Atlanta Braves Tickets

History of the Atlanta Braves

The Braves were originally founded as the Boston Red Stockings, but they changed their name to the Braves in 1912. The team had early success, winning the first National League Pennant in 1877 and going on to win the World Series in 1914. After a few years of decline, the Braves bounced back in the 1950s and 1960s, winning National League Pennants in 1957 and 1958.

In 1966, the team moved from Boston to Atlanta, where they have played ever since. The move to Atlanta coincided with a period of sustained success for the Braves, with the team winning 11 consecutive division titles between 1995 and 2005, including four World Series appearances in 1991, 1992, 1995, and 1996.

Greatest Players in Atlanta Braves History

Over the years, the Braves have had numerous Hall of Fame players, including Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, and Andruw Jones. Hank Aaron is perhaps the most iconic player in Braves history, having broken Babe Ruth's all-time home run record in 1974 while playing for the team. Aaron spent the majority of his career with the Braves, from 1954 to 1974, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Warren Spahn is another player who had a long and successful career with the Braves, playing for the team from 1942 to 1964. Spahn won 363 games over his career, the most by any left-handed pitcher in history. Eddie Mathews, who played for the Braves from 1952 to 1966, was one of the most feared hitters of his era, finishing his career with 512 home runs.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Braves were led by a trio of dominant starting pitchers: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995, while Glavine won two Cy Young Awards of his own in 1991 and 1998.

Chipper Jones, who played for the Braves from 1993 to 2012, is one of the most beloved players in the team’s history. Jones won the National League MVP award in 1999, and he finished his career with 468 home runs and a .303 batting average. Andruw Jones, who played for the Braves from 1996 to 2007, was one of the best defensive outfielders in history, winning 10 Gold Glove Awards over his career.

Atlanta Braves Championships

The Braves have won 4 World Series championships in their history, in 1914, 1957, 1995, and 2021. The 1995 championship was particularly memorable, as the Braves defeated the Cleveland Indians in six games to win their first World Series since moving to Atlanta. The team was led by a dominant pitching staff that included Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Steve Avery, as well as clutch hitting from players like Chipper Jones and Fred McGriff.

On top of that, the Atlanta Braves have also won 18 NL Pennants, 4 NA Pennants, 5 NL West Division titles, and 17 NL East Division Championships over the course of their illustrious history.

The Major Rivalries

The Braves have had several notable rivalries over the years, including their longstanding rivalry with the New York Mets. The rivalry has produced some memorable moments, such as the famous "laser show" incident in 1999 when Mets pitcher John Rocker made derogatory comments about New York City and its fans.

Another notable rivalry for the Braves was with the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1990s and early 2000s. The two teams frequently battled for the National League East division title. The rivalry was marked by several high-profile incidents, including a brawl between the two teams in 1998 that resulted in multiple ejections and suspensions.

In recent years, the Braves have developed a rivalry with the Washington Nationals, with both teams frequently competing for the National League East crown. The rivalry has been fueled by several close games and tense moments, including a memorable game in 2019 when Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. was hit by a pitch in the first inning, leading to a benches-clearing incident.

The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied and successful franchises in the history of Major League Baseball. With a rich history that spans over a century, the team has produced some of the greatest players and most memorable moments in the sport's history. As they look to build on their recent success and compete for another championship, the Braves remain a beloved and iconic part of the baseball landscape.