Best Braves Players of All Time: Legends Who Defined Atlanta’s Legacy
The Atlanta Braves, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, have seen some of the game’s greatest talent grace their roster. The Best Braves Players of All Time have left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball, contributing to the franchise’s storied legacy with unforgettable performances and championship success.
From dominant pitchers to legendary hitters, these players have not only defined the franchise’s success but have also left lasting impacts on baseball history. Whether it’s power at the plate, precision on the mound, or leadership on the field, the Braves’ all-time best have cemented their legacies with iconic performances and unforgettable moments.
#9: Freddie Freeman (2010-2021)
- Position: First Baseman
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 220 lbs
Freddie Freeman was the cornerstone of the Atlanta Braves throughout the 2010s, known for his consistency at the plate and leadership on the field. A smooth-swinging lefty, Freeman consistently delivered both power and average, making him one of the most reliable hitters in the game. His ability to come through in clutch moments helped return the Braves to playoff contention after years of rebuilding. Freeman’s MVP-winning season in 2020 showcased his ability to perform at an elite level, further cementing his place in Braves history.
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Notable Accomplishments:
- 2020 NL MVP
- 5x All-Star
- World Series Champion (2021)
#8: Warren Spahn (1942, 1946-1964)
- Position: Pitcher
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 172 lbs
Warren Spahn is one of the most accomplished left-handed pitchers in Major League Baseball history. A durable and dominant force for the Braves, Spahn was known for his pinpoint control and deceptive delivery, which helped him lead the league in wins eight times. His longevity and consistency are unmatched, with Spahn winning 20 or more games in 13 different seasons. He was a key part of the Braves’ 1957 World Series-winning team and remains one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 17x All-Star
- 1957 Cy Young Award Winner
- MLB’s All-Time Winningest Left-Handed Pitcher (363 wins)
#7: Dale Murphy (1976-1990)
- Position: Outfielder/First Baseman
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 215 lbs
Dale Murphy was the face of the Atlanta Braves during the 1980s, known for his powerful bat and stellar defense. As a two-time MVP, Murphy was one of the most feared sluggers in the National League. His ability to hit for power and play Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field made him a fan favorite and one of the most popular players of his era. Despite playing in a relatively lean period for the Braves, Murphy’s contributions to the team left a lasting legacy.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2x NL MVP (1982, 1983)
- 7x All-Star
- 5x Gold Glove Winner
#6: Eddie Mathews (1952-1966)
- Position: Third Baseman
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
Eddie Mathews was one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history and a cornerstone of the Braves’ success in both Milwaukee and Atlanta. A model of consistency, Mathews was the first third baseman to hit 500 home runs and was known for his powerful swing and ability to drive in runs. He was a key contributor to the Braves’ 1957 World Series victory and formed a formidable duo with Hank Aaron, making the Braves one of the most feared lineups in the league.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2x NL Home Run Leader
- 9x All-Star
- 512 Career Home Runs
#5: John Smoltz (1988-2008)
- Position: Pitcher
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 210 lbs
John Smoltz was one of the most versatile and dominant pitchers in MLB history, excelling as both a starter and a closer. A key member of the Braves’ historic pitching rotation alongside Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, Smoltz helped lead Atlanta to numerous division titles and a World Series championship in 1995. Known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, Smoltz reinvented himself as a closer later in his career, becoming the only pitcher in MLB history to record both 200 wins and 150 saves.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 8x All-Star
- 1996 NL Cy Young Award Winner
- 3,084 Career Strikeouts
#4: Tom Glavine (1987-2002, 2008)
- Position: Pitcher
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 175 lbs
Tom Glavine was a dominant left-handed pitcher and a cornerstone of the Braves’ legendary rotation during the 1990s. Known for his pinpoint control and mastery of the outside corner, Glavine consistently outsmarted hitters with his ability to change speeds and locations. He won two Cy Young Awards and played a pivotal role in leading the Braves to their 1995 World Series title. Glavine’s consistency and ability to perform in clutch moments, particularly in the postseason, made him one of the most respected pitchers of his generation.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2x Cy Young Award Winner (1991, 1998)
- 10x All-Star
- 305 Career Wins
- 1995 World Series MVP
#3: Chipper Jones (1993-2012)
- Position: Third Baseman
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 210 lbs
Chipper Jones is widely regarded as one of the best switch-hitters in MLB history and a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup for nearly two decades. Jones was known for his powerful bat and his ability to hit for both power and average from both sides of the plate. He played his entire career with the Braves, becoming a fan favorite and a team leader throughout Atlanta’s sustained success in the 1990s and 2000s. His 1999 NL MVP season stands out, but his overall consistency and ability to come through in the clutch solidified his legacy as one of the Braves’ greatest.
Notable Accomplishments:
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- NL MVP (1999)
- 8x All-Star
- 468 Career Home Runs
- 2008 MLB Batting Champion (.364 AVG)
#2: Greg Maddux (1993-2003)
- Position: Pitcher
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 170 lbs
Greg Maddux was one of the most dominant and cerebral pitchers in baseball history. Known for his impeccable control and ability to outthink hitters, Maddux became the ace of the Braves’ rotation during their 1990s dynasty. Over his illustrious career, Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards, including three with the Braves, and was a critical part of their 1995 World Series championship team. His ability to dominate without relying on velocity but instead on location and movement made him a generational talent. Maddux remains one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, with his dominance during the 1990s standing out as one of the finest pitching runs ever.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 4x Cy Young Award Winner (1992-1995)
- 8x All-Star
- 18x Gold Glove Winner
- 355 Career Wins
#1: Hank Aaron (1954-1974)
- Position: Right Fielder
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 lbs
Hank Aaron is not only the greatest Atlanta Brave of all time but one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Baseball. Known for his consistency, power, and grace, Aaron finished his career as MLB’s all-time home run leader with 755 homers, a record that stood for over three decades. Aaron’s career was marked by his remarkable ability to hit for both power and average, with 15 consecutive seasons of 30 or more home runs. He was also an outstanding fielder and a 25-time All-Star. Beyond his on-field achievements, Aaron broke racial barriers and faced tremendous adversity with dignity, becoming a true icon in American sports history.
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Notable Accomplishments:
- MLB All-Time Leader in RBIs (2,297) and Total Bases (6,856)
- 25x All-Star
- 755 Career Home Runs
- 1957 NL MVP and World Series Champion
