Milwaukee Braves

Lore & Background

The Braves relocated from Boston to Milwaukee in 1953, after National League owners approved the move 8–0, citing owner Lou Perini's fine standing. Milwaukee County gave the team a favorable stadium deal, paying only $1,000 per year for the first two years. The team drew a then-NL record 1.8 million fans in their first season and finished 92–62. Key players included sluggers Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron, who hit a combined 1,226 home runs as Braves, and pitchers Warren Spahn, Lew Burdette, and Bob Buhl.

In 1957, the Braves clinched the National League pennant with a 95–59 record, led by Hank Aaron's MVP season. They defeated the New York Yankees in seven games to win the World Series, with Lew Burdette throwing three complete-game victories. The following year, the Braves won a second consecutive pennant at 92–62, but lost the World Series to the Yankees after leading three games to one. Attendance declined in the 1960s, and the team moved to Atlanta after the 1965 season.

Reader's Guide

The Milwaukee Braves are significant as one of the first Major League teams to relocate in the modern era, paving the way for other franchise moves in the 1950s. Their success on the field, including a World Series championship and two pennants, established a strong fan base in Milwaukee. The team's 13-year tenure demonstrated that a smaller market could support a winning franchise, though declining attendance later led to relocation. The Braves' legacy includes three future Hall of Fame players and a winning record every season they played in Milwaukee. Their move to Atlanta ultimately created one of baseball's most enduring franchises.

Did You Know?

• The Braves never finished with a losing record during their 13 seasons in Milwaukee.
• Six former Milwaukee Braves players were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
• The team drew a then-NL record 1.8 million fans in their first season in Milwaukee.
• Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews hit a combined 1,226 home runs as Braves, with 850 coming while the franchise was in Milwaukee.