Let’s take a journey through time to uncover the rich and fascinating history of the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in America—the Atlanta Braves.
This story isn’t just about the triumphs of iconic teams like the 1914 “Miracle” Braves or the 1995 World Champions.
It’s about the highs and lows, the legendary players, the memorable managers, and even the stadiums that have hosted unforgettable moments. The Braves’ saga is a rollercoaster of glorious victories, heart-wrenching losses, and long stretches of waiting for that next big win.
The Early Days
The Braves’ story is also a tale of evolution and adaptation, as the team transformed from the Boston Red Stockings into the Braves we know today. It’s the story of a team that’s been through name changes, relocations, and plenty of reinventions, but has always remained a pillar of professional baseball in America.
So, let’s start at the beginning. The year was 1871, and the Boston Red Stockings were born, thanks to Ivers Whitney Adams and the legendary Harry Wright, who is often called the “Father of Professional Baseball.” The Red Stockings were one of the nine charter members of the National Association of Professional Baseball Players, the precursor to today’s National League. From the get-go, they were a powerhouse, snagging six pennants in the first eight years, including National Association titles from 1872 to 1875 and National League crowns in 1877 and 1878. They were unbeatable, even winning 26 games in a row during the 1875 season and not losing a single home game that year!
Boston Braves
Fast forward to 1912, and the team had taken on the name “Braves.” This was a period marked by challenges, but also by unforgettable moments like the legendary 1914 Miracle Braves, who defied the odds to win the World Series after a stunning comeback.
However, as time went on, Boston’s support for the Braves dwindled, especially with the rise of the Red Sox, leading to one of the most surprising moves in baseball history.
Milwaukee Braves
In 1953, the Braves packed up and left Boston for Milwaukee, a move that shocked the baseball world. The Braves were welcomed with open arms, and their time in Milwaukee is remembered fondly by fans, as the team saw a resurgence in popularity and success. But even this chapter had an expiration date, and by 1966, the Braves were on the move again, this time to Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta welcomed the Braves with excitement and optimism, and it didn’t take long for the team to find its footing in the new city. Then came the 1990s, a decade that firmly established the Braves as one of the most dominant teams in Major League Baseball.
From the dramatic worst-to-first season in 1991 to capturing the World Series in 1995, the Braves were the team to beat, and they continued to set the standard throughout the decade.
This is the story of the Atlanta Braves—a team with a history as colorful as it is unique, filled with moments of both joy and heartbreak. It’s a history that reflects the broader story of professional baseball in America, where tradition meets innovation, and where every season is another chapter in a never-ending saga.
