Atlanta Braves Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
From their time as one of the charter members of the National League, the Atlanta Braves have a long and vibrant history. Which of their former stars comprise the Braves Mount Rushmore?
The Atlanta Braves were a success almost instantly. They came into existence as the Boston Red Stockings, one of the charter members of the National League in 1876. The Red Stockings won the National League pennant in 1877 and 1878, Eventually changing their name to the Beaneaters, they continued to be a success in the early days of the major leagues, even winning the predecessor to the World Series, sweeping the Cleveland Spiders in 1892.
However, in the modern era of the major leagues, the Beaneaters struggled. They switched names four times in seven years, from the Beaneaters to the Doves to the Rustlers before settling on the current name of the Braves. However, during that time in Boston, and those name changes, they made the World Series twice. The 1914 Miracle Braves came out of nowhere to sweep the Phialdelphia Athletics in the World Series, and they fell to the Indians in 1948. Aside from those two seasons, the Braves were typically a mediocre franchise.
They did find some success after a move to Milwaukee in 1953. They finished over .500 in each of their 13 years in Wisconsin, winning one of their two World Series appearances. However, due to dwindling attendance, they moved to Atlanta in 1966, where they reverted back to mediocrity.
It is in Atlanta that the Braves have found the most success. Starting with their surprising return to contention in 1991, they became a dynasty. The Braves made the postseason each year from 1991 through 2005, excluding the strike year. They captured five National League pennants, and won the 1995 World Series, giving them a championship in each city they called home. Although the Braves are in another downturn, the future looks bright in Atlanta, as fans dream of another dynasty.
Which of the greats to play for the Braves organization make up their Mount Rushmore? Let us turn the pages of history and look back at those top players.