ATLANTA BRAVES ALL-TIME STARTING 9
Last Updated: July 4th, 2024 by Jake Cain
The Atlanta Braves have a rich history in Major League Baseball, creating a legacy with some of the greatest players in the game. From legendary hitters to phenomenal pitchers, the Braves’ lineup has always featured talent that baseball fans celebrate and remember.
Who would make up the ultimate starting nine in Braves history?
Choosing the all-time starting nine is like debating over the best pizza topping; everyone has an opinion, but only a few choices can rank at the top.
Focusing on a mix of power, skill, and unforgettable moments, this list aims to highlight those who truly shined during their time with Atlanta.
Baseball fans will appreciate the mix of stats and memorable performances that these players brought to the field.
1) Chipper Jones – Left Field
Chipper Jones spent most of his legendary career at third base, but he also showcased his skills in left field.
Known for his versatility, Jones had the athleticism to handle multiple positions.
He played for the Braves from 1993 to 2012, making a significant impact wherever he was placed.
His switch-hitting prowess made him one of the most reliable hitters.
Jones’ career stats include over 2,700 hits and 468 home runs. His time in left field, although not as highlighted, demonstrated his flexibility and importance to the Braves lineup.
Learn more about his career on Wikipedia.
2) Hank Aaron – Right Field
Hank Aaron, also known as “Hammerin’ Hank,” is widely considered one of the greatest hitters in the history of baseball.
He played 21 seasons with the Braves, first in Milwaukee and later in Atlanta.
His career home run record of 755 for the Braves is a testament to his incredible power and consistency.
Aaron’s remarkable achievements don’t stop at home runs.
He also holds ten franchise records for the Braves, solidifying his legacy as a powerhouse in right field.
Fans still admire his incredible baseball mind and on-field performance, which set a gold standard for future generations.
3) Andruw Jones – Center Field
Andruw Jones patrolled center field for the Atlanta Braves from 1996 to 2007.
Known for his exceptional range and ten Gold Glove Awards, he was a true defensive wizard.
During his time with the Braves, he made the All-Star team five times and hit 368 home runs.
His contributions helped the Braves remain a dominant force in the NL East.
Jones played with a style and flair that made him a fan favorite in Atlanta.
His defensive plays and clutch hitting are still talked about by Braves fans everywhere.
4) Eddie Mathews – Third Base
Eddie Mathews was a powerhouse at third base and one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.
He played for the Braves from their Boston days through their move to Milwaukee and then Atlanta.
Mathews was known for his powerful left-handed swing, amassing 512 home runs in his career.
He consistently paired up with Hank Aaron, creating a fearsome duo in the Braves’ lineup.
Beyond his batting stats, Eddie’s fielding skills were top-notch, making him a crucial part of the team’s defense.
His legacy continues to shine for Braves fans today.
5) Freddie Freeman – First Base
Freddie Freeman is one of the greatest first basemen in Atlanta Braves history.
He made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2010 and quickly became a fan favorite.
Freeman played for the Braves for 12 seasons, hitting .296 with 270 home runs and 940 RBIs during his time in Atlanta.
His powerful bat and strong defense earned him the National League MVP Award in the shortened 2020 season.
In 2021, Freddie helped the Braves win the World Series, cementing his legacy with the team.
His contributions on and off the field made him a beloved figure in Atlanta sports.
6) Joe Torre – Catcher
Joe Torre, a name synonymous with baseball greatness, was a standout catcher for the Braves in the early 1960s.
Known for his consistent hitting and strong defensive skills, Torre quickly made a name for himself in the league.
During his time with the Braves, Torre hit for an impressive average, showcasing his power with numerous home runs.
His baseball IQ and leadership on the field made him a key player for the team.
Even after his playing days, Torre’s legacy continued as a successful manager, but his time behind the plate with the Braves remains unforgettable.
7) Rafael Furcal – Shortstop
Rafael Furcal brought energy and skill to the shortstop position for the Atlanta Braves.
Winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2000, he quickly made a name for himself with his speed and solid defense.
Furcal was known for his quickness, setting an Appalachian League record with 60 stolen bases in a season.
He proved to be a strong presence on the field, helping lead the Braves to multiple playoff appearances.
8) Marcus Giles – Second Base
Marcus Giles played second base for the Atlanta Braves from 2001 to 2006.
During his time with the Braves, he became a fan favorite with his gritty play and hustle on the field.
Giles was named an All-Star in 2003. He posted some impressive numbers that year, hitting .316 with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs.
Despite some injuries, he always bounced back, showing a tenacity that fans admired.
His career in Atlanta may have been brief, but Marcus left a lasting impression.
He always gave it his all, embodying the spirit of the Braves.
9) Greg Maddux – Starting Pitcher
Greg Maddux, known as “Mad Dog” and “The Professor,” is one of the most celebrated pitchers in baseball history.
He played with the Atlanta Braves from 1993 to 2003.
With his pinpoint accuracy and unmatched ability to outthink batters, he won four consecutive Cy Young Awards between 1992 and 1995.
Maddux pitched more than 5000 innings during his career and tallied over 300 wins.
His stealthy, strategic approach to pitching made him a legend.
Maddux’s mastery on the mound was a big reason the Braves won the 1995 World Series against the Cleveland Indians.
Honorable Mentions
10) Dale Murphy
Dale Murphy stands out as one of the greatest hitters in the history of the Atlanta Braves.
Born on March 12, 1956, in Portland, Oregon, he made his MLB debut on September 13, 1976, with the Braves.
Murphy played as an outfielder, first baseman, and catcher, showcasing his versatility on the field.
Known for his powerful bat, he won two National League MVP awards in 1982 and 1983.
Fans cherish his dedication and memorable moments at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
Murphy’s legacy remains influential, as he played a pivotal role in the Braves’ history.
11) Tom Glavine
Tom Glavine was a left-handed pitcher who spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves.
He was known for his pinpoint control. Glavine’s changeup was legendary.
With 164 victories in the 1990s, Glavine was second only to Greg Maddux in wins in the National League.
His career included 2,607 strikeouts and one World Series win with the Braves.
The Braves retired his number 47 in 2010. Glavine was fittingly inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
12) Fred McGriff
Fred McGriff, also known as “The Crime Dog,” was a cornerstone of the Atlanta Braves’ power lineup.
McGriff played first base and was known for his consistent power-hitting.
During his time with the Braves, he helped lead the team to multiple division titles and a World Series win in 1995.
Fans remember his knack for clutch hits and his towering home runs.
Standing at 6-3, McGriff’s presence at the plate was imposing.
His incredible career saw him finish with over 480 home runs, making him one of the most feared hitters of his time.
13) Phil Niekro
Phil Niekro, known as “Knucksie,” was a master of the knuckleball and pitched for the Atlanta Braves for over two decades.
He began his career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1964 and continued with the team after their move to Atlanta.
Niekro’s knuckleball was legendary for baffling hitters and became his signature pitch.
He achieved an impressive 318 career wins and led the league in ERA in 1967 with a 1.87 mark.
His longevity and skill earned him five All-Star selections and a place in the Hall of Fame in 1997.
Phil Niekro remains one of the iconic figures in Braves history.
14) Ronald Acuna
Ronald Acuna Jr. is a dynamo on the field for the Atlanta Braves.
Since making his debut in 2018, he has quickly become one of the most electrifying players in baseball.
His rookie year was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
He has solidified his place as a Braves icon with multiple MLB All-Star appearances.
His combination of speed, power, and defensive prowess makes him a fan favorite.
Acuna’s energy and talent have made him a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup.
15) Brian McCann
Brian McCann was a powerhouse catcher for the Atlanta Braves.
Drafted by the Braves in the 2nd round of the 2002 MLB Draft, he quickly became a fan favorite.
Over his career, he played for the Braves, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.
McCann was a seven-time All-Star and won six Silver Slugger Awards.
He was known for his ability to handle pitchers and his clutch hitting.
His leadership on and off the field left a lasting impact, especially during the Braves’ rebuilding years.
16) Javy Lopez
Javy Lopez, a Puerto Rican catcher, spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves from 1992 to 2003.
Standing 6-3 and weighing 185 lbs, his physical presence was matched by his powerful bat.
Lopez was known for his hitting prowess, especially during his standout 2003 season when he hit 43 home runs.
Fans remember him not just for his stats, but for his clutch performances and leadership behind the plate.
17) David Justice
David Justice was a powerful hitter known for his clutch performances.
He played a key role in the Atlanta Braves’ success, winning the 1995 World Series.
Justice started his career with the Braves in 1989 and quickly made a name for himself. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1990.
His contributions to the Braves were significant, both as an outfielder and a designated hitter.
Fans remember his big moments in the playoffs and his consistent hitting.
David Justice remains a beloved figure in Atlanta Braves history, celebrated for his achievements and memorable moments on the field.
18) John Smoltz
John Smoltz was a powerhouse pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.
Known for his fierce competitiveness and versatility, he played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball, all but one with the Braves.
Smoltz could dominate as a starter or a closer, making history with both 20-win and 50-save seasons. His intense focus and relentless drive were key to Atlanta’s success.
An eight-time All-Star, Smoltz’s number 29 was retired by the Braves.
His legacy includes a Cy Young Award in 1996 and a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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