ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A former Atlanta Braves player is petitioning to have one more day on the major league team’s roster. It’s not just for the love of the game – there’s money on the line, too.

Gary Cooper spent years playing in the minor leagues in Savannah. But in 1980, the Braves called him up to the big leagues.

“It’s something that every kid wants to do, you know – play professional baseball,” Cooper said. “I was in front of 45,000 people. Man, it was crazy!”

He played in 21 games, the first against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mostly used as a pinch runner and substitute outfielder, Cooper was on the roster for 42 glorious days. He says they were some of the best days of his life.

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But his tenure ended just one day short of qualifying for an MLB pension when he was sent back to the minor leagues in Savannah.

It’s a story that’s captured the attention of many, including Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, who tweeted about Cooper this week and signed his own name to an online petition calling for the Braves to offer Cooper a one-day contract.

“I was like, ‘Wow, really? Like, really?’” Johnson said. “We’re only talking maybe about $500 or $600 a month. But someone in their late 60s, that means a whole lot of difference.”

Robert Jonas started the petition for Cooper, and hired him to work for his landscaping business, as the former baseball pro has fallen on hard financial times.

Jonas is hoping the Braves and MLB will have the heart to help Cooper through this inning of his life.

“He’s supposed to be enjoying this time. So, we’re trying everything we possibly can to help him out,” Jonas said.

“I’ll do my best. Whatever it takes,” Cooper said. “One more day – it’s all I ask.”

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