History of Atlanta Braves in Timeline

The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, competing in Major League Baseball's National League East Division. Founded in Boston in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, they are one of the two remaining National League charter franchises from 1876. They hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in North America. The team was known by various names before officially becoming the Boston Braves in 1912.

1900: Team struggles after the introduction of the American League

In 1900, after the introduction of the American League, the team struggled, having only one winning season from 1900 to 1913.

1901: Introduction of the American League

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

1907: Red color temporarily dropped from stockings

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

1912: Club becomes the Braves

Before the 1912 season, the club underwent various nickname changes until becoming the Braves. The president of the club, John M. Ward, named the club after the owner, James Gaffney.

1912: Team adopts the Boston Braves name

In 1912, the franchise adopted the name Boston Braves. Prior to this, the club was known by various names.

1913: Team struggles after the introduction of the American League

In 1913, after the introduction of the American League, the team struggled, having only one winning season from 1900 to 1913.

1914: Braves play some games at Fenway Park

During the 1914 season, the Atlanta Braves played some games at Fenway Park due to the South End Grounds being too small for larger crowds.

1914: Braves' remarkable turnaround season

In 1914, the Boston Braves experienced a remarkable turnaround. After a dismal start, they went 41–12 from July 6 to September 5. Despite being in last place as late as July 18, the Braves secured the pennant.

1914: Braves win the World Series

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

August 1915: Braves Field opens

In August 1915, owner Gaffney constructed Braves Field, which was the largest park in the majors at the time.

1915: Braves Field built

In 1915, Braves Field was built to address the need for a larger venue.

1917: Start of the Boston Braves' struggles

From 1917, the Boston Braves struggled.

1923: Syndicate led by Emil Fuchs buys the team

In 1923, a syndicate led by Emil Fuchs and including Christy Mathewson bought the Boston Braves.

1925: Christy Mathewson's death

In 1925, Christy Mathewson died, leaving Emil Fuchs in control of the Boston Braves team.

1933: Braves become competitive under Bill McKechnie

In 1933, under manager Bill McKechnie, the Braves became competitive, but the team's improvement in performance did little to help its finances.

1934: Braves become competitive under Bill McKechnie

In 1934, under manager Bill McKechnie, the Braves became competitive, but the team's improvement in performance did little to help its finances.

June 1, 1935: Babe Ruth's retirement

On June 1, 1935, Babe Ruth retired 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 as the Boston Bees.

1945: Braves logo featuring a Native American warrior introduced

From 1945, the Atlanta Braves logo featured a Native American warrior.

1946: Braves enjoy impressive seasons under Perini's ownership

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

1947: Braves enjoy impressive seasons under Perini's ownership

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

1948: Braves win the pennant

In 1948, the Boston Braves won the pennant, behind the pitching of Spahn and Johnny Sain.

1948: Braves play their last hurrah in Boston

In 1948, the World Series, which the Braves lost in six games to the Indians, turned out to be the Braves' last hurrah in Boston.

1950: Milwaukee County Stadium constructed

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

March 13, 1953: Perini announces the move to Milwaukee

On March 13, 1953, Lou Perini announced he was moving the club to Milwaukee.

1953: Braves move to Milwaukee

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

1953: Milwaukee Braves' move is a success

In 1953, the Milwaukee Braves' move to Wisconsin for the 1953 season was an immediate success, drawing a National League-record 1.8 million fans.

1955: End of the Native American warrior logo

In 1955, the Atlanta Braves stopped using the logo featuring a Native American warrior.

1956: Introduction of laughing Native American logo

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

1956: Braves are a National League power

Throughout the 1950s, starting in 1956, the Braves were a National League power, winning two pennants and finishing second twice between 1956 and 1959.

1957: Braves win the World Series

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

1959: Braves tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers

The 1959 season ended in a tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who defeated the Braves in a playoff.

1962: Perini sells the Braves

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

1963: Braves finish in the "second division"

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

1965: Bartholomay intends to move the team to Atlanta

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

1965: End of the laughing Native American logo

In 1965, the Atlanta Braves stopped using the laughing Native American logo with a mohawk and a feather.

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.

1966: Braves move to Atlanta

In 1966, the Atlanta Braves relocated to Atlanta.

1969: Mets sweep Braves in NLCS

In 1969, the New York Mets swept the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS, marking their first major confrontation.

1969: Braves win the National League West Division title

In 1969, with the onset of divisional play, the Braves won the first National League West Division title.

1969: Braves secure their first divisional title

In the 1982 season, led by manager Joe Torre, the Braves secured their first divisional title since 1969.

1970: Start of a period of mediocre seasons for the Braves

Starting in 1970, the Atlanta Braves posted only two winning seasons between 1970 and 1981.

1973: Hank Aaron reaches 713 home runs

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

November 2, 1974: Aaron traded to Milwaukee Brewers

On November 2, 1974, Hank Aaron was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers after spending most of his career as a Milwaukee and Atlanta Brave.

1974: 1974 uniform colors inspire City Connect uniform

In 1974, Atlanta Braves used uniform colors that inspired the City Connect uniform, featuring "The A" across the chest, accompanied by a cap with the "A" logo.

1976: Ted Turner purchases the team

In 1976, media magnate Ted Turner purchased the Atlanta Braves to keep the team in Atlanta. Turner used the team as a major programming draw for his cable network WTBS.

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May 11, 1977: Ted 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: Braves not enjoying much success

The Braves did not enjoy much success between 1978 and 1990.

1981: End of a period of mediocre seasons for the Braves

Ending in 1981, the Atlanta Braves posted only two winning seasons between 1970 and 1981.

1982: Dale Murphy wins MVP award

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

1982: Braves secure their first divisional title

In the 1982 season, led by manager Joe Torre, the Braves secured their first divisional title since 1969.

1983: Murphy wins MVP award for the National League

Dale Murphy won the Most Valuable Player award for the National League in 1982 and 1983.

1983: Dale Murphy wins MVP award

In 1983, Dale Murphy earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

1987: Modern logo introduced

In 1987, the modern Atlanta Braves logo was introduced, featuring the cursive word "Braves" with a tomahawk below it and evoking their 1950s classic look in adopted uniforms.

1990: Bobby Cox returns as manager

In 1990, Bobby Cox returned as manager, leading the team's turnaround after finishing the previous season with the worst record in baseball.

1990: Braves not enjoying much success

The Braves did not enjoy much success between 1978 and 1990.

1991: Start of a remarkable era of success for the Atlanta Braves

From 1991, the Atlanta Braves enjoyed a remarkable era of success in baseball.

1991: Bobby Cox wins Manager of the Year award

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

1991: Tomahawk chop popularized by Braves fans

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

1991: Start of unprecedented success for the Braves

In 1991, the Atlanta Braves began a period of unprecedented success, which lasted until 2005.

1991: "Worst to First" season

The 1991 season for the Braves was known as the "Worst to First" season, overcoming a shaky start, the Braves bounced back led by young pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.

1993: Greg Maddux receives the Cy Young Award

In 1993, Greg Maddux received the Cy Young Award, given to the league's best pitcher.

1993: Braves strengthen pitching staff

In 1993, the Braves strengthened their pitching staff with the addition of Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux in free agency.

1994: Greg Maddux receives the Cy Young Award

In 1994, Greg Maddux received the Cy Young Award, given to the league's best pitcher.

1994: Braves and Mets in the National League East division

In 1994, division realignment put both the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves in the National League East division, intensifying their rivalry.

1994: Team moves to the Eastern Division

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

1994: Player's strike cuts season short

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

1995: Braves win World Series championship

From 1991 to 2005, the Atlanta Braves enjoyed a remarkable era of success in baseball marked by a record-setting 14 consecutive division titles, five National League pennants, and a World Series championship in 1995.

1995: Greg Maddux receives the Cy Young Award

In 1995, Greg Maddux received the Cy Young Award, given to the league's best pitcher.

1995: Braves win the World Series

In 1995, the Braves defeated the Cleveland Indians to win the World Series. With this victory, the Braves became the first team in Major League Baseball to win world championships in three different cities.

1996: Centennial Olympic Stadium built

In 1996, Centennial Olympic Stadium was originally built for the Summer Olympics, later converted into a ballpark for the Atlanta Braves.

1996: Time Warner acquires Turner Broadcasting System

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

1996: Braves reach the World Series

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

1997: Braves move to Turner Field

In 1997, the Atlanta Braves moved to Turner Field.

1999: Braves win the series against the Mets in Game 6

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

1999: Braves take the National League pennant

In 1999, the Atlanta Braves secured their first National League pennant since 1999, advancing to the World Series.

1999: Braves reach the World Series

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

2000: Braves face postseason disappointment

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

2002: Braves win division titles

From 2002, the Atlanta Braves won division titles but experienced early exits in the NLDS each year.

2004: Bobby Cox wins Manager of the Year award

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

2004: Braves win division titles

Until 2004, the Atlanta Braves won division titles but experienced early exits in the NLDS each year.

December 2005: Time Warner puts the club up for sale

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

2005: Bobby Cox wins Manager of the Year award

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

2005: End of the Braves' dominant era

In 2005, the Braves' run of unprecedented success, which began in 1991, came to an end.

2005: Braves miss the postseason

The 2005 season marks the year before Bobby Cox's final season, during which the Atlanta Braves did not make the postseason.

2005: End of a remarkable era of success for the Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves' remarkable journey between 1991-2005, marked by a record-setting 14 consecutive division titles, five National League pennants, and a World Series championship in 1995.

February 2007: Liberty Media to acquire the Braves

In February 2007, Liberty Media reached an agreement to acquire the Atlanta Braves for $450 million, a magazine publishing company, and $980 million in cash, pending approval from MLB owners and the commissioner.

2007: End of Braves games being broadcast nationally on TBS

In 2007, the Atlanta Braves' games ceased to be broadcast nationally on TBS, ending a period that began in the 1970s.

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2010: Braves return to the postseason

In 2010, Bobby Cox's final year as manager, the Atlanta Braves made it 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 to the St. Louis Cardinals

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

2013: Walt Weiss managed the Colorado Rockies

In 2013, Walt Weiss managed the Colorado Rockies.

2016: Walt Weiss managed the Colorado Rockies

In 2016, Walt Weiss managed the Colorado Rockies.

2016: Braves final season at Turner Field

The 2016 season was the Atlanta Braves' final 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, receiving positive reviews.

2017: Atlanta Braves begin playing at Truist Park

In 2017, the Atlanta Braves started playing at Truist Park and, following an MLB investigation, John Coppolella resigned as general manager, with Alex Anthopoulos taking over. A new mascot named Blooper was also introduced.

2018: Walt Weiss joins Atlanta Braves as coach

In 2018, Walt Weiss joined the Atlanta Braves as coach.

March 24, 2019: CoolToday Park opening

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

2019: Controversy resurfaces over tomahawk chop

In 2019, the controversy over the tomahawk chop resurfaced when Cherokee Nation member and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley found it insulting, leading the Braves to modify their in-game experience.

2020: Braves discuss tomahawk chop amid pressure to change name

Amid pressure in 2020 to change their name, the Atlanta Braves announced ongoing talks about the tomahawk chop but insisted the team name would remain unchanged.

2020: Braves lose to the Dodgers in NLCS

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

2021: Debate over the tomahawk chop continues

In 2021, the debate over the tomahawk chop continued, with differing opinions among Native American leaders and the Atlanta Braves initiating efforts to incorporate Cherokee language and culture into the team's activities.

2021: Braves win the World Series

In the 2021 season, the Braves won the National League East with an 88–73 record, defeated the Dodgers in the NLCS, and won their fourth World Series title by defeating the Houston Astros in six games.

2022: Braves claim NL East division title

In 2022, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets both finished with 101 wins. Atlanta claimed the NL East division title and first-round bye by winning the season series against the Mets.

2023: Braves uniform combinations for the 2023 season

For the 2023 season, the Atlanta Braves had four uniform combinations, including classic white home and gray road uniforms, a navy blue road jersey for alternate games, and two alternate uniforms for home games, including a City Connect uniform.

2023: Andruw Jones' number 25 retired

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

November 2025: Walt Weiss announced as Braves manager

In November 2025, the Braves announced that longtime bench coach Walt Weiss would be promoted to manager, after Snitker stepped down.

2025: Walt Weiss replaces Brian Snitker as manager

After the 2025 season, Brian Snitker stepped down as manager of the Atlanta Braves, and the team named Walt Weiss as his replacement.

2025: Braves' overall win–loss record at the end of 2025 season

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

2026: Braves unveil new alternate uniform

Ahead of the 2026 season, the Atlanta Braves retired the '70s-era City Connects and unveiled a new alternate uniform as an homage to their cable television-fueled growth in the 1980s.