History of Atlanta Braves in Timeline

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Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball team in MLB's National League East Division, based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Founded in Boston in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, they are one of the two remaining National League charter franchises that started in 1876. The Braves are also the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in North America. The team went by several names before becoming the Boston Braves in 1912.

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1900: Start of Struggling Seasons

From 1900 to 1913, the team struggled, achieving only one winning season.

1901: Introduction of the American League

In 1901, the introduction of the American League caused many Beaneaters players, including stars Duffy and Jimmy Collins, to leave for clubs of the rival league.

1907: Temporary Removal of Red Color From Stockings

In 1907, the Boston Beaneaters temporarily dropped the red color from their stockings due to concerns about infection.

1912: Team Renamed the Braves

Before the 1912 season, the club underwent various nickname changes until becoming the Braves. The club's president, John M. Ward, named the club after the owner, James Gaffney, who was called one of the "braves" of New York City's political machine, Tammany Hall.

1912: Adoption of the Boston Braves Name

In 1912, the franchise, known by various names since 1871, officially adopted the name 'Boston Braves'.

1913: End of Struggling Seasons

From 1900 to 1913, the team struggled, achieving only one winning season.

1914: Braves play games at Fenway Park

During the 1914 season, the Braves played some games at Fenway Park because the South End Grounds was too small to accommodate larger crowds.

1914: Braves Win the World Series

In 1914, led by captain Johnny Evers, the Boston Braves swept the Philadelphia A's to win the World Series.

1914: Braves' Remarkable Turnaround Season

In 1914, the Boston Braves experienced a remarkable turnaround, going from last place to securing the pennant after an incredible hot streak. On August 3, Joseph Lannin offered Fenway Park to the Braves free of charge for the remainder of the season.

August 1915: Opening of Braves Field

In August 1915, owner James Gaffney opened Braves Field, a modern park with 40,000 seats and convenient public transportation access.

1915: Braves Field built

In 1915, Braves Field was built to provide a larger venue for the team.

1917: Start of Struggling Years

From 1917 to 1933, the Boston Braves struggled with different owners.

1923: Emil Fuchs Buys the Team

In 1923, Emil Fuchs bought the Boston Braves, bringing Christy Mathewson as part of the syndicate.

1925: Mathewson's Death Leaves Fuchs in Control

In 1925, the death of pitching legend Christy Mathewson left Emil Fuchs in control of the Boston Braves.

1933: Braves Become Competitive

In 1933, under manager Bill McKechnie, the Boston Braves became competitive, though it didn't significantly improve the club's finances.

1934: Braves Become Competitive

In 1934, under manager Bill McKechnie, the Boston Braves became competitive, though it did little to help the club's finances.

June 1, 1935: Babe Ruth's Retirement

On June 1, 1935, Babe Ruth retired from the Boston Braves shortly after hitting his last three home runs.

August 1935: Fuchs Loses Control of the Team

In August 1935, Emil Fuchs lost control of the Boston Braves, leading to a rebranding attempt.

1945: Braves logo features Native American warrior

In 1945, the Braves logo featured a Native American warrior.

1946: Impressive Season Led by Warren Spahn

In 1946, the Boston Braves enjoyed an impressive season under Lou Perini's ownership, led by pitcher Warren Spahn.

1947: Impressive Season Led by Warren Spahn

In 1947, the Boston Braves enjoyed an impressive season under Lou Perini's ownership, led by pitcher Warren Spahn.

1948: Braves Win the Pennant

In 1948, the Boston Braves won the National League pennant, primarily due to the pitching of Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain.

1948: Braves Lost the World Series

The 1948 World Series saw the Braves lose to the Indians in six games, marking the end of an era for the team in Boston.

1950: Milwaukee County Stadium constructed

In 1950, Milwaukee County Stadium was constructed to attract a Major League Baseball team.

March 13, 1953: Announcement of Move to Milwaukee

On March 13, 1953, Lou Perini announced the Boston Braves were moving to Milwaukee, citing the advent of television and lack of local enthusiasm.

1953: Braves Move to Milwaukee

In 1953, after 81 seasons in Boston, the club moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1953: Milwaukee Braves' Successful First Season

In 1953, the Milwaukee Braves' move to Wisconsin was an immediate success, drawing a National League-record 1.8 million fans and finishing second in the league.

1955: End of Native American warrior logo

In 1955, the Native American warrior was replaced.

1956: Braves logo features laughing Native American

In 1956, the Braves logo featured a laughing Native American with a mohawk and a feather.

1956: Braves as National League Powerhouse

Throughout the 1950s, and specifically by 1956, the Braves were a National League powerhouse, driven by Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron.

1957: Aaron Leads Braves to World Series Victory

In 1957, Hank Aaron's MVP season led the Braves to their first pennant in nine years and a World Series victory against the New York Yankees.

1957: Milwaukee Braves win the World Series

In 1957, the Milwaukee Braves, with Hall-of-Fame players like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn, won the World Series.

1959: Braves Tied with Dodgers, Lose Playoff

In 1959, the Milwaukee Braves ended the season in a tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers but lost in a playoff.

1962: Perini Sells Braves

In 1962, Louis Perini sold the Braves to a Chicago-based group led by William Bartholomay.

1963: Braves Finish in "Second Division"

In 1963, the Braves finished fifth, marking their first time in the "second division."

1965: Intended Move to Atlanta Delayed

In 1965, William Bartholomay intended to move the Milwaukee Braves to Atlanta, but legal hurdles kept them in Milwaukee for an extra season.

1965: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium constructed

In 1965, the city of Atlanta constructed Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium after reaching an agreement with the Braves to relocate from Milwaukee.

1965: End of laughing Native American logo

In 1965, the laughing Native American logo was replaced.

1966: Braves move to Atlanta

In 1966, the Atlanta Braves moved to Atlanta.

1969: Mets sweep Braves in NLCS

In 1969, the Mets swept the Braves in the NLCS, which was their first major confrontation.

1969: Braves Win NL West Division Title

In 1969, with the onset of divisional play, the Atlanta Braves won the first National League West Division title but were then swept by the "Miracle Mets" in the National League Championship Series.

1970: Start of Inconsistent Seasons

Between 1970 and 1981, the Atlanta Braves only posted two winning seasons.

1973: Hank Aaron Approaches Ruth's Home Run Record

By the end of the 1973 season, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves had hit 713 home runs, just one short of Babe Ruth's record.

November 2, 1974: Aaron Traded to Milwaukee Brewers

On November 2, 1974, Hank Aaron was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Milwaukee Brewers.

1974: City Connect uniform colors

The City Connect uniform worn on Saturdays has 1974 uniform colors.

1976: Turner Purchases Braves

In 1976, Ted Turner, owner of WTBS, purchased the Atlanta Braves to keep them in Atlanta and as programming for his cable network.

May 11, 1977: Turner Appoints Himself Manager

On May 11, 1977, Ted Turner appointed himself manager of the Atlanta Braves, but was ordered to relinquish the position after one game due to MLB rules.

1978: Start of Period Without Success

From 1978 to 1990, the Atlanta Braves did not enjoy much success.

1981: End of Inconsistent Seasons

Between 1970 and 1981, the Atlanta Braves only posted two winning seasons.

1982: Dale Murphy wins MVP

In 1982, Dale Murphy won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

1982: Braves Secure Divisional Title

In the 1982 season, led by manager Joe Torre, the Atlanta Braves secured their first divisional title since 1969 but were swept in the NLCS by the Cardinals. Dale Murphy won the Most Valuable Player award for the National League.

1983: Dale Murphy wins MVP again

In 1983, Dale Murphy won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second year in a row.

1987: Modern Braves logo introduced

In 1987, the modern Braves logo, featuring the cursive word "Braves" with a tomahawk below it, was introduced. Uniforms adopted that year evoked their 1950s classic look.

1990: End of Period Without Success

From 1978 to 1990, the Atlanta Braves did not enjoy much success.

1990: Cox Returns as Manager

In 1990, Bobby Cox returned as manager, leading the team's turnaround. Chipper Jones was drafted, and John Schuerholz was hired as general manager.

1991: Start of Remarkable Era of Success

From 1991 to 2005, the Atlanta Braves experienced a remarkable era of success in baseball, marked by a record-setting 14 consecutive division titles.

1991: Bobby Cox wins Manager of the Year

In 1991, Bobby Cox won the Manager of the Year award.

1991: Tomahawk chop popularized

In 1991, fans of the Atlanta Braves popularized the "tomahawk chop" during games.

1991: Braves Find Success in Atlanta

In 1991, the Atlanta Braves began a period of unprecedented success, winning 14 consecutive division titles.

1991: "Worst to First" Season

In 1991, the Atlanta Braves had the "Worst to First" season, overcoming a shaky start to secure the NL pennant but losing the World Series to the Minnesota Twins.

1993: Greg Maddux wins Cy Young Award

In 1993, Greg Maddux won the Cy Young Award.

1993: Braves Add Greg Maddux

In 1993, the Atlanta Braves strengthened their pitching staff with the addition of Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux in free agency but lost in the NLCS to the Philadelphia Phillies.

1994: Greg Maddux wins Cy Young Award again

In 1994, Greg Maddux won the Cy Young Award for the second year in a row.

1994: Braves Move to Eastern Division

In 1994, the Atlanta Braves moved to the Eastern Division, sparking a rivalry with the New York Mets.

1994: Player's Strike Cuts Season Short

In 1994, the player's strike cut short the season just before the division championships.

1994: Braves and Mets in National League East division

In the 1994 season, division realignment put both the Mets and the Braves in the National League East division.

1995: Braves Win World Series Championship

From 1991 to 2005, the Atlanta Braves enjoyed a remarkable era of success in baseball, winning a World Series championship in 1995.

1995: Greg Maddux wins Cy Young Award for third consecutive year

In 1995, Greg Maddux won the Cy Young Award for the third consecutive year.

1995: Braves Win World Series

In 1995, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Cleveland Indians to win the World Series, becoming the first MLB team to win championships in three different cities.

1996: Centennial Olympic Stadium

In 1996, Centennial Olympic Stadium was built.

1996: Time Warner Acquires Turner Broadcasting

In 1996, Time Warner acquired Ted Turner's Turner Broadcasting System, including the Atlanta Braves.

1996: Braves Reach World Series

In 1996, the Atlanta Braves reached the World Series but were defeated by the New York Yankees.

1997: Braves move to Turner Field

In 1997, the Braves moved to Turner Field.

1999: Braves Reach World Series

In 1999, the Atlanta Braves reached the World Series but were defeated by the New York Yankees.

1999: Braves win National League pennant

In 1999, the Atlanta Braves won the National League pennant.

1999: Braves win series against Mets in NLCS

In 1999, the Braves faced the Mets in the National League Championship Series and won in Game 6 with Andruw Jones securing a walk-off walk, earning their 5th National League pennant of the decade.

2000: Braves Postseason Disappointment

Despite winning a ninth consecutive division title in 2000, the Atlanta Braves faced postseason disappointment with a sweep by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.

2002: Braves Win Division Title, Early NLDS Exit

In 2002, the Atlanta Braves won a division title but experienced an early exit in the NLDS.

2004: Bobby Cox wins Manager of the Year again

In 2004, Bobby Cox won the Manager of the Year award.

2004: Braves Win Division Title, Early NLDS Exit

In 2004, the Atlanta Braves won a division title but experienced an early exit in the NLDS.

December 2005: Time Warner puts Braves up for sale

In December 2005, Time Warner initiated the process of selling the Atlanta Braves, which led to negotiations with Liberty Media.

2005: End of Remarkable Era of Success

From 1991 to 2005, the Atlanta Braves experienced a remarkable era of success in baseball, marked by a record-setting 14 consecutive division titles.

2005: Bobby Cox wins Manager of the Year for third time

In 2005, Bobby Cox won the Manager of the Year award for the third time.

2005: End of the Braves' Division Title Streak

In 2005, the Atlanta Braves' streak of 14 consecutive division titles came to an end.

2005: Braves miss postseason

In 2005, the Braves did not make the postseason, which was the last time until 2010.

February 2007: Liberty Media to acquire the Braves

In February 2007, Liberty Media reached a deal to acquire the Atlanta Braves for $450 million, a magazine publishing company, and $980 million in cash, totaling approximately $1.48 billion, pending MLB approval.

2007: TBS national broadcast ends

Up until 2007, the Atlanta Braves games had been broadcast nationally on TBS since the 1970s, giving the team a nationwide fan base.

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2010: Braves return to Postseason

In 2010, Bobby Cox's final year as manager, the Atlanta Braves returned to the postseason for the first time since 2005, securing the NL Wild Card but losing to the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series.

2012: Braves lose Wild Card game

In 2012, Chipper Jones' final season, the Braves won 94 games but lost the Wild Card Game against the St. Louis Cardinals 6–3, remembered for a controversial infield fly call.

2016: End of Turner Field

The 2016 season was the last season at Turner Field.

April 14, 2017: Braves open Truist Park

On April 14, 2017, the Atlanta Braves opened Truist Park with a four-game sweep of the San Diego Padres.

2017: Braves begin playing at Truist Park; Coppolella resigns

In 2017, the Atlanta Braves started playing at Truist Park, replacing Turner Field. General Manager John Coppolella resigned due to international signing rule violations, and Alex Anthopoulos became the new GM. A new on field mascot named Blooper was also introduced.

March 24, 2019: CoolToday Park opens

On March 24, 2019, CoolToday Park opened with the Braves' 4–2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

2019: Ryan Helsley finds tomahawk chop insulting

In 2019, Cherokee Nation member and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley found the tomahawk chop insulting, prompting the Braves to modify their in-game experience.

2020: Braves discuss the tomahawk chop

In 2020, the Braves announced ongoing talks about the chop but insisted the team name would remain unchanged.

2020: Braves reach NLCS, lose to Dodgers

In 2020, the Braves reached the National League Championship Series but lost to the Dodgers after leading 3–1.

2021: Debate over tomahawk chop continues

In 2021, the debate over the tomahawk chop continued, with differing opinions within the Native American community. The Eastern Cherokee Band of Indians and the Braves initiated efforts to incorporate Cherokee language and culture into the team's activities, stadium, and merchandise.

2021: Braves win World Series

In the 2021 season, the Braves won the National League East with an 88–73 record, defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series, won against the Dodgers in the NLCS, and won the World Series against the Houston Astros in six games.

2022: Braves sweep Mets

In 2022, The Braves claimed the NL East division title and first-round bye by winning the season series against the Mets, sweeping the series.

2023: Braves have four uniform combinations

For the 2023 season, the Braves had four uniform combinations: classic white home and gray road uniforms, a navy blue road jersey for alternate games, a Friday night red uniform, and a City Connect uniform worn on Saturdays paying tribute to Hank Aaron.

2023: Andruw Jones' number retired

In 2023, Andruw Jones' number 25 was retired by the Atlanta Braves.

November 2025: Walt Weiss promoted to manager

In November 2025, the Braves announced that Walt Weiss would be promoted to manager.

2025: Braves' Win-Loss Record at the End of 2025 Season

At the end of the 2025 season, the Atlanta Braves' overall win–loss record is 11,190–11,035–154 (.503).