Ron Gant leaves WAGA’s “Good Day Atlanta” after 14 years

Former Atlanta Braves star Ron Gant has retired from his role as a morning news anchor at Fox-owned WAGA in Atlanta, Georgia, ending a 14-year run on “Good Day Atlanta.”

Gant, 61, made his final appearance Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, after announcing his departure the previous week. He said the decision was his own and that he wanted to spend more time with family following his father’s death in October 2025.

“This was completely my decision,” Gant told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “When my father passed away last October, it really made me reevaluate my life. I spent a lot of years not being at my kids’ events or being around family. I traveled so much.”

Gant joined WAGA in October 2012, making the transition from professional baseball and sports commentary to local morning news. He became a regular co-anchor of the station’s 6 and 7 a.m. broadcasts.

His arrival brought a familiar name to Atlanta television audiences. Gant played seven seasons with the Braves from 1987 to 1993 and was a member of the team’s 1991 National League championship roster, which advanced to the World Series after finishing last in its division the previous season.

Gant spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing for eight teams, earning two All-Star selections and hitting 321 career home runs.

Following his retirement from baseball, he worked as a commentator on Braves broadcasts for TBS and as an analyst for MLB Network. He also spent four years covering the Braves for Fox Sports South before joining WAGA.

Gant acknowledged that becoming a news anchor required learning skills he had not developed during his sports broadcasting career, including reading from a teleprompter. He credited longtime WAGA anchor Russ Spencer with helping him make the transition.

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The station recognized Gant’s contributions during his final week, with colleagues sharing memories of his years on the morning program.

“Ron Gant has been helping North Georgia wake up with a smile for more than a decade,” said Bill Schneider, WAGA senior vice president and general manager, in a statement. “His transition from the baseball field to the anchor desk showed that his greatest talent goes beyond sports or broadcasting — it’s his ability to connect with people.”

Gant thanked viewers for their support during his farewell announcement.

“Thank you guys so much. You’ve been so supportive,” he said. “You’re always going to be part of my life no matter what.”

Gant plans to maintain his home in the Atlanta area while traveling more frequently to Texas to visit his mother, sister and other relatives. Four of his five adult children live in metropolitan Atlanta.

He also expects to continue his association with the Braves, including conducting baseball clinics for season ticket holders, while spending more time playing golf.

His departure follows other changes to the “Good Day Atlanta” lineup. Anchor Natalie McCann left WAGA in June 2026 after a decade at the station, while Justina Latimer joined the morning team in September 2026.

WAGA has not announced a permanent replacement for Gant’s chair.