the Cubs and Braves prepare to square off, the tributes will be heartfelt and well-deserved. For a Cubs team looking to make its own statement, it's a reminder that baseball is about more than just the final score—it's about the legends who built the game we love.