30 Atlanta Braves Who Meant the Most to the Franchise

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Last Updated: August 25th, 2026 by Jake Cain

When we talk about baseball, we always think about teams like the Yankees or the Red Sox, even the Dodgers nowadays. But we cannot forget that one of the cornerstone franchises in baseball's success is in Atlanta.

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So many Hall of Famers, so many superstars, and so many icons that helped to move this sport forward. We want to celebrate those who made the Braves one of the premier franchises in all of baseball.

This list is for anyone who’s ever cheered from the cheap seats and wondered which Braves figures truly stand out over all the years.

How We Made This List

In my lifetime, I've only really known the Atlanta Braves. But you can't talk about this franchise without giving love to the previous two cities. We included those legends as well. Hey, you may even find a manager on this list. So let's see how many of your favorites crack this top 30.

30. Johnny Logan

We begin this list of stars with the position that is the star on the field. Johnny Logan is certainly one of the greatest shortstops that Milwaukee has ever seen. A four-time All-Star and a spark plug who was able to ignite an offense that featured at least one other player you'll see on this list.

Johnny Logan — CareerTotal
G1503
AB5244
H1407
HR93
RBI547
SB19
AVG.268
OBP.330
SLG.378
OPS.708
All-Star selections4
World Series titles1

29. Rico Carty

One of the players who saw the move to Atlanta, "Beeg Boy" showed his big swings many times. With a career 132 OPS+, it's a wonder how he only got one All-Star selection. Rico Carty found his greatest success in Atlanta, and I'm sure many fans wished he were a little healthier so that he could provide more of his explosive offense during his time there.

Rico Carty — CareerTotal
G1651
AB5606
H1677
HR204
RBI890
SB21
AVG.299
OBP.369
SLG.464
OPS.833
All-Star selections1

28. Sid Bream

When we think about the word "meaning", we think about more than just production. What a player makes you feel can really matter. I'm sure when I mention the name Sid Bream, Braves fans feel a sense of elation.

They are taken back to 1992 and that NLCS slide that sent Atlanta to the World Series. There are no numbers really to talk about with this player. But his one moment lives in Atlanta's heart forever.

Sid Bream — CareerTotal
G1088
AB3108
H819
HR90
RBI455
SB50
AVG.264
OBP.336
SLG.420
OPS.756

27. Lew Burdette

From a single moment to a complete performance across a series, Lew Burdette will always be remembered for his 1957 World Series performance. He threw three complete games, two of them shutouts, and the other just saw two runs cross the plate. He was easily the World Series MVP, as the Braves needed all three of those games to take the series over the Yankees in seven.

Lew Burdette — CareerTotal
W203
L144
ERA3.66
G626
IP3067.1
SO1074
WHIP1.24
SV31
All-Star selections2
World Series titles1

26. Glenn Hubbard

Now we go to one of the players who just showed up and performed on a daily basis for this franchise. Nothing flashy but always scrappy, Glenn Hubbard locked down the second base position for a decade in Atlanta. He does have the recognition of being an All-Star in 1983, which proves that he brought value that was more than just being a fan favorite in the 80s.

Glenn Hubbard — CareerTotal
G1354
AB4441
H1084
HR70
RBI448
SB35
AVG.244
OBP.328
SLG.349
OPS.677
All-Star selections1

25. Rabbit Maranville (HOF)

Now we'll take you back to the Hall of Famer who saw both the Dead-ball era and the beginning of the Live-ball era in Boston. For all the other names of that time, Rabbit Maranville was actually one of the great pioneers for the shortstop position.

Legends say he was a defensive wizard, and I almost wish that there was a Gold Glove Award at that time for us to see how many he would rack up in the 15 years that he spent with the Braves.

Rabbit Maranville — CareerTotal
G2670
AB10078
H2605
HR28
RBI884
SB291
AVG.258
OBP.318
SLG.340
OPS.658
World Series titles1

24. Ron Gant

I know that there are so many names to talk about for those great Braves teams in the 90s. But for me, Ron Gant is up there as one of my favorites. He wasn't talked about as much as his star-studded teammates. But he always played hard and produced some great numbers. Earning one All-Star selection in his seven years with the organization, Gant actually played better than that, with OPS+ seasons of 139, 127, and 126.

Ron Gant — CareerTotal
G1832
AB6449
H1651
HR321
RBI1008
SB243
AVG.256
OBP.336
SLG.468
OPS.804
All-Star selections2
Silver Sluggers1

23. Craig Kimbrel

I know everybody thinks about that pre-pitch pose when they think about Craig Kimbrel. Let's not forget he was one of the most dominant closers during his time with the Braves. He led the league in saves for four straight years, and his 2011 Rookie of the Year season produced 127 strikeouts. Terrific for a reliever.

Craig Kimbrel — CareerTotal
W56
L50
ERA2.67
G884
IP855.1
SO1314
WHIP1.03
SV440
All-Star selections9
World Series titles1
Rookie of the Year1

22. Ryan Klesko

With all of those power hitters who were getting muscle-building help during that era, Ryan Klesko is a forgotten power hitter. Maybe not forgotten as much in Atlanta. I'm glad we have his historic World Series performance, where he hit a home run in three straight games, as the shining star of his legacy.

Ryan Klesko — CareerTotal
G1736
AB5611
H1564
HR278
RBI987
SB91
AVG.279
OBP.370
SLG.500
OPS.870
All-Star selections1
World Series titles1

21. Joe Torre (HOF)

Yeah, I know we all remember Joe Torre as a Yankee manager or an MLB executive or even as a four-time All-Star Cardinal. But I must remind you that he actually got more All-Star selections as a Brave.

Five of them, to be exact. He was one of the steady stars who made the move from Milwaukee to Atlanta and helped sustain the success of those Braves teams.

Joe Torre — CareerTotal
G2209
AB7874
H2342
HR252
RBI1185
SB23
AVG.297
OBP.365
SLG.452
OPS.817
MVP1
All-Star selections9
Gold Gloves1

20. Johnny Evers (HOF)

Most people know of the Evers name in Chicago, but his best season is arguably with the Braves organization. It was a messy breakup with the Cubs, and Evers was assigned to the Boston Braves.

He immediately cooked up an MVP season and led the Braves to a World Series championship. To think this franchise could have one less trophy if it weren't for Evers being fired in Chicago.

Johnny Evers — CareerTotal
G1784
AB6137
H1659
HR12
RBI538
SB324
AVG.270
OBP.356
SLG.334
OPS.690
World Series titles3

19. Mark Lemke

Growing up playing Little League, second base was my favorite position. I can't really explain why, but I just know I have an affinity for the players who contribute on a daily basis in a not-so-flashy position.

Mark Lemke is absolutely that player, and he did all of that on the iconic 1995 World Series team. He was a solid contributor with a .273 average and 3 walks in that series.

Mark Lemke — CareerTotal
G1069
AB3230
H795
HR32
RBI270
SB11
AVG.246
OBP.317
SLG.324
OPS.641
World Series titles1

18. Bill Voiselle

"Big Bill" wore his famous number 96 because he was from Ninety Six, South Carolina. Earning an All-Star selection in his career, Voiselle was a pitcher you could rely on to compete every time he took the mound. Sometimes, that's all you can ask for.

Bill Voiselle — CareerTotal
W74
L84
ERA3.84
G245
IP1373.1
SO645
WHIP1.43
SV3
All-Star selections1

17. Brian McCann

One of the great catchers of his day, Brian McCann improved the position offensively while still being a reliable source behind the plate. Georgia-born and bred, McCann realized many kids' dreams of becoming a ballplayer for their local pro team. He took full advantage of it with seven All-Star selections and five Silver Sluggers as a Brave.

Brian McCann — CareerTotal
G1755
AB6067
H1590
HR282
RBI1018
SB25
AVG.262
OBP.337
SLG.452
OPS.789
All-Star selections7
Silver Sluggers6
World Series titles1

16. Fred McGriff (HOF)

There's something about just watching a steady bat that can anchor an offense. For 19 years, Fred McGriff was just that. I always remember watching him in his later years, wishing he could have hit just seven more home runs to reach the glorified 500 mark.

But I think the "Crime Dog" is doing just fine, being deservedly inducted into the Hall of Fame and knowing that he was able to contribute in a big way to that 1995 World Series Championship in Atlanta.

Fred McGriff — CareerTotal
G2460
AB8757
H2490
HR493
RBI1550
SB72
AVG.284
OBP.377
SLG.509
OPS.886
All-Star selections5
Silver Sluggers3
World Series titles1

15. Terry Pendleton

After seven good years in St. Louis, Terry Pendleton exploded onto the scene in Atlanta, earning the National League MVP in 1991 and coming up second for that same recognition the following year.

He was able to keep it cool at the hot corner and saved his firepower for when he came up to the plate. He hit .287 and slugged a solid .445 in his five-year stint with the Braves.

Terry Pendleton — CareerTotal
G1893
AB7032
H1897
HR140
RBI946
SB127
AVG.270
OBP.316
SLG.391
OPS.707
MVP1
All-Star selections1
Gold Gloves3

14. Javy Lopez

There are so many iconic catchers from the 90s and early 2000s. Javy Lopez seems to be one of those names that gets forgotten amongst those stars. He held his own and more as the power-hitting catcher for the Braves.

One of my favorite pieces of trivia is knowing that Javy Lopez has one of the five highest single-season home run totals for a catcher in history, thanks to his 43 in 2003.

Javy Lopez — CareerTotal
G1503
AB5319
H1527
HR260
RBI864
SB8
AVG.287
OBP.337
SLG.491
OPS.828
All-Star selections3
Silver Sluggers1
World Series titles1

13. Ozzie Albies

I'm sure there are more of the current players who will eventually make this list. But we'll go with Ozzie Albies to get one more middle infielder in. His bright personality is complemented by great play as one of the more prolific hitters at the second base position. I have no doubt that he has more to contribute to his legacy in what seems to be a great career.

Ozzie Albies — CareerTotal
G1146
AB4544
H1204
HR176
RBI645
SB100
AVG.265
OBP.319
SLG.452
OPS.771
All-Star selections4
Silver Sluggers2
World Series titles1

12. Bobby Cox (HOF)

For all the players on this list, this manager may be as beloved by the Braves as there has ever been. It is hard to believe that Bobby Cox was fired in his first stint with Atlanta. His first Manager of the Year award was actually in Toronto.

Then he was quickly picked back up by Ted Turner to be the General Manager at first, built what would become his own juggernaut team, and managed them himself for the next two decades. Just an absolute legend.

11. Kid Nichols (HOF)

If there was ever a top workhorse in Braves history, Kid Nichols has to be first on the list. He once led the league with 50 games pitched. He threw over 400 innings for five straight years.

My arm is falling off just reading that. He also tallied 362 career wins. If you don't like pitcher wins as a stat, then I'll add that he built up a 143 ERA+ during his time with the Braves. Amazing stuff from the Kid.

Kid Nichols — CareerTotal
W361
L208
ERA2.95
G620
IP5056.1
SO1873
WHIP1.22
SV17

10. Dale Murphy

I think for many fans of the era, Dale Murphy was the perfect player. He had all five tools, played the always-demanding center field, and earned two MVPs to prove that he was one of the best. To top it off, he played with class. Even more so, Braves fans got to watch him on the field every single game for 740 games. It was a franchise record that stood for decades.

Dale Murphy — CareerTotal
G2180
AB7960
H2111
HR398
RBI1266
SB161
AVG.265
OBP.346
SLG.469
OPS.815
MVP2
All-Star selections7
Gold Gloves5
Silver Sluggers4

9. Andruw Jones (HOF)

From one center fielder to another, Andruw Jones recently got his well-deserved Hall of Fame recognition. He is not just the greatest defensive center fielder in Braves history with his 10 Gold Gloves; he is on the short list of greatest defensive center fielders in MLB history.

Oh yeah, and he tallied 434 home runs at the plate as well. It's no wonder he had some writers clamoring for his name to be checked on more ballots for years.

Andruw Jones — CareerTotal
G2196
AB7599
H1933
HR434
RBI1289
SB152
AVG.254
OBP.337
SLG.486
OPS.823
All-Star selections5
Gold Gloves10
Silver Sluggers1

8. Freddie Freeman

There are so many players in history who started with one team and found their love for the city and the fan base, but unfortunately ended up on a different team before they could say goodbye. Freddie Freeman is one of those players. Yeah, we all know of his contributions to the Dodgers' World Series wins, but I think it's safe to say that his 2021 World Series ring with the Braves is even more impressive.

Freddie Freeman — CareerTotal
G2294
AB8549
H2563
HR382
RBI1377
SB109
AVG.300
OBP.386
SLG.509
OPS.895
MVP1
All-Star selections10
Gold Gloves1
Silver Sluggers3
World Series titles3

7. Tom Glavine (HOF)

If I'm ever asked who my favorite left-handed pitcher is, Tom Glavine is right there at the top of my list. He pitched with a steadiness and consistency that was admirable. It wasn't just about incredible stuff; it was about location, strategy, and execution. Yeah, he's got his 10 All-Star selections, two Cy Young Awards, and a World Series MVP. But I just want to point out that he is a four-time Silver Slugger, one of the better-hitting pitchers of his time.

Tom Glavine — CareerTotal
W305
L203
ERA3.54
G682
IP4413.1
SO2607
WHIP1.31
SV0
Cy Young2
All-Star selections10
Silver Sluggers4
World Series titles1

6. Eddie Mathews (HOF)

Eddie Mathews might be the ultimate Brave. He isn't just a twelve-time All-Star and World Series champion. He is the Hall of Famer who helped lead this franchise from Boston to Milwaukee and even to Atlanta. 493 of his 512 career home runs came with this organization.

He has an impressive 145 OPS+ as a Brave. His 94 WAR with the franchise is also as high as any.

Eddie Mathews — CareerTotal
G2391
AB8537
H2315
HR512
RBI1453
SB68
AVG.271
OBP.376
SLG.509
OPS.885
All-Star selections9
World Series titles2

5. Phil Niekro (HOF)

Maybe the most prolific knuckleballer of all time, Phil Niekro pitched 21 of his 24-year career with the Braves organization. Yeah, you can say he racked up the stats due to his longevity, but his ability to get strikeouts might impress you.

His knuckleball danced its way to a league-leading 262 Ks back in 1977, and he was 38 years old. That's longevity on another level.

Phil Niekro — CareerTotal
W318
L274
ERA3.35
G864
IP5404.1
SO3342
WHIP1.27
SV29
All-Star selections5
Gold Gloves5

4. John Smoltz (HOF)

Speaking of longevity, there is something to be said about adapting your play to lengthen your career while still helping your franchise out in a big way. John Smoltz was able to do so as a Cy Young Award winner in 1996, then a league leader in saves in 2002. Oh yeah, then he just went back to his starting role and earned two more All-Star selections at the ages of 38 and 40.

John Smoltz — CareerTotal
W213
L155
ERA3.33
G723
IP3473.0
SO3084
WHIP1.18
SV154
Cy Young1
All-Star selections8
Silver Sluggers1
World Series titles1

3. Chipper Jones (HOF)

Chipper Jones wasn't just the face of a franchise; he was one of the faces of baseball during his Hall of Fame career. With Braves baseball being nationally televised during his tenure, the Braves weren't just being pushed as America's team, but Chipper Jones was making his case to be one of America's icons. It's hard to believe that there are still two others higher than him on this list. But I think you know who they are.

Chipper Jones — CareerTotal
G2499
AB8984
H2726
HR468
RBI1623
SB150
AVG.303
OBP.401
SLG.529
OPS.930
MVP1
All-Star selections8
Silver Sluggers2
World Series titles1

2. Greg Maddux (HOF)

Greg Maddux is my favorite baseball player of all time. Growing up, I never had the stature; I never had the prodigious arm talent, but I wanted to be a pitcher. Greg Maddux inspired me as a young kid to outsmart the hitter with a collection of different pitches that I could locate well. Needless to say, I'm no "Professor". Watching the highlights from his Cy Young-filled career still impresses modern pitchers today.

Greg Maddux — CareerTotal
W355
L227
ERA3.16
G744
IP5008.1
SO3371
WHIP1.14
SV0
Cy Young4
All-Star selections8
Gold Gloves18
World Series titles1

1. Hank Aaron (HOF)

I visited Atlanta for the first time a few years ago and toured their football stadium. In that tour, we were shown a grand mural depicting icons of the city. The tour guide pointed at one of the faces and asked us who that was. Funny enough, I was the only American in the group, so I thought I would be the only one to know that she was pointing to the great Henry Aaron.

I now realize I shouldn't have been surprised when a guy from England next to me said, "Hey, that's Hank Aaron!" He had never watched a baseball game in his life. That's how big a reach Hank Aaron's impact had.

Hank Aaron — CareerTotal
G3298
AB12364
H3771
HR755
RBI2297
SB240
AVG.305
OBP.374
SLG.555
OPS.929
MVP1
All-Star selections21
Gold Gloves3
World Series titles1

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