Atlanta Braves Tickets

As a symbol of perseverance and a testament to the enduring power of baseball, the Atlanta Braves have etched their mark in the annals of American sports history. From their roots in Boston in 1871, then to Milwaukee in the 1950s, and finally to their current home in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves' saga is a rich tapestry of triumphs, tribulations, legendary figures, and iconic moments.

Whether you're a die-hard Braves supporter or a general baseball enthusiast, join us as we explore the legacy of this storied franchise, its impacts on the sport, and its undeniable influence on the cultural fabric of Atlanta and the broader United States.

Atlanta Braves Origins and History

The history of the Atlanta Braves is one of the longest and most complex in professional baseball. The franchise's roots can be traced back to 1871, making them one of the oldest continuously operating franchises in American sports. Their journey from Boston to Milwaukee to Atlanta is intertwined with the evolution of baseball itself, a testament to the team's ability to adapt and evolve.

The Braves began as the Boston Red Stockings in the National Association of Professional Baseball Players in 1871. The team went through a few name changes in its early years, including the Beaneaters, Doves, Rustlers, and Braves. They became the Boston Braves in 1912 and remained so until their move to Milwaukee.

In 1953, the Braves relocated to Milwaukee following declining fan attendance in Boston. The Milwaukee Braves experienced significant success, including their World Series win in 1957, with a team that featured legendary players like Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn. This period in Milwaukee marked a significant upswing for the franchise.

However, by the mid-1960s, in pursuit of a larger market and modern stadium facilities, the team was on the move again. The Braves relocated to Atlanta in 1966, where they've remained to this day. The team initially played at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium before moving to Turner Field in 1997 and then to the current SunTrust Park in 2017.

In Atlanta, the Braves had some legendary players like Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, and later Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones, contributing to the team's success. The pinnacle came in 1995 when they won the World Series, solidifying the Atlanta Braves' place in baseball history.

Through the years, the Braves have been synonymous with baseball in the American South, earning a fervent fan base and contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of Atlanta and the surrounding region. Despite the team's ups and downs, the Braves have consistently demonstrated resilience and a fighting spirit, characteristics that have made them a beloved institution in the world of sports.

7 Greatest Moments in Atlanta Braves History

The Atlanta Braves have a rich history filled with iconic moments that have made indelible impacts on baseball. Let's delve into seven of the greatest moments in Atlanta Braves history.

The Move to Atlanta (1966): The move from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966 was a pivotal moment for the franchise. It marked the arrival of Major League Baseball in the South, and Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium became the home of the Braves. This move laid the foundation for the Braves' strong influence in the region.

Hank Aaron Breaks Babe Ruth's Home Run Record (1974): On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players in baseball history, made history by hitting his 715th career home run, surpassing Babe Ruth's long-standing record. This moment still stands as one of the most significant in baseball history.

First West Division Title Win (1969): The Braves' first title win in the West Division in 1969 signaled the team's arrival as a competitive force in the National League. They defeated the San Francisco Giants to clinch the title, their first since moving to Atlanta.

Worst to First (1991): The 1991 season was a magical one for the Braves. After finishing last in their division in 1990, they turned things around remarkably to win the National League pennant in 1991, a feat encapsulated by the phrase "worst to first."

1995 World Series Victory: The pinnacle of the Atlanta Braves' success came in 1995 when they defeated the Cleveland Indians to win the World Series. This remains the team's only World Series win in Atlanta and marks the high point in a period of sustained excellence for the Braves, who won an astounding 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005.

Opening of SunTrust Park (2017): After 20 years at Turner Field, the Braves moved to their current home, SunTrust Park (now known as Truist Park), in 2017. This state-of-the-art stadium, with its accompanying development, The Battery Atlanta, ushered in a new era for the team and its fans.

National League Championship Win (2020): Despite the global challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Braves showcased their resilience by winning the National League Championship in 2020, their first since 1999, earning a spot in the World Series.

These moments, among many others, symbolize the enduring legacy of the Atlanta Braves. They've provided unforgettable memories for their fans and have etched the Braves' name in the annals of baseball history.

7 Greatest Atlanta Braves Players in History

The Atlanta Braves have been graced with some of the most talented and influential players in the history of Major League Baseball. From batting powerhouses to exceptional pitchers, let's delve into seven of the greatest Atlanta Braves players in history.

Hank Aaron: Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Hank Aaron's impact on the game is immense. "Hammerin' Hank" was with the Braves from their time in Milwaukee and transitioned with them to Atlanta, where he broke Babe Ruth's career home run record in 1974. Aaron was a 25-time All-Star and finished his career with 755 home runs.

Chipper Jones: Chipper Jones spent his entire 19-year career with the Braves, winning a World Series in 1995. The switch-hitting third baseman was an eight-time All-Star and won the National League MVP award in 1999. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Greg Maddux: Greg Maddux was part of the Braves' starting rotation during their period of dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s. Maddux, a four-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time All-Star, was instrumental in leading the Braves to their 1995 World Series victory.

Tom Glavine: Another key part of the Braves' exceptional rotation, Tom Glavine was a ten-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award winner. Glavine, like Maddux, played a crucial role in the Braves' 1995 World Series win.

John Smoltz: The third component of the Braves' "Big Three" pitchers in the '90s, John Smoltz spent his entire 20-year career with the Braves. Smoltz is the only pitcher in MLB history to top 200 wins and 150 saves, and his versatility as both a starter and a reliever was crucial to the Braves' success.

Dale Murphy: A star in the 1980s, Dale Murphy was a two-time National League MVP and a seven-time All-Star. Known for his power at the plate and his skill in the outfield, Murphy is often considered one of the greatest players not in the Hall of Fame.

Phil Niekro: Known for his devastating knuckleball, Phil Niekro spent the majority of his 24-year career with the Braves. Niekro was a five-time All-Star and won five Gold Glove Awards. His 318 career wins and 3,342 strikeouts place him among the best pitchers in baseball history.

Each of these players left a profound mark on the Atlanta Braves franchise, contributing to the team's legacy and leaving indelible memories in the hearts of fans. They not only achieved individual greatness but also helped shape the franchise into one of the most successful and beloved teams in baseball.

Atlanta Braves Rivals

The Atlanta Braves have had several rivalries throughout their history in Major League Baseball. Some of these rivalries have been shaped by geographical proximity, divisional competition, or contentious playoff series. Here are the Braves' primary rivals:

New York Mets: The Braves-Mets rivalry dates back to 1969, when the Miracle Mets upset the heavily favored Braves in the inaugural National League Championship Series. The rivalry intensified in the late 1990s and early 2000s when both teams were regular contenders for the NL East title.

Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies are another NL East rival of the Braves. While the two teams have had periods of relative calm, they've also had some highly competitive seasons. The rivalry has been fueled by the frequent head-to-head battles for control of the division.

Washington Nationals: Since the Nationals moved to Washington, D.C., in 2005, they've developed a rivalry with the Braves, again driven by competition within the NL East. Both teams have had strong squads in recent years, making their matchups particularly impactful in the race for the division title.

Miami Marlins: As another team in the NL East, the Marlins have had their fair share of battles with the Braves. The rivalry has had its ups and downs depending on the competitiveness of the teams in a given season, but the divisional stakes always add a layer of intrigue.

Los Angeles Dodgers: While not in the same division, the Braves and Dodgers have faced off in several memorable playoff series over the years, fostering a level of rivalry. The most notable instance came in 1991 when the two teams competed for the National League pennant, with the Braves coming out on top.

Each of these rivalries has contributed to the drama and excitement of Braves baseball, creating numerous memorable moments and adding an extra layer of competition to the games.