The Atlanta Braves have been home to some of baseball’s most iconic players. Their legacy is defined by wins and the athletes who wore the jersey with pride. With every swing, pitch, and play, they built a legacy that continues to inspire players. So, let’s take a look into the past and highlight ten players who shaped the Braves’ storied legacy.
Hank Aaron
Forget a single season—Hank Aaron’s career was a living legend. With 755 home runs, he didn’t just break records; he rewrote the entire script. Imagine the excitement of watching this guy bat. Every time he swung, you thought, “This could be the one!” And sure enough, it often was.
Greg Maddux
Ever seen a pitcher turn a game into a work of art? That’s Greg Maddux for you. He didn’t overpower hitters; he outsmarted them. Maddux was like the Picasso of pitching. 18 Gold Gloves and four Cy Youngs—just a few accolades from a career that felt like watching chess in motion.
Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones was more than just a switch-hitter—he was the face of the Braves for over two decades. His leadership on and off the field, combined with his ability to hit for both average and power, helped the Braves secure a World Series title and maintain a dominant presence in the 1990s.
Tom Glavine
Over his 22-season career, Tom Glavine racked up 305 wins, earning two Cy Young Awards in 1991 and 1998. He was instrumental in the Braves’ success, including their 1995 World Series win. Inducted into the Hall of Fame (2014), Glavine’s legacy as one of the best left-handed pitchers remains secure.
John Smoltz
John Smoltz could start a game, give you a solid seven innings, then come back and shut the door in the ninth. His enthusiasm to adapt and perform at the highest level in two different roles is why he’s one of the most underrated legends in Braves history.
Eddie Matthews
Before Hank Aaron, there was Eddie Matthews—a slugger who could hit one out of the park at will. Matthews was the kind of hitter who made pitchers break into a sweat, even when there were no runners on base. He was a true pioneer for the Braves.
Fred McGriff
If you’ve got a nickname like “The Crime Dog,” you better have some serious game—and Fred McGriff did. Known for his clutch performances, McGriff made a huge impact in the 1995 World Series. He was calm under pressure, always ready to show up when it mattered most.
Dale Murphy
A two-time MVP and five-time Gold Glove winner, Murphy was a dynamic force on both offense and defense. Despite the Braves’ struggles during much of his career, Murphy’s consistency and leadership kept the team competitive. His impact on the franchise earned him a place as one of the most beloved figures in team history.
Andruw Jones
With 10 Gold Glove Awards, Andruw Jones’s defense alone set him apart, as he consistently made jaw-dropping plays, including securing home runs and tracking down seemingly impossible fly balls. Beyond defense, he was also a potent offensive force, belting over 400 home runs in his career.
Brian McCann
As a catcher, Brian controlled the game, and at the plate, he delivered powerful hits, consistently posting 20+ home runs and earning seven All-Star selections. His fiery leadership and clutch performances made him a fan favorite and a key part of the Braves success in the 2000s.
10 Iconic Braves Players Who Transformed the Franchise