Braves Nation

America's oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise, with World Series titles in three cities.

The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. The club was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings. The Braves are one of three remaining National League charter franchises that debuted in 1876, alongside the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, and are one of the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchises in North America.

The franchise was known by various names until it adopted the Boston Braves name in 1912. After 82 seasons and one World Series title in Boston, the club moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953. With a roster of Hall-of-Fame players such as Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn, the Milwaukee Braves won the World Series in 1957. Despite the team's success, fan attendance declined.

The club's owners moved the team to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1966. The Braves found early success in Atlanta, winning the NL West division title and reaching the playoffs in 1969 and again in 1982, before their sustained dominance began in 1991. From 1991 to 2005, the Braves were one of the most successful teams in baseball, winning an unprecedented 14 consecutive division titles, making an MLB record eight consecutive National League Championship Series appearances, and producing one of the greatest pitching rotations in the history of baseball including Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine.

The club has won an MLB record 23 divisional titles, 18 National League pennants, and four World Series championships. The Braves are the only Major League Baseball franchise to have won the World Series in three different home cities. At the end of the 2025 season, the Braves' overall win–loss record is 11,190–11,035–154 (.503). Since moving to Atlanta in 1966, the Braves have an overall win–loss record of 4,926–4,547–8 (.520) through the end of 2025.

Quick Facts

Franchise origin: Boston, Massachusetts
Relocations: Milwaukee, Atlanta
Championships: 4 World Series Titles
Status: Active Franchise

Lore & Background

The Cincinnati Red Stockings, formed in 1869, were the first openly all-professional baseball team but disbanded after the 1870 season. Manager Harry Wright and players moved to Boston, forming the Boston Red Stockings, a charter team in the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP). Led by the Wright brothers, Ross Barnes, and Al Spalding, they dominated the National Association, winning four of five championships. The original Boston Red Stockings team and its successors can lay claim to being one of the oldest continuously playing franchises in American professional sports, though this is not universally accepted due to the Chicago Cubs' competing claim and the fact that MLB does not fully recognize the National Association years.

The club was known as the Boston Red Caps when they played the first National League game in 1876, winning against the Philadelphia Athletics. Despite a weaker roster in the league's first year, they rebounded to secure the 1877 and 1878 pennants. Managed by Frank Selee, they were a dominant force in the 19th century, winning eight pennants. By 1898, the team was known as the Beaneaters and had won 102 games that season, with stars like Hugh Duffy, Tommy McCarthy, and 'Slidin'' Billy Hamilton.

In 1901, the American League was introduced, causing many Beaneaters players including stars Duffy and Jimmy Collins to leave for clubs of the rival league. The team struggled, recording only one winning season from 1900 to 1913. In 1907, they temporarily dropped the red color from their stockings due to infection concerns.

Reader's Guide

The Braves have won four World Series championships (1914, 1957, 1995, 2021).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Braves franchise originate before moving to Atlanta?

Before establishing themselves in Georgia, the team was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, and later relocated to Milwaukee during their 19th-century journey. This multi-city history is central to the identity of the organization and its supporters.

What defines the legacy of the Braves franchise?

The team's legacy is built on a foundation of four World Series championships and legendary eras featuring stars like the pitching trio of Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine. Their unique path from Boston to Milwaukee to Atlanta creates a rich cultural tapestry for fans worldwide.