The history of the Atlanta Braves is a storied one.
Tracing their history back to the 1800’s in Boston, the franchise has seen 57 members of the Baseball Hall of Fame suit up for it at least once, with others claiming a legitimate case to join them in Cooperstown.
Along the way, the Braves have won four World Series across three different cities. They won their first title in Boston in 1914 and wouldn’t win their next until 1957 in Milwaukee. Atlanta has seen the organization double its championship count, once in 1995 and again in 2021.
With such a deep history of success, choosing the Braves’ representatives for an all-time lineup was no easy task. The list includes a modern-day batting nine, a left-handed and a right-handed starter, a closer, and a manager.
C — Joe Torre (1960-68)
While winning an MVP in St. Louis and making the Hall as a skipper, Torre had a strong start to his playing career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves. He made five All-Star Games, finished top-20 in MVP voting thrice, and hit .294 with the organization.
1B — Freddie Freeman (2010-21)
One of the top first basemen of the 21st century, Freeman was an Atlanta stallworth for over a decade. The 2020 NL MVP hit .295 as a Brave and averaged nearly 30 homers and 100 RBI for his career. A World Series win finalized any doubt for Freeman’s place in Braves history.
2B — Ozzie Albies (2017-Pres.)
The only current Brave on the list proper, Albies does benefit from a lighter crop of second basemen. However, he does have a championship, two Silver Sluggers and three All-Star to his name. Plus, he has the most hits of any second baseman in franchise history.
3B — Chipper Jones (1993-2012)
Arguably the best switch-hitter in baseball history, Jones’ inclusion was a no-brainer. The 1995 NL MVP and a champion, Jones was a notorious Met killer and was a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He finished his career with a .303 average and a .930 OPS.
SS — Jeff Blauser (1987-97)
Twice an All-Star, Blauser was a staple in the middle infield throughout the Braves’ run in the ‘90s. The sure-handed shortstop hit a career-best .308 in his final season in Atlanta, earning him the 1997 Silver Slugger.
LF — Dale Murphy (1976-90)
A two-time Most Valuable Player, Murphy was one of the few highlights of the dark 1980s. One of the most well-rounded outfielders of the era, “Murph” matched five Gold Gloves with four Silver Sluggers. A shame Cooperstown has yet to come calling for one of baseball’s true good guys.
CF — Andruw Jones (1996-2007)
Widely regarded as one of the sport’s best defenders, Jones has 10 Gold Gloves to his name. He was also the owner of the franchise’s single-season home run record (51 in 2005) until Matt Olson hit 54 in 2023. Jones remains trending towards a spot in Cooperstown as his time on the ballot winds down.
