The Braves’ greatest era came in the 1990s, when they won five National League pennants and one World Series championship. They were led by a collection of Hall of Fame players, including Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones. Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz formed one of the greatest pitching trios in baseball history, while Jones – a third baseman who spent his entire 19-year career with the Braves – batted .303 with 468 home runs and 1,623 RBI.
However, the Braves’ success in the 1990s was far from their only noteworthy period. They won their first World Series in 1914, when they were still known as the Boston Braves. That team featured the legendary pitcher Christy Mathewson, who won 373 games in his career and is still widely regarded as one of the best pitchers ever. The Braves also won pennants in 1948, 1957, and 1958, led by sluggers Warren Spahn and Eddie Mathews.
In more recent years, the Braves have been successful as well, though they’ve struggled to get over the hump in the postseason. They won the National League East division four years in a row from 1995-1998, and then again from 2013-2018. However, they’ve only advanced past the National League Championship Series once since 1999, losing to the New York Yankees in the 1999 World Series.
Along the way, the Braves have played at some of the most iconic ballparks in baseball history. From their days at Boston’s South End Grounds in the 1800s to their current home at Truist Park in Atlanta, the Braves have called some of the most legendary venues in the sport home. They played at Milwaukee’s County Stadium from 1953-1965, where they won their only World Series title in 1957. In Atlanta, they’ve played at a number of different parks, including Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Turner Field, and their current home of Truist Park.
While the Braves have had plenty of great players and memorable moments over the years, their influence on the game extends far beyond their success on the field. They were the first team in baseball to have an African American player – outfielder Sam Jethroe – and they’ve been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport ever since. They’ve also been progressive with their use of technology, becoming one of the first teams to use advanced metrics and analytics to evaluate players.
The Braves are also known for their passionate fan base. Atlanta is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the United States, and the Braves have a massive following throughout the region. They draw some of the largest crowds in baseball, and their fans are known for their enthusiastic support of the team. The Tomahawk Chop – a chant and motion done by fans during Braves games – is one of the most iconic traditions in all of sports.
The Atlanta Braves have had a long and storied history in Major League Baseball. From their days as the Boston Red Stockings to their current home in Atlanta, they’ve been one of the sport’s most successful and influential franchises. With a collection of Hall of Fame players, iconic ballparks, and passionate fans, the Braves have left an indelible mark on baseball history.