Atlanta Braves facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Atlanta Braves
2025 Atlanta Braves season
Established in 1871 Based in Atlanta since 1966
Team logo Cap insignia
Major league affiliations
National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) West Division (1969–1993) National Association (1871–1875)
Current uniform
Retired numbers	3 6 10 21 25 29 31 35 41 44 47 42
Colors
Navy blue, scarlet red, gold, white
Name
Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953–1965) Boston Braves (1941–1952) Boston Bees (1936–1940) Boston Braves (1912–1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907–1910) Boston Beaneaters (1883–1906) Boston Red Caps (1876–1882) Boston Red Stockings (1871–1875)
Other nicknames
The Bravos The Team of the '90s America's Team
Ballpark
Truist Park (2017–present) Turner Field (1997–2016) Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (1966–1996) Milwaukee County Stadium (1953–1965) Braves Field (1915–1952) Fenway Park (1914–1915) Congress Street Grounds (1894) South End Grounds (1871–1914)
Major league titles
World Series titles (4)	1914 1957 1995 2021
NL Pennants (18)	1877 1878 1883 1891 1892 1893 1897 1898 1914 1948 1957 1958 1991 1992 1995 1996 1999 2021
NA Pennants (4)	1872 1873 1874 1875
NL East Division titles (18)	1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2013 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
NL West Division titles (5)	1969 1982 1991 1992 1993
Pre-modern World Series (1)	1892
Wild card berths (3)	2010 2012 2024
Front office
Principal owner(s)	Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. Traded as: NASDAQ: BATRA (Series A) OTCQB: BATRB (Series B) NASDAQ: BATRK (Series C) Russell 2000 components (BATRA, BATRK)
President	Derek Schiller
President of baseball operations	Alex Anthopoulos
General manager	Alex Anthopoulos
Manager	Brian Snitker
Mascot(s)	Blooper

The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball team from the Atlanta metropolitan area. They play in Major League Baseball (MLB) as part of the National League (NL) East Division. The team started in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings.

The Braves are one of the oldest professional sports teams in North America. They are one of two original National League teams that began in 1876 and have been playing continuously ever since. The team used different names before becoming the Boston Braves in 1912.

After 81 seasons and one World Series win in Boston, the team moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953. The Milwaukee Braves won the 1957 World Series with star players like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn. Even with their success, fewer fans came to games. So, the team moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1966.

The Braves did not have much success in Atlanta until 1991. From 1991 to 2005, the Braves were one of baseball's best teams. They won 14 division titles in a row, which is an MLB record. They also appeared in eight straight National League Championship Series. During this time, they had an amazing group of pitchers, including Hall of Fame players Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine.

The club has won an MLB record 23 division titles, 18 National League pennants, and four World Series championships. The Braves are the only MLB team to win the World Series in three different home cities. At the end of the 2024 season, the Braves had a total win–loss record of 11,114–10,949–154. Since moving to Atlanta in 1966, their record is 4,850–4,461–8 through the end of 2024.

Team History and Milestones

Early Years in Boston (1871–1952)

Starting as the Boston Red Stockings

Boston Beaneaters team photo, 1890

The first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, formed in 1869. After they stopped playing in 1870, their manager, Harry Wright, and some players moved to Boston. They formed the Boston Red Stockings. This team was a founding member of the first professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players.

The Boston Red Stockings were very strong, winning four championships in five years. This team and its later versions are the oldest continuously playing professional sports team in America.

Becoming the Red Caps and Beaneaters

The club became the Boston Red Caps in 1876. They played in the very first National League game that year, winning against the Philadelphia Athletics. They won league titles in 1877 and 1878.

Later, the team was known as the Beaneaters. In 1898, they won 102 games with stars like Hugh Duffy and Billy Hamilton. In 1901, many players left for the new American League, and the team struggled for many years.

The Braves Name and the 1914 "Miracle"

The team changed its name several times before becoming the Braves in 1912. The club's president, John M. Ward, named them after the owner, James E. Gaffney. Gaffney was called one of the "braves" of New York City's political group, Tammany Hall. This group used a Native American chief as its symbol.

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

The 1914 Boston Braves had an amazing season. They started with a terrible record of 4 wins and 18 losses. They were in last place, 15 games behind the New York Giants. But then, they went on an incredible winning streak. From July 6 to September 5, they won 41 games and lost only 12.

They moved into first place in early September. The Braves won the league title, even though they were in last place as late as July 18. This was a truly remarkable comeback!

In the 1914 World Series, the Braves were not expected to win against the Philadelphia A's. But they surprised everyone by winning all four games, sweeping the series and becoming world champions! After this success, the owner built a new, larger stadium called Braves Field, which opened in 1915.

Challenges and a Final Boston Pennant

The Boston Braves cap logo, 1946 to 1952

From 1917 to 1933, the Boston Braves struggled. In 1935, the team tried to get more fans by bringing in baseball legend Babe Ruth. Ruth was made a team vice president, but his playing skills were declining. He retired on June 1, 1935. The Braves finished that season with a very bad record of 38 wins and 115 losses.

The team was briefly called the Boston Bees, but later went back to being the Braves. In 1948, the team won the league title again. This was thanks to great pitching from Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain. A sportswriter even wrote a famous poem about them:

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.

Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn

The Braves lost the 1948 World Series to the Cleveland Indians. This was their last big moment in Boston. In 1953, the team moved to Milwaukee.

Moving to Milwaukee (1953–1965)

The Milwaukee Braves cap logo

The Milwaukee Braves were very popular right away. In 1953, they had 1.8 million fans, a record for the National League. They finished second in the league that year.

In the 1950s, the Braves were a strong team. With powerful hitters like Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron, they won two league titles. In 1957, Hank Aaron had an amazing season and led the Braves to win the 1957 World Series against the New York Yankees.

They played the Yankees again in the 1958 World Series but lost. In 1959, they tied for first place but lost in a playoff game. The team's success changed over the next few years. In 1962, the team was sold, and the new owners planned to move the team to Atlanta.

The Atlanta Braves Era (1966–present)

Early Years in Atlanta (1966–1974)

Hall of Fame right fielder and designated hitter Hank Aaron

The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966. In 1969, they won their first National League West Division title. However, they lost in the playoffs to the "Miracle Mets".

For many years, fans in Atlanta mostly celebrated the achievements of Hank Aaron. By the end of 1973, he had hit 713 home runs, just one short of Babe Ruth's record. On April 8, 1974, in Atlanta, Aaron hit his 715th home run, breaking Ruth's record! Aaron played most of his career with the Braves before being traded in 1974.

Ted Turner's Ownership (1976–1996)

Media magnate Ted Turner purchased the team in 1976, and played a large role in the team's operation.

In 1976, media owner Ted Turner bought the team. He owned a TV channel called WTBS. Turner used the Braves games to make his TV channel popular across the country. This made the Braves the first team to have fans all over the United States, earning them the nickname "America's Team".

Turner was a very involved owner. On May 11, 1977, he even tried to manage the team himself for one game! But baseball rules said owners couldn't also be managers, so he had to stop.

The Braves didn't have much success between 1978 and 1990. But in 1982, led by manager Joe Torre, they won their first division title since 1969. Star players like Dale Murphy helped the team. Murphy won the Most Valuable Player award in 1982 and 1983.

The "Team of the '90s" (1991–2005)

Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz combined for six Cy Young Awards during their time in the Braves pitching rotation

From 1991 to 2005, the Atlanta Braves had an amazing run. They won 14 division titles in a row, five National League titles, and a World Series championship in 1995. Manager Bobby Cox returned in 1990 and helped turn the team around. They also drafted future star Chipper Jones in 1990.

In 1991, the Braves went from last place to first, a truly incredible feat. They reached the 1991 World Series but lost a very close series to the Minnesota Twins. The next year, they made it to the 1992 World Series again but lost to the Toronto Blue Jays.

In 1993, the Braves added star pitcher Greg Maddux. He joined Tom Glavine and John Smoltz to form one of the best pitching groups ever.

The Braves won the 1995 World Series by defeating the Cleveland Indians. This made them the first team to win a World Series in three different cities! They reached the World Series again in 1996 and 1999 but lost both times to the New York Yankees.

Recent Years and Another World Series (2006–present)

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 2010, Bobby Cox's last year as manager, the Braves made it to the playoffs again. They lost in the first round, ending Cox's great career. In 2012, the Braves returned to the playoffs in Chipper Jones' final season. They lost a close Wild Card game, but Jones' career was celebrated.

Truist Park prior to its first regular-season game

In 2017, the Braves moved to their new home, Truist Park. A new mascot named Blooper was also introduced. Under new general manager Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves have been very successful, making the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons.

In 2020, the Braves reached the 2020 National League Championship Series but lost to the Dodgers. Then, in the 2021 season, the Braves won their division. They defeated the Milwaukee Brewers and then the Dodgers in the playoffs. This sent them to the World Series for the first time since 1999.

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

The Braves then played the Houston Astros in the 2021 World Series. They won in six games, earning their fourth World Series title!

Team Look: Logos and Uniforms

The Braves' logos have changed over time. Early logos featured a Native American warrior. The current logo, used since 1987, shows the word "Braves" in cursive with a tomahawk below it.

The uniforms have also changed. For the 2023 season, the Braves had four different uniform styles. These included classic white home uniforms, gray road uniforms, and special navy blue and red alternate jerseys. They also have a "City Connect" uniform that honors Hank Aaron and features "The A" on the chest.

World Series Championships

The Braves franchise has won four World Series Championships. They are the only team to win a World Series in three different cities.

Home Ballparks

Past Stadiums

The Boston Braves first played at the South End Grounds. After a fire, they temporarily played at the Congress Street Grounds. In 1914, they sometimes played at Fenway Park because their stadium was too small. Braves Field was built in 1915 to be a larger home.

When the team moved to Milwaukee, they played at Milwaukee County Stadium starting in 1953. This stadium was built to attract a Major League Baseball team.

In Atlanta, the Braves played at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium from 1966 to 1996. Then, they moved to Turner Field in 1997. Turner Field was originally built for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Braves played there until the 2016 season.

Current Stadiums

Truist Park

The Atlanta Braves have played at Truist Park since 2017. This stadium is about 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. The Braves played their first game at Truist Park on April 14, 2017. Many people have praised the park for its design and great views of the game.

CoolToday Park

Since 2019, the Braves have played their spring training games at CoolToday Park in Florida. This park opened on March 24, 2019. The Braves moved their spring training here to be closer to other teams and to have a year-round training facility.

Major Rivalry: New York Mets

The rivalry between the Braves and the New York Mets became very strong in 1994. This was when both teams were placed in the same division, the National League East.

In the 1999 National League Championship Series, the Braves played the Mets. The Braves took a 3–0 lead, but the Mets fought back, winning two games. The Braves eventually won the series in Game 6, earning their fifth league title of the decade.

In 2022, both the Braves and Mets finished with 101 wins. The division title came down to a key series at Truist Park. The Braves swept the series, winning the division.

The Braves have won six National League titles, and the Mets have won five. The Braves have a better overall record against the Mets. However, the Mets have won more playoff matchups between the two teams.

Nationwide Fanbase

The Braves have many fans in Atlanta and Georgia. They are also known as "America's Team". This is because their games were shown nationally on TBS from the 1970s until 2007. This gave them fans all over the country, especially in the Southeastern United States.

The Tomahawk Chop

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

In 1991, Braves fans started doing the "tomahawk chop" during games. This involves a chopping motion with the arm, often with foam tomahawks. Some Native American groups have said this gesture is disrespectful.

The Braves have had discussions with Native American representatives about the chop. While some Native American leaders have different opinions, the Braves have worked to include Cherokee language and culture in their team activities. They aim to be more culturally sensitive while still keeping the team name.

Team Achievements

Awards Won by Braves Players and Managers

Braves players have won seven Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Dale Murphy won it twice in a row, in 1982 and 1983. Five Braves pitchers have won the Cy Young Award for best pitcher. Greg Maddux won it three times in a row (1993, 1994, 1995).

Two Braves managers have won the Manager of the Year award. Bobby Cox won it three times (1991, 2004, 2005). Seven Braves players have also won the Rookie of the Year award.

Retired Numbers

The Braves have honored eleven players and managers by retiring their numbers. This means no other player on the team can wear that number. Most recently, Andruw Jones' number 25 was retired in 2023.

Other retired numbers include Chipper Jones (10), John Smoltz (29), Bobby Cox (6), Tom Glavine (47), and Greg Maddux (31). Also honored are Hank Aaron (44), Dale Murphy (3), Phil Niekro (35), Eddie Mathews (41), and Warren Spahn (21). Jackie Robinson's number 42 is retired across all of Major League Baseball.

Most of the Braves whose numbers are retired are also in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

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

Many great players and managers who were part of the Braves organization have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Bobby Cox

Chipper Jones

Phil Niekro

P Greg Maddux, Hall of Famer

Braves Hall of Fame

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	P	1993–2003
2010	47	Tom Glavine	P	1987–2002, 2008
2011	6	Bobby Cox	Manager	1978–1981, 1990–2010
2012	29	John Smoltz	P	1988–1999, 2001–2008
2013	10	Chipper Jones	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	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	25, 43, 77	Rico Carty	LF	1963–1972
	—	Fred Tenney	1B	1894–1907, 1911

Minor League Teams

The Atlanta Braves have six minor league teams. These teams help develop new players for the main Braves team.

Radio and Television Broadcasts

You can watch Braves games on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Some games are also shown on Peachtree TV and Peachtree Sports Network. Brandon Gaudin is the main play-by-play announcer.

You can listen to Braves games on the radio across Georgia and seven other states. The main radio station in Atlanta is 680 The Fan.

See also

In Spanish: Atlanta Braves para niños