The Atlanta Braves offense is on pace to make team history with ten games to go before the All Star Break.
Over the years, some truly great players have been a part of the Atlanta Braves organization. Players like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, and Wally Berger had long and productive careers with the Braves. Other players, like Andres Galarraga, Terry Pendleton, and Fred McGriff, called the Braves home for a portion of their careers. If there has been one thing that the Braves could do over the course of franchise history, it was hit the ball.
However, this year’s Braves team is on pace to do something no other team has done in franchise history. With one more hit, Ozzie Albies will join Nick Markakis and Freddie Freeman with 100 hits before the All Star Break, something that has not been accomplished in Braves history.
No trio of #Braves teammates has ever reached 100 hits prior to the All-Star break, but Nick Markakis (108) and Freddie Freeman (101) should be joined by Ozzie Albies (99), who has 10 games to get to the century mark.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 4, 2018
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It certainly is amazing to think that the Braves never had a trio of players reach the century mark in hits prior to the All Star Break before now. Although the Braves had been known for their pitching, even before their run of success in the 1990s and 2000s, they had productive offenses. It was not a matter of needing the likes of Warren Spahn and Greg Maddux to win a game 1-0 virtually every time out.
However, the Braves offense was more about power. In 1973, Aaron, Darrell Evans, and Davey Johnson infamously became the first trio of teammates to hit 40 or more homers in a season. The Braves, even dating back to their time in Boston, were not about to be cheated during a plate appearance. They may not have many player contending for a batting title, but they would score runs in a hurry.
This year has been different. They are still hitting for power, but it is mostly doubles, as their 176 doubles lead the National League. Instead, they have been putting the ball in play and getting on base, ranking in the top three in batting average, on base percentage, slugging, and OPS. That ability to make contact and get hits, even if the ball does not go over the fence, has been worked for the Braves this season. And it is leading to a historic performance.
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The Atlanta Braves have been a pleasant surprise this season. Given the way their offense is performing, they will not be going away.