Being Stuck Is One Thing, Blaming Elevator Operator Is Another

ATLANTA — Ted Turner, the Atlanta Braves’ owner, was furious when he and his fiancee, actress Jane Fonda, were stuck on an elevator for 10 minutes before Atlanta’s loss to Pittsburgh in Game 5 of the National League playoffs.

The two were stuck with 12 others Monday after they squeezed into the crowded media elevator at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium about 30 minutes before the game.

“Don’t let so many people on. Take charge,” Turner snapped at elevator operator James Walker.

Walker didn’t tell Turner that he and Fonda were responsible for putting the elevator over its 12-person limit.

Because of the extra load, the elevator couldn’t climb the extra 5 feet needed to reach the stadium’s third level.

When Turner suggested someone go through the ceiling, Kamon Simpson, a reporter for the Macon Telegraph, climbed through the elevator roof and pounded on the door for help.

Finally, the doors were opened and the passengers were released.

“It’s like opening night in the theater,” Fonda said. “When you have a bad dress rehearsal, that means the show’s going to be good.”

Maybe in the theater, but not in baseball. The Braves lost to the Pirates, 1-0, to fall behind, three games to two, in the best-of-seven series.