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Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
from Wikipedia

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.[6][7] The franchise was known by various names until it adopted the Boston Braves name in 1912.

Key Information

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,[8][9][10] 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.[11]

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.[12][13] At the end of the 2025 season, the Braves' overall win–loss record is 11,190–11,035–154 (.503). Since moving to Atlanta in 1966, the Braves have an overall win–loss record of 4,926–4,547–8 (.520) through the end of 2025.[14]

History

[edit]

Boston (1871–1952)

[edit]

1871–1913

[edit]
Boston Beaneaters team photo, 1890

The Cincinnati Red Stockings, formed in 1869, were the first openly all-professional baseball team but disbanded after the 1870 season.[15] 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).[16] Led by the Wright brothers, Ross Barnes, and Al Spalding, they dominated the National Association, winning four of five championships.[7] The original Boston Red Stockings team and its successors can lay claim to being the oldest continuously playing franchise in American professional sports.[6][15]

The club was known as the Boston Red Caps when they played the first National League game in 1876, winning against the Philadelphia Athletics.[17][18][19] Despite a weaker roster in the league's first year, they rebounded to secure the 1877 and 1878 pennants.[20] Managed by Frank Selee, they were a dominant force in the 19th century, winning eight pennants.[16][21] 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.[22][16][21][23]

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.[24] 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.[25][26]

The club underwent various nickname changes until becoming the Braves before the 1912 season.[25] The president of the club, John M. Ward named the club after the owner, James Gaffney.[25] 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.[25][27]

1914: Miracle

[edit]
A program from the 1914 World Series, featuring Braves manager George Stallings (left). Baseball Magazine cover, 1914 (right).

In 1914, the Boston Braves experienced a remarkable turnaround in what would become one of the most memorable seasons in baseball history.[28][29] 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.[30] However, the team rebounded with an incredible hot streak, going 41–12 from July 6 to September 5.[31] 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.[32] On September 7 and 8, they defeated the Giants in two out of three games, propelling them into first place.[33] 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.[34][35] 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.[36]

The Braves entered the 1914 World Series led by captain and National League Most Valuable Player, Johnny Evers.[37] The Boston club were slight underdogs against Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's.[38] However, they swept the Athletics and won the world championship.[39] 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.[40][41]

1915–1952

[edit]
The Boston Braves cap logo, 1946 to 1952

From 1917 to 1933, the Boston Braves struggled. After a series of different owners, Emil Fuchs bought the team in 1923.[42] Fuchs brought his longtime friend, pitching great Christy Mathewson, as part of the syndicate that bought the club.[43] However, the death of pitching legend in 1925 left Fuchs in control.[44] 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.[45]

In an effort to boost fan attendance and finances, Fuchs orchestrated a deal with the New York Yankees to acquire Babe Ruth in 1935.[46][47] Ruth was appointed team vice president with promises of profit shares and managerial prospects.[48] Initially, Ruth seemed to provide a spark on opening day, but his declining skills became evident.[49] Ruth's inability to run and poor fielding led to internal strife, and it became clear that his titles were symbolic.[49] Ruth retired on June 1, 1935, shortly after hitting his last three home runs.[49] The Braves finished the season with a dismal 38–115 record, marking the franchise's worst season.[48]

Fuchs lost control of the team in August 1935,[48] 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.[50] 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.[48]

Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn

In 1948, the team won the pennant, behind the pitching of Spahn and Johnny Sain.[51] The remainder of the rotation was so thin that in September, Boston Post writer Gerald Hern wrote this poem about the pair:[52]

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.[53]

The 1948 World Series, which the Braves lost in six games to the Indians, turned out to be the Braves' last hurrah in Boston.[54] On March 13, 1953, Perini announced he was moving the club to Milwaukee.[55] 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.[55]

Milwaukee (1953–1965)

[edit]
The Milwaukee Braves cap logo

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.[56] Manager Charlie Grimm was named NL Manager of the Year.[57]

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.[58] 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.[59] Despite a strong start in the World Series rematch the following season, the Braves ultimately lost the last three games and the World Series.[59] 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".[58]

In 1962, team owner Louis Perini sold the Braves to a Chicago-based group led by William Bartholomay.[58] Bartholomay intended to move the team to Atlanta in 1965, but legal hurdles kept them in Milwaukee for an extra season.[58]

Atlanta (1966–present)

[edit]

1966–1974

[edit]
Hall of Fame right fielder and designated hitter Hank Aaron

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.[60] In the National League Championship Series the Braves were swept by the "Miracle Mets".[61] They would post only two winning seasons between 1970 and 1981.[62] 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.[63] 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.[64][65] Aaron spent most of his career as a Milwaukee and Atlanta Brave before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on November 2, 1974.[66]

Ted Turner and Time Warner era

[edit]
1976–1977: Ted Turner buys the team
[edit]
Media magnate Ted Turner purchased the team in 1976, and played a large role in the team's operation.

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.[62] 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.[62] 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.[67][62] 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).[68][69]

1978–1990
[edit]
Tom Glavine
John Smoltz
Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz combined for six Cy Young Awards during their time in the Braves pitching rotation

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.[70] The team was led by standout performances from key players like Dale Murphy, Bob Horner, Chris Chambliss, Phil Niekro, and Gene Garber.[71] The Braves were swept in the NLCS in three games by the Cardinals.[72] Murphy won the Most Valuable Player award for the National League in 1982 and 1983.[73]

1991–2005: 14 consecutive division titles
[edit]

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.[74] 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.[75][76]

The Braves' remarkable journey began in 1991, known as the "Worst to First" season.[77] Overcoming a shaky start, the Braves bounced back led by young pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.[78] 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.[79] 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.[80][81][82][83]

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.[84] With this World Series victory, the Braves became the first team in Major League Baseball to win world championships in three different cities.[85] The Braves reached the World Series in 1996 and 1999 but were defeated both times by the New York Yankees.[86][87]

In 1996, Time Warner acquired Ted Turner's Turner Broadcasting System, including the Braves.[88] 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.[89] The team won division titles from 2002 to 2004 but experienced early exits in the NLDS each year.[90]

Liberty Media era

[edit]
Liberty Media buys the team
[edit]
Chipper Jones salutes the crowd at Turner Field prior to his final regular-season game on September 30, 2012. Jones announced he would retire after 19 seasons with the Braves

In December 2005, Time Warner put the club up for sale, leading to negotiations with Liberty Media.[91][92] 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.[93]

Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones retire
[edit]

Bobby Cox's final year as manager in 2010 saw the Braves return to the postseason for the first time since 2005.[94] 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.[95] The following season the Braves suffered a historic September collapse to miss the postseason.[96] The club bounced back in 2012 and returned to the postseason in Chipper Jones' final season.[97] 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.[98] 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.[98]

Truist Park and return to the World Series
[edit]
Truist Park prior to its first regular-season game

In 2017, the Atlanta Braves began playing at Truist Park, replacing Turner Field as their home stadium.[99] Following an MLB investigation into international signing rule violations, general manager John Coppolella resigned and faced a baseball ban.[100] Alex Anthopoulos took over as the new general manager.[101] The team's chairman, Terry McGuirk, apologized for the scandal and expressed confidence in Anthopoulos' integrity.[101] A new on field mascot named Blooper was introduced at a fan event before the 2017 season.[102] Under Anthopoulos, the Braves made the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons.[103] In 2020 the Braves reached the National League Championship Series, but ultimately lost to the Dodgers after leading 3–1.[104]

President Joe Biden hosts the 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves on September 26, 2022, in the East Room of the White House.

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.[105] They defeated the Houston Astros in six games to win their fourth World Series title.[106]

End of postseason run and Brian Snitker era
[edit]

The Braves failed to qualify for the postseason in 2025, ending a streak of seven consecutive appearances.[107] After 49 years with the organization, including ten seasons as manager, the team announced that Snitker would step down from his managerial role and transition into an advisory position with the club.[108] In November 2025, the Braves announced that longtime bench coach Walt Weiss would be promoted to manager. Weiss, a former All-Star shortstop also spent part of his playing career in Atlanta.[109]

Logos and uniforms

[edit]

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.[110][111] The modern logo, introduced in 1987, includes the cursive word "Braves" with a tomahawk below it.[112] Uniforms adopted that year evoked their 1950s classic look.[113] 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.[114] The City Connect uniform features "The A" across the chest, accompanied by a cap with the "A" logo and 1974 uniform colors.[115]

World Series championships

[edit]

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.[12][13]

Season Manager Opponent Series Score 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

Ballparks

[edit]

Former parks

[edit]

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.[116][117] 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.[32] To address the need for a larger venue, Braves Field was built in 1915.[41]

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.[118] 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.[119] 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.[120] Turner Field served as the Braves' home ballpark through the 2016 season.

Current parks

[edit]

Truist Park

[edit]

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.[121] The Braves opened Truist Park on April 14, 2017, with a four-game sweep of the San Diego Padres.[122] 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."[123] J.J. Cooper of Baseball America praised the "excellent sight lines for pretty much every seat."[124]

CoolToday Park

[edit]

Since 2019, the Braves have played spring training games at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida.[125][126] The ballpark opened on March 24, 2019, with the Braves' 4–2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.[127][128] The Braves left Champion Stadium, their previous Spring Training home, near Orlando, to reduce travel times and to get closer to other teams' facilities.[129] CoolToday Park also serves as the Braves' year-round rehabilitation facility.[130]

Major rivalry

[edit]

New York Mets

[edit]

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.[81][80][131]

The Braves faced the Mets in the 1999 National League Championship Series.[132] 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.[132] 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.[132] In 2022, the Braves and Mets both finished with 101 wins.[133] 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.[134] The Mets entered with a slight lead but faltered as the Braves swept the series.[134] Atlanta claimed the NL East division title and first-round bye, by winning the season series against the Mets.[134]

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.[135]

Nationwide fanbase

[edit]
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was a lifelong Braves fan and personal friend of Hank Aaron.[136][137] Pictured is Aaron meeting President Carter in the Oval Office in 1978.

In addition to having strong fan support in the Metro Atlanta area and the state of Georgia, the Braves have been 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.[138]

The Braves boast heavy support within the Southeastern United States particularly in states such as Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.[139][140]

Tomahawk chop

[edit]
The Atlanta Braves encouraged fans to gesture with the "Tomahawk Chop", distributing foam tomahawks at games and other events.

In 1991, fans of the Atlanta Braves popularized the "tomahawk chop" during games.[141] The use of foam tomahawks faced criticism from Native American groups, who regarded it as demeaning.[142] Despite protests, the Braves' public relations director defended it as a "proud expression of unification and family."[142] 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.[143] 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.[144]

The debate over the tomahawk chop continued into 2021.[145] 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.[146][147] Sneed emphasized larger issues facing Native American communities and questioned the focus on the chop.[148] 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.[149]

Achievements

[edit]

Awards

[edit]

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.[150] 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.[151]

Two Braves managers have been named Manager of the Year, with Bobby Cox winning the award three times, in 1991, 2004, and 2005.[152] Additionally, seven Braves players have been honored with the Rookie of the Year awards.

Team records

[edit]

Retired numbers

[edit]

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.[153]

Six of the eleven numbers (Cox, Jones, Jones, Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine) were on the Braves at the same time.[154] 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.[155] 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.[156]

Dale
Murphy

OF
Retired June 13, 1994
Bobby
Cox

Mgr
Retired August 12, 2011
Chipper
Jones

3B
Retired June 28, 2013
Warren
Spahn

P
Retired December 11, 1965
Andruw
Jones

OF
Retired September 9, 2023
John
Smoltz

P
Retired June 8, 2012
Greg
Maddux

P
Retired July 17, 2009
Phil
Niekro

P
Retired August 6, 1984
Eddie
Mathews

3B
Retired July 26, 1969
Hank
Aaron

RF
Retired April 15, 1977
Tom
Glavine

P
Retired August 6, 2010
Jackie
Robinson

All MLB
Honored April 15, 1997

Baseball Hall of Famers

[edit]
Bobby Cox
Chipper Jones
Phil Niekro
Atlanta Braves Hall of Famers
Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Boston Braves

Earl Averill
Dave Bancroft
Dan Brouthers
John Clarkson *
Jimmy Collins
Hugh Duffy *
Johnny Evers

Burleigh Grimes
Billy Hamilton
Billy Herman
Rogers Hornsby
Joe Kelley
King Kelly
Ernie Lombardi
Al López

Rabbit Maranville *
Rube Marquard
Tommy McCarthy *
Bill McKechnie
Joe Medwick
Kid Nichols *
Jim O'Rourke
Charley Radbourn

Babe Ruth
Frank Selee *
Al Simmons
George Sisler
Billy Southworth
Casey Stengel
Ed Walsh

Lloyd Waner
Paul Waner
Deacon White
Vic Willis *
George Wright *
Harry Wright
Cy Young

Milwaukee Braves

Hank Aaron *

Eddie Mathews *[157]

Red Schoendienst

Enos Slaughter

Warren Spahn *

Atlanta Braves

Orlando Cepeda[158]
Bobby Cox *[159]
Tom Glavine *[160]

Chipper Jones *[161]
Greg Maddux *[162]
Fred McGriff *[163]

Phil Niekro *[164]
Gaylord Perry[165]
John Schuerholz[166]

Ted Simmons[167]
John Smoltz *[168]
Bruce Sutter[169]

Joe Torre[170]
Billy Wagner[171]
Hoyt Wilhelm[172]

  • Players and managers listed in bold are depicted on their Hall of Fame plaques wearing a Braves cap insignia.
  • * Boston / Milwaukee / Atlanta Braves listed as primary team according to the Hall of Fame
  • † Hank Aaron chose to represent the Atlanta Braves on his HOF cap insignia, but the HOF lists the Milwaukee Braves as his primary team
P Greg Maddux, Hall of Famer

Braves Hall of Fame

[edit]
2× MVP Dale Murphy, outfielder
3B Eddie Mathews, Hall of Famer
Braves Hall of Fame wall at Truist Park
Key
Year Year inducted
Bold Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Brave
Bold Recipient of the Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award
Braves Hall of Fame
Year No. Name Position(s) Tenure
1999 21 Warren Spahn P 1942, 1946–1964
35 Phil Niekro P 1964–1983, 1987
41 Eddie Mathews 3B
Manager
1952–1966
1972–1974
44 Hank Aaron 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 Nichols 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[173] P 1993–2003
2010 47 Tom Glavine[174] P 1987–2002, 2008
2011 6 Bobby Cox[175][176][177] Manager 1978–1981, 1990–2010
2012 29 John Smoltz[178] P 1988–1999, 2001–2008
2013 10 Chipper Jones[179] 3B/LF 1993–2012
2014 8 Javy López C 1992–2003
1 Rabbit Maranville 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[180] 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[181] 25, 43, 77 Rico Carty LF 1963–1972
Fred Tenney 1B 1894–1907, 1911
2024[182] Harry Wright CF
Manager
1871–1877
1871–1881
2025[183] 3, 4 Wally Berger CF 1930–1937

Roster

[edit]
40-man roster Non-roster invitees Coaches / other



Manager

Coaches


Minor league affiliates

[edit]

Radio and television

[edit]

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).[185] Brandon Gaudin serves as the play-by-play announcer and C.J. Nitkowski as lead analyst.[186][187] Jeff Francoeur and Tom Glavine will also join the broadcast for a few games during the season.[188] Peter Moylan, Nick Green, and John Smoltz also appear in the booth for select games as in-game analysts.[189][190]

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.[191]

References

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Further reading

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from Grokipedia
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball franchise competing in Major League Baseball's division, with home games at in . Established in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, the team claims the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in the United States, having played every season since joining the National Association in 1876. The franchise has experienced three major relocations, moving from to in 1953 amid declining attendance and then to in 1966 to capitalize on growing markets in the . In , the Braves achieved their Series title in 1957, powered by stars like and , while their 1914 championship remains the earliest in franchise history, marked by a stunning late-season surge known as the "Miracle Braves." The move to ushered in eras of sustained success, including a record 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005 under managers , , , and , though frustration persisted until victories in 1995 and most recently in 2021. Overall, the Braves hold an all-time record of approximately 11,190 wins against 11,035 losses through the 2024 season, with 18 National League pennants and four championships, reflecting a legacy of resilience across cities and eras defined by pitching dominance and power hitting rather than consistent dominance in any single location. Notable achievements include Aaron's record-breaking 755 home runs and the 1990s rotation's collective seven Awards, underscoring empirical excellence in player development and strategic management over fan-driven narratives.

Franchise History

Boston Era (1871–1952)

The franchise began as the Boston Red Stockings in , established by businessman Ivers Whitney Adams as one of eight charter members of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the first league. , previously manager of the , led the team and recruited several former Cincinnati players, including his brother George Wright. The Red Stockings finished second in their inaugural season with a 20-10-1 record before capturing four consecutive league pennants from 1872 to 1875. Upon the National Association's dissolution, the team joined the newly formed National League in 1876 and secured consecutive pennants in 1877 and 1878. Playing at the from 1871 to 1914, the team experienced a name evolution reflecting ownership changes and fan nicknames; initially the Red Stockings, they became known as the Beaneaters around 1883. Under manager Frank Selee starting in 1890, the Beaneaters dominated the 1890s, winning National League pennants in 1891, 1892, 1893, 1897, and 1898, though pre-1903 pennants did not include a modern . The third burned in the Great Roxbury Fire of 1894, prompting temporary relocation to Congress Street Grounds during reconstruction. The early 1900s brought instability, with the team finishing last or near the bottom frequently amid ownership shifts; in 1907, new owners George and John Dovey renamed them the Doves, and in 1911, following John Montgomery Ward's acquisition, they became the Rustlers. James E. Gaffney purchased the club in 1912, adopting the Braves name inspired by his connections. In 1914, dubbed the "Miracle Braves," the team surged from last place on July 4 to claim the National League pennant by 10½ games with a 94-59-5 record under manager George Stallings. Featuring pitchers Dick Rudolph and , along with infielders and , they swept the 4-0 in the , marking the franchise's sole pre-Atlanta championship. The Braves relocated to the newly constructed in 1915, the first ballpark designed to seat over 40,000 fans, though it struggled to draw crowds overshadowed by the Boston Red Sox. Post-1914 success waned, with no further pennants until 1948 amid chronic second-division finishes and financial strains. under Bob Quinn rebranded the team the Bees from 1936 to 1940 in an attempt to reverse fortunes, reverting to Braves in 1941. In 1948, led by pitchers and , the Braves clinched their first pennant in 34 years on September 26 with a 3-2 win over the , finishing 91-62. They fell to the Cleveland Indians 4-2 in the . Spahn, who debuted with Boston in 1942 after , compiled a 48-60 record over seven seasons there, contributing to the 1948 surge before the franchise's relocation. Persistent low attendance at , exacerbated by competition from , culminated in the team's move to after the 1952 season.

Milwaukee Era (1953–1965)

The franchise relocated from Boston to Milwaukee on March 18, 1953, under owner Lou Perini, marking the first postwar major league team to shift to a new city and the first to move west of St. Louis. This decision stemmed from dismal Boston attendance of 281,278 in 1952, contrasted with Milwaukee's enthusiastic regional support and modern County Stadium. The Braves debuted with a 92–62 record, securing second place in the National League, while shattering attendance records with 1,826,397 fans, the highest in league history at the time. Sustained success followed, anchored by Hall of Fame pitcher , who amassed 202 wins during the Milwaukee years, including 23 victories in 1953 and a league-leading 21 in 1957 en route to the . Outfielder debuted on April 13, 1954, and by 1957 earned National League MVP honors with a .322 , 44 home runs, and 132 RBIs, powering the team's offensive surge alongside . Under manager Fred Haney from 1956, the Braves clinched the 1957 National League pennant at 95–59–1, then triumphed over the New York Yankees 4–3 in the , highlighted by Lew Burdette's three wins, including two shutouts in Games 5 and 7. The Braves repeated as pennant winners in with a 92–62 mark but fell to the Yankees 4–3 in the . peaked at over 2 million annually from 1954 to 1957, reflecting fervent local backing, though it began declining post- amid competitive struggles and no further postseason appearances. By the early , on-field performance waned, with sub-.500 records in (86–76) and 1964 (88–74), exacerbated by injuries to stars like and Spahn, alongside a thinning farm system. Ownership, now controlled by Chicago-based interests after Perini's sale, pursued relocation for financial viability and broadcast revenue, announcing a shift to after the 1964 season. Legal disputes over the County Stadium lease delayed the move until 1966, forcing a final 1965 campaign in where dipped below 1 million for the first time since 1953. The era yielded two pennants, one championship, and a .563 across 13 seasons (1,146–890–8).

Atlanta Era (1966–Present)

The Braves relocated from to Atlanta prior to the 1966 season after a series of court battles and appeals delayed the move, with the team playing a final year in in 1965. They opened Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on April 12, 1966, drawing over 1.5 million fans in their inaugural season and finishing with an 85-77 record, fifth in the National League. , a fixture since joining the franchise in 1954, anchored the lineup and broke Babe Ruth's career record with his 715th homer on April 8, 1974, at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium amid heightened security due to racial threats. The Braves captured their first division title in Atlanta in 1969, winning the with a 93-69 mark, but lost in the NLCS to the . The 1970s and early 1980s featured sporadic success, including another NL West title in 1982 under manager , but the team endured losing seasons and front-office instability, with attendance fluctuating amid competitive mediocrity. managed his first stint from 1978 to 1981 before returning in 1990, ushering in an era of sustained excellence built on elite pitching and disciplined hitting. From 1991 to 2005, the Braves won 14 consecutive division titles, the longest streak in MLB history, compiling a 1,363-1,040 regular-season record during that span and advancing to the postseason each year except the strike-shortened 1994. The rotation of , , and —known as the "Big Three"—dominated, combining for 711 wins, five [Cy Young](/page/Cy Young) Awards, and the lowest team ERA in for much of the decade. Atlanta secured National League pennants in 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, and 1999, but triumphed in the World Series only once during the streak, defeating the Cleveland Indians 4-2 in 1995 behind strong outings from Glavine and closer Mark Wohlers. Losses in the other four Fall Classics—to Minnesota (1991), Toronto (1992), New York Yankees (1996 and 1999)—highlighted postseason inconsistencies despite regular-season prowess, with critics attributing some failures to clutch hitting deficiencies and bullpen vulnerabilities. Chipper Jones emerged as a franchise cornerstone, delivering 468 home runs and a .303 batting average over 19 seasons, primarily at third base. Post-2005, the Braves transitioned to Turner Field in 1997 before opening in 2017, enduring a rebuilding phase with six straight losing seasons from 2006 to 2011 amid ownership changes and aging stars. A youth movement led by , , and revitalized the club, yielding NL East titles from 2018 to 2023 and a second World Series victory in 2021, overcoming midseason injuries to beat the Houston Astros 4-2, powered by Jorge Soler's three home runs and Max Fried's complete-game in the clincher. The 2021 championship marked the franchise's first title in since 1995, with the team posting a 7-0 Game 6 win amid the Astros' sign-stealing scandal backdrop. In 2025, injuries to key players like Acuña and contributed to a 76-86 record, snapping the postseason streak and finishing fourth in the NL East. The era reflects a balance of pitching innovation, star development, and occasional postseason breakthroughs against broader MLB parity challenges.

Ownership and Management

Historical Ownership Transitions

Lou Perini, a Boston-based construction executive, and his associates acquired the struggling from Bob Quinn in 1945 for $500,000, marking a pivotal shift that stabilized the franchise amid financial woes and led to its first National League pennant in 1948. Perini relocated the team to in 1953, citing persistently low attendance—averaging under 7,000 fans per game in Boston's final seasons—and the promise of stronger regional support in the Midwest, where the Braves promptly drew over 1.8 million spectators in their debut year. In November 1962, Perini sold the Braves to a Chicago-based investment group headed by insurance executive William Bartholomay for $6.2 million, retaining a minority stake initially. Bartholomay, seeking larger markets and better financial prospects amid declining attendance from 1.9 million in 1958 to under 600,000 by 1965, orchestrated the franchise's move to for the season, the first MLB to the and a catalyst for 's southern expansion. Ted Turner, founder of the Turner Broadcasting System, purchased full control of the Atlanta Braves on January 6, 1976, for $12 million from the Bartholomay-led group, leveraging the team as flagship programming for his nascent superstation WTBS to boost cable viewership nationwide. Turner's ownership emphasized media over on-field spending, contributing to lean payrolls but also innovative promotions amid a period of sub-.500 records from 1976 to 1981. The Braves' ownership transferred to Time Warner in October 1996 as part of its $7.57 billion merger with , integrating the franchise into a diversified that prioritized cost efficiency and regional cable rights over aggressive player investments. Time Warner held the team until February 2007, when it sold to Corporation—controlled by John Malone—in a non-cash deal involving the return of 68.5 million Time Warner shares, effectively valued at $400 million and reflecting Liberty's strategy of acquiring sports assets for content and real estate synergies.

Current Liberty Media Structure and Criticisms

Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded (NYSE: BATRA, BATRK), serves as the current owner of the Atlanta Braves franchise following its split-off from Corporation on July 18, 2023. This separation created a standalone entity focused on the team's operations, including ownership of Braves Holdings, LLC, which directly holds the club, associated assets, and liabilities. Prior to the split-off, managed the Braves through its Liberty Braves Group tracking stock, established as part of broader corporate restructurings to isolate sports-related holdings. John C. Malone, Liberty Media's chairman, retains substantial influence over Atlanta Braves Holdings, holding shares that represent approximately 47.5% of the aggregate voting power as of the 2023 split-off. The structure maintains some operational ties, including a services agreement under which Liberty Media provides administrative support such as legal, tax, accounting, and treasury services to Braves Holdings. Executives have emphasized continuity in day-to-day management post-spin-off, with no immediate changes to team strategy or personnel. Criticisms of the ownership structure center on perceived frugality in player spending and a "faceless" corporate approach detached from local interests. Former Braves pitcher , a Hall of Famer and team icon, expressed in 2019 a desire to purchase the franchise and critiqued Liberty Media's distant oversight, suggesting it prioritized financial engineering over aggressive investment in on-field talent. Fan discussions and media analyses have echoed concerns about payroll restraint, noting that while the Braves ranked mid-tier in MLB spending (e.g., approximately $228 million in ), the structure's trading and Malone's voting control enable value extraction via asset development, such as mixed-use projects around , potentially at the expense of higher baseball expenditures. However, empirical performance under this regime includes a title and consistent playoff appearances, with second-quarter 2025 financials showing revenue growth to $312 million, including 8% baseball revenue increase, indicating financial stability without evident siphoning of funds. Some evaluations rank Liberty-affiliated ownership among MLB's stronger groups for enabling competitiveness without excessive interference. The spin-off has fueled about potential private sale, as it simplifies divestiture, though executives have denied active discussions.

Facilities

Historic Ballparks

The Atlanta Braves franchise, originating as the Boston Red Stockings in 1871, initially played at the in , , from 1871 to 1914. This venue, which underwent multiple reconstructions including after a destructive fire in 1894, hosted 13 league championships and the team's sole title during that period in 1883. The grounds featured distinctive spires following the rebuild and had dimensions of approximately 250 feet to left field, 445 feet to left-center, 440 feet to right-center, and 255 feet to right field, with a capacity reaching around 6,800 by 1888. During the 1894 rebuild, the team temporarily relocated to Congress Street Grounds in for that season. was used sporadically for overflow crowds, including a 1913 doubleheader and the final two games of the 1914 , as well as select 1915 home games before the completion of a dedicated new stadium. Braves Field, opened on August 18, 1915, served as the primary home in from 1915 to 1952, marking the first ballpark designed to seat over 40,000 spectators with an initial capacity exceeding that figure through a of covered seats, pavilions, and . Located on Commonwealth Avenue, it hosted appearances in 1915, 1916, and 1948, along with the 1936 , and notable individual feats such as Paul Waner's 3,000th hit in 1942 and Tommy Holmes' 37-game in 1947. The park's expansive center field measured 520 feet, contributing to its reputation for pitcher-friendly dimensions. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, following the franchise's relocation, became the home from 1953 to 1965, opening specifically to accommodate the Braves and drawing a then-record 1.8 million fans in its debut season. The multipurpose venue hosted the team's victory, their only championship during the Milwaukee era. Upon moving to Atlanta in 1966, the franchise played at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium until 1996, a publicly funded facility constructed to lure an MLB team to the city. Key moments included Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run on April 8, 1974, and the win. The stadium was later repurposed before demolition. succeeded it from 1997 to 2016, originally built as the for the and converted for baseball use thereafter. It hosted postseason play, including the , and the franchise's final game there occurred on October 2, 2016.

Current Venues: Truist Park and CoolToday Park


Truist Park, situated in Cobb County, Georgia, within the mixed-use development known as The Battery Atlanta, has been the primary home venue for the Atlanta Braves since its inauguration on April 14, 2017, succeeding Turner Field. The stadium accommodates 41,084 spectators in an open-air configuration, featuring a three-tier grandstand extending from right field to left field. Initially named SunTrust Park under a naming rights agreement with SunTrust Banks commencing in 2014, the venue was rebranded Truist Park on January 14, 2020, after SunTrust's merger with BB&T to create Truist Financial Corporation, preserving the existing 25-year deal that incorporates Truist branding elements like its purple color scheme. The park integrates 43 premium hospitality areas and holds LEED Silver certification for sustainability.
CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, functions as the Atlanta Braves' spring training facility, hosting exhibition games and workouts from February to March each year. The ballpark opened on March 24, 2019, with the Braves defeating the 4–2 in its inaugural game, marking a relocation from the prior site at Disney's Champion Stadium near Orlando. It offers a total capacity of about 8,000, comprising 6,500 fixed seats plus standing room and areas for general admission. Amenities include the year-round Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill outfield patio restaurant, multiple practice fields, and event spaces accommodating groups up to 15,000 for non-baseball functions. The 53-acre complex supports the team's preseason preparations amid Sarasota County's Grapefruit League schedule.

Branding and Traditions

Logos and Uniforms

The Atlanta Braves' official colors are navy blue (hex #132847), scarlet red (hex #CE1141), white, and gold (hex #FDB827). These hues have formed the basis of the team's branding since the mid-20th century, with scarlet and navy dominating logos and uniforms. The current primary logo features the word "Braves" in a scarlet red scripted font outlined in navy blue, positioned above a tomahawk graphic rendered in scarlet, navy, and gold. This design traces its roots to 1987, when the team emphasized scripted lettering and the tomahawk motif over prior Native American profile imagery, with a minor 2022 update lightening the gold shade on the tomahawk laces for better visibility. Secondary logos include a split-letter "A" encircled by a tomahawk, used on caps and jerseys since the 1960s Atlanta relocation, evolving from Milwaukee-era adaptations where an "M" was swapped for "A" on the inherited chief profile. The tomahawk element, introduced in 1945 during the Boston Braves' script uniform phase, persisted through franchise moves and symbolizes the team's aggressive playing style. Uniforms have undergone iterative changes while retaining core red, white, and navy elements. In 1966, upon moving to , the team debuted road jerseys with "Atlanta" scripted in red above navy pants, building on Milwaukee's design but adding city-specific lettering. The introduced pullover jerseys in and white for home games, paired with lowercase "a" caps, a style worn during Aaron's 1974 milestone. By 1982, caps shifted to solid navy with a white "A," and button-front jerseys returned with red sleeve stripes. The 1987 uniform revival echoed 1966 aesthetics, featuring "Braves" chest script and accents. Modern iterations include a 2018 classic redesign with red-and-navy piping on white home tops and gray roads, supplemented by navy alternates. Nike's 2023 template introduced subtler changes like adjusted collar piping, while uniforms in cream with red/navy accents debuted in 2023 to evoke Southern heritage, set for replacement after the 2025 season per MLB's three-year cycle. These evolutions prioritize tradition, with the tomahawk-integrated designs distinguishing Atlanta's branding from earlier and phases that favored block lettering or Indian head patches.

Tomahawk Chop and Fan Culture

The consists of a repetitive chopping motion with the arm and an accompanying chant performed by fans during games, typically synchronized with music played over speakers. The originated at , where it was associated with the Seminoles' "war chant," and was introduced to Braves games in 1991 by outfielder , who had played there. It gained widespread popularity during the Braves' postseason appearances from 1991 to 1995, becoming a staple of fan with the distribution of foam tomahawk props at games. Within Braves fan culture, the Chop fosters a high-energy atmosphere, particularly in high-leverage innings, where crowds of tens of thousands synchronize the motion and to rally the , contributing to the franchise's reputation for passionate support at . Fans view it as a harmless tradition akin to other sports , emphasizing unity and excitement rather than cultural mockery. The Braves organization has integrated it into promotions, including the "Tomahawk " of ambassadors who engage spectators, and continues to sell related merchandise, reflecting its role in enhancing game-day vibrancy. The practice has faced criticism since the 1980s from Native American advocacy groups, such as the , who characterize it as a racist that reduces to stereotypes through mimicry of war cries and gestures. Controversies intensified in 2020 amid broader social protests, with objections peaking during the when Cardinals pitcher , a member of the [Cherokee Nation](/page/Cherokee Nation), publicly called it "a poor representation of Native Americans" during a game at on October 26, 2021. In response, the Braves temporarily halted foam distribution for that series and ceased on-field performances by players, though fan participation continued. The Braves formed a Native American Strategy Team advisory group in 2020, comprising members from regional tribes, which endorsed retaining the Chop after consultations, leading the organization to affirm it as part of fan tradition without mandating its elimination. MLB Commissioner supported this in 2021, stating the gesture had approval from local Indigenous communities, though national groups like the NCAI disputed this, arguing it perpetuates dehumanizing tropes regardless of intent. As of 2025, the Chop remains a fixture at home games, with the team rejecting calls for its discontinuation despite ongoing protests from some Indigenous organizations.

Competitive Record

World Series Championships

The Atlanta Braves franchise has captured four World Series championships, the most recent in 2021, with prior victories in 1914 (Boston Braves), 1957 (Milwaukee Braves), and 1995 (Atlanta Braves). In 1914, the Boston Braves achieved one of baseball's greatest turnarounds, surging from last place in the National League on July 18—11 games behind the New York Giants—to clinch the pennant by 10.5 games. Dubbed the "Miracle Braves," they swept the Philadelphia Athletics 4–0 in the World Series, with pitchers Dick Rudolph securing wins in Games 1 and 4, and Hank Gowdy contributing offensively. The series concluded on October 12 at Fenway Park, marking the franchise's first title. The Braves won their lone championship in , defeating the New York Yankees 4–3 in a seven-game series highlighted by Lew Burdette's three complete-game victories, including two . Hank Aaron's home run in Game 4 proved pivotal, while the Braves' regular-season record of 95–59 positioned them as National League champions. Game 7 on October 10 ended with Burdette's 5–0 at , securing the title before a Milwaukee crowd eager for the celebration. Atlanta's first World Series triumph came in 1995 against the Indians, whom they beat 4–2. earned MVP honors with a complete-game in the decisive on October 28, allowing just one hit over eight innings in a 1–0 victory at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The Braves, managed by , overcame a powerful Indians lineup powered by and Manny Ramírez, leveraging their pitching staff's dominance after a 90–54 regular season. The franchise's most recent championship occurred in 2021, when the Atlanta Braves defeated the Astros 4–2, with named MVP for his three home runs, including the series-clinching blast in Game 6. Despite midseason injuries and roster changes, including a rebuilt outfield, the Braves rallied from a deficit to win the on November 2 at Minute Maid Park, finishing with an 88–73 regular-season mark. This victory marked Atlanta's second title since relocating in 1966 and avenged prior postseason losses to .
YearCityOpponentGamesMVP
1914Boston4–0None awarded
1957MilwaukeeNew York Yankees4–3
1995AtlantaCleveland Indians4–2
2021AtlantaHouston Astros4–2

Postseason History and Division Titles

The Atlanta Braves first qualified for the postseason following their relocation to Atlanta in 1966 by winning the National League West division in 1969 with a 93–69 record, but were swept 3–0 by the New York Mets in the NL Championship Series. They returned to the playoffs in 1982, again capturing the NL West at 89–73 before another 3–0 NLCS defeat, this time to the St. Louis Cardinals. These early appearances highlighted a franchise struggling to advance beyond the league championship round despite divisional success. A prolonged playoff drought ensued from 1983 to 1990, during which the Braves posted no winning seasons and finished last in the NL West multiple times. The team's fortunes reversed dramatically under manager Bobby Cox starting in 1991, initiating a streak of 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005—the longest such run in MLB history—which bridged the National League's 1994 realignment that shifted the Braves to the NL East. This era yielded five NL pennants (1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1999) and consistent postseason berths, though the Braves advanced past the division series only six times and suffered notable upsets, including three World Series losses in four appearances. From 1995 to 2005 alone, they secured 11 straight NL East titles, dominating a division that included rivals like the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, yet their playoff record during this period reflected underperformance relative to regular-season dominance, with early exits in 10 of 15 appearances. Post-2005, the Braves endured another extended absence from deep playoff contention, qualifying just twice from 2006 to 2017: a 2010 NLDS loss to the San Francisco Giants and a 2012 NL Wild Card Game defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals. They broke the slump by winning the NL East in 2013 with a 96–66 record, but lost the NLDS to the Dodgers 3–1. A resurgence began in 2018 under manager Brian Snitker, with the Braves capturing six consecutive NL East titles from 2018 to 2023—their 18th through 23rd division championships overall and most in the division's history—fueled by strong starting pitching and offensive cores led by players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson. This stretch included NLCS appearances in 2020 and 2021, though recent years saw NLDS losses to the Phillies in 2022 and 2023. The Braves made the playoffs as a wild card in 2024 but were eliminated 2–0 by the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series, ending a seven-year streak of appearances; they missed the 2025 postseason entirely after finishing with a 71–83 record. Across the Atlanta era, the franchise has compiled a 70–76 postseason record in 22 appearances since 1969.

Achievements and Records

Team Records

The Atlanta Braves franchise, spanning from its origins as the Boston Red Stockings in 1876 through its tenures in , , and , has compiled an overall record of 11,190 wins, 11,035 losses, and 149 ties as of the conclusion of the 2025 , resulting in a .503 . This places the franchise among Major League Baseball's most historically balanced teams in terms of victories and defeats, with competitive peaks driven by dominant pitching staffs in the mid-20th century and offensive surges in recent decades. In single-season team performance, the Braves achieved their highest win total in the (post-1900) with 106 victories in , finishing 50 games over .500 during a 162-game schedule under manager . Conversely, the franchise's worst modern-season mark came in 1988 with 106 losses, reflecting a rebuilding phase after years of inconsistency following the move to . Earlier incarnations, such as the 1880 Boston Red Stockings with 64 wins in a shorter schedule, set benchmarks adjusted for era-specific game lengths, but post-1961 expansion-era records emphasize the campaign's dominance. Team batting records highlight offensive highs in the expansion era, including a franchise mark of 947 runs scored in 2023, fueled by a lineup featuring high home run output amid favorable ballpark conditions at . The most hits in a season reached 1,608 in 2003, while the single-season total peaked at 307 in 2023, surpassing prior marks like the 267 hit in 1998. On the low end, the 1968 team's 514 runs scored aligned with the "Year of the Pitcher," where league-wide scoring dipped due to elevated mound heights and smaller strike zones until rule adjustments.
Single-Season Team Batting RecordValueYear
Most runs9472023
Most hits1,6082003
Most home runs3072023
Fewest runs5141968
Pitching records underscore the Braves' reputation for staff excellence, particularly in the late . The lowest team () stands at 2.92 in , benefiting from pitcher-friendly conditions and standouts like . The most team strikeouts in a season reached 1,554 in , reflecting modern emphasis on velocity and spin rates enabled by analytics-driven training. Single-game team highs include 19 strikeouts against the Rockies on June 14, 2025, setting a franchise mark in a no-decision victory.
Single-Season Team Pitching RecordValueYear
Lowest 2.921968
Most strikeouts1,554
These records illustrate causal factors such as rule changes, ballpark effects, and personnel strategies, with the Braves' sustained competitiveness evidenced by 30 playoff appearances despite relocation disruptions.

Individual Awards and Milestones

Atlanta Braves players have earned numerous individual awards, reflecting standout performances in offense, pitching, defense, and rookie contributions. The franchise's history includes seven National League Awards, with recent winners including outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023 for his league-leading 41 stolen bases and .416 alongside 41 home runs, and in 2020 for a .341 and 23 home runs during the shortened season. Earlier recipients include in 1999, who hit .319 with 45 home runs and 110 RBIs, and outfielder Dale Murphy's back-to-back wins in 1982 and 1983. In pitching excellence, Braves hurlers have secured six Cy Young Awards since the award's inception, highlighted by Greg Maddux's three consecutive victories from 1993 to 1995, during which he posted ERAs of 2.36, 1.56, and 1.63 while leading the league in each year. Tom Glavine won in 1991 and 1998, in 1996, and in 2024 with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts. Warren Spahn's 1957 win predates the Atlanta era but occurred with the Braves. Defensive prowess is evident in Gold Glove Awards, with Andrelton Simmons earning three from 2013 to 2015 for superior fielding metrics, including a .983 fielding percentage and leading the league in . Outfielders (2016-2019) and (2018) also claimed multiple, while pitcher won in 2024. Silver Slugger Awards, recognizing offensive standouts at their positions, have gone to outfielder four times (1982-1985), first baseman in 2020, and others like in 2018. Rookie of the Year honors include four in the Atlanta era: shortstop in 2000 (.295 average, 11 triples), reliever in 2011 (46 saves, 2.10 ERA), outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2018 (26 home runs, 40 stolen bases), and outfielder in 2022 (.297 average, 19 home runs). League-leading performances encompass batting titles by in 1970 (.366) and in 2008 (.364), alongside pitching feats like Phil Niekro's five 20-win seasons.
AwardNotable Braves Winners
NL MVPHank Aaron (1957), (1982, 1983), (1991), (1999), (2020), (2023)
NL Cy Young (1991, 1998), (1993-1995), (1996), (2024)
NL Rookie of the Year (2000), (2011), (2018), (2022)
Gold Glove (SS, 2013-2015), (CF, 2016-2019), (P, 2024)
Silver Slugger (OF, 1982-1985), (1B, 2020), (DH, 2020, 2023)
Key milestones include Hank Aaron's progression toward the all-time home run record: his 500th on July 14, 1968, 600th on April 27, 1971, 3,000th hit on May 17, 1970, and record-breaking 715th on April 8, 1974, against the Dodgers. Chipper Jones reached 2,500 hits and 400 s in his Braves tenure, retiring in 2012 with a .303 career average and franchise records in games played (2,499) and RBIs (1,623). These achievements underscore individual excellence amid the team's competitive history, verified through official MLB statistics rather than subjective narratives.

Notable Figures

Baseball Hall of Famers

The Atlanta Braves franchise, with roots tracing to the 1871 Boston Red Stockings, is associated with 35 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame as of 2025, encompassing players, managers, and executives from its Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta eras; this figure includes brief stints alongside extended careers that defined franchise success. Many inductees spent significant portions of their careers with the team, contributing to 17 National League pennants and multiple World Series titles, though some like (1935 season) or (1928) had limited tenures. The franchise's pitching legacy stands out, with six Hall of Fame hurlers amassing over 2,500 wins combined while wearing Braves uniforms. Key inductees from the Boston era include outfielder , who hit .440 in 1894—one of baseball's highest single-season averages—and played 1892–1900; pitcher , with 297 wins for the Beaneaters from 1890–1901; and second baseman , part of the 1914 "Miracle Braves" winners, active 1914–1917 and 1929. In Milwaukee (1953–1965), third baseman slugged 512 home runs, 470 with the Braves from 1952–1966, forming a potent duo with ; pitcher recorded 363 career wins, 356 with the franchise from 1942 and 1946–1965, including 20-win seasons into his age-42 year. Atlanta-era standouts feature right-hander , who notched 318 wins, 268 with the Braves across 1964–1983 and 1987, pioneering the ; , acquired in 1993, won four consecutive Awards (1992–1995, three with Atlanta) and posted a 2.63 ERA over 1993–2003; , drafted in 1984, secured 305 wins with 244 for the Braves from 1987–2002 and 2008; and , who transitioned from starter (1996 ) to closer (postseason record 10 saves), compiling a 3.33 ERA in 1988–2008. Third baseman , the franchise's longest-tenured star from 1993 and 1995–2012, hit .303 with 468 home runs and earned the 1999 NL MVP. Manager , who led the team to 14 division titles and the from 1990–2010 (plus earlier stints), was inducted unanimously in 2014. Recent additions include (1993–1997, 30+ homers five straight years with Atlanta) in 2023.
Outfielder , the franchise's all-time leader with 2,202 hits and 733 s from 1954–1974 (/Atlanta), broke Babe Ruth's career record in 1974 and was inducted in 1982 with 97.8% of votes, symbolizing sustained excellence amid racial barriers in the segregated .
InducteeRoleBraves YearsInduction YearNotable Braves Contribution
Pitcher1942, 1946–19651973356 wins, 8 selections
Outfield1954–19741982733 HR, 1957 MVP
3B1952–19661978470 HR, 2x with
Pitcher1964–1983, 19871997268 wins, 3,342 strikeouts
Pitcher1993–200320143 s, 2.15 ERA peak
Pitcher1987–2002, 20082014244 wins, 1995 co-MVP
Pitcher1988–200820151996 , 154 saves
3B1993, 1995–20122018468 HR, .303 BA, 8
Manager1978–1981, 1990–2010201414 division titles, 1995 WS win

Retired Numbers and Braves-Specific Honors

The Atlanta Braves franchise has retired ten uniform numbers in recognition of individuals who made enduring contributions across its Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta periods. These honors, displayed prominently at , include numbers worn by Hall of Famers and franchise icons, with retirements dating back to the late .
NumberHonoreePrimary Role
3Outfielder
6Manager
10Third baseman
21Pitcher
25Outfielder
29Pitcher
31Pitcher
35Pitcher
41Third baseman
44Outfielder
The franchise-specific Braves Hall of Fame, housed in the at , enshrines players, managers, executives, and broadcasters for their pivotal roles in the organization's success and legacy. Established to celebrate contributions beyond standard MLB accolades, it includes early figures from the 19th-century era like and modern icons such as . Recent inductees encompass (2023, outfielder noted for his 1970 batting title) and William Henry Wright (2024, 19th-century infielder from the Red Stockings). Other notable members include executives like , who relocated the team to in 1966, and broadcasters such as , reflecting the team's emphasis on multifaceted organizational impact.

Rivalries

New York Mets Rivalry

The Atlanta Braves and have competed as division rivals since the Mets' inception in 1962 and the Braves' relocation to in 1966, with the intensity peaking during tight divisional races in the , early , and resurging in the . The rivalry stems from frequent head-to-head matchups—19 games per season in the —and battles for playoff positioning, exacerbated by geographic separation but fueled by shared divisional stakes and contrasting fanbases. Braves' dominance in the , winning 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005, contrasted with Mets' breakthroughs like their win, setting a pattern of Braves regular-season control punctuated by Mets' occasional upsets. In regular-season play, the Braves hold a commanding all-time edge, with 520 wins against the Mets' 425 as of the end of the 2024 season. This includes periods of Mets vulnerability, such as the Braves winning 17 of 18 division titles since realignment while the Mets managed only sporadic contention. Recent years have tightened the competition: in 2022, both teams finished 101-61, with the Braves securing the division via tiebreaker rules favoring their head-to-head record. The following September series often prove decisive, as in 2023 when the Braves swept a three-game set against the Mets at —starting —to clinch the NL East, highlighted by home runs from and in multiple games. Postseason encounters are rarer but pivotal, with the Mets holding a 5-4 edge in games played. The teams first met in the 1969 NLCS, where the Mets swept the Braves 3-0, propelled by Tom Seaver's complete-game victory in Game 1 on October 4 and Jerry Koosman's shutout in Game 3. Three decades later, in the 1999 NLCS, the Braves prevailed 4-2, overcoming a Mets rally in Game 4 (a 10-inning win via Robin Ventura's grand slam single) to advance to the , with earning two victories. No further playoff meetings have occurred, though late-season implications in 2024—such as the Mets' September 22-24 series at amid wild-card contention—echoed the rivalry's high stakes. Iconic individual moments underscore the tension, including Chipper Jones' career .311 batting average against the Mets with 1,305 plate appearances, symbolizing Braves' edge in player matchups. Mets' has delivered dramatic power, like his 448-foot homer in a 2023 clash, yet the Braves responded with series sweeps that year. The rivalry's one-sided nature in significant series over the past 25 years favors Atlanta, driven by sustained contention rather than fleeting Mets surges.

Philadelphia Phillies and Other NL East Conflicts

The rivalry between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies traces its origins to the late 19th century, with the Braves entering the National League as the Boston Beaneaters in 1876 and the Phillies joining as the in , fostering early divisional competition after realignment. Over 2,500 regular-season games, the Braves hold a slight all-time edge with a 1,330–1,212 record against the Phillies as of the end of the 2024 season. The intensity escalated in the modern era following the Braves' relocation to in 1966 and repeated battles, particularly during the Braves' 14 consecutive division titles from 2010 to 2023, which often pitted them against Phillies contenders led by players like and in the and in the . Postseason encounters have amplified the antagonism, with the Phillies holding a 10–4 edge in playoff games against the Braves. In the 1993 National League Championship Series, the Phillies defeated the 103-win Braves 4–2, advancing to the World Series amid a heated series featuring strong pitching duels. More recently, the Phillies upset the Braves in the 2022 NL Division Series (3–1), rallying from a 1–0 deficit with key wins including a 6–1 victory in Game 4 behind Zack Wheeler's complete game. They repeated the feat in the 2023 NLDS, again winning 3–1 with dramatic comebacks, such as a 5–4 extra-innings triumph in Game 4 highlighted by Johan Rojas' inside-the-park homer, underscoring the Phillies' clutch performance against Atlanta's regular-season dominance. These back-to-back eliminations fueled on-field tensions, including ejections and verbal exchanges, as both teams vied for NL East supremacy amid high-stakes divisional races. Beyond the Phillies, Braves conflicts within the NL East have centered on perennial divisional scrambles rather than singular heated rivalries. Against the , competition peaked in the mid-2010s, with the Braves sweeping the Nationals in the 2019 NL Wild Card Game (13–1) to advance, though the Nationals later eliminated Atlanta in the 2019 NLDS (3–2) en route to their title. Encounters with the have been marked by spoiler roles, such as the Marlins' 2020 season upset where they finished ahead of the Braves in the expanded , but lack the sustained animosity of other matchups due to Miami's inconsistent contention. Overall, the NL East's parity—evident in six different division winners from 2012 to 2023—has bred multi-team tensions, with the Braves frequently battling for positioning against expansion-era foes like the Nationals and Marlins amid roster trades and prospect battles.

Controversies

Relocation Impacts and Fan Backlash

The franchise's relocation from to in 1953 followed years of declining attendance, which reached a low of 281,278 fans in amid competition from the dominant Red Sox at . fans expressed disappointment over the departure of a team rooted in the city since 1871 and fresh off a National League pennant, but backlash remained limited as supporters shifted allegiance to the remaining local club, with no immediate replacement team available. In , the move sparked immediate enthusiasm, shattering National League attendance records with 1,826,297 fans in the inaugural season at the new County Stadium, signaling a revival of minor-league baseball's regional appeal into major-league status. The 1966 shift from Milwaukee to Atlanta stemmed from sustained attendance erosion, dropping from early-1950s peaks exceeding 2 million to 767,000 by 1962 and stabilizing below 1 million thereafter, exacerbated by ownership dissatisfaction with local support and stadium lease disputes. fans mounted fierce opposition, including boycott calls, public outcry, and legal efforts to block the departure, culminating in rancorous battles and a ruling that upheld the relocation in summer 1966 after antitrust challenges. The move evoked deep emotional backlash, often characterized as leaving the city in collective mourning after the team's initial post-1953 success, including two pennants and a title. , conversely, embraced the arrival with a debut-season attendance of 1,539,801 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, ranking sixth in the National League and laying groundwork for a new Southern fanbase. These relocations yielded asymmetric impacts: Milwaukee endured a four-year MLB void until the Brewers' expansion, straining local identity and while breeding enduring resentment toward the franchise. Atlanta gained its first major-league team, fostering regional integration into national circuits and spurring ancillary economic activity around events and tourism, though economists broadly question the net fiscal benefits of such team-induced developments due to overstated projections of local spending multipliers. Long-term, the moves reshaped fan loyalties, with cultivating sustained attendance growth over decades, while Milwaukee's experience underscored vulnerabilities in mid-sized markets reliant on early novelty.

Tomahawk Chop Debates and Cultural Sensitivities

The Tomahawk Chop, a fan chant and arm-swinging gesture mimicking a hatchet swing, originated at Florida State University in the 1980s as part of Seminole-themed traditions and was adopted by Atlanta Braves supporters during the 1991 season. Its popularization coincided with the arrival of former Florida State player Deion Sanders on the Braves roster and gained prominence amid the team's World Series appearance against the Minnesota Twins, where fans first widely performed it on October 20, 1991, prompting immediate protests from Native American groups outside the stadium. Debates intensified in subsequent decades, with critics labeling the Chop as a racist caricature that perpetuates stereotypes of Native Americans as savage warriors, reducing complex cultures to mocking gestures. Key flashpoints included 2019 National League Division Series games, where St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley, a Cherokee Nation member, publicly denounced it as "a disgrace," leading the Braves to temporarily discourage its use during his pitching appearances. Renewed scrutiny arose during the 2021 World Series, as national media highlighted the gesture amid broader reckonings with Native imagery in sports, though the Braves organization maintained it as a voluntary fan expression after consultations with local Native leaders. Native American perspectives remain divided, with national organizations like the and IllumiNative condemning the Chop as dehumanizing and demanding its elimination, while some Atlanta-area tribal representatives, including from the , have expressed support or indifference, viewing it as a benign tradition rather than cultural harm. MLB Commissioner cited regional Native backing in 2021, stating the Atlanta community was "wholly supportive," though this drew rebuttals from out-of-state tribes emphasizing broader opposition. Public opinion polls reflect limited appetite for , with a November 2021 survey finding only 29% of U.S. adults favored an MLB ban, while an Journal-Constitution poll showed Braves fans supporting retention by a 3-to-1 margin. The Braves have not banned the practice as of 2025, continuing to frame it as fan-driven enthusiasm integral to game atmospheres, despite ongoing critiques from groups and isolated calls for name changes tied to the .

Fanbase and Impact

Nationwide Reach and Loyalty

The Atlanta Braves developed a broad national following beginning in 1973, when team owner Ted Turner launched the TBS superstation, making regular-season games available via satellite to cable providers across the United States, the first such nationwide broadcast for a major professional sports franchise. This exposure, which continued through 2007 with up to 150 games per season on TBS, cultivated fans in regions distant from Atlanta, including strong contingents in Texas, the rural South, and even Alaska, where local viewers adopted the team due to limited alternative programming. This superstation era fostered a dispersed yet dedicated fanbase, distinct from geographically concentrated support for teams like the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers, with surveys indicating Braves popularity in multiple states beyond Georgia due to the historical broadcast reach. Fan loyalty manifests in sustained attendance, ranking fourth among MLB teams in 2025 evaluations of fanbase devotion despite a subpar season, as supporters maintained road game draws above league averages in Eastern and Central time zones. Home attendance reached 2,903,167 in 2025, placing eighth league-wide and marking the fourth-highest total since the team's relocation to Atlanta in 1966, even amid performance dips. Post-championship loyalty surged after the win, with national fans traveling to events like the 2025 Speedway Classic, underscoring enduring commitment tied to the TBS legacy rather than recent success alone. This base contrasts with more volatile fandoms, as evidenced by consistent top-10 rankings in metrics emphasizing long-term engagement over bandwagon trends.

Economic Contributions and Community Engagement

The development of Truist Park and the adjacent Battery Atlanta mixed-use district has generated substantial economic activity in Cobb County, Georgia. Constructed at a cost of $672 million for the stadium—with the Atlanta Braves organization funding the majority—and an additional $452 million for The Battery, the project has created thousands of jobs in construction, operations, and related services. In 2024, revenues from the stadium, including taxes on tickets, concessions, and parking, produced a $3 million net gain for Cobb County's General Fund, surpassing the county's financial obligations under the financing agreement. Atlanta Braves Holdings, the team's parent company, reported $67.3 million in revenue from mixed-use developments like The Battery in the prior fiscal year, reflecting ongoing contributions from non-game-day events such as concerts and retail. While some independent analyses question the broader multiplier effects of sports facilities—citing limited evidence of increased hotel occupancy attributable to the park—the direct fiscal benefits to have exceeded initial projections, with debt service contributions dropping to $1.75 million annually, far below the anticipated $6.4 million. Events hosted at , including the 2025 MLB , are projected to inject at least $50 million into the economy through visitor spending on lodging, dining, and transportation. The Atlanta Braves Foundation serves as the organization's primary vehicle for community engagement, focusing on youth education, health initiatives, and access to baseball in underserved areas. Established to build community ties through the sport, the foundation supports programs like Braves Care, which delivers resources to vulnerable populations in metro Atlanta, including food drives and health screenings. In 2024, it allocated $500,000 to Cobb County nonprofits and schools for educational and recreational projects, emphasizing live-learn-play-serve-sustain principles. Additional efforts include partnerships for STEM education and adaptive sports programs, fostering long-term community development without reliance on game attendance.

Current Operations

2025 Season Review

The Atlanta Braves entered the 2025 season with high expectations following a 89-73 record and Wild Card berth in 2024, bolstered by a core including , , and , under manager and general manager . However, the team finished with a 76-86 record, placing fourth in the behind the (83-79), (79-83), and Philadelphia Phillies, missing the playoffs entirely. This outcome marked a significant regression, with early-season projections giving the Braves a 92 percent chance of postseason qualification that evaporated amid consistent underperformance. A primary causal factor was an unprecedented wave of injuries to key contributors, depleting the lineup and rotation. suffered a lower abdominal strain on August 4, landing on the 60-day and missing significant late-season action; fractured his left hand on September 23, also sidelining him for the remainder of the year. Outfielder battled a injury that curtailed his power output to 21 home runs, a sharp decline from prior seasons. Pitching depth eroded further with prospect undergoing surgery for an elbow issue, while starter injuries prompted considerations of the Braves as trade deadline sellers despite their pedigree. These setbacks contributed to a that, while relatively strong in aggregate metrics, could not compensate for starters' inconsistencies, leading to a team above league averages in critical stretches. Offensively, anchored the lineup with leading team marks in , home runs, and RBIs, providing stability amid the turmoil, while paced the club in stolen bases, injecting speed into an otherwise sluggish attack. Defensively, the Braves maintained competence, but offensive runs scored lagged behind 2024 totals, exacerbated by the absences. Roster transactions were limited, with no blockbuster trades materializing despite midseason struggles, reflecting Anthopoulos's reluctance to dismantle the core prematurely. Analysts attributed the collapse to injury luck rather than systemic flaws, though pitching development and depth emerged as ongoing concerns. In review, the 2025 campaign exposed vulnerabilities in injury resilience and pitching sustainability for a franchise accustomed to contention, prompting post-mortem evaluations of medical protocols and prospect pipelines. Despite the disappointments, Olson's output and select contributions offered glimmers of continuity, setting the stage for offseason recalibration under Snitker's steady hand. The season's 76 wins underscored a narrow margin between contention and irrelevance in the competitive NL East, with data indicating that healthier outcomes could have yielded 85-90 victories.

Roster, Prospects, and Minor Leagues

The Atlanta Braves' 2025 Major League roster centers on a veteran pitching staff augmented by emerging talent, with right-hander selected as the starter on March 28 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Key position players include outfielders and , first baseman , third baseman , catcher Sean Murphy, and shortstop , forming a lineup emphasizing power and defense. The pitching rotation features Strider alongside Charlie Morton, with bullpen anchors like providing late-inning reliability; depth includes right-handers like and left-handers such as Austin Cox. Injuries, including to Acuña and Strider in prior seasons, have tested the roster's resilience, but the 40-man roster maintains competitive balance through midseason adjustments. The Braves' prospect system ranks among the league's stronger pipelines, emphasizing pitching development and athletic position players, with multiple top-100 overall talents as of the 2025 midseason. Left-handed pitcher Cam Caminiti leads the system at No. 1, ranked No. 81 overall by MLB for his mid-90s fastball and command potential, having advanced through and Double-A affiliates by August. Right-hander JR Ritchie follows at No. 2, noted for his slider-heavy arsenal and rates exceeding 10 per nine innings in outings. Tate Southisene (No. 3) projects as a plus defender with speed, while other notables include Alex Lodise (No. 4) and left-hander Briggs McKenzie (No. 5), reflecting the organization's focus on high-upside arms and up-the-middle talent.
RankPlayerPositionKey Attributes
1Cam CaminitiLHPFastball velocity, command projection
2JR RitchieRHP dominance, high strikeouts
3Tate SouthiseneSSDefensive tools, baserunning speed
4Alex LodiseSSAthleticism, contact skills
5Briggs McKenzieLHP effectiveness, deception
The Braves' minor league affiliates for 2025 underwent restructuring, with the Double-A level shifting to the newly branded Columbus Clingstones in Columbus, Georgia, replacing the prior Mississippi operation to enhance regional proximity and fan access. The full system includes Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers (International League), Double-A Columbus Clingstones (Southern League), High-A Rome Emperors (South Atlantic League), Low-A Augusta GreenJackets (Carolina League), and rookie-level Florida Complex League Braves and Dominican Summer League Braves. These teams hosted prospects like Caminiti and Ritchie, contributing to a farm system that produced MLB contributors such as Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Didier Fuentes through midseason promotions. The affiliates' performance emphasized player development over wins, with Gwinnett serving as a primary call-up source for the majors amid 2025 roster needs.

Broadcasting

Radio and Television Coverage

The Atlanta Braves' radio broadcasts are carried on the , comprising over 170 affiliate stations across the , with flagship coverage on WCNN (680 AM and 93.7 FM) in , known as 680 The Fan. All regular-season games, including pre- and post-game shows, are aired live on this network, which has maintained comprehensive regional reach since the team's move to in 1966. The primary play-by-play and color commentary duo consists of Ben Ingram handling play-by-play and Joe Simpson providing analysis, with Simpson in his 34th season as a Braves broadcaster overall, having transitioned primarily to radio duties in recent years. Historically, Braves radio coverage in Atlanta featured voices such as in the franchise's early years there (1966–1971), followed by Ernie Johnson Sr. and others, evolving into the long-standing team of , Pete Van Wieren, and Joe Simpson by the , which contributed to the team's national profile through consistent, engaging narration of games. In 2025, the network introduced Barrett Sallee as host for pre- and post-game programming on the flagship station, enhancing listener engagement with analysis and interviews. Television coverage for the Braves is primarily provided through , the (RSN) serving Georgia, , the , , and parts of , where most non-nationally exclusive games are telecast. This arrangement, rebranded from Bally Sports following the network's 2024 restructuring, delivers live game broadcasts via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms to subscribers in the team's market territory. In 2025, the Braves expanded accessibility with 15 regular-season home games airing over-the-air on Gray Media affiliates, including Peachtree TV (Atlanta's affiliate) for local viewers, tunable via antenna or in the metro area. The current television announcing team features on play-by-play, with as primary color analyst and occasional contributions from Joe Simpson, maintaining a booth noted for its mix of veteran insight and player perspective. Earlier eras saw and Pete Van Wieren as the signature TV tandem from 1976 to 2008, whose straightforward, fan-oriented style helped build loyalty during the team's contention years, though their coverage remained focused on local and regional audiences prior to national expansion. These broadcasts emphasize detailed game analysis and highlights from , with production handled by the RSN to prioritize in-market viewership metrics.

Superstation Legacy and Modern Distribution

The Atlanta Braves' broadcasting history is marked by Ted Turner's 1976 acquisition of the franchise, which integrated the team into his WTBS (originally WTCG) operations. Turner, who purchased the Braves for $2.4 million on January 6, 1976, leveraged the station's satellite distribution—launched in December 1976 to cable systems nationwide—to air games beyond the local market, dubbing the team "." This pioneering model, the first for a major sports franchise, reached an estimated 30 million households by the early , fostering a broad national fanbase particularly in rural and non-MLB regions where local blackouts were minimal. WTBS broadcast approximately 70-80 Braves games annually through the 1980s and 1990s, contributing to viewership peaks during eras of competitive success, such as the 1990s division dominance. However, MLB's growing concerns over territorial rights and revenue dilution led to restrictions; by 2007, TBS ceased regular-season Braves telecasts as part of a league-wide shift away from unrestricted superstation feeds, with games increasingly subject to local market blackouts. The superstation era's legacy endures in the Braves' dispersed fandom, evidenced by sustained attendance and merchandise sales in non-traditional markets, though it diluted local Atlanta loyalty during lean years. In the modern era, the Braves' primary regional distribution relies on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (formerly Bally Sports Southeast), which holds rights for about 150 regular-season games as of , following Diamond Sports Group's bankruptcy reorganization that retained only the Braves among MLB teams. This network, available via cable and in the Southeast, faced carriage disputes but stabilized with a FanDuel naming deal in 2024. Nationally, select games air on , , and TBS for marquee matchups, while MLB.tv provides out-of-market streaming subject to blackouts. To counter declining linear TV viewership, the Braves introduced a streaming subscription in 2025 via Braves.com, offering in-market access to nearly all games not nationally exclusive, bundled with premium content for $99.99 annually or $4.99 monthly. Complementing this, a multi-year partnership with Gray Media simulcasts 15 regular-season games over-the-air on local stations in select Southeast markets, aiming to reach cord-cutters and expand accessibility without additional fees. These adaptations reflect MLB's broader pivot to streaming amid instability, preserving the Braves' wide reach while prioritizing verifiable revenue streams.

References

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