Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Good article Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox MLB The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. The club was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings. The Braves are one of two remaining National League charter franchises that debuted in 1876 and are the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in North America.<ref name="BravesHistory">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="NLast">Template:Cite book</ref> The franchise was known by various names until it adopted the Boston Braves name in 1912.
After 81 seasons and one World Series title in Boston, the club moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953. With a roster of star players such as Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn, the Milwaukee Braves won the World Series in 1957. Despite the team's success, fan attendance declined. The club's owners moved the team to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1966.
The Braves did not find much success in Atlanta until 1991. From 1991 to 2005, the Braves were one of the most successful teams in baseball, winning an unprecedented 14 consecutive division titles,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> making an MLB record eight consecutive National League Championship Series appearances, and producing one of the greatest pitching rotations in the history of baseball including Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The club has won an MLB record 23 divisional titles, 18 National League pennants, and four World Series championships. The Braves are the only Major League Baseball franchise to have won the World Series in three different home cities.<ref name="CAL">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> At the end of the 2024 season, the Braves' overall win–loss record is Template:Win–loss record (Template:Winning percentage). Since moving to Atlanta in 1966, the Braves have an overall win–loss record of Template:Win–loss record (Template:Winpct) through the end of 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
HistoryEdit
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Boston (1871–1952)Edit
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1871–1913Edit
The Cincinnati Red Stockings, formed in 1869, were the first openly all-professional baseball team but disbanded after the 1870 season.<ref name="longcon">Template:Cite news</ref> Manager Harry Wright and players moved to Boston, forming the Boston Red Stockings, a charter team in the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP).<ref name="beant">Template:Cite book</ref> Led by the Wright brothers, Ross Barnes, and Al Spalding, they dominated the National Association, winning four of five championships.<ref name="NLast"/> The original Boston Red Stockings team and its successors can lay claim to being the oldest continuously playing franchise in American professional sports.<ref name="BravesHistory"/><ref name="longcon"/>
The club was known as the Boston Red Caps when they played the first National League game in 1876, winning against the Philadelphia Athletics.<ref>Events of Saturday, April 22, 1876 Template:Webarchive. Retrosheet. Retrieved September 30, 2011.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Despite a weaker roster in the league's first year, they rebounded to secure the 1877 and 1878 pennants.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Managed by Frank Selee, they were a dominant force in the 19th century, winning eight pennants.<ref name="beant"/><ref name="billyh">Template:Cite book</ref> By 1898, the team was known as the Beaneaters and they won 102 games that season, with stars like Hugh Duffy, Tommy McCarthy, and "Slidin'" Billy Hamilton.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="beant"/><ref name="billyh"/><ref name="McCarthy">Template:Cite book</ref>
In 1901, the American League was introduced, causing many Beaneaters players including stars Duffy and Jimmy Collins to leave for clubs of the rival league.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The team struggled, having only one winning season from 1900 to 1913. In 1907, they temporarily dropped the red color from their stockings due to infection concerns.<ref name="bgbraves"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The club underwent various nickname changes until becoming the Braves before the 1912 season.<ref name="bgbraves">Template:Cite news</ref> The president of the club, John M. Ward named the club after the owner, James Gaffney.<ref name="bgbraves" /> Gaffney was called one of the "braves" of New York City's political machine, Tammany Hall, which used a Native American chief as their symbol.<ref name="bgbraves" /><ref>Kaese, Harold The Boston Braves, Northeastern University Press, 1948.</ref>
1914: MiracleEdit
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In 1914, the Boston Braves experienced a remarkable turnaround in what would become one of the most memorable seasons in baseball history.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Starting with a dismal 4–18 record, the Braves found themselves in last place, trailing the league-leading New York Giants by 15 games after losing a doubleheader to the Brooklyn Robins on July 4.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, the team rebounded with an incredible hot streak, going 41–12 from July 6 to September 5.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On August 3, Joseph Lannin the president of the Red Sox, offered Fenway Park to the Braves free of charge for the remainder of the season since their usual home, the South End Grounds, was too small.<ref name="fenway">Template:Cite news</ref> On September 7 and 8, they defeated the Giants in two out of three games, propelling them into first place.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite being in last place as late as July 18, the Braves secured the pennant, becoming the only team under the old eight-team league format to achieve this after being in last place on the Fourth of July.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> They were in last place as late as July 18, but were close to the pack, moving into fourth on July 21 and second place on August 12.<ref>Cohen, Neft, Johnson and Deutsch, The World Series, The Dial Press, 1976.</ref>
The Braves entered the 1914 World Series led by captain and National League Most Valuable Player, Johnny Evers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Boston club were slight underdogs against Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, they swept the Athletics and won the world championship.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Inspired by their success, owner Gaffney constructed a modern park, Braves Field, which opened in August 1915 and was the largest park in the majors at the time, boasting 40,000 seats and convenient public transportation access.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="bf1915">Template:Cite news</ref>
1915–1952Edit
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From 1917 to 1933, the Boston Braves struggled. After a series of different owners, Emil Fuchs bought the team in 1923.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Fuchs brought his longtime friend, pitching great Christy Mathewson, as part of the syndicate that bought the club.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> However, the death of pitching legend in 1925 left Fuchs in control.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite Fuchs' commitment to success, the team faced challenges overcoming the damage from previous years. It wasn't until 1933 and 1934, under manager Bill McKechnie, that the Braves became competitive, but it did little to help the club's finances.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In an effort to boost fan attendance and finances, Fuchs orchestrated a deal with the New York Yankees to acquire Babe Ruth in 1935.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":10">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Ruth was appointed team vice president with promises of profit shares and managerial prospects.<ref name="Neyer">Template:Cite book</ref> Initially, Ruth seemed to provide a spark on opening day, but his declining skills became evident.<ref name="babebreak">Template:Cite book</ref> Ruth's inability to run and poor fielding led to internal strife, and it became clear that his titles were symbolic.<ref name="babebreak"/> Ruth retired on June 1, 1935, shortly after hitting his last three home runs.<ref name="babebreak"/> The Braves finished the season with a dismal 38–115 record, marking the franchise's worst season.<ref name="Neyer"/>
Fuchs lost control of the team in August 1935,<ref name="Neyer"/> leading to a rebranding attempt as the Boston Bees, but it did little to alter the team's fortune. Construction magnate Lou Perini took over, eventually restoring the Braves' name.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite World War II causing a brief setback, the team, led by pitcher Warren Spahn, enjoyed impressive seasons in 1946 and 1947 under Perini's ownership.<ref name="Neyer"/>
In 1948, the team won the pennant, behind the pitching of Spahn and Johnny Sain.<ref name="48ws">Template:Cite news</ref> The remainder of the rotation was so thin that in September, Boston Post writer Gerald Hern wrote this poem about the pair:<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- First we'll use Spahn
- then we'll use Sain
- Then an off day
- followed by rain
- Back will come Spahn
- followed by Sain
- And followed
- we hope
- by two days of rain.
The poem received such a wide audience that the sentiment, usually now paraphrased as "Spahn and Sain and pray for rain", entered the baseball vocabulary.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The 1948 World Series, which the Braves lost in six games to the Indians, turned out to be the Braves' last hurrah in Boston.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On March 13, 1953, Perini announced he was moving the club to Milwaukee.<ref name="mbrave53">Template:Cite news</ref> Perini cited advent of television and the lack of enthusiasm for the Braves in Boston as the key factors in deciding to move the franchise.<ref name="mbrave53"/>
Milwaukee (1953–1965)Edit
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The Milwaukee Braves' move to Wisconsin for the 1953 season was an immediate success, as they drew a National League-record 1.8 million fans and finished the season second in the league.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Manager Charlie Grimm was named NL Manager of the Year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Throughout the 1950s, the Braves were a National League power; driven by sluggers Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron, the team won two pennants and finished second twice between 1956 and 1959.<ref name="perinimil">Template:Cite book</ref> In 1957, Aaron's MVP season led the Braves to their first pennant in nine years, then a World Series victory against the formidable New York Yankees.<ref name="hankmvp">Template:Cite book</ref> Despite a strong start in the World Series rematch the following season, the Braves ultimately lost the last three games and the World Series.<ref name="hankmvp"/> The 1959 season ended in a tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who defeated the Braves in a playoff. The ensuing years saw fluctuating success, including the Braves finishing fifth in 1963, their first time in the "second division".<ref name="perinimil"/>
In 1962, team owner Louis Perini sold the Braves to a Chicago-based group led by William Bartholomay.<ref name="perinimil" /> Bartholomay intended to move the team to Atlanta in 1965, but legal hurdles kept them in Milwaukee for an extra season.<ref name="perinimil" />
Atlanta (1966–present)Edit
1966–1974Edit
After arriving in Atlanta in 1966, the Braves found success in 1969, with the onset of divisional play by winning the first National League West Division title.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the National League Championship Series the Braves were swept by the "Miracle Mets".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They would post only two winning seasons between 1970 and 1981.<ref name="loserville">Template:Cite book</ref> Fans in Atlanta had to be satisfied with the achievements of Hank Aaron, who by the end of the 1973 season, had hit 713 home runs, one short of Ruth's record.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On April 4, opening day of the next season, he hit No. 714 in Cincinnati, and on April 8, in front of his home fans and a national television audience, he finally beat Ruth's mark with a home run to left-center field off left-hander Al Downing of the Los Angeles Dodgers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Aaron spent most of his career as a Milwaukee and Atlanta Brave before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on November 2, 1974.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Ted Turner and Time Warner eraEdit
1976–1977: Ted Turner buys the teamEdit
In 1976, the team was purchased by media magnate Ted Turner, owner of superstation WTBS, as a means to keep the team (and one of his main programming staples) in Atlanta.<ref name="loserville"/> Turner used the Braves as a major programming draw for his fledgling cable network, making the Braves the first franchise to have a nationwide audience and fan base.<ref name="loserville"/> WTBS marketed the team as "The Atlanta Braves: America's Team", a nickname that still sticks in some areas of the country, especially the South.<ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref name="loserville"/> The financially strapped Turner used money already paid to the team for their broadcast rights as a down-payment. Turner quickly gained a reputation as a quirky, hands-on baseball owner. On May 11, 1977, Turner appointed himself manager, but because MLB passed a rule in the 1950s barring managers from holding a financial stake in their teams, Turner was ordered to relinquish that position after one game (the Braves lost 2–1 to the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring their losing streak to 17 games).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
1978–1990Edit
The Braves didn't enjoy much success between 1978 and 1990, however, in the 1982 season, led by manager Joe Torre, the Braves secured their first divisional title since 1969.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The team was led by standout performances from key players like Dale Murphy, Bob Horner, Chris Chambliss, Phil Niekro, and Gene Garber.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Braves were swept in the NLCS in three games by the Cardinals.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Murphy won the Most Valuable Player award for the National League in 1982 and 1983.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
1991–2005: 14 consecutive division titlesEdit
From 1991 to 2005, the Atlanta Braves enjoyed a remarkable era of success in baseball, marked by a record-setting 14 consecutive division titles, five National League pennants, and a World Series championship in 1995.<ref name="14div">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Bobby Cox returned as manager in 1990, leading the team's turnaround after finishing the previous season with the worst record in baseball. Notable developments included the drafting of Chipper Jones in 1990 and the hiring of general manager John Schuerholz from the Kansas City Royals.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Braves' remarkable journey began in 1991, known as the "Worst to First" season.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Overcoming a shaky start, the Braves bounced back led by young pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The team secured the NL pennant in a memorable playoff race, ultimately losing a closely contested World Series to the Minnesota Twins. The following year, the Braves won the NLCS in dramatic fashion against the Pirates but fell short in the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
In 1993, the Braves strengthened their pitching staff with the addition of Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux in free agency.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite posting a franchise-best 104 wins, they lost in the NLCS to the Philadelphia Phillies. The team moved to the Eastern Division in 1994, sparking a heated rivalry with the New York Mets.<ref name=Realignment/><ref name=RivalryWithMets/><ref name=SubwaySeries>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The player's strike cut short the 1994 season just before the division championships, but the Braves rebounded in 1995, defeating the Cleveland Indians to win the World Series.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> With this World Series victory, the Braves became the first team in Major League Baseball to win world championships in three different cities.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Braves reached the World Series in 1996 and 1999 but were defeated both times by the New York Yankees.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In 1996, Time Warner acquired Ted Turner's Turner Broadcasting System, including the Braves.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite their continued success with a ninth consecutive division title in 2000, the Braves faced postseason disappointment with a sweep by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The team won division titles from 2002 to 2004 but experienced early exits in the NLDS each year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Liberty Media eraEdit
Liberty Media buys the teamEdit
In December 2005, Time Warner, put the club up for sale, leading to negotiations with Liberty Media.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After over a year of talks, a deal was reached in February 2007 for Liberty Media to acquire the Braves for $450 million, a magazine publishing company, and $980 million in cash. The sale, valued at approximately $1.48 billion, was contingent on approval from 75 percent of MLB owners and Commissioner Bud Selig.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones retireEdit
Bobby Cox's final year as manager in 2010 saw the Braves return to the postseason for the first time since 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The team secured the NL Wild Card but fell to the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series in four closely contested games, marking the conclusion of Bobby Cox's managerial career.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The following season the Braves suffered a historic September collapse to miss the postseason.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The club bounced back in 2012 and returned to the postseason in Chipper Jones' final season.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Braves won 94 games in 2012, but that wasn't enough to win the NL East, so they faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the inaugural Wild Card Game.<ref name="ifg">Template:Cite news</ref> Chipper Jones last game was a memorable one: the Braves lost the one game playoff 6–3, but the game would be remembered for a controversial infield fly call that helped end a Braves rally in the 8th inning.<ref name="ifg"/>
Truist Park and return to the World SeriesEdit
In 2017, the Atlanta Braves began playing at Truist Park, replacing Turner Field as their home stadium.<ref name="openingpitch">Template:Cite news</ref> Following an MLB investigation into international signing rule violations, general manager John Coppolella resigned and faced a baseball ban.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Alex Anthopoulos took over as the new general manager.<ref name=aajh>Template:Cite news</ref> The team's chairman, Terry McGuirk, apologized for the scandal and expressed confidence in Anthopoulos' integrity.<ref name="aajh" /> A new on field mascot named Blooper was introduced at a fan event before the 2017 season.<ref name="blooper1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Under Anthopoulos, the Braves made the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2020 the Braves reached the National League Championship Series, but ultimately lost to the Dodgers after leading 3–1.<ref name="NLCS2020">Template:Cite news</ref>
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In the 2021 season, the Braves won the National League East with an 88–73 record. In the postseason, they quickly defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series 3–1. The Braves again faced the Dodgers in the 2021 NLCS, and won in six games to take Atlanta's first National League pennant since 1999. The Braves advanced to the World Series.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They defeated the Houston Astros in six games to win their fourth World Series title.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Logos and uniformsEdit
The Braves logos have evolved over the years, featuring a Native American warrior from 1945 to 1955, followed by a laughing Native American with a mohawk and a feather from 1956 to 1965.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The modern logo, introduced in 1987, includes the cursive word "Braves" with a tomahawk below it.<ref name=alogo>Template:Cite news</ref> Uniform changes occurred in 1987, with the team adopting uniforms reminiscent of their 1950s classic look.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> For the 2023 season, the Braves had four uniform combinations, including the classic white home and gray road uniforms, a navy blue road jersey for alternate games, and two alternate uniforms for home games - a Friday night red uniform and a City Connect uniform worn on Saturdays, paying tribute to Hank Aaron.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The City Connect uniform features "The A" across the chest, accompanied by a cap with the "A" logo and 1974 uniform colors.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
World Series championshipsEdit
Over the 120 years since the inception of the World Series (119 total World Series played), the Braves franchise has won a total of four World Series Championships. The Braves are the only franchise to have won a World Series in three different cities.<ref name="CAL"/><ref name=":0" />
| style="Template:Baseball primary style;"|Season | style="Template:Baseball primary style;"|Manager | style="Template:Baseball primary style;"|Opponent | style="Template:Baseball primary style;"|Series Score | style="Template:Baseball primary style;"|Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1914 (Boston) | George Stallings | Philadelphia Athletics | 4–0 | 94–59 |
| 1957 (Milwaukee) | Fred Haney | New York Yankees | 4–3 | 95–59 |
| 1995 (Atlanta) | Bobby Cox | Cleveland Indians | 4–2 | 90–54 |
| 2021 (Atlanta) | Brian Snitker | Houston Astros | 4–2 | 88–73 |
| Total World Series championships: | 4 | |||
BallparksEdit
Former parksEdit
The Boston Braves played at the South End Grounds from their inception. After a fire destroyed the park in 1894, the club temporarily played at the Congress Street Grounds until the South End Grounds could be rebuilt.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During the 1914 season, it became evident that the South End Grounds was too small to accommodate larger crowds, prompting the team to play some games at Fenway Park.<ref name="fenway"/> To address the need for a larger venue, Braves Field was built in 1915.<ref name="bf1915"/>
Braves Field remained the club's home in Boston until the team relocated to Milwaukee. Milwaukee County Stadium was constructed in 1950 to attract a Major League Baseball team and became the Braves' new home in 1953.<ref name="Story Behind This 1953 Brewers Ticket">The Story Behind This 1953 Brewers Ticket, Milwaukee Magazine, Matthew Prigge, Nov. 1, 2017. This article includes a picture of a never-used 1953 Milwaukee Brewers ticket, the minor league team which would have opened at the new stadium.</ref> The team played there until moving to Atlanta in 1966.
The city of Atlanta constructed Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium in 1965 after reaching an agreement with the Braves to relocate from Milwaukee.<ref name="Storied">Template:Cite book</ref> The Braves played at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium until 1997, when they moved to Turner Field. Originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the venue was later converted into a ballpark for the Braves.<ref name="braves move">Template:Cite news</ref> Turner Field served as the Braves' home ballpark through the 2016 season.
Current parksEdit
Truist ParkEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The Atlanta Braves home ballpark has been Truist Park since 2017. Truist Park is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of downtown Atlanta in the unincorporated community of Cumberland, in Cobb County, Georgia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Braves opened Truist Park on April 14, 2017, with a four-game sweep of the San Diego Padres.<ref name="sunfirst">Template:Cite news</ref> The park received positive reviews. Woody Studenmund of the Hardball Times called the park a "gem" saying that he was impressed with "the compact beauty of the stadium and its exciting approach to combining baseball, business and social activities."<ref name="htreview">Template:Cite news</ref> J.J. Cooper of Baseball America praised the "excellent sight lines for pretty much every seat."<ref name="bareview">Template:Cite news</ref>
CoolToday ParkEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Since 2019, the Braves have played spring training games at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=SHT2>Template:Cite news</ref> The ballpark opened on March 24, 2019, with the Braves' 4–2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="firstgame">Template:Cite news</ref> The Braves left Champion Stadium, their previous Spring Training home near Orlando to reduce travel times and to get closer to other teams' facilities.<ref name="ajc">Template:Cite news</ref> CoolToday Park also serves as the Braves' year round rehabilitation facility.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
AttendanceEdit
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(*) – There were no fans allowed in any MLB stadium in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major rivalryEdit
New York MetsEdit
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Although their first major confrontation occurred when the Mets swept the Braves in the 1969 NLCS, the rivalry did not become especially heated until the 1994 season when division realignment put both the Mets and the Braves in the National League East division.<ref name=RivalryWithMets>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Realignment>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Braves faced the Mets in the 1999 National League Championship Series.<ref name="wow99">Template:Cite news</ref> The Braves initially took a 3–0 series lead, seemingly on the verge of a sweep, but the Mets rallied in Game 4 and Game 5.<ref name="wow99"/> Despite the Mets' resilience, the Braves eventually won the series in Game 6 with Andruw Jones securing a dramatic walk-off walk, earning their 5th National League pennant of the decade.<ref name="wow99"/> In 2022, the Braves and Mets, both finished with 101 wins.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The National League East title and a first-round bye came down to a crucial three-game series at Truist Park from September 30 to October 2.<ref name="itsover">Template:Cite news</ref> The Mets entered with a slight lead but faltered as the Braves swept the series.<ref name="itsover"/> Atlanta claimed the NL East division title and first-round bye, by winning the season series against the Mets.<ref name="itsover"/>
Since the Mets joined the league, both teams have won two World Series titles. The Braves have captured six NL pennants, while the Mets have won five. The Braves hold the advantage in the all-time head-to-head record between the two teams at 516–425. However, the Mets have the upper hand in playoff matchups with a 5–4 record.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Nationwide fanbaseEdit
In addition to having strong fan support in the Metro Atlanta area and the state of Georgia, the Braves are often referred to as "America's Team" in reference to the team's games being broadcast nationally on TBS from the 1970s until 2007, giving the team a nationwide fan base.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Braves boast heavy support within the Southeastern United States particularly in states such as Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Tomahawk chopEdit
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In 1991, fans of the Atlanta Braves popularized the "tomahawk chop" during games.<ref name=caro>Template:Cite news</ref> The use of foam tomahawks faced criticism from Native American groups, who regarded it as demeaning.<ref name="nytimes1991">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Despite protests, the Braves' public relations director defended it as a "proud expression of unification and family."<ref name="nytimes1991" /> The controversy resurfaced in 2019 when Cherokee Nation member and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley found the chop insulting, prompting the Braves to modify their in-game experience.<ref name="tcajc2019">Template:Cite news</ref> During the off-season, discussions ensued with Native American representatives, and amid pressure in 2020 to change their name, the Braves announced ongoing talks about the chop but insisted the team name would remain unchanged.<ref name="krostc">Template:Cite news</ref>
The debate over the tomahawk chop continued into 2021.<ref name="chopon">Template:Cite news</ref> While some Native American leaders, like Richard Sneed, the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, expressed personal indifference or tolerance, acknowledging it as an acknowledgment of Native American strength, others vehemently opposed it.<ref name=sneed>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Sneed emphasized larger issues facing Native American communities and questioned the focus on the chop.<ref name="sneed3">Template:Cite magazine</ref> The Eastern Cherokee Band of Indians and the Braves initiated efforts to incorporate Cherokee language and culture into the team's activities, stadium, and merchandise, aiming for greater cultural sensitivity despite differing opinions within the Native American community.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
AchievementsEdit
AwardsEdit
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Braves players have won seven Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, with Dale Murphy notably earning the honor in back-to-back years, 1982 and 1983.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Five Braves pitchers have received the Cy Young Award, given to the league's best pitcher, including Greg Maddux, who won it three consecutive times in 1993, 1994, and 1995.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Two Braves managers have been named Manager of the Year, with Bobby Cox winning the award three times, in 1991, 2004, and 2005.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Additionally, seven Braves players have been honored with the Rookie of the Year awards.
Team recordsEdit
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Retired numbersEdit
The Braves have retired eleven numbers in the history of the franchise. Most recently, Andruw Jones' number 25 was retired in 2023. Other retired numbers include Chipper Jones' number 10, John Smoltz's number 29, Bobby Cox's number 6, Tom Glavine's number 47, and Greg Maddux's number 31. Additionally, the Braves have retired Hank Aaron's number 44, Dale Murphy's number 3, Phil Niekro's number 35, Eddie Mathews' number 41, and Warren Spahn's number 21. Jackie Robinson's number 42 is also retired across all of Major League Baseball, with the exception of Jackie Robinson Day.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Six of the eleven numbers (Cox, Jones, Jones, Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine) were on the Braves at the same time.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Of the eleven Braves whose numbers have been retired, all who are eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame have been elected with the exceptions of Dale Murphy and Andruw Jones.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The color and design of the retired numbers on commemorative markers and other in-stadium signage reflect the primary uniform design at the time the player was on the team.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Baseball Hall of FamersEdit
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Template:Baseball hall of fame list
Braves Hall of FameEdit
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{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
| Year | Year inducted |
|---|---|
| Bold | Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame |
| {{safesubst:#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }} | Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Brave |
| Bold | Recipient of the Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award |
| colspan="5" style="Template:Baseball primary style;|Braves Hall of Fame | ||||
| scope="col" style="Template:Baseball secondary style;|Year | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball secondary style;|No. | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball secondary style;| Name | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball secondary style;| Position(s) | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball secondary style;| Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 21 | Warren SpahnTemplate:Dagger | P | 1942, 1946–1964 |
| 35 | Phil NiekroTemplate:Dagger | P | 1964–1983, 1987 | |
| 41 | Eddie MathewsTemplate:Dagger | 3B Manager |
1952–1966 1972–1974 | |
| 44 | Hank AaronTemplate:Dagger | RF | 1954–1974 | |
| 2000 | — | Ted Turner | Owner/President | 1976–1996 |
| 3 | Dale Murphy | OF | 1976–1990 | |
| 2001 | 32 | Ernie Johnson Sr. | P Broadcaster |
1950, 1952–1958 1962–1999 |
| 2002 | 28, 33 | Johnny Sain | P Coach |
1942, 1946–1951 1977, 1985–1986 |
| — | Bill Bartholomay | Owner/President | 1962–1976 | |
| 2003 | 1, 23 | Del Crandall | C | 1949–1963 |
| 2004 | — | Pete Van Wieren | Broadcaster | 1976–2008 |
| — | Kid NicholsTemplate:Dagger | P | 1890–1901 | |
| 1 | Tommy Holmes | OF Manager |
1942–1951 1951–1952 | |
| — | Skip Caray | Broadcaster | 1976–2008 | |
| 2005 | — | Paul Snyder | Executive | 1973–2007 |
| — | Herman Long | SS | 1890–1902 | |
| 2006 | — | Bill Lucas | GM | 1976–1979 |
| 11, 48 | Ralph Garr | OF | 1968–1975 | |
| 2007 | 23 | David Justice | OF | 1989–1996 |
| 2009 | 31 | Greg Maddux<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> || P || 1993–2003 | |
| 2010 | 47 | Tom GlavineTemplate:Dagger<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> || P || 1987–2002, 2008 | |
| 2011 | 6 | Bobby CoxTemplate:Dagger<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |
CitationClass=web
}}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> || Manager || 1978–1981, 1990–2010 |
| 2012 | 29 | John SmoltzTemplate:Dagger<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> || P || 1988–1999, 2001–2008 | |
| 2013 | 10 | Chipper JonesTemplate:Dagger<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web | |
| 2014 | 8 | Javy López | C | 1992–2003 |
| 1 | Rabbit MaranvilleTemplate:Dagger | SS/2B | 1912–1920 1929–1933, 1935 | |
| — | Dave Pursley | Trainer | 1961–2002 | |
| 2015 | — | Don Sutton | Broadcaster | 1989–2006, 2009–2020 |
| 2016 | 25 | Andruw Jones | CF | 1996–2007 |
| — | John Schuerholz | Executive | 1990–2016 | |
| 2018 | 15 | Tim Hudson | P | 2005–2013 |
| — | Joe Simpson | Broadcaster | 1992–present | |
| 2019 | — | Hugh Duffy | OF | 1892–1900 |
| 5, 9 | Terry Pendleton | 3B Coach |
1991–1994, 1996 2002–2017 | |
| 2022<ref name="b813">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> || 9 || Joe Adcock || 1B/OF || 1953–1962 | |||
| 54 | Leo Mazzone | Coach | 1990–2005 | |
| 9, 15 | Joe Torre | C/1B/3B Manager |
1960–1968 1982–1984 | |
| 2023<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> || 25, 43, 77 || Rico Carty || LF || 1963–1972 | |||
| — | Fred Tenney | 1B | 1894–1907, 1911 |
RosterEdit
Template:Atlanta Braves roster
Minor league affiliatesEdit
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The Atlanta Braves farm system consists of six minor league affiliates.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
| scope="col" style="Template:Baseball primary style"|Class | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball primary style"|Team | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball primary style"|League | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball primary style"|Location | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball primary style"|Ballpark | scope="col" style="Template:Baseball primary style"|Affiliated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triple-A | Gwinnett Stripers | International League | Lawrenceville, Georgia | Coolray Field | 2009 |
| Double-A | Columbus Clingstones | Southern League | Columbus, Georgia | Synovus Park | 2025 |
| High-A | Rome Emperors | South Atlantic League | Rome, Georgia | AdventHealth Stadium | 2003 |
| Single-A | Augusta GreenJackets | Carolina League | North Augusta, South Carolina | SRP Park | 2021 |
| Rookie | FCL Braves | Florida Complex League | North Port, Florida | CoolToday Park | 1976 |
| DSL Braves | Dominican Summer League | Boca Chica, Santo Domingo | Atlanta Braves Complex | 2022 |
Radio and televisionEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The Braves regional games are broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast with a limited number of select games on Peachtree TV (Atlanta's CW, WPCH 17.1) and the Peachtree Sports Network (PSN).<ref name="pttv">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Brandon Gaudin serves as the play-by-play announcer and C.J. Nitkowski as lead analyst.<ref name="ajcbg">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jeff Francoeur and Tom Glavine will also join the broadcast for a few games during the season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Peter Moylan, Nick Green, and John Smoltz also appear in the booth for select games as in-game analysts.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The radio broadcast team is led by the tandem of play-by-play announcer Ben Ingram and analyst Joe Simpson. Braves games are broadcast across Georgia and seven other states on at least 172 radio affiliates, including flagship station 680 The Fan in Atlanta and stations as far away as Richmond, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; and the US Virgin Islands. The games are carried on at least 82 radio stations in Georgia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
ReferencesEdit
FootnotesEdit
CitationsEdit
Further readingEdit
External linksEdit
- Template:MLBTeam
- Team index page at Baseball Reference
- Milwaukee Braves informational website
- Sports Illustrated Atlanta Braves Page
- ESPN Atlanta Braves Page
- History of the Boston Braves on MassHistory.com
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