Battery Power - The Braves: Best of seriesYour one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2022-10-17T10:00:00-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/229411662022-10-17T10:00:00-04:002022-10-17T10:00:00-04:00The best Braves starting pitchers since 1990
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<figcaption>Greg Maddux | Photo: JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Where do Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz rank amongst the best starting pitchers in the rich history of the Braves organization? And what other pitchers left a significant mark on Atlanta during the last three decades?</p> <p id="FOZlZp">In March 1992, Suzy Bogguss released, “<a href="https://youtu.be/fUgHS-uYL4I?t=18">Aces</a>” the third single off of her album with the same name. Although the song wasn’t about the Braves starting rotation during the 1990s, its title epitomized the excellence of the team’s starting pitching.</p>
<p id="hW8v1e">Between Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz - and a handful of other stablemates who spent seasons in the same rotation as those three Hall of Famers - Braves starters were synonymous with positional superiority for more than a decade.</p>
<p id="38uQx9">There have been other great rotations throughout baseball in the prior century. Rotations of the Orioles in the early ‘70s, the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> in the ‘60s, the Braves and Indians in the ‘50s, the Giants in the 1910s are ones that come to mind as dominating their respective league for multiple years.</p>
<p id="E7yQaV">Interestingly enough, the last time an organization was as dominate for an entire decade as the 1990s Braves were year-after-year, you have to look no further than the same organization - just a century before.</p>
<p id="Mv78h6">In the 1990s, the Braves led the National League in bWAR by pitchers five times ... and Boston did the same one hundred years prior, in the 1890s.</p>
<p id="vDNz7h"><em>(As an aside, in this piece there will be a lot of talk about wins, which is obviously not the best indicator of a starting pitcher’s effectiveness - and one that has become less-and-less relevant in the last two decades, to the point that it has been almost rendered meaningless. However, given the historical focus of this article, it is a worthy data point that is easy to reference and discuss.)</em></p>
<p id="KzKoIo">Historically, the Braves organization has featured some of the greatest starting pitchers in the history of the game. We will take a look at the most-modern era - beginning in 1990 - in a bit, but before doing so we will review some of the most notable starting pitchers to take the hill for the Braves organization.</p>
<p id="LAxtcD">Going back to the earliest days of the franchise - and Major League Baseball itself - Boston featured notable starting pitchers like Tommy Bond, Vic Wells, Jim Whitney, Old Hoss Radbourn, and John Clarkson.</p>
<p id="IEi0NA">Of that group, only Bond and Whitney have not been elected to the Hall of Fame, although each have borderline cases thanks in large part to both ranking in the top 11 for games started all time for the Braves (Whitney is ninth; Bond is 11th).</p>
<p id="7pDgUe">As dominate as that group was, it was their rotation-mate that ranks among the best in the history of the game. That pitcher was Hall of Famer Kid Nichols. </p>
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<figcaption>Kid Nichols, shown here in 1897, is fourth all-time in bWAR for pitchers, with 116.7 during his 15-year career. He is the Braves franchise leader in bWAR for pitchers.</figcaption>
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<p id="yZItkW">Debuting in 1890, at age 20, the right-hander won 27 games and tossed a career-best seven shutouts as a rookie. In 12 seasons with Boston, Nichols started 502 games, including nine seasons with more than 40 starts. In 1892, Nichols started 51 games while throwing a career-high 453 innings. </p>
<p id="vpYI9h">Nichols, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1949, led the National League in wins for three consecutive seasons from 1896 to 1898. His total of 362 wins ranks him seventh all-time in MLB. He also led the NL in shutouts three times (1890, 1894, 1900) and he ranks 25th all-time with 48 total shutouts.</p>
<p id="eGpXLD">With Boston, Nichols had a 1.224 WHIP and a 143 ERA+, with Baseball-Reference giving him credit for 107.4 bWAR. That total is second only to Hank Aaron in franchise history. For his career, Nichols ranks fourth all time in MLB history in bWAR, seventh in wins, 11th in inning pitched, and fourth in complete games.</p>
<p id="HpmZlx">Four decades later, the next franchise great starting pitcher would debut for Boston when Warren Spahn started two games for the Braves in 1942. </p>
<p id="ZEMyQW">Unfortunately, like many other players in MLB, Spahn missed the next three seasons due to military service during World War II. He returned to the team in 1946, but it was his 1947 season that set-in motion a career that saw him become one of the best left-handed starters in the history of the game</p>
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<figcaption>Warren Spahn pitched in 20 seasons with the Braves, winning 356 games for the franchise in his career.</figcaption>
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<p id="gmKWst">Between 1947 and 1963, Spahn was selected to 17 All Star games while leading the NL in wins eight times - including five seasons in-a-row from 1957 to 1961. He also led the league in complete games a whopping nine times - including a seven-year stretch that started in 1957 and ended in 1963, when he was 42 years old.</p>
<p id="QKl5Sk">Spahn won the Cy Young award in 1957 and finished second three times. Keep in mind that the award didn’t exist until 1956, when Spahn was 35 years old. He finished third in the voting for the inaugural award.</p>
<p id="LhE4Cl">Spahn received MVP votes in 15 difference seasons, with four finishes in the top five (1953, 1956-1958). </p>
<p id="ljAyEF">In 20 seasons with the Braves in Boston and Milwaukee, Spahn started 635 games and pitched 5,046 innings. He won 356 game and saved 28. He finished his career splitting his final season between the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> and <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a>, ending his career with 363 wins - a total that ranks him sixth all-time.</p>
<p id="SilDZ0">A three-time NL ERA leader - once in each of the three decades he pitched (1947, 1953, 1961) - Spahn is eighth all-time in innings pitched with 5,243.2 after leading the NL four times (1947, 1949, 1958, 1959). </p>
<p id="fjCMp2">The Broken Arrow, OK native finished his career with 100.1 bWAR - 99.3 of which came with the Braves. That total places him third in franchise history and behind Aaron and Nichols.</p>
<p id="WlZoER">Warren Spahn wasn’t the only Braves starter to have significant impact on the franchise during the late 1940s and 1950s. </p>
<p id="9ekA0g">In 1948, fellow starter Johnny Sain was in the midst of the best season of his career. Sain, who like Spahn debuted in 1942 but missed the next three season while in the military, produced back-to-back All Star seasons in 1947 and 1948. He finished second in the MVP voting in ‘48, a season that saw him lead the NL in wins, games started, complete games, innings pitched, and batters faced.</p>
<p id="4AUwee">It was that 1948 season - and specifically the stretch-run in September - that caused <em>Boston Post</em> sports editor Gerald V. Hern to publish a poem which lauded the workload that Boston manager Billy Southworth had given Spahn and Sain as the Braves were trying to win the NL pennant (which they did, only to lose to Larry Doby and the Cleveland Indians in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>).</p>
<p id="y2zhHG">That poem turned in to a rhyme that is still well known almost 75 years later: “Spahn and Sain; then pray for rain.”</p>
<p id="V4YpLL">Sain’s last season with Boston was in 1951 but he was an All Star again in 1953 with the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>, the best of five seasons he spent with the club. After his career ended in 1955 with the Kansas City Athletics, he started his second - and arguably more impactful career as a pitching coach in 1959 with the A’s.</p>
<p id="cdHWoA">Sain coached in six different organizations - including the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a>, twice - in a career that spanned from 1959 to 1986. </p>
<p id="1KjMP4">Linking dominant starting pitching to a team’s success is an easy and obvious action. While it isn’t perfect, nor does it always hold true, is does paint the picture quite well as to the struggles the Braves organization saw for more five decades early in the last century. </p>
<p id="aBcwXu">Outside of the miracle Braves World Series-winning 1914 team, the team did not finish in first place from 1898 to 1948. </p>
<p id="KdvNPt">Among the pitchers on that 1898 Beaneaters’ team? Nichols and Wells. And the Braves 1948 team had Spahn and Sain, as was just outlined.</p>
<p id="JCH6n9">Joining Spahn in the Braves rotation in 1952 was Lew Burdette, who was traded to Atlanta from the New York Yankees for Sain in August of 1951. In 13 seasons with the Braves, Burdette won 179 games while being selected to three All Star games and finishing third in the 1958 Cy Young voting.</p>
<p id="7D1jeN">Burdette won 15 or more games eight times between 1953 and 1961 while picking up MVP votes from 1956 through 1959.</p>
<p id="OxcKBo">Burdette was the star of the 1957 World Series, winning three games in best-of-seven series, including a complete game shutout in Game 7.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Hy Peskin/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lew Burdette (l) and Warren Spahn (r) sit in the dugout during a Spring Training game in March 1958.</figcaption>
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<p id="LMgbmz">Bridging the Spahn era with the next Hall of Fame Braves starting pitcher was Tony Cloninger who started 170 games for the Braves from 1961 until being traded in 1968. Although he won 24 games in 1965, he is best remembered for his start with Atlanta on July 3, 1966, when he pitched a complete game as the Braves in beat the Giants. What was most notable about that start for Cloniger was that he stroked two Grand Slams going 3-fo-5 with nine RBI. </p>
<p id="lf5wG4">After the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, Ron Reed and Pat Jarvis teamed with Hall of Famer Phil Niekro to solidify the team’s rotation into the early ‘70s. </p>
<p id="TkOyyC">Reed was an All Star in 1968 and started 203 games for the Braves in 10 seasons with the team. He pitched for 19 seasons, finishing his career in 1984, at age 41, with the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> after an eight-year stint with the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> as a reliever. He saved 90 games for the team during the regular season and picked up a save for Philadelphia in the 1980 World Series. </p>
<p id="Pslfe7">Jarvis, who spent seven seasons with Atlanta, starting 169 games before finishing his career with Montreal in 1973. From 1967 though 1970, Jarvis averaged 230 innings pitched, pitching to a slightly-above average 101 ERA+ while winning 60 games for Atlanta. On the diamond, he holds two notable historical distinctions: he was the first strikeout victim of Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and gave up Hall of Famer Ernie Banks’ 500th home run.</p>
<p id="gSBnQh">After his career ended, Jarvis was elected as sheriff of DeKalb County in metro-Atlanta where he served for 19 years, until resigning in 1995 after being probed by federal prosecutors. After a three-year investigation, he pled guilty to mail fraud in 1999, serving a 15-month federal prison sentence. </p>
<p id="6PGjEr">Speaking of former starting pitchers who ran afoul of the law, in 1972, the Braves traded Orlando Cepeda to Oakland for former two-time American League Cy Young winner Denny McLain. At 28, McLain was only three seasons removed from his second Cy Young award with the Tigers but had been mired in numerous personal problems - including ties to the Mob. He was suspended in 1970 for ties to bookmaking activities. He was reinstated after three months, but his career was all-but over.</p>
<p id="mCk9I1">His time with Atlanta was the least productive of his career - with a 6.50 ERA in 54 innings for the Braves. He was released in Spring Training, bringing the end to his career. Since his retirement, McClain leveraged his celebrity status in numerous ventures, but also had multiple legal issues across three different decades.</p>
<p id="qZBCoE">Starting in the late ‘60s and running through the early ‘80s, the Braves organization only appeared in the post-season twice - in 1969 and 1982. In between, the team only finished above .500 three times. </p>
<p id="nLpraR">With Hank Aaron in the waning stages of his career and Dale Murphy making his mark in the ‘80s, it was Niekro who was the star for the team throughout the 1970s. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Phil Niekro leveraged a knuckleball to be one of the best pitchers in Braves franchise history.</figcaption>
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<p id="5DUiKg">The knuckleballer led the National League in innings pitched four times during the ‘70s, the same number of times he led the NL in complete games. He also led the NL in games started three times - all coming in the latter part of the decade, when he was pitching in his late-30s and age 40 season. </p>
<p id="Ru9t0e">That 1979 season was remarkable for 40-year-old Niekro as he led the NL in win (21) and losses (20). He also led the league by starting 44 games and completing more than half of them - with a league-leading 23 complete games. He also led the NL in innings pitched, hits allowed, home runs allowed, walks, batters hit, and batters faced. He finished sixth in the Cy Young voting, 20th for MVP, and won a Gold Glove.</p>
<p id="fedkVa">Durability was a trademark of “Knucksie” who was selected as an All Star four times while with Atlanta and finished in the top 6 of the Cy Young five times (including second in 1969). He also won five Gold Gloves. </p>
<p id="6RHTmQ">He left Atlanta as a free agent before the 1984 season, and promptly had an All Star season for the New York Yankees, winning 16 games for the team that season.</p>
<p id="mwst10">For more on Niekro - including is farewell start with Atlanta in 1987 - you can read an article from last year on Battery Power <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2021/8/24/22637127/phil-niekro-appreciation-atlanta-braves"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="dVkhAO">When all was said-and-done, Niekro won 318 games in his career. For the Braves, he pitched 21 seasons, winning 268 games (and losing 230) across 740 games that included 595 starts. He threw 226 complete games - including 43 shutouts - and saved 29 games while logging 4,622.1 innings for the franchise.</p>
<p id="smOGWw">For his career, he is 11th all-time in bWAR for pitchers, 16th in wins, 4th in innings pitched, 5th in games started, and 4th in batters faced. Due to the who-knows-where-its-going nature of the knuckleball, he is also 2nd all-time in earned runs, 7th in wild pitches, 4th in hits and - and thanks to many Braves teams who had less hits that the Bee Gees - 5th in losses.</p>
<p id="tPIZc8">For the Braves, he is fifth all-time in bWAR, third for pitchers behind Nichols and Spahn. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997.</p>
<p id="0xMuzQ">For the latter half of the 1970s, the Braves rarely gained more than two seasons out of starting pitchers in the rotation alongside Niekro. Dick Ruthven, Andy Messersmith and Buzz Capra each had an All Star season, but otherwise, the Braves rotation didn’t offer much in terms of high-level success, outside of Niekro.</p>
<p id="umQTXH">The Braves found more success in the early ‘80s, finishing above .500 in 1980, 1982 and 1983. The quality of the team’s rotation played around in organization’s improvement with Pascual Perez, Craig McMurtry, Zane Smith and Rick Mahler providing effective seasons as starters during that time.</p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U3jJlRoNr_1Aozgv1bPDoPZlp78=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24074085/671536802.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Pascual Perez was one of three brothers to pitch in MLB, along with Carlos and Melido. Pascual is shown here in 1983.</figcaption>
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<p id="7QUC5V">Perez became a full-time starter for Atlanta in 1983 and was selected to the only All Star game of his career. He won 29 games between the ‘83 and ‘84 seasons, providing more than 210 innings pitched and a WHIP that averaged 1.225. Unfortunately, he was dreadful in 1985, leading the Braves to release him with rumors of substance abuse issues - which were prevent in baseball during that time - considered a contributing factor to his demise.</p>
<p id="3dNkb2">Perez would comeback with Montreal in 1987 and spent five seasons in MLB between the Expos and New York Yankees, with his time in Montreal showcasing the promise he showed with Atlanta, including an NL-leading 0.941 WHIP in 1988 and an NL-best 3.38 SO/W in 1989. </p>
<p id="OtCS2q">Unfortunately, Perez was suspended for a second time for a positive drug test in 1992. Although Perez didn’t appear in an MLB game after the 1991 season, he did return to professional baseball in 1996, pitching in Taiwan. Sadly, Perez was murdered during a robbery at his home in the Dominican Republic in 2012.</p>
<p id="dqxv24">Perez’s involvement with one of the most well-known baseball brawls while with Atlanta - and his infamous start missed when he became lost on Atlanta’s perimeter highway - made him one of the more memorable starters of the era despite only starting 96 games in four seasons with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="DnTKAw">McMurtry debuted in 1983, with a fantastic rookie season, when he finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year award and seventh in the Cy Young voting by posting a 3.08 ERA with 15 wins for the Braves. That was the high watermark for McMurtry’s career as his sophomore 1984 season saw significant regression although he did provide 30 starts for Atlanta that season. He would only win one game for Atlanta between the 1985 and 1986 seasons, before resurfacing with Texas in the late ‘80s. </p>
<p id="Hnx7jQ">McMurtry, who gave up Barry Bonds’ first homerun in 1986, would make a comeback in 1995 with the Astros appearing in 11 games. After his MLB career ended, he went on to become head baseball coach at Temple College (Texas), where he currently also serves as the athletic director. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Zane Smith was a third round pick by Atlanta in 1982 out of Indiana State University.</figcaption>
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<p id="zVHj7y">Smith would debut in 1984 but didn’t become and full-time member of the rotation until 1986, when the Braves were heading into one of the lowest periods in franchise history. Smith would lead the NL in starts in 1987, winning 15 games for the Braves. </p>
<p id="rma4wg">The best seasons in his 13-year career would come with Montreal (where he joined Perez in the team’s rotation) and later with the Pirates - where he joined former Brave starter Bob Walk in the rotation. Smith would make 35 starts for Pittsburgh in 1991 before finishing his career with the team in 1996 after spending the ‘95 season with Boston.</p>
<p id="KVPSJv">With Atlanta, Smith would start 128 games over six seasons. For his career, he finished with an even 100 wins and 20.2 bWAR in 1,919.1 innings pitched. </p>
<p id="oUZLpY">One of the more important starting pitchers for Atlanta during the mid-1980s was an aging veteran whose contributions to Atlanta far exceeded the 25 wins and 4.6 bWAR he accumulated in parts of three seasons with the Braves.</p>
<p id="jc0Pdt">Doyle Alexander was originally brought to Atlanta prior to the 1980 season in a trade with the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>. At 29, the right-hander was coming off two below-average seasons with the Rangers. For the Braves, Alexander started 35 times and threw seven complete games during the 1980 season as the Braves finished just above .500 with an 81-80 record.</p>
<p id="IFRhM7">After the season, Alexander was whisked away to the Giants. Fast-forward to early July 1986, where the <a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto Blue Jays</a> were struggling in the AL East one season after winning the division under manager Bobby Cox. </p>
<p id="RzbohG">With the 99-win season behind them - and Cox back with Atlanta as General Manager - Toronto traded Alexander to Atlanta for relief prospect Duane Ward. For the Blue Jays, it took a few years, but the deal paid off as Ward became the team’s part-time closer in 1988, sharing the closing role on the lesser side of a time-share, but excelling as the primary set-up man for long-time Toronto closer Tom Henke. </p>
<p id="vUrBfO">Ward became the full-time stopper in 1993, after Henke departed for Texas, leading the AL with 45 saves while being selected to the All Star game. He finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting (he also finished ninth in 1991). He would be the winning pitcher in Toronto’s World Series-clinching Game 6 that season.</p>
<p id="45LdF8">Unfortunately, injuries all-but ended his career after the season. After missing the 1994 season, he would appear in only four games for the Blue Jays in 1995 before retiring with 161 saves in 452 games for the team.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Doyle Alexander was a two-time member of the Braves organization and involved in two prospect-based trades that paid dividends for each of the teams involved.</figcaption>
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<p id="ttlWQt">We might well be talking about Doyle Alexander as the guy that the Braves foolishly gave up Ward for if not for Alexander’s role in another, more legendary trade for the Braves organization. </p>
<p id="Btv8XG">After pitching well in his return to Atlanta in 1986, Alexander was providing the rebuilding Braves with slightly above average production in the rotation while toiling away for an Atlanta squad best-known for aging veterans ending their careers by growing tomatoes in the bullpen.</p>
<p id="8A6z7M">As mid-August neared, the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> were looking to add to their rotation behind Jack Morris, Walt Terrell, and Frank Tanana. On August 12, a deal was struck that would send a struggling, hard-throwing minor league pitcher to Atlanta for the 36-year-old Alexander. </p>
<p id="jMhREu">Alexander would be almost unstoppable for the Tigers, going 9-0 in 11 starts for Detroit. His 1.53 ERA was supported by a 1.008 WHIP and helped carry Detroit to 98 wins and the AL East title. The Tigers would lose to the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> in the ALCS - with Alexander suffering two losses in the series.</p>
<p id="tdTqta">Alexander would be named an All Star in 1988 - for the only time in his career - for the Tigers before ending his career with Detroit in 1989. In 19 seasons, he would win 194 games after making 464 starts with a career ERA of 3.76. He finished in the top six of the Cy Young voting twice - including fourth in 1987 due to his incredible stretch run for the Tigers.</p>
<p id="8j0vEk">The young, Michigan-native who the Braves acquired for Alexander? He turned out alright. John Smoltz ended up in the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p id="CDOx2o">The 1980s Braves starting rotation would be led - after Niekro departed - by Rick Mahler, whose brother Mickey was a starter for the Braves in the late-’70s (the two were teammates during the 1979 season). </p>
<p id="vkZXGr">Rick Mahler wasn’t an All Star during his career, but in 11 seasons with Atlanta, he started 218 games and appeared in more than 300. He led the NL in games started in 1985 and 1986, with 39 each season. </p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v St. Louis Cardinals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZLFtCiaL23_1Hy5JSELM5-YZey4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24074089/82780126.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Rick Malher started Opening Day five time for the Braves during his career.</figcaption>
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<p id="4o829i">Mahler could have been nicknamed “Mr. Opening Day” in the 1980s because he threw three shutouts in five career Opening Day starts for Atlanta - a notable feat for a pitcher who led the NL in runs allowed four times between 1985 and 1989.</p>
<p id="lvLBQq">Mahler was more than a durable innings-eater for Atlanta during a time that the team was reloading their system with prospects by running out a major league team featuring over-the-hill veterans along-side Dale Murphy. Mahler was excellent in 1981, 1984, and 1985. He struggled in 1983, spending most of the season in AAA, and was below average in mass-usage in 1986 and 1987 - including leading the NL in losses in 1986. </p>
<p id="lHedWP">Mahler rebounded in 1988, providing near-league average production for an atrocious Braves team. Mahler would leave Atlanta for Cincinnati in 1989, starting 31 games for the Reds that season. </p>
<p id="XkUBiD">In 1990, he moved to a swing-man role for the Reds, starting 16 games but also picking up four saves during the team’s World Series-winning season.</p>
<p id="sFahTJ">After joining the Expos in 1991, Mahler was released by the Montreal despite posting a 3.62 ERA across 37.1 innings for Montreal. Atlanta claimed the 37-year-old in mid-June, with him appearing mainly as a low-leverage reliever for six weeks. </p>
<p id="oALXFK">The Braves were 9.5 games out of first place on July 7th but 15 days later, on July 22, the Braves had closed to within 2.5 games of the Dodgers for the division lead. The next week was not fortuitous as the Braves give-up most of their gains as four losses in five games saw Atlanta fall to six games back of Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="cXCs6N">Atlanta headed into a four-game series with the NL East juggernaut Pirates - a team who they had lost two of three games in Pittsburgh the week prior. Playing a double-leader on a Monday due to a rain-out in May, Atlanta was in jeopardy of being out of the division race by August 1st if they didn’t take the series from the Pirates. </p>
<p id="VXdAHk">With Atlanta needing a spot-starter in the second game the July 29th double-header, the Braves turned to Mahler.</p>
<p id="vi3M2a">Mahler turned back the clock that night, winning the final game of his Major League career by pitching six innings of one-run ball, striking out three, to beat John Smiley as the Braves swept the double-header after Tom Glavine had bested Doug Drabek in the first game of the twin-bill. Paired with a Dodgers loss, the Braves moved to 4.5 games back of LA after Mahler’s win and would overtake the Dodgers in late August and would go on to win the division in route to the World Series.</p>
<p id="iLlx0U">Mahler would only appear two more times for the Braves - and in his career - giving up two runs in a single inning of a blow-out loss to the Padres and then starting on August 6 against the Giants at home. Although the Braves would win what was his final game, Mahler gave-up three runs in just two innings, when he walked two and gave up four hits.</p>
<p id="pC4XhA">The Braves would release Mahler two days later, bringing an end to a career that saw him provide the team with 16.9 bWAR in 1,558.2 innings pitched during parts of 11 seasons with Atlanta. After he retired, he became a minor league pitching coach and manager for several organizations before passing away during spring training in 2005.</p>
<p id="Qd3nhg">The Braves ended the 1980s with top prospects Tom Glavine, Pete Smith, and John Smoltz joining Mahler and Zane Smith in the rotation in 1988.</p>
<p id="MXHkhR">Although Pete Smith would start 113 games for the Braves across seven seasons, his only seasons as a full-time starter were in 1988 and 1989, which he started 59 games. He would start between 10 and 14 games each season between 1990 and 1993, with his late ‘92 run of 11 starts seeing him win seven games with an ERA of 2.05 in 12 games. </p>
<p id="isRr1v">Pete Smith would join the Mets in 1994 and pitch with the Reds and Padres before appearing in 27 games for the Orioles in 1998, the last season of his 11-year career.</p>
<p id="Kw7tcP">The Braves would end the ‘80s with budding cornerstones of their future juggernaut cutting their teeth and taking their lumps for those dreadful late-’80s teams that lost 106 games in 1988 and 97 in both 1989 and 1990.</p>
<p id="yxv6bM">The turnaround was coming, and that will move us into our look at the best Braves starters beginning in 1990. To qualify for a season, a pitcher had to start 21 games in a single season. (That is 60-percent of a 35-start season.) As always, this data is mainly from Baseball-Reference, which you might not love, but works for this retrospective.</p>
<h1 id="R2UXad">Best Single Seasons Since 1990</h1>
<p id="uETmFZ">Here are the best single seasons by a starting pitcher for the Braves since 1990 based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kDkNpQOmbp2Vuz3wDauAL-aAXVc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052912/1350239620.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux posted 9.7 bWAR in 1995. Had it not been for the shortened seasons in 1994 and 1995, Maddux had a chance at posting 10+ bWAR seasons.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="jJrE78"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, bWAR</strong></p>
<p id="lSyq7H">Greg Maddux, 1995, 9.7</p>
<p id="w9tcdP">Tom Glavine, 1991, 8.5</p>
<p id="A7bwRF">Greg Maddux, 1994, 8.5</p>
<p id="3MsjRY">Greg Maddux, 1997, 7.8</p>
<p id="DtyVVO">John Smoltz, 1996, 7.4</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fDpw2LpnHq1d2yz0zcFYM-KiuLM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052917/103745616.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux was worth 8.1 Wins Above Average in 1995, the best of any Braves starter since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="mrz8Lv"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, WAA (Wins Above Average)</strong></p>
<p id="FUJsms">Greg Maddux, 1995, 8.1</p>
<p id="cL254u">Greg Maddux, 1994, 7.0</p>
<p id="wzpuI6">Tom Glavine, 1991, 6.5</p>
<p id="s5ZgYn">Greg Maddux, 1997, 6.0</p>
<p id="VcXIH0">John Smoltz, 1996, 5.4</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QSDI8JfuBTF_RCJCi_bsdCusB88=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052919/800801812.jpg">
<cite>Photo By John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux had the top three FIP seasons since 1990. That includes a 2.26 FIP in 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Qntzpk"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, FIP</strong></p>
<p id="5EspKM">Greg Maddux, 1995, 2.26</p>
<p id="vPxtyp">Greg Maddux, 1994, 2.39</p>
<p id="Kjit0j">Greg Maddux, 1997, 2.43</p>
<p id="XcASZZ">John Smoltz, 1996, 2.64</p>
<p id="lHWnQB">John Smoltz, 1998, 2.71</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eNTIpn3a7JfBixmIgh0AdX7U8mg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052922/73277851.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux had four seasons with a WHIP below 1.000 - led by a 0.811 WHIP in 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="cR3m9M"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, WHIP</strong></p>
<p id="6bOXLk">Greg Maddux, 1995, 0.811</p>
<p id="jh0Cml">Greg Maddux, 1994, 0.896</p>
<p id="mG5ZaC">Greg Maddux, 1997, 0.946</p>
<p id="bh0Z0i">Greg Maddux, 1998, 0.980</p>
<p id="yhtZMm">Kevin Millwood, 1999, 0.996</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S2wog9Zog_pwCdFwXwlHMAMvtB0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052927/103746466.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The Top 5 seasons for the lowest ERA were all posted by Greg Maddux. His lowest was his 1.56 in the strike-shortened 1994 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qYtZm2"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, ERA</strong></p>
<p id="pywTX7">Greg Maddux, 1994, 1.56</p>
<p id="gGJgH1">Greg Maddux, 1995, 1.63</p>
<p id="v1CIG7">Greg Maddux, 1997, 2.20</p>
<p id="7K0YIT">Greg Maddux, 1998, 2.22</p>
<p id="FRgbBH">Greg Maddux, 1993, 2.36</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Covers - Atlanta Braves Pitcher Greg Maddux - July 11, 1994" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W-V9aO5Zrrdq1Hd96GcOjRllrtI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052931/169852523.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux provided an ERA+ of 260 or more twice - his best being a 271 ERA+ in 1994. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="WnNvcw"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, ERA+</strong></p>
<p id="Nq01DU">Greg Maddux, 1994, 271</p>
<p id="l2Cz1h">Greg Maddux, 1995, 260</p>
<p id="XjAAXO">Greg Maddux, 1997, 189</p>
<p id="mMAsMG">Greg Maddux, 1998, 187</p>
<p id="ZSvRbH">Mike Soroka, 2019, 171</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HhZ2s3EAvnhMfLee-EjlxEF9bwU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052935/103749139.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux threw 267 innings in 1993, besting John Smoltz’s total in 1997 by 11 innings.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="X9kyaU"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, IP</strong></p>
<p id="41jOci">Greg Maddux, 1993, 267</p>
<p id="FJZlZg">John Smoltz, 1997, 256</p>
<p id="OzlPIA">John Smoltz, 1996, 253.2</p>
<p id="p2q8K7">Greg Maddux, 1998, 251</p>
<p id="uXjynL">Greg Maddux, 2000, 249.1</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T05W3j383aJkRm93359SJzMkSMI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052964/1289853449.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Charlie Leibrandt was one of seven Braves to start 36 games in a season when he did so in 1991. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YnIgJA"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, GS (Games Started)</strong></p>
<p id="JmyMu5">Charlie Leibrandt, 1991, 36</p>
<p id="LCJMYC">John Smoltz, 1991, 36</p>
<p id="FbAAav">Tom Glavine, 1993, 36</p>
<p id="79fX9w">Greg Maddux, 1993, 36</p>
<p id="TY3JLi">Tom Glavine, 1996, 36</p>
<p id="4TcuSi">Tom Glavine, 2002, 36</p>
<p id="4oWLvH">Greg Maddux, 2003, 36 </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2020" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G_IGbTEYXEEvympdOkYHw4-_zK4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052969/1204093152.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Ron Vesely Photography via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>John Smoltz won 24 games in 1996.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="WcarhL"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, Wins</strong></p>
<p id="q3bWlZ">John Smoltz, 1996, 24</p>
<p id="MozwCG">Tom Glavine, 1993, 22</p>
<p id="P0upBm">Tom Glavine, 2000, 21</p>
<p id="moJP7Y">Russ Ortiz, 2003, 21</p>
<p id="hPpDec">Tom Glavine, 1991, 20</p>
<p id="D0fI8Z">Tom Glavine, 1992, 20</p>
<p id="0DGEF5">Greg Maddux, 1993, 20</p>
<p id="FmA1dw">Denny Neagle, 1997, 20</p>
<p id="4UB2mp">Tom Glavine, 1998, 20</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="All Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_Lh6T5B9dJibDnS7jYNauLmr3Wk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052977/231677.jpg">
<figcaption>John Smoltz struck out 276 batters in his All Star season of 1996.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GN1Zw1"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, SO (Strikeouts)</strong></p>
<p id="dEb0zP">John Smoltz, 1996, 276</p>
<p id="oGRSMt">John Smoltz, 1997, 241</p>
<p id="5KJk5d">Javier Vazquez, 2009, 238</p>
<p id="0LgWan">Charlie Morton, 2021, 216</p>
<p id="7zKwOL">John Smoltz, 1992, 215</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New York Mets v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Xml-vz8P04xMEgeRb7av35NXL80=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24054007/125589584.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Brandon Beachy bested all other Atlanta starters since 1990 when he averaged 10.7 SO/9 in 2011.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="yd5tHA"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, SO/9</strong></p>
<p id="p4IukR">Brandon Beachy, 2011, 10.7</p>
<p id="Warhc1">Charlie Morton, 2021, 10.5</p>
<p id="0J9Y2c">Mike Foltynewicz, 2018, 9.9</p>
<p id="w9zzEQ">John Smoltz, 1996, 9.8</p>
<p id="59JJBa">Javier Vazquez, 2009, 9.8</p>
<p id="y2kdAJ">Tommy Hanson, 2011, 9.8</p>
<p id="EJz2vR"></p>
<h1 id="c8q3Lp">Best Single Seasons by Decade</h1>
<p id="mHKaMe">These are the best single seasons for starting pitchers per decade based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="San Francisco Giants vs Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UrwdRj6J2VXql1UEoY_IPmwqe5A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052983/648770062.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X48833 TK1 R6 F32</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux’s 9.7 bWAR in 1995 was boosted by his legendary fielding acumen. He won 18 Gold Gloves in his career.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="6QNeHX"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="6v5Q8s">Greg Maddux, 1995, 9.7</p>
<p id="1W2AUW">Tom Glavine, 1991, 8.5</p>
<p id="KYx0qC">Greg Maddux, 1994, 8.5</p>
<p id="GAk13j">Greg Maddux, 1997, 7.8</p>
<p id="pVqcIe">John Smoltz, 1996, 7.4</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Greg Maddux Pitching for the Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Nz-lFPe_zxKkE8whjkZ5jRig1q0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052989/635758345.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin Fleming/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux was one of the all-time best free agent signings in Braves history. He posted 8.1 WAA in 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="EzAfk5"><strong>Top 5 WAA, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="g8e27E">Greg Maddux, 1995, 8.1</p>
<p id="HPxtdk">Greg Maddux, 1994, 7.0</p>
<p id="mNdJwg">Tom Glavine, 1991, 6.5</p>
<p id="nJDR6T">Greg Maddux, 1997, 6.0</p>
<p id="ORGtTv">John Smoltz, 1996, 5.4</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux tied his career" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GwMDJHmKcbdFTC9-ePQQy11SHqU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24052997/51687061.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read MONICA M. DAVEY/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux had the three top FIP seasons in 1995, 1994, and 1997.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="RbCQCH"><strong>Top 5 FIP, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="sstnuH">Greg Maddux, 1995, 2.26</p>
<p id="wezJuZ">Greg Maddux, 1994, 2.39</p>
<p id="8t6blP">Greg Maddux, 1997, 2.43</p>
<p id="Ip5OaR">John Smoltz, 1996, 2.64</p>
<p id="Bhk9sV">John Smoltz, 1998, 2.71</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Greg Maddux Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Pg7wnzaZYyyqC_XE4ply1n7-SIo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053001/475643441.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux had the four lowest WHIP season in the 1990s, led by his 1995 total. He is shown here making his first start at Turner Field in 1997. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GdZBpt"><strong>Top 5 WHIP, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="CoTTrR">Greg Maddux, 1995, 0.811</p>
<p id="00B4u8">Greg Maddux, 1994, 0.896</p>
<p id="GywIdj">Greg Maddux, 1997, 0.946</p>
<p id="SxnaKn">Greg Maddux, 1998, 0.980</p>
<p id="0HUbiq">Kevin Millwood, 1999, 0.998</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1997 Atlanta Braves Season - File Photos" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/etz9AKoZfPT2PAmAHB7L5dq5RjA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053003/81593318.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Allen Kee/WireImage</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux had to top four ERA+ seasons in the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Zi1XQs"><strong>Top 5 ERA+, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="AePCnO">Greg Maddux, 1994, 271</p>
<p id="ZXn7PY">Greg Maddux, 1995, 260</p>
<p id="orWRfE">Greg Maddux, 1997, 189</p>
<p id="VFqILu">Greg Maddux, 1998, 187</p>
<p id="ogTBFw">Tom Glavine, 1998, 168</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2020" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TgfOiqerAlZXaQVM84KuSBHylEk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053004/1204093145.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Ron Vesely Photography via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The Braves had seven pitchers win 20 or more games during the 1990s led by John Smoltz’s 24 wins in 1996.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="w6zOyB"><strong>Top 5 Wins, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="w2BSyL">John Smoltz, 1996, 24</p>
<p id="eZlv73">Tom Glavine, 1993, 22</p>
<p id="euRqE1">Tom Glavine, 1991, 20</p>
<p id="v24muy">Tom Glavine, 1992, 20</p>
<p id="FqUWGN">Greg Maddux, 1993, 20</p>
<p id="5tyWn3">Denny Neagle, 1997, 20</p>
<p id="nc1lRm">Tom Glavine, 1998, 20</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2020" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9SLLcleMdnSSlUrqQazzA99DZYw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053007/1204093122.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Ron Vesely Photography via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>John Smoltz had back-to-back 200+ strike out seasons twice during the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xNlNEJ"><strong>Top 5 SO, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="2A4DH7">John Smoltz, 1996, 276</p>
<p id="x9Wq0p">John Smoltz, 1997, 241</p>
<p id="IqhmQL">John Smoltz, 1992, 215</p>
<p id="Y0ZFjS">John Smoltz, 1993, 208</p>
<p id="kZ2VJg">Kevin Millwood, 1999, 205</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves - 2000 Season File Photos" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5i0tMcyLqV0XJKM0WHdmZxQxQPo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053013/81593309.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Allen Kee/WireImage</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux tied Jair Jurrjens (2009) for the highest bWAR in the 2000s with his 6.5 bWAR in 2000.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="hrGH7Y"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="qOBnb5">Greg Maddux, 2000, 6.5</p>
<p id="aLQ5dK">Jair Jurrjens, 2009, 6.5</p>
<p id="zanGK8">Javier Vazquez, 2009, 6.2</p>
<p id="yX5TLh">John Smoltz, 2006, 5.9</p>
<p id="5pjDfc">Greg Maddux, 2001, 5.3</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zE53Ld7pH1gdnNEXTSrvYxuP5-I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053018/88037737.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jair Jurrjens led the 2000s with 4.9WAA during his 2009 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Ms54XW"><strong>Top 5 WAA, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="H6UbPs">Jair Jurrjens, 2009, 4.9</p>
<p id="GevFqg">Greg Maddux, 2000, 4.6</p>
<p id="HQ9i3h">Javier Vazquez, 2009, 4.5</p>
<p id="48vLv0">John Smoltz, 2006, 4.1</p>
<p id="kAIzRU">Greg Maddux, 2001, 3.3</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Boston Red Sox v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CqI5oVt_Ctas7K-b-wI5i7ALgks=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053026/89722981.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Javier Vazquez had a decade-best 2.77 FIP in 2009.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Tr5rZN"><strong>Top 5 FIP, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="lnkvQu">Javier Vazquez, 2009, 2.77</p>
<p id="YxB9P7">Greg Maddux, 2001, 3.12</p>
<p id="ctbPXL">John Smoltz, 2007, 3.21</p>
<p id="V8azzq">Greg Maddux, 2000, 3.23</p>
<p id="4ikqZ8">John Smoltz, 2005, 3.27</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Photo Day" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8zdy5wpJpIy_itijzrYpaBNz3MU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053029/85250252.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Javier Vazquez led Braves starters with a 1.026 WHIP in 2009, the best of the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zCU6nU"><strong>Top 5 WHIP, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="WTFdd4">Javier Vazquez, 2009, 1.026</p>
<p id="auppbj">Greg Maddux, 2001, 1.060</p>
<p id="GblGav">Greg Maddux, 2000, 1.071</p>
<p id="OPkRY4">John Smoltz, 2005, 1.145</p>
<p id="sf51EK">Kevin Millwood, 2002, 1.157</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Washington Nationals v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/myvtDjMfO2YNMT0s6JdWdH6ZZco=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053047/85927490.jpg">
<figcaption>Jair Jurrjens tied Greg Maddux (2002) for the best ERA+ in the 2000s with his 159 ERA+ in 2009.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="r7k1UP"><strong>Top 5 ERA+, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="lDuRz3">Greg Maddux, 2002, 159</p>
<p id="52RpRm">Jair Jurrjens, 2009, 159</p>
<p id="Y4anms">Greg Maddux, 2000, 153</p>
<p id="YLSLji">John Burkett, 2001, 147</p>
<p id="rwWdYR">Greg Maddux, 2001, 146</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine throws against" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YkCQhsoT6CEBg7PyZptWcBQVlV4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053066/51550158.jpg">
<cite>Photo: MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Tom Glavine (2000) and Russ Ortiz (2003) tied for the most single-season wins in a season with 21 wins in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="LZqypi"><strong>Top 5 Wins, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="sEuUkU">Tom Glavine, 2000, 21</p>
<p id="eqOVIo">Russ Ortiz, 2003, 21</p>
<p id="Xv7ylH">Greg Maddux, 2000, 19</p>
<p id="cUO6OB">Tom Glavine, 2002, 18</p>
<p id="p9t2hp">Kevin Millwood, 2002, 18</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WnwqBHk7WHramkH5hMZJmB3HpI0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053073/91460064.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Javier Vazquez struck out 238 batters in 2009, the highest total in a single season in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="MlXg4u"><strong>Top 5 SO, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="D8tOMW">Javier Vazquez, 2009, 238</p>
<p id="UJlxWT">John Smoltz, 2006, 211</p>
<p id="cHsej0">John Smoltz, 2007, 197</p>
<p id="v8E7d0">Greg Maddux, 2000, 190</p>
<p id="6ySd2b">John Burkett, 2001, 187</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PY5lcDWubx37IxoZV-tW827BxZ0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053080/1167279433.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X162859 TK1</cite>
<figcaption>Mike Soroka provided the Braves with 6.1 bWAR in 2019, the highest total for a starting pitcher in the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9zLqij"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="9w8p0Y">Mike Soroka, 2019, 6.1</p>
<p id="lyqN3b">Tim Hudson, 2010, 5.8</p>
<p id="G7M4I7">Julio Teheran, 2016, 4.7</p>
<p id="47fnq9">Julio Teheran, 2014, 4.3</p>
<p id="qTL2ZK">Shelby Miller, 2015, 4.2</p>
<p id="tRSPrz">Mike Foltynewicz, 2018, 4.2</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: MAY 15 Cardinals at Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OatID2k5x0Oda2LsOG1XYrMRdME=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053919/1144055350.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Mike Soroka had a 4.6 WAA in his age 21 season in 2019.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="mAJjhV"><strong>Top 5 WAA, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="GMzQHZ">Mike Soroka, 2019, 4.6</p>
<p id="huxbzt">Tim Hudson, 2010, 4.0</p>
<p id="QQWVna">Julio Teheran, 2016, 3.2</p>
<p id="NAcP3i">Mike Foltynewicz, 2018, 2.8</p>
<p id="DdxWht">Shelby Miller, 2015, 2.6</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Florida Marlins v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ue_9tw78Pcg8Iuwvuy7ITJ_sNA0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053922/123999770.jpg">
<figcaption>Brandon Beachy has the best FIP in the 2010s with his 3.19 FIP in 2011.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rFL4m7"><strong>Top 5 FIP, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="bnjsDU">Brandon Beachy, 2011, 3.19</p>
<p id="QpoI8D">Alex Wood, 2014, 3.25</p>
<p id="WzMNUF">Tommy Hanson, 2010, 3.31</p>
<p id="dvINq2">Mike Minor, 2013, 3.37</p>
<p id="NmCrrl">Mike Foltynewicz, 2018, 3.37</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w210LmtxpGQ8IFDTQsybUufF3xw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053927/584734668.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Julio Teheran posted to two lowest WHIPs in qualifying season in the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="2MbqN6"><strong>Top 5 WHIP, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="PeISAZ">Julio Teheran, 2016, 1.053</p>
<p id="5UKU6W">Julio Teheran, 2014, 1.081</p>
<p id="2pUrDg">Mike Foltynewicz, 2018, 1.082</p>
<p id="dnRoVQ">Anibal Sanchez, 2018, 1.083</p>
<p id="TLJm2U">Mike Minor, 2013, 1.090</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Toronto Blue Jays Vs Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cjNAWiUTYB8edofs4FY5Wt4R5ug=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053929/1164447732.jpg">
<cite>Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Mike Soroka’s 171 ERA+ was the best of the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="cPDbKs"><strong>Top 5 ERA+, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="B8sfJu">Mike Soroka, 2019, 171</p>
<p id="1MwX0R">Anibal Sanchez, 2018, 144</p>
<p id="klW8s0">Mike Foltynewicz, 2018, 143</p>
<p id="RcifVd">Tim Hudson, 2010, 138</p>
<p id="nQdHG4">Julio Teheran, 2016, 129</p>
<p id="NMJrso">Jair Jurrjens, 2011, 129</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="San Francisco Giants v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sFlvKS9J8BBJ4JiKW6gb6hLvy2Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053930/103301837.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Tim Hudson (2010) and Max Fried (2019) bookended the 2010s with a single-season best 17 wins.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="3V1fXB"><strong>Top 5 Wins, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="Uaqv1E">Tim Hudson, 2010, 17</p>
<p id="31C6Gn">Max Fried, 2019, 17</p>
<p id="Y15poQ">Tim Hudson, 2011, 16</p>
<p id="zTDPal">Tim Hudson, 2012, 16</p>
<p id="BJF6mv">Derek Lowe, 2010, 16</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JYcItRjaJRGeqLLupXNZKiAbtUg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053935/1037764084.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Mike Foltynewicz led the 2010s with 202 strikeouts in 2018.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VOiv7a"><strong>Top 5 SO, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="pwmXiu">Mike Foltynewicz, 2018, 202</p>
<p id="0cZMXh">Julio Teheran, 2014, 186</p>
<p id="LFvJxk">Mike Minor, 2013, 181</p>
<p id="8gZHTB">Ervin Santana, 2014, 179</p>
<p id="uCIoZV">Max Fried, 2019, 173</p>
<p id="itbuUg">Tommy Hanson, 2010, 173</p>
<p id="mkNRIm"></p>
<h1 id="cMW19O">Best Cumulative Qualifying Seasons</h1>
<p id="QfWEnJ">These are the best cumulative totals from qualifying season for Atlanta’s starting pitchers since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="St Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/47dYKF28yHHzsLJCXfEdvvNCcxg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053956/456022784.jpg">
<figcaption>Greg Maddux provided 66.2 bWAR during his time with Atlanta. For his career, he produced 106.6 bWAR.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="2KVANV"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, Cumulative Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="OmyiUp">Greg Maddux, 66.2</p>
<p id="uD9Lcn">Tom Glavine, 57.5</p>
<p id="Tg846i">John Smoltz, 55.4</p>
<p id="J62DUz">Tim Hudson, 21.8</p>
<p id="1jRa52">Julio Teheran, 20.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Marlins v Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iUq3WFNDeJTCNmMm6b8K6lrLQNc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053960/1137720.jpg">
<figcaption>In his 11 seasons with Atlanta, Greg Maddux produced 46.5 WAA, the most of any qualifying Braves starting pitcher.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="WOpTVH"><strong>Top 5 WAA, Cumulative Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="y3O4mt">Greg Maddux, 46.5</p>
<p id="6GtjI0">Tom Glavine, 35.3</p>
<p id="tDKsxh">John Smoltz, 33.3</p>
<p id="FmVeD6">Tim Hudson, 11.3</p>
<p id="6LXj3K">Steve Avery, 9.9</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YKk2t-yErmzD_S-bCKhVHsVWyQA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053966/507313958.jpg">
<figcaption>Tom Glavine’s 219 wins in qualifying seasons since 1990 led Braves starters.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="mFc5lo"><strong>Top 5 Wins, Cumulative Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="ViQ9tr">Tom Glavine, 219</p>
<p id="r26ri1">Greg Maddux, 214</p>
<p id="o0QyT7">John Smoltz, 187</p>
<p id="BbdnOC">Tim Hudson, 111</p>
<p id="fpDbMx">Julio Teheran, 76</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kv4NHXnRCUO2MVBO_YX0aViGi4o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053971/507313904.jpg">
<figcaption>Tom Glavine started 433 games in qualifying seasons with Atlanta since 1990 - more than any other starting pitcher.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wXryjD"><strong>Top 5 GS, Cumulative Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="eNKF98">Tom Glavine, 433</p>
<p id="oEd00J">John Smoltz, 415</p>
<p id="rACTlH">Greg Maddux, 363</p>
<p id="SFpXym">Tim Hudson, 236</p>
<p id="YE9vVk">Julio Teheran, 222</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: Braves Beat Dodgers 4-0" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nFiZ6o0XxbZJPijI4XZNzqp3cAA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053974/110387672.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bob Leverone/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>John Smoltz struck out 2,470 batters during qualifying seasons as a starting pitcher for Atlanta since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="R0nMhg"><strong>Top 5 SO, Cumulative Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="1pvGNL">John Smoltz, 2,470</p>
<p id="TzGye3">Tom Glavine, 1,860</p>
<p id="vpIHqr">Greg Maddux, 1,822</p>
<p id="X2kdgt">Julio Teheran, 1,169</p>
<p id="y4mWFD">Tim Hudson, 967</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Greg Maddux throws against" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ud80-O1OFLcBlWpOdCerxBodjSE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053980/51615338.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux tossed 54 complete games while with Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8Ng3QS"><strong>Top 5 CG, Cumulative Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="f0ouy0">Greg Maddux, 54</p>
<p id="HDMtXp">John Smoltz, 48</p>
<p id="W4eR4o">Tom Glavine, 45</p>
<p id="SElh7C">Steve Avery, 13</p>
<p id="3xSmjM">Charlie Leibrandt, 11</p>
<p id="kHNvZ3"></p>
<h1 id="kfSDEK">Youngest and Oldest Qualifiers</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves, 1991 NL Championship Series" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qn4tZDr-SdPSMGBo-3XYO6v9Uwc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053983/82678655.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X42012</cite>
<figcaption>Steve Avery (1991) and Mike Soroka (2019) were the youngest qualifying starting pitchers for Atlanta since 1990 when they pitched during their age 21 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GJZmdw"><strong>Top 5 Youngest</strong></p>
<p id="bva7gA">Steve Avery, 1991, 21</p>
<p id="Nka2ZN">Mike Soroka, 2019, 21</p>
<p id="0NuPNf">Steve Avery, 1992, 22</p>
<p id="hL9jwG">Jair Jurrjens, 2008, 22</p>
<p id="lBeO5b">Tommy Hanson, 2009, 22</p>
<p id="4gtkAC">Julio Teheran, 2013, 22</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Washington Nationals v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/15_wowXxBnqMyG7n3eRfdFc6cVQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24053985/851078838.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>R.A. Dickey started 31 games for Atlanta in 2017 - his age 42 season. That made him the oldest qualifying starting pitcher for Atlanta since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="6xpBbT"><strong>Top 5 Oldest</strong></p>
<p id="dpoTx4">R.A. Dickey, 2017, 42</p>
<p id="im8mBT">John Smoltz, 2007, 40</p>
<p id="jxwuIB">John Smoltz, 2006, 39</p>
<p id="kA6r4A">Derek Lowe, 2011, 38</p>
<p id="zaqs78">John Smoltz, 2005, 38</p>
<p id="TNOGlU"></p>
<h1 id="WNCWRr">The Others</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Steve Avery" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MqEgh8saKmRtTAfM4SKEymRzvxo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096010/461829522.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Steve Avery (l), John Smoltz (c), and Tom Glavine (r) were the young anchors of Atlanta’s starting pitching staff beginning in 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VURgbr">It would be easy to write 10,000 words about each of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. The three Hall of Fame teammates set a generational standard for excellence as the Atlanta Braves dominated the National League for more than a decade.</p>
<p id="NXjkcq">As seen above, those three legends provided 179.1 bWAR in just their qualifying seasons with Atlanta after 1990. Keep in mind that bWAR number doesn’t include Smoltz’s three seasons as closer, nor Smoltz and Glavine’s contributions in non-qualifying seasons.</p>
<p id="VCJsLC">As a whole, they approached their craft in different ways, but will always be joined together in the annals of baseball history.</p>
<p id="QqBzem">They weren’t alone, however. </p>
<p id="8E7eCK">Back in 2009, the band Grizzly Bear released a version of “<a href="https://youtu.be/yS6rlglC9Fs">While You Wait for the Others</a>” featuring Michael McDonald, the solo artist who fronted the band the Doobie Brothers decades earlier.</p>
<p id="Y1s1wC">What does that have to do with the Braves starting rotation? You’ll find out, but I’m also checking to see if you are still paying attention. </p>
<p id="gLnERx">While Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz were the Big Three (or parts of the Big Three) from 1990 through 2008, there were a number of others who contributed to the overall success of the Braves by providing meaningful production to the team’s starting rotation.</p>
<p id="yTwvIR">I won’t make you wait any for the others any longer, because I just tied in the song reference. You’re welcome.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JWuon79Xh-Qi_J3H1lJGf7bF-RQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096037/1309822812.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Charlie Leibrandt added more than just a veteran voice to the Braves rotation - he was an above average starting pitcher in his three seasons with Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="XTwaEl">Charlie Leibrandt is unfortunately most often remembered due to his odd usage by Bobby Cox in the post-season, but after his arrival from Kansas City for the 1990 season, Leibrandt provided excellent regular season results as the veteran anchor of the Braves young rotation.</p>
<p id="59WNpW">For three seasons, Leibrandt provided a total of 9.6 bWAR, starting 92 games for the team. He was an above average pitcher with an ERA+ between 110 and 126 and a WHIP that ranged from 1.167 to 1.226 while pitching through his age 35 season in 1992.</p>
<p id="mgTegh">For his career, Leibrandt was much better than you may have thought, with 33.3 bWAR provided across 14 seasons, the last of which came with Texas in 1993. Although he won a World Series as a member of the Royals rotation in 1985, his three seasons for Atlanta were the best of his career.</p>
<p id="wUfoVw">Steve Avery sat opposite Leibrandt as the young, highly touted prospect when he started 20 games (just missing the qualifying total for this piece) in 1990 as a 20-year-old. </p>
<p id="5Co97C">The struggles Avery endured in ‘90 were cast aside in 1991 as he won 18 games in 35 starts with a 116 ERA+ good for 5.2 bWAR (the highest total of his career). Avery, who hit .511 during his senior year of high school, had a remarkable game against the Mets in mid-June, showcasing his all-around skills.</p>
<p id="AZCynr">On June 12, facing Ron Darling, Avery pitched a complete game allowing only five hits and one run on a Howard Johnson home run. Although that that performance was notable itself, Avery starred at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a triple and a run scored.</p>
<p id="aHgIxH">He finished sixth in the NL Cy Young voting that season and appeared to be heading toward stardom as “Poison Avery” was named MVP of the 1991 NLCS by throwing 16.1 shut-out innings against the Pirates with 0.796 WHIP good for a 19.2% cWPA. Avery followed that up with a solid World Series featuring a 0.846 WHIP although he did give up five earned runs in 13 innings.</p>
<p id="VrKysn">Avery was legend-made at 21. </p>
<p id="VHzd39">Avery was at his post-season best in the NLCS, with a 23.8% cWPA in five different season (1991-93, 1995-1996) going 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA in 45.1 innings that included seven starts and 11 total appearances. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="STEVE AVERY BRAVES" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xq1zGZqIiwqg9hL06RAfGzev8gs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096052/286473.jpg">
<figcaption>Steve Avery saw his career derailed by injuries, but his cemented his legend in Atlanta with his post-season performances for the Braves in the early-’90s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="nf9jYp">He was also good in World Series - although he is docked with a -12.1% cWPA in four World Series he appeared - he threw 31.2 innings with a 3.41 ERA in five starts and six appearances. </p>
<p id="RorMou">In the regular season, Avery followed-up his ‘91 season by leading the NL with 35 games started in 1992, throwing a career-high 233.2 innings. He was selected to the All Star team in 1993, a season when he set career bests in ERA, ERA+, WHIP, and tied his career best with 35 starts and 18 wins.</p>
<p id="8BU3dj">Avery was good, but not great, in 1994. Although he set a career high in strikeouts in 1995, his ERA ballooned to 4.67 and he went 7-13 on the season - although that was due, in part, to bad luck as his secondary numbers remained in-line with those he produced in prior season. The 1996 season was a similar story for Avery, who left Atlanta for Boston as a free agent after the season.</p>
<p id="t6Jc24">Avery suffered a muscle injury near his shoulder late in the 1993 season; and his heavy workload early in his career is often speculated as a contributing factor to his decline in performance.</p>
<p id="R4bt47">Avery struggled in 1997 and 1998 with the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> with an ERA of 5.64 in two seasons with Boston. Boston demoted him to AAA to start the ‘98 season as Avery worked on attempting to transition to a sidearm pitcher. Although he had some initial success, it was ultimately a short-lived experiment. </p>
<p id="AANwHm">Avery signed with Cincinnati after his stint with Boston. He pitched in 19 games with the Reds in 1999 before suffering a season-ending injury in July.</p>
<p id="wP6SCL">Avery attempted to comeback with Atlanta in both 2000 and 2001. In 2000, he pitched in 19 games for four different minor league affiliates, struggling with a combined ERA north of 5. He didn’t pitch in affiliated ball in 2001 after being release by the Braves in Spring Training. </p>
<p id="i1xxcu">Avery did make a come-back with Detroit in 2003, appearing in 19 games for the Tigers at age 33.</p>
<p id="3lvPKw">Although he pitched in 11 seasons, seven of which were with Atlanta, Avery will always be remembered as the fresh-faced kid who spent his early 20s as the original third pitcher of the Big Three. He won 72 games with Atlanta, making 261 starts for the team from 1990 through 1996. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Kent Mercker" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HCcSdbBZtM3u2WCbUPYjnDfbyk8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24098490/1402237.jpg">
<figcaption>Kent Mercker is the only Braves pitcher to throw a no-hitter since 1990. He was part of a combined no-hitter in 1991 and accomplished the feat in a solo effort against the Dodgers in 1994.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9XOE8z">Kent Mercker, who spent the first four seasons of his Braves career working primary as a reliever, moved into the rotation in 1994 and started 26 games in 1995. Mercker pitched well for Atlanta and is the answer to the trivia question for Braves pitchers throwing no-hitters, as he was part of a combined no-hitter in 1991 and pitched a no-hitter in 1994.</p>
<p id="1JjKwy">The 5th overall pick in the 1986 June draft, Mercker pitched in 18 seasons, debuting in 1989 for the Braves and ending his career in 2008 at age 40. He started 54 games for Atlanta, but pitched in 251, picking up 20 saves. He returned to Atlanta as a trade deadline pick-up in 2003, tossing 17 innings for the Braves.</p>
<p id="R7GvMc">Interestingly enough, Mercker is now a star in pickleball. I’ve heard of pickleball, but I still don’t really know what it is. But evidently Mercker - now 54 - <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/kent-mercker-is-a-pickleball-star">is really, really good</a>. </p>
<p id="RImk5N">Denny Neagle, an All Star Pittsburgh in 1995, was a trade deadline acquisition by the Braves in 1996. Neagle was 14-6 for the Pirates when the Braves nabbed him. His results with Atlanta were not good as they were with the Pirates as he struggled with a 5.59 ERA in six starts for Atlanta down the stretch. His early-season production was still good enough to see him finish eighth in the Cy Young award.</p>
<p id="zLVQZV">Neagle turned things around in a big way in 1997, winning 20 games for the Braves with a 2.97 ERA across 233.1 innings. With an ERA+ of 140, and WHIP of 1.084 and 172 strikeouts, Neagle finished third in the Cy Young and was selected as an All Star for the final time in his career.</p>
<p id="5cgOuy">Despite some regression in 1998, Neagle was still solid pitching 210.1 innings with a 3.55 ERA in 31 starts for Atlanta. The Braves traded Neagle after the ‘98 season to Cincinnati, ended his three-plus seasons with the club.</p>
<p id="7CG8z2">In 71 starts for Atlanta, Neagle went 38-19, pitching 482.1 innings with a 3.43ERA and racking up 6.8 bWAR. Although his trade to the Reds yielded Mike Remlinger, who would go on to be an All Star with Atlanta, the trade that brought him to Atlanta cost the Braves highly thought-of pitching prospect Jason Schmidt.</p>
<p id="Lvedrm">Schmidt would pitch for 14 seasons in MLB, with his six seasons with the Giants besting the six he spent with the Pirates for the high watermarks of his career. </p>
<p id="ruxRN2">Schmidt and Neagle posted similar career numbers, although Schmidt ended up slightly ahead of Neagle, with 29.5 career bWAR, three All Star selections, and a second and fourth place finish in Cy Young voting.</p>
<p id="tXHR43">One of the reasons that Neagle was expendable when the Braves traded him, was emergence of Kevin Millwood, the latest in an at-the-time seemingly endless run of starting pitching prospects the Braves developed.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arizona Diamond Backs vs. Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fhwE-oSFdDi853-d5WtPIFaoz_8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096092/466898424.jpg">
<figcaption>Kevin Millwood spent parts of six seasons in the Braves rotation with his best season coming in 1999.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ALyFqh">Millwood, who debuted for Atlanta in 1997, at age 22, went 17-8 in 1998. He followed that season up with the best of his career in 1999 leading the NL in WHIP with a 0.996. He would be selected as an All Star for the only time in his career and finish third in the Cy Young, going 18-7 with a 2.68 ERA that was good for a 167 ERA+.</p>
<p id="BPcqku">Millwood would lead in the NL in starts in 2000 and seemed to be settling into the roll as the Braves long-term fourth starter after posting an 18-8 season with a 3.24 ERA in 2002 at age 27.</p>
<p id="LXGaYj">After the 2002 season, the Braves had expected Greg Maddux to leave via free agency by rejecting salary arbitration, however he opted to remain in Atlanta by accepting arbitration. The decision surprised the Braves who had earlier in the off-season acquired Mike Hampton and Russ Ortiz in separate deals. </p>
<p id="pqSRra">Maddux’s unexpected return caused to the Braves to hastily trade Millwood to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Estrada (who was blocked in Philadelphia by long-time backstop Mike Lieberthal) in a transaction that was widely considered a salary dump at the time. Estrada would become Atlanta’s starting catcher in 2004, earning a trip to the All Star game and winning the Silver Slugger. He was solid again in 2005 before being traded to Arizona. Estrada served as an effective bridge between Javy Lopez and Brian McCann.</p>
<p id="k2V0RY">Millwood would leave Philadelphia after two sub-par seasons, signing a one-year deal with Cleveland for 2005. He’d finish sixth in the AL Cy Young award in 2005, leading the AL with a 2.86 ERA. He leveraged that successful season to get a long-term deal with Texas, with whom he’d spend four seasons.</p>
<p id="dDgY2m">Millwood’s career ended after the 2012 season with Seattle, winning 169 games and starting 443 games during his 16-year career. Although he put-up 29.8 bWAR, Millwood only had two seasons after leaving Atlanta that were in-line with the seasons he provided with Atlanta - his 2005 season with Cleveland and his 2009 campaign with Texas.</p>
<p id="aTKjUO">Of the two starting pitchers acquired by the Braves in the 2002 offseason - Hampton and Ortiz - it was Ortiz that ended up providing the best value for Atlanta.</p>
<p id="eylGSk">Ortiz pitched two seasons with Atlanta, providing more than 200 innings each season. He was an All Star in 2003, finishing fourth in the Cy Young, after winning an NL-best 21 games. Ortiz walked a lot of batters in his career - leading the league in both 1999 and in 2003. In 2003, he walked 4.3 batters per nine innings contributing to a 1.314 WHIP.</p>
<p id="5fx3Xo">After providing Atlanta with similar results in 2004, he left as a free agent for Arizona. He’d go on to pitch until 2010 and would win 113 games during his 12-year career that included 266 career starts and amassed 13.2 career bWAR.</p>
<p id="BdpUfp">Hampton, on the other hand, was an interesting trade acquisition as the Braves took an almost no-risk chance on the former All Star after the Rockies traded him to the Marlins in what amounted to a salary dump.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pYNYMWLes0_fWyyM3c4g4J9q4m0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096111/82291974.jpg">
<figcaption>Atlanta took a low-risk chance when they traded for Mike Hampton prior to the 2003 season. The off-injured starter missed two seasons and the majority of two others in the six seasons he was a member of the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QJevXS">Hampton had a break-out season with the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> in 1999, winning 22 games and finishing second in the Cy Young. A year from free agency, the Astros smartly traded him to the New York Mets where he posted a second excellent season following up a 155 ERA+ in ‘99 with a 142 ERA+ in 2000. Hampton was also the NLCS MVP for the Mets that post-season.</p>
<p id="66HpJq">As a free agent, Colorado came calling, hoping to add him to their rotation as he was the starting pitcher who had led the NL in fewest home runs allowed per nine innings in back-to-back seasons. Hampton, who was also an excellent hitter, must have thought highly of the schools in the Denver-area as he cited that as the reason he signed with a club that served a pitcher’s purgatory. It also helped that the Rockies offered him an eight-year, $121 million contract.</p>
<p id="7VJ1WA">In hindsight, the Rockies may have been better off signing Hampton as position player, as he provided the team with 1.9 bWAR as an offensive player, hitting a combined .315/.329/.552 with 10 home runs and a 109 OPS+ in 2001 and 2002. </p>
<p id="X3SMQc">The problem was that Colorado signed him to lead their pitching staff, and although he was selected as an All Star in his first season with the team, he ended 2001 with a 99 ERA+ in 203 innings. His 2002 season was an unmitigated disaster, with Hampton’s ERA jumping to 6.15 for the season with a matching 78 ERA+ and an unsightly 1.785 WHIP. He walked more batters than he struck out that season. For those two seasons, he had a -4.7 WAA and -1.6 bWAR.</p>
<p id="4hTDbj">After the 2002 season, the Rockies cut bait with Hampton, sending him to Florida with Juan Pierre in a six-player deal that returned the Colorado catcher Charles Johnson and outfielder Preston Wilson, among others. Two days after that transaction was complete, the Braves sent reliever Tim Spooneybarger and minor leaguer Ryan Baker to the Marlins for Hampton.</p>
<p id="iDpHxT">In 2003, at age 30, Hampton rebounded with a 112 ERA+ going 14-8 for the Braves, starting 31 games and winning the Gold Glove (notable, as will be discussed later). He was roughly a league-average pitcher in 2004, but only started 12 games in 2005. Saddled with injuries during the season, Hampton had ligament replacement surgery in September 2005, which would result in him missing the 2006 season.</p>
<p id="aT56TC">In Spring Training 2007, Hampton was hit by injuries again, this time with an issue with his oblique. When he resumed throwing in April, he had elbow discomfort, and resulting in another elbow surgery, causing him to miss the entirety of the 2007 season.</p>
<p id="J5DaBJ">The Braves hoped to have Hampton back in their rotation to start the 2008 season, but Hampton had an issue with a pectoral muscle in Spring Training and didn’t return as a starter for Atlanta until August 2008 - almost three years from his last start.</p>
<p id="ew4oIf">Hampton would return to Houston for the 2009 season, starting 21 games for the Astros. His career would come to a close after the 2010 season when he pitched 4.1 innings for Arizona. </p>
<p id="qkq0t1">For Atlanta, Hampton contributed 35 wins and 85 starts in parts of four seasons spread across six years. For his career, he won 148 games and started 355 games in 16 seasons.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cincinnati Reds v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U3rpUQykcBHotWqfQNozyGnfo9w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096117/174291509.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Pouya Dianat/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Tim Hudson spent nine seasons with Atlanta after the team traded for him after his All Star 2004 season with Oakland.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="FaNjoj">Tim Hudson had been fleeced from Oakland in a trade prior to the 2005 season, bringing the two-time All Star and 2000 AL Cy Young runner-up to Atlanta. With Mike Mulder and Barry Zito, Hudson had been part of Oakland’s own “Big Three” at the turn of the millennium. </p>
<p id="eljmk2">Hudson spent nine seasons with Atlanta, missing parts of three seasons due to injury. He wasn’t quite as effective with the Braves as he had been for the A’s, but he was still an excellent member of the rotation and the anchor for a rotation that saw the last of Atlanta’s Big Three depart when John Smoltz left Atlanta to sign with Boston in 2009.</p>
<p id="MijyMS">Hudson’s best season with Atlanta came in 2010. He was named an All Star for the only time with Atlanta and finished fourth in the Cy Young vote after finishing 17-9 with a 2.83 ERA across 228.2 innings. Although he significantly overperformed his FIP that season, he did post a 138 ERA+ and had a 1.140 WHIP.</p>
<p id="EoeI6o">During his time with Atlanta, Auburn University’s current pitching coach, started 243 games picking up 113 wins in 1,573 innings pitched finishing just three strikeouts shy of 1,000. He racked up 24.1 bWAR with Atlanta, part of the 57.9 bWAR he accrued throughout a career wrapped up after the 2015 when he spent two seasons with the Giants.</p>
<p id="vhqqHs">The early and mid-2000s saw a number of pitchers cycle through Atlanta’s rotation as the team looked to extend their run of division titles. It was an eclectic mix of prospects, veterans, and reclamation projects.</p>
<p id="K6YnNh">John Burkett spent two seasons with Atlanta in 2000 and 2001, with his 2001 being outstanding as he was an All Star for the first time since 1993, starting 34 games and putting up a career-best 147 ERA+ while throwing 219.1 innings.</p>
<p id="N4jqpu">John Thomson was another experienced starter the Braves brought in to shore up their rotation in 2004 - the only season between 1987 and 2008 that Glavine, Smoltz, or Maddux were not in the rotation. Thomson was above average in 2004, making 33 starts, but missed time in both 2005 and 2006 with injuries, starting 17 and 15 games in each season.</p>
<p id="8Lic7j">Horacio Ramierz started 29 games as a rookie in 2003 and then taking the hill as a starter 32 times in 2005. In parts of four seasons, he started 84 games for Atlanta with a 104 ERA+ before being traded to Seattle for reliever Rafael Soriano in December 2006.</p>
<p id="yV6Zki">The Braves hit a homerun when they picked up Jaret Wright on waivers late in the 2003 season. A former top prospect for Cleveland, Wright had been awful as a reliever with the Padres, with an ERA of 8.37 in 39 games for San Diego. He showed promise in a small sample size of nine inning with Atlanta in ‘03 but made the rotation in 2004 and produced the best season of his career in 2004.</p>
<p id="K4SAYF">Wright would start 32 games for Atlanta in ‘04, going 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA and a 130 ERA+. He led the NL in fewest home runs allowed per nine innings while throwing the second most innings of his career.</p>
<p id="5idUMR">Wright moved on as a free agent after the 2004 season but left behind the magic of his season in Atlanta, pitching only three more seasons in MLB, the last of which came when he was only 31 years old.</p>
<p id="jFvjXb"></p>
<h1 id="r7SX34">Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux</h1>
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<img alt="2017 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dpXuexb0kJS1441JWMXFmdFzXtI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096146/826049236.jpg">
<figcaption>Maddux (l), Glavine (c), and Smoltz (right) are shown at the 2017 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="HBCRfc">They weren’t the original Big Three, as Maddux didn’t join Atlanta until 1993, but for the rest of the 1990s, the National League was dominated by this trio.</p>
<p id="Fj404S"><strong>Tom Glavine</strong></p>
<p id="KISD5c">Tom Glavine debuted with Atlanta in 1987 with the former hockey player making nine starts while the floundering Braves wrapped up one of many rebuilding seasons the team had in the late ‘80s. He led the NL in losses in 1988, making 34 starts for Atlanta, before turning the corner in 1989 pitching at an almost league-average rate in 29 starts for another awful Braves team. Wash, rise, repeat in 1990.</p>
<p id="v3EoDE">A veteran of the Braves rotation at age 25 heading into 1991, Glavine broke out in a huge way. After failing to post an ERA+ of better than 98 in his prior four seasons, Glavine would win the NL Cy Young in ‘91, leading the National League in wins, complete games and ERA+. He was named an All Star for the first time, won his first Silver Slugger and finished 11th in the NL MVP vote.</p>
<p id="eSP1Zi">Glavine would lead the NL in wins five times from 1991 to 2000, also leading the NL in games started six times between 1993 and 2002. The tenacious left-hander wasn’t overpowering but lived on the corners as seen by a career walk rate that average more than three per nine innings.</p>
<p id="Cp8rv6">Before leaving for the New York Mets as a free agent in 2003, Glavine won two Cy Young awards (1991, 1998) and finished in the top three four other times (second in 1992, 2000; third in 1993, 1995). He was selected to eight All Star games as a Brave and won four Silver Slugger awards.</p>
<p id="OFCbLT">In the post-season, Glavine is best remembered for his Game 6 start in the 1995 World Series when he won the MVP with a cWPA of 29.0% for the series. For his career, he had a 46.9% cWPA in 35 starts for the Braves and Mets. He was at his best in the World Series, pitching to a 2.16 ERA in 58.1 innings with a WHIP of 0.909 and a 42.6% cWPA.</p>
<p id="yGzFOA">With New York, Glavine was a two-time All Star, including a selection in 2006 at age 40. He returned to Atlanta in 2008, making 13 starts before going the disabled list. The Braves released him on June 3rd, as Braves decided to go with top prospect Charlie Morton in the rotation.</p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MEZEi5q48okjUyrkbIA2tzgm3rU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096159/1146262033.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Diamond Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Tom Glavine started 35 games in the post-season, pitching more than 218 innings, and producing a 46.9% cWPA.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="PZSuPI">Glavine’s two departures from Atlanta were both messy, unfortunate exits for the only member of the Big Three who was an original draft pick of the Braves. </p>
<p id="Lqhdf0">As seen by the data, Glavine’s career was defined by consistency. During a 22-year career, Glavine threw 183 or more innings in a season 19 times. Only the strike-shortened 1994 season prevented him from doing so in each full season of his career.</p>
<p id="Sm0twY">Glavine won 305 games in his career, 244 of which came with the Braves. In those 17 seasons in Atlanta, Glavine started 518 games, tossed 22 shutouts, pitched 3,408 innings and created 63.6 of 80.7 career bWAR.</p>
<p id="Vvv452">All time, Glavine is 30th in innings pitched, 29th in bWAR for pitchers, 21st in wins, and 12th in games started. For the Braves, he is ninth in bWAR; fifth among pitchers. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014.</p>
<p id="eEEF8j"><strong>John Smoltz</strong></p>
<p id="HThBaX">Joining Glavine in the Braves rotation in 1988 was John Smoltz. The hard-throwing right-hander who featured a slider and a tough-on-the-elbow split-finger fastball, started 29 games for the Braves in 1989, being selected to his first All Star game as a 22-year-old that season.</p>
<p id="th1YH6">The 1990 season saw Smoltz lead the league in walks and wild pitches but starting 34 games and throwing the first two shutouts of his career. He started the 1991 campaign by struggling to a 2-11 record. He famously began to see a sports psychologist and proceeded to end the season 12-2 while also being one of the first pro athletes to openly use a mental wellness advisor.</p>
<p id="7AuOmw">Smoltz would next be an All Star in 1992, when he led the National League in starts, strikeouts, and wild pitches while putting up 246.2 inning and a 130 ERA+. He was an All Star again in 1993 throwing more than 240 innings for the second season in a row.</p>
<p id="WkxhUq">He would struggle in 1994, finally undergoing surgery to have bone chips removed from his pitching elbow after throwing only 134.3 innings in 21 starts before the strike.</p>
<p id="PsA5Nh">Despite his success - with some struggles mixed in - Smoltz had not picked up any Cy Young votes through the 1995 season. </p>
<p id="jJ8O7S">What he had done, however, was make a name for himself in the post-season, starting with his 1991 NLCS performance against the Pirates. After winning two games against the Pirates - pitching 15.1 innings in two starts, Smoltz fired 14.1 innings in two starts against the Twins in the World Series including the Game 7 classic dual with Jack Morris in Game 7. </p>
<p id="XQXnEp">For the 1991 post-season, Smoltz allowed only five runs in 29.2 innings, striking out 26.</p>
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<img alt="World Series - New York Yankees v Atlanta Braves - Game Five" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L6PF7VQ2TlJX8Dc2XJYE_SqJP58=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096176/459762329.jpg">
<figcaption>John Smoltz established himself in the post-season in 1991 with his performance in both the NLCS and World Series. He followed that up by being named the 1992 NLCS MVP. In 41 post-season games (including 27 starts), he had a staggering 81.7% cWPA.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="fGhord">Smoltz followed-up ‘91 with by being named MVP of the 1992 NLCS, starting three games against the Pirates for a total of 20.1 inning pitched. </p>
<p id="s1XevJ">For his career, Smoltz appeared in 41 post-season games, including 27 starts - all but one with Atlanta. He provided 81.7% cWPA, including 39.2% cWPA in his five World Series performances that included eight starts and 51 innings. </p>
<p id="OKd4hz">Appearing in 14 post-seasons, Smoltz finished 15-4 with four saves, a 2.67 ERA, and a 1.144 WHIP.</p>
<p id="aa779N">In 1996, Smoltz put together the best regular season of his career, as he won the NL Cy Young award, finishing 11th in the MVP vote. An All Star that season, he led the NL in wins (24), innings pitched, strikeouts, FIP, and SO/9.</p>
<p id="uST9op">In 1997, he again led the NL in innings pitched, although he also led the NL in hits allowed, but did pick up the only Silver Slugger award of his career while also leading the NL in starts.</p>
<p id="dKt3Fi">Smoltz only made 26 starts in 1998 but finished fourth in the Cy Young as he went 17-2 with a 144 ERA+. He finished the decade in 1999 with 29 start and his fifth consecutive season with an ERA below 3.20. </p>
<p id="S3R1Q5">Those last two season of the decade saw Smoltz miss time with continued elbow issues. Before the 2000 season, he underwent elbow surgery, missing all of the 2000 season and most of 2001 due to “Tommy John” surgery.</p>
<p id="rNeR9T">After struggling in his return to the rotation post-surgery in 2001, Smoltz moved to the bullpen picking up 10 saves. The next three seasons, Smoltz was one of the premier closers in baseball, leading the NL with 55 saves in 2002 while finishing third in the NL Cy Young vote.</p>
<p id="N5XdGe">Smoltz returned to the Braves starting rotation in 2005 at age 38, being selected an All Star and pitching 229.2 innings while making 33 starts. He followed-up that season with an NL-best 16 wins and 35 starts in 2006 and being selected as an All Star in 2007 finishing in the top seven in the NL Cy Young each season.</p>
<p id="oKCsdO">In the three seasons following his return to the rotation, Smoltz started 100 games, tossing between 205.2 and 232 innings each season, with an ERA+ ranging between 128 and 140.</p>
<p id="IPA8QK">Smoltz started the 2008 season in the rotation, but a shoulder injury saw him make only five starts before going on the disabled list. He hoped to rejoin the team as a reliever, but blew a save in his only relief appearance, and underwent season-ended surgery. </p>
<p id="YwpBdy">With his contract with Atlanta expired, Smoltz signed with the Boston Red Sox in January 2009. He started eight games with Boston after making his debut in June but struggled to an 8.33 ERA in 40 innings with the team. Boston released Smoltz in mid-August.</p>
<p id="67oml1">Two days after his release, Smoltz signed with the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a>, faring better in seven starts with a 4.26 ERA in 38 innings. He also appeared in the NLDS for the Cardinals win what would be the last appearance of his career at age 42.</p>
<p id="o37BON">For his career, Smoltz won 213 games and saved 154 while tossing 3,473 innings and appearing in 723 games - including 481 starts. With Atlanta, Smoltz won 210 games and posted a career ERA+ of 127 and a 1.170 WHIP. He was an eight-time All Star during 21 seasons. For the Braves, he is seventh all time in bWAR and fourth for pitchers. Smoltz was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015.</p>
<p id="vcCcYT"><strong>Greg Maddux</strong></p>
<p id="Gvw1OD">The best of the Braves’ Big Three was Greg Maddux, the former <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> pitcher who signed with Atlanta as a free agent prior to the 1993 season. With Chicago, Maddux was the 1992 NL Cy Young award winner, a two-time All Star and three-time Gold Glove winner.</p>
<p id="tkRcfh">Debuting in 1986 at age 20, Maddux was an All Star in 1988, winning 18 games while throwing 249 innings. He was even better in 1989, placing fourth in the Cy Young vote and finishing the season with 19 wins and a sub-3 ERA.</p>
<p id="xtfTzX">For four seasons, beginning in 1990, he led the NL in games started. Beginning in 1991, Maddux led the NL in innings pitched for five consecutive seasons, including a career-best 268 innings in 1992.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Greg Maddux" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4ZsY6ogByd6lMC302vdpba7rK70=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096183/83963828.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X48833 TK1 R0 F18</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux was the best Atlanta Braves starting pitching since 1990. He is shown here during his exemplary 1995 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rMH7Mo">When he joined Atlanta in 1993, he was already in the conversation as the best pitcher in the National League - a title he would cement in the next three seasons.</p>
<p id="Zzz1bR">Maddux would win three consecutive NL Cy Young Awards with Atlanta - and four overall. From 1993 to 1995, he would lead the NL in complete games and WHIP while continuing the streak of leading the NL in FIP he started in 1992.</p>
<p id="IM1qmD">His 1994 and 1995 seasons were the best in his career - and among the best every posted in the National League in the modern era. Combined between the two seasons, “Mad Dog” had an otherworldly 0.853 WHIP, 265 ERA+, 6.24 SO/W ad 2.32 WHIP. He went 35-8 during those two seasons with a 1.60 ERA in 411.2 innings that included 20 complete games in 53 starts. He added six shutouts for good measure.</p>
<p id="HQEkoe">Trying to explain Maddux’s brilliance in those two seasons is almost impossible. The numbers tell the story but watching him pitch during those seasons was truly like watching an artist at work. </p>
<p id="W7U7K9">Pick your idiom: He was a man among boys. He was an adult playing against toddlers. He was a professor teaching masters classes to kindergarteners. He was Jimi Hendrix playing guitar; he was Beethoven; he was ... </p>
<p id="BTb7bb">I am not a good enough writer to effectively express how dominate Greg Maddux was at this peak. If you are too young to have seen him pitch in those years (or if you didn’t follow baseball at that time), trust me when I tell you however good you think he was, he was better.</p>
<p id="9FoOFo">Although he came back to earth slightly in 1996 - an ERA of 2.72 was almost a cause for alarm based on his prior two seasons - he took them bump 35 times pitching 245 innings.</p>
<p id="06DW2V">In 1997 and 1998, he veered back toward his apex, with an ERA that averaged 2.21 and an ERA+ of 188. In 1998, he led the NL in ERA, shutouts, ERA+, and WHIP.</p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qnCrDlYI3s_oUa_cVSRLHZRLm0g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096192/857522204.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux had a 1.56 ERA and pitched 10 complete games in 25 starts during the strike-shortened 1994 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="pRJ6rR">Speaking of WHIP - only once between 1992 and 2004 did he have a WHIP higher than 1.199. During that streak he had four seasons with a WHIP below 1.000. Furthermore, he produced an ERA+ greater than 104 in every season from 1988 to 2006. </p>
<p id="Ioq5u4">Incredible.</p>
<p id="KAGHhq">A master of pitch control and location, Maddux led the NL in fewest walks per nine innings nine times in his career. That isn’t surprising, but what is notable is that he led the NL in the last two seasons of his career - his age 41 and 42 seasons.</p>
<p id="4mbeox">Maddux would spend his last season with Atlanta in 2003 before returning to Chicago to join the Cubs in 2004. He spent the last several seasons of his career playing with the Dodgers and Padres, both because they were relatively close to his home near Las Vegas.</p>
<p id="55NhGv">Maddux spent 11 of his 23 seasons with Atlanta - the best seasons of his career. He would win 194 of his 355 career wins with the Braves, starting 363 games, pitching 61 complete games and 21 shutouts in his 2,526.2 innings pitched. Maybe the most staggering numbers of his Braves career was that his ERA+ was 163 and his WHIP was 1.051.</p>
<p id="43DAAF">In total, Maddux won four NL Cy Young awards, was selected to eight All Star games, won four ERA titles and won 18 Gold Gloves. His streak of 13 straight Gold Gloves was broken by Mike Hampton in 2003. </p>
<p id="K5wXal">Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014, Maddux is eighth all time in bWAR for pitchers, eighth in wins, 13th in innings pitched, and fourth in games started. He is also 10th all time in strikeouts with 3,371. With the Braves, he is eighth in bWAR and fifth for pitchers, between Smoltz and Glavine.</p>
<p id="HRTz4J">Without a doubt, for as great as Glavine and Smoltz were, the best starting pitcher the Braves employed since 1990 was Greg Maddux. In a poll conducted prior to the publishing of this article, 84-percent of almost 450 responders also selected Maddux as the best starting pitcher. </p>
<h1 id="bUTFkM">Post-Big Three</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New York Mets v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DvCfGOXjuQWK166hoAlm0zxOg7U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096214/144534860.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jair Jurrjens pitched well for Atlanta before injuries impacted the right-hander’s performance.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="HGsM3C">After Smoltz’s departed the organization in 2009, the Braves rolled out a starting rotation that included two top prospects, an unusual signing, an over-the-hill veteran, and a veteran on a make-good deal. </p>
<p id="vGkIqM">With Tim Hudson injured, the 2009 rotation featured five qualifying starters. They included Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson - both top organizational prospects; the rare-for-the-organizational signing of Japanese free agent Kenshin Kawakami; late-career veteran Derek Lowe; and in-his-prime Javier Vazquez.</p>
<p id="rXUobf">That rotation was surprisingly successful with Jurrjens and Vazquez both putting up two of the best single-season performances of the decade and Hanson flashing the skills that made him such a high up-side prospect. Kawakami was above average while Lowe was adequate.</p>
<p id="hZG1Vb">Unfortunately for the Braves, Lowe’s decline paired with his large contract hamstrung the organization for several seasons. Although Lowe twice led the league in starts (2009, 2011) and gave the team no less than 187 innings in each of his three seasons, he was a below average starter in each season.</p>
<p id="de8GRV">Kawakami was unable to provide the Braves much value after a solid start. The veteran Japanese hurler made only 16 starts in 2010 going 1-10 and giving up 10.1 hits per nine innings before being sent to the minors. He never returned to Atlanta as he re-signed with Chunichi in Japan in 2012.</p>
<p id="9fNNxN">Vazquez made good on his one-year deal with Atlanta, generating the best season of his career - one that earned him a fourth-place finish in the Cy Young award. He had a sterling 1.026 WHIP and 143 ERA+ in 219.1 innings for Atlanta. Although he was only 32 when he pitched for Atlanta, he only pitched two more seasons in the Majors.</p>
<p id="SSj0Hw">Jurrjens came to Atlanta in a trade that sent shortstop Edgar Renteria to Detroit after the 2007 season. The Curacao-native made his debut for Atlanta in 2008, with 31 starts of above average production, garnering him a third-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year vote that season. </p>
<p id="xItOVO">Jurrjens followed his rookie campaign with the best season of his career in 2009, leading the NL in starts and tossing 215 innings while generating 6.5 bWAR for the season. He battled injuries in 2010 and 2011, making only 20 starts in 2010. He started the 2011 season with a return to his 2009 form, pitching well enough to be selected to the All Star game, but was befallen by injuries in July and August, with the Braves faltering without their star pitcher and missing the playoffs.</p>
<p id="WaLYUK">Jurrjens was injured again early in the 2012 season and pitched poorly upon his return, with the team sending him to the minors in what would be his last season with the team. He pitched in 15 games with the Angels in 2013, but never returned to the majors despite being only 26 in his last MLB campaign.</p>
<p id="TNXEB9">With Atlanta, he did win 50 games and started 118 games across parts of five seasons generating 10.7 bWAR. He was outstanding for a season and-a-half, and good for another.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/589xB5PhrLykdpJY3MQxku3Q8nQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096230/98888797.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Tommy Hanson was one in a long line of Braves starting pitchers in the 2010s to have injuries curtail their careers.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="OFGfdm">For Tommy Hanson, a fast-rising, hard-throwing former 22nd round pick by Atlanta, success was fleeting. Debuting in 2009, Hanson - like Jurrjens the year before - finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, despite making only 21 starts for the team. He was excellent, however, with a 143 ERA+ and 1.183 WHIP, mowing down more than eight batters per nine innings via strikeout.</p>
<p id="rnxfNT">Hanson’s sophomore season was similarly effective, starting 34 games and pitching more than 202 innings in 2010. Injuries began to hamper Hanson in 2011, with shoulder issues limiting him to 22 starts, although he was effective when he pitched, seeing his strike rate increase to almost 10 per nine innings.</p>
<p id="xbWLgC">By 2012, he began to see a drop in velocity, and although he made 31 starts, put up the worst numbers of his career, to that point. During the offseason, the Braves traded him to the Angels for reliever Jordan Walden.</p>
<p id="JCqESl">Hanson would make only 15 appearances for the Angles with health issues and the death of his half-brother impacting his season.</p>
<p id="xkQyaz">That 2013 season would be Hanson’s last as a big-league pitcher. After failing to make the Texas roster in spring training, he spent time with the White Sox organization in 2014 and in the Giants minor league the year after.</p>
<p id="SUp8X3">Tragically, Hanson passed away on November 9, 2015, after suffering from a drug overdose, less than three months after his 29th birthday.</p>
<p id="wWcYOF">For most of the rest of the 2010s, the Braves cycled through starting pitchers as the team went into, the came out of, a rebuild. The team found success in one-year rentals like Aaron Harang, Ervin Santana, Anibal Sanchez, and R.A. Dickey; and saw Shelby Miller be outstanding in his only season with the team in 2015. </p>
<p id="lIeogh">Injuries impacted numerous starters during the decade, including Brandon Beachy - who came out of nowhere be excellent for parts of two seasons; but staying healthy enough to only twice start more than 13 games in a season. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IB7_LuD3ZlVtgjmgbIk3yFfxcHw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096238/150921345.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Kris Medlen was Maddux-esque in 12 starts for Atlanta in 2012 when he went 10-1 with a 1.57 ERA, a 0.913 WHIP, and a 256 ERA+.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="mS6cdz">Likewise, Kris Medlen put together one of the best partial seasons in Braves history when he moved into the rotation late in 2012. Debuting in 2009, Medlen split time between the bullpen and rotation, starting 14 games in 31 appearances in 2010. He missed the majority of the 2011 season due to injuries, with “Tommy John” surgery ending his season.</p>
<p id="tQL484">Medlen returned to the Braves in 2012, starting out in the bullpen as he made his way back from the prior year’s surgery. Entering the Braves rotation as the Braves headed into August, Medlen was almost unstoppable, winning the August and September NL Pitcher of the Month awards as threw two complete games and one shutout in seven starts down the stretch. </p>
<p id="b6Mh7V">His performance earned him down-ballot MVP votes as he earned 4.4 bWAR for the team finishing the season 10-1 with a 1.57 ERA and a Maddux-esque 256 ERA+ in 138 innings.</p>
<p id="d3lDLR">He picked-up where he left off in 2013, starting 31 games and pitching a career-high 197 innings. With an ERA+ of 121 and WHIP of 1.223, Medlen provided well above average results - including another NL Pitcher of the Month award in September - in what would be his only full-season as a starting pitcher. </p>
<p id="PomHiE">Early in Spring Training in 2014, Medlen had elbow discomfort that resulted in him having a second Tommy John surgery, missing the ‘14 campaign. After the season, the Braves declined to tender him a contract, making him a free agent.</p>
<p id="rwNToO">Medlen would sign with Kansas City and pitch in 15 games, including eight starts, for the Royals during their World Series championship season, pitching well in September. Injury issues continued to plague the switch-hitting right-hander, as he struggled in only six starts with the Royals in 2016.</p>
<p id="y9uzYT">Medlen re-joined the Braves for Spring Training in 2017 but failed to make the team. He started 20 games in the team’s minor league system but didn’t make a return trip to Atlanta.</p>
<p id="gHjvtQ">Medlen gave pitching one final shot with the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> in 2018, starting one game for Arizona before retiring in May of that year. </p>
<p id="Msleiy">Medlen (and Beachy) are only 36 years old as of this article’s publish date. When people play the game of “what baseball player would you like to have seen have a career without injuries?” Kris Medlen is right there with Bo Jackson and Eric Davis at the top of my list. </p>
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<img alt="Toronto Blue Jays v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TfTyEdmeG4pyvjcAOUbdRkD8Zbk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24098499/169810979.jpg">
<figcaption>Alex Wood, an All Star in 2017 for Los Angeles, has battled injuries through his 10-year MLB career. He started 55 games for Atlanta in parts of three seasons with the Braves before being traded to the Dodgers in 2015.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Br0sUv">Alex Wood and Mike Minor were both Braves prospects who had success with Atlanta before the team moved them each in trades. Both pitchers, although still active, have struggled with injuries over the years. Wood, in particular, was highly effective in 2014 for Atlanta and was an All Star for the Dodgers in 2017.</p>
<p id="2VxxRf">The team also tried out a number of pitching prospects they acquired in the tear-down portion of their rebuild. Aaron Blair didn’t pan out, nor did Matt Wisler, although Wisler re-invented himself as a reliever after failing to stick in the Braves rotation. Although Wisler has been a bit of a journeyman, having pitched in eight seasons, he outlasted Blair who hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2017 (although he has pitched in the Atlantic League each of the last two seasons; and had a stint in AA in 2021). </p>
<p id="yCfTzm">Mike Foltynewicz spent parts of five seasons in the Braves rotation - and appeared to breakout in 2018, being selected an All Star and finishing eighth for the Cy Young - but regressed the following season and is now out of baseball after struggling with Texas in 2021.</p>
<p id="yQKdU3">Sean Newcomb showed a lot of promise as a starter in 2017 and built on that in 2018 but wasn’t able to find success after an effective season as a reliever in 2019. Newcomb struggled after wanting to return to starting, posting an ERA north of 11 in four starts in 2020 and putting up borderline average production as a reliever in 2021, as his strikeouts per nine jetted to 12, but his walk-rate increased dramatically as well. The Braves traded him to the Cubs after three appearances in 2022, where he continued to struggle.</p>
<p id="IrVIz0">While there may not have been a single turning point in his career, if there was one, you can point to July 23, 2018. Starting in Dodger Stadium, Newcomb held Los Angeles hitless through 8.2 innings and had two strikes on shortstop Chris Taylor when Taylor singled on Newcomb’s 134th pitch of the night.</p>
<p id="wH359r">Newcomb would end the night with a record of 10-5 with a 3.23 ERA. After a solid start again Washington, he struggled in four of his next five starts (and six of his next eight). He’d end his season 12-9 with a 3.90 ERA over a career-high 164 innings. </p>
<p id="PTqXyM">There was one constant in the rotation for most of the 2010s - a homegrown pitcher who stabilized the rotation with seasons that ranged between average and above average. </p>
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<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tc9P6JWIwIfk8mMhoGM-UbAhoLg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096251/1175604826.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Julio Teheran led Atlanta’s starting rotation into and out of the organization’s re-built in the 2010s</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="BYbfVe">Julio Teheran debuted in 2011 at age 20 making five appearances for Atlanta but followed that season up by making only two appearances in 2012. He moved into the rotation in 2013 and started 30 games, pitching 185.2 innings before finishing fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.</p>
<p id="ClwPUJ">From 2013 through his last season in Atlanta in 2019, Teheran started at least 30 games in each season - including a league-high 33 in 2015. He was an All Star in 2014 and 2016, throwing a career-high 221 innings in 2014, in what was the best season of his career.</p>
<p id="vJVKTX">Teheran was consistent, providing an average of 193 innings during his time as the plow mule of the Braves rotation. There always seems to be a knock on Teheran that he was miscast as a number one starter - and while that might have been true if he’d been pitching with Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux, he took the hill season-in-and-season-out during an era when the Braves largely struggled. </p>
<p id="ZnGnxF">Despite is overall consistency, Teheran followed-up each of his two All Star seasons with what ended up being the worst seasons (each slightly below average based on ERA+) during his seven-year run. But, on the average, he had a 109 ERA+ that included three seasons above 117. Likewise, his WHIP was 1.191 during that same timeframe. Speaking candidly, that surprised me. Although he did walk a fairly high number of batters, he didn’t give up an egregious number of hits.</p>
<p id="FKD024">In nine seasons, Teheran started 236 games for Atlanta (all but four of those coming within the seven seasons from 2013 and 2019), tossing 1,360 innings, with a 3.67 ERA totaling 20.2 bWAR.</p>
<p id="pAfDIk">There are comparisons that can be made between Teheran and Rick Mahler, although Teheran was better, they both anchored the Braves pitching staff during an era when the team spent numerous years without realistic playoff aspirations.</p>
<p id="tePhY0">Teheran started six Opening Days, including his last season in Atlanta. He signed with the <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> for the 2020 season but struggled in nine starts with a 10.05 ERA. He latched on with Detroit for Spring Training 2021 and made the team; but made only one start - picking up a win - before going on the injured list with shoulder issues from which he was unable to recover enough to return to the Tigers.</p>
<p id="Se4UDz">Not yet 32 years old, Teheran pitched primarily in Mexico in 2022. Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of Teheran as a pitcher in MLB.</p>
<p id="3NA2DA">Of the prospects the Braves received during their rebuild, the pitcher who has had the success is Max Fried. Now concluding his fourth season in the rotation, Fried has been the ace of the Braves staff winning 54 games in 108 starts with an ERA of 3.09. His ERA+ has averaged 141, including 208 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. </p>
<p id="himOZg">With two seasons left until he is a free agent, the Braves have been benefited from the left-hander’s dominance in the last three seasons when he had had a WHIP below 1.100 each season. </p>
<p id="7n5u3J">His 2022 season has been his best, with a career high in innings pitched, SO/W rate, WHIP, and FIP while being selected as an All Star for the first time in his career. A two-time Gold Glove winner, he is almost certain to finish high in the Cy Young vote after the season; with the only question being if he will best the fifth place finish he had in 2020. </p>
<p id="ZhrVVg">Fried also holds the distinction of likely being the last pitcher to win a Silver Slugger award, when he won it in 2021. </p>
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<img alt="2021 World Series Game 1: Atlanta Braves v. Houston Astros" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/__HhTFLJmeAa_YIygigc--N-7Wc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096292/1236151511.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Charlie Morton’s return to Atlanta in 2021 hit its apex when he started Game 1 of the 2021 World Series against his former team, the Houston Astros.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Co87XY">Charlie Morton’s return to the Braves in 2021 helped to bolster a young rotation. After his debut season with Atlanta in ‘08, Morton spent a decade as a starter - primarily with Pittsburgh - although had never started more than 29 games in a season before his All Star 2018 season with Houston. </p>
<p id="baDdJC">Morton signed with Tampa and had the best season of his career in 2019. He finished third in the AL Cy Young voting behind a 1.084 WHIP and career bests in strikeout per nine innings and innings pitched.</p>
<p id="JxJQJg">He was excellent upon returning to Atlanta in 2021, leading the league in starts and posting a 130 ERA+ but took a step back in 2022. The Braves recently agreed to bring him back for 2023, so they must believe he will rebound for his upcoming age 39 season.</p>
<p id="mkHHbz">Five seasons after his debut, Kyle Wright became a full-time member of the rotation, starting 30 games and tossing 180.1 innings while winning 21 games behind a 1.159 WHIP. One season does not a career make, so it will be interesting to see if Wright has become the pitcher the Braves hoped he would be when they selected him fifth overall in the 2017 draft or if regression is in store after struggling during his limited time with Atlanta in the prior four seasons.</p>
<p id="TNJBRJ">Ian Anderson, the third overall pick in 2016, has thus far been the inverse of Wright. Pitching well in six starts in 2020, Anderson was above average in 2021 but struggled mightily in 22 starts in 2022 before being optioned to the minor leagues. Only 24 years old, there’s plenty of time for Anderson to rebound, but there are warning signs that there may be cause for concern for his long-term effectiveness as a top-end starter.</p>
<p id="u5pbk9">Another former first round pick - who has missed all but three games in the last three seasons due to injury - is Mike Soroka, still only 24, who was outstanding in 2019 while being selected as an All Star, finishing sixth in the Cy Young and second for NL Rookie of the Year. </p>
<p id="cmGg17">For the season, he started 29 games with a 171 ERA+ that included leading the NL in fewest home runs allowed per nine innings; and had a 1.111 WHIP in 174.2 inning.</p>
<p id="Pp8yRw">In his third start of 2020, Soroka suffered a torn Achilles, which ended his season. Then, after some setbacks in his rehabilitation, he tore the same tendon again in July 2021. He pitched in six games in the Braves minor leagues in 2022, before being shutdown with some arm soreness, but with the hope being that he will be ready for 2023.</p>
<h1 id="OnXH3K">Notable Tidbits</h1>
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<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5MZwyeu037WTJzEqCnMIsOXPb9s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096295/1243625876.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Max Fried won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award in 2021. The fifth-place finisher for the 2020 NL Cy Young award was an All Star for the first time in 2022.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wL89ys">Here are some of the notable pieces of information from the data associated with starting pitchers who qualified for this retrospective.</p>
<ul>
<li id="sU5gaV">From 1990 through 2021 (and excluding 2020), 121 starting pitching seasons qualified. A few pitchers just missed with 20 starts, including Steve Avery (1990), Terry Mulholland (2000), and Buddy Carlyle (2007).</li>
<li id="lHoDuC">A number of pitchers didn’t qualify despite being somewhat notable additions to the Braves rotation over the years either as veteran additions or prospects who either didn’t pan out or were traded before establishing themselves elsewhere. This includes guys who made close to 20 starts for Atlanta, like: Dallas Keuchel, Brandon McCarthy, Paul Byrd, Odalis Perez, Huascar Ynoa, Kyle Davies, and Randall Delgado.</li>
<li id="IdztkL">Two pitchers provided double-digit bWAR during their time in Atlanta but weren’t part of the top 5: Kevin Millwood (13.1) and Jair Jurrjens (11.9). Charlie Leibrandt was close, with 9.6 bWAR in three seasons.</li>
<li id="V0nLT7">Only four pitchers provided negative value, according to their bWAR: Jo-Jo Reyes (-1.0), Shane Reynolds (-0.8), Paul Maholm (-0.3), and Jason Marquis (-0.2). Unsurprisingly, all four pitchers only qualified in a single season with Atlanta.</li>
<li id="2CoVAO">Ten pitchers totaled 100 games started in qualifying seasons with Atlanta.</li>
</ul>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Florida Marlins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zgxpHlQsNmm51jZwkNkKuydbzfU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096341/80714491.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jorge Campillo started 25 games for Atlanta in 2008. He only appeared in five MLB games after that season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="rI9fjQ">One of the more unlikely pitchers to qualify was Jorge Campillo. He had only appeared in eight games (one start) and pitched a total of 17.2 innings in three seasons with Seattle before joining Atlanta for the 2008 season. He appeared in 39 games for Atlanta that season and ended up starting 25 games for the Braves. He was actually pretty good as he pitched 158.2 innings with a 1.235 WHIP and a 107 ERA+ while going 8-7 on the season. After five games with Atlanta in 2009, his MLB career was over at age 30.</li>
<li id="0dZcTi">The Braves had seven pitchers start 13 or more games in 2008, with Campillo making the second-most behind Teheran.</li>
<li id="SkJXDo">The 121 qualified season provided the Braves with a total of 376.1 bWAR.</li>
<li id="diBzX7">Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz combined to provide 47.6-percent of the overall bWAR created by Braves starters on this list.</li>
<li id="uYzh28">The 1990s led all decades with 173.6 bWAR, followed by the 2000s with 107.0 bWAR, then the 2010s with 83.3 bWAR.</li>
<li id="5rEicJ">Starting pitching usage as changed across baseball in the last three decades, which can be seen when looking at the average innings pitched by qualifying starters per decade. In the 1990s, the average was 211.29 innings, in the 2000s that dropped to 191.69, and in the 2010s it fell to 175.43.</li>
<li id="N2XqmN">In the 1990s, Atlanta’s starters averaged 156.83 strike outs per season; in the 2000s that number fell to 133.05; and in the 2010s it went back up to 148.16. So, at least for the Braves, the idea that starting pitchers didn’t strikeout as many batters during in the 1990s can be dispelled. </li>
<li id="D5TcQG">Thirty times during this time frame a Braves starter’s ERA was 3.00 or below - almost one per season, on average.</li>
<li id="DihAbY">Only two Braves starters qualified in a single season twice: 2015 (Shelby Miller, Julio Teheran) and 2006 (Tim Hudson, John Smoltz).</li>
</ul>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zVtqjPSivQCYEsVeQKq8ewyl-EM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24096382/57341393.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Georgia native Chuck James started 48 games for Atlanta in 2006 and 2007. </figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="ThoHHq">The 2006 season was another season that saw the Braves have seven pitchers start 13 or more games. The second-best starter, behind John Smoltz, was Chuck James despite only starting 18 games.</li>
<li id="28swac">James - who pitched eight innings of one-hit ball in his first career start in 2006 - would qualify for this list in 2007, making a career-high 30 starts while providing a tick above league average production. </li>
<li id="Gqi1Rx">James, who notoriously worked as a contractor for Lowe’s installing windows during the off-season even while pitching for Atlanta, battled shoulder injuries that started late in the 2007 season. He pitched in only seven games with Atlanta in 2008, his last with the team. He made a brief return to the big league with Minnesota in 2011.</li>
<li id="UJwB09">Only five pitchers made it through an entire season in the rotation with an ERA that exceeded 5.00. The highest was from Jo-Jo Reyes in 22 starts in 2008 with a 5.81 ERA, followed by Shane Reynolds (2003), Derek Lowe (2011), Jason Marquis (2002), and Matt Wisler (2016).</li>
<li id="nUCn4m">Only three pitchers qualified with fewer than 120 innings pitched: Reyes (2008), Marquis (2002), and Mike Foltynewicz (2019).</li>
<li id="dSfGHm">Anibal Sanchez, who's overall has been quietly effective producing 28.0 bWAR, had a strong season in 2018, he only time spent in Atlanta. He produced 3.3 bWAR despite starting only 24 games, with a 144 EAR+ and a 1.083 WHIP. </li>
<li id="pn74eO">Only 25 times did a qualifying Atlanta starter have an ERA+ less than 100.</li>
<li id="62VEay">A whopping 40 times a Braves starter had an ERA+ of 130 or higher.</li>
<li id="mn1QaV">Underscoring the excellence of the Braves rotation during the decade, only eight starting pitchers qualified in the 1990s, with Kent Mercker (1995) being the only starter to qualify in a single season.</li>
<li id="XEMPFN">In the history of the Braves organization, four of the qualifying starters rank in the top 10 for games started: Tom Glavine (3), John Smoltz (5), Greg Maddux (6), and Tim Hudson (10).</li>
</ul>
<p id="AkEunE">What does the average qualifying starting pitcher profile looked like based on the numbers: </p>
<ul><li id="ScvmkE">Playing at 28.9 years old, the “average” Braves starter went 13-9 with a 3.58 ERA in 30 starts with 192 innings pitched and 146 strikeouts.</li></ul>
<p id="S3PZcG">The closest actual starter to that average? </p>
<ul><li id="Jsatsq">Tim Hudson in 2005. He was 29 and went 14-9 with a 3.52 ERA in 29 starts and 192 innings pitched (although only 115 strikeouts).</li></ul>
<p id="9vhIR2">If you made it this far, I hope you either took a nap or drank a cup of coffee, because this piece went on much longer than originally intended. </p>
<p id="erUhmL">But really, what else should you have expected given that starting pitching excellence is what has defined this organization since Tony! Toni! Tone! made you feel good, Nirvana made you angsty, and Trisha Yearwood made you want to be in love, even if you didn’t have a row to hoe?</p>
<p id="jIdfzS">The talent the Braves trotted to the mound during the 1990s and mid-2000s was among the best ever assembled, with General Managers John Mullen, Bobby Cox, and John Schuerholz all playing key roles in drafting, signing, or trading for the pitchers found in this list. </p>
<p id="Ai1mIw">Likewise, a nod must also be given to the pitching coaches who development them, most notably Leo Mazzone, whose 16 years as the Braves pitching coach from 1990 through 2005 will forever be linked with the great rotations he oversaw.</p>
<p id="OYLCZ0">Since the Braves returned to post-season play in 2018, starting pitching has once again stepped to the forefront, although not yet near the levels the team saw three decades ago.</p>
<p id="I7nnPG">With a 2023 rotation that could include Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Kyle Wright, and Charlie Morton, the Braves seem to have a formable rotation that would only be strengthened if Mike Soroka is able to return to a form similar to what he exhibited in 2019.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/10/17/23371220/the-best-braves-starting-pitchers-since-1990-maddux-smoltz-glavine-avery-teheran-hudson-spahn-niekroDJourn2022-09-15T15:00:00-04:002022-09-15T15:00:00-04:00The best Braves right fielder since 1990
<figure>
<img alt="Cleveland Indians v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7p-aojEqs7aJNNkwXrbJo7m4rHE=/0x430:2470x2077/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71372833/52975277.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Justice’s home run in Game 6 of the 1995 World Series brought the Braves franchise a championship for the first time since 1957. | Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>David Justice, Jason Heyward, Gary Sheffield, Brian Jordan, Nick Markakis, Jeff Francoeur, and Ronald Acuna, Jr., have all made a mark in right field with the Braves since 1990 - but who among these players was the best while with Atlanta? Or was it someone else?</p> <p id="EovLbD">Rounding out the position player “best of” series for the Atlanta Braves since 1990 is our look at right field. As with third base, right field has been one of the most consistent positions for the organization going back to the midst of the Great Depression, almost 100 years ago.</p>
<p id="Tf5C7q">Whether you like one-year peaks, long runs of consistency, or just about anything in-between, right field has something for you. It also has is name value, because right field includes marquee-level star power throughout the years.</p>
<p id="pWyhUC">The Braves franchise history of right fielders includes one of the greatest offensive players in the history of the game ... and I’m not talking about Hank Aaron, who is one of the greatest players to ever step foot on the diamond.</p>
<p id="SIOID1">We will dive into the look at the best right fielders in this most-modern era of Braves baseball later in this article, but the position’s rich history means a more in-depth look at players who spent time with the Braves during the franchises’ Boston and Milwaukee eras, starting with Gene Moore, who took over the position in 1936.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manager Casey Stengel Speaking to Boston Bees" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BoU6iDNNqWRgyJv6ElOaO6qAB3s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24013023/517326866.jpg">
<figcaption>Gene Moore was a member of the Boston Bees when they were managed by Casey Stengel.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="AArsrq">The Boston Bees - yes, Bees - acquired Moore before the 1936 season in a trade with the Brooklyn <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>. In two stints with Boston, Moore slashed .284/.345/.429 across parts of five seasons, the best of which was his 1937 season when he was an All Star for the only time in his career. </p>
<p id="s2kyvX">Both his 1936 and 1937 season found him in the top 10 of a slew of offensive and defensive categories, including finishing first in the NL in Assists in right field in ‘36, ’37, and 1940 - and all outfielders in both ‘36 and ‘37. Offensively, he finished ‘36 and ‘37 in the top 10 in total bases, triples, home runs, and extra base hits.</p>
<p id="3Hb6Q0">After the 1938 season, the Bees trade Moore back to the Dodgers only to purchase him from them again on May 29, 1940. His return to Boston lasted only through the 1941 season, as the Braves (as they were called, again) traded him to the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> as the player-to-be-named when Boston acquired Tommy Holmes for Buddy Hassett.</p>
<p id="SX0Grf">Moore’s tenure with Boston produced 15.8 bWAR which peaked at 5.6 bWAR in 1937. </p>
<p id="Pqxgrc">The trade for Holmes was one of the better trades in franchise history as Moore never played for the Yankees; the Dodgers purchase him from New York weeks after Moore became a Yankee. Hassett, who had been Boston’s primary first baseman, only played one season for the Yankees, posting 1.7bWAR in 1942 before enlisting in the U.S. Navy after breaking his thumb in the 1941 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>. Although Hassett made the Yankees out of Spring Training in 1946, he didn’t appear in a game before the team released him, ending his career.</p>
<p id="FlEadQ">Holmes, had a stand-out Major League career across 11 seasons, all but one with the Braves, producing 36.0 bWAR for Boston. Holmes was a two-time All Star and received MVP votes in four seasons, including a second place finish as the team’s primary right fielder in 1945.</p>
<p id="jRZMTb">That ‘45 season was the best of Holmes’ career. He led the NL in hits, doubles, home runs, slugging, OPS , OPS+, and total bases. He also set the National League record by getting a hit in 37 consecutive games - a record that would later by broken by Pete Rose more than three decades later. </p>
<p id="JNy2mS">He finished the ‘45 season with a .352/.420/.577 slash line and 8.4 bWAR finishing behind the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a>’ Phil Cavarretta for MVP. Holmes bested Cavarretta in all counting statistics, with Cavarretta leading the NL in batting average (Holmes finished second) and OBP, despite playing in 22 games less than Holmes.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Boston Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k9fNZ9IxTOYLreAZ70wYZDWxaHg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24002029/1179076841.jpg">
<cite>Photo by The Stanley Weston Archive/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Tommy Holmes was a stand-out right fielder for Boston during the 1940s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8CTnn2">From 1942 to 1944, Holmes was Boston’s primary center fielder, shifting to right in 1945 where he would stay through the 1950 season. In 1951, the organization asked Holmes to take a job as a minor league player-manager. Midway through the ‘51 season, with the Major League team struggling, Holmes was summoned replaced Billy Southworth as Braves manager, with Holmes also serving a a pitch-hitter.</p>
<p id="OyY1Tb">The 34-year-old was let-go as manager by Boston early in the 1952 season, despite posting an overall 61-69 record in what would end-up being his only Major League managing opportunity. He finished his playing career in ‘52 with the Dodgers. </p>
<p id="8dLMRl">Holmes spent most of his life in baseball - rejoining the Braves as a Minor League manager in 1953. For most of the rest of the decade, he coached in the Braves and Dodgers organizations. In 1959, he was named director of the New York Sandlot Baseball Alliance, a position he would hold for three decades. He later joined the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> as director of amateur baseball relation in 1973, a position he would hold until the early 2000s.</p>
<p id="RPbD5l">With the Braves, Holmes slashed .302/.366/.432 across 1,320 games. Although he never reached double-digit home runs again in his career after 1945, he did led the NL in hits in 1947 and was an All Star in 1948. Between ‘44 and ‘48, Holmes never hit less than .309 in a season producing more than 190 or more hits in a season four times. </p>
<p id="mWWAkx">Like Moore, Holmes was an above-average right fielder as he lead the NL in putouts as a right fielder twice - in 1946 and 1947. He finished in the top five at the position for both Putouts and Assists each season from 1945 through 1949.</p>
<p id="Gnt0Bs">Five years after Holmes’ last season as the primary right fielder, the Braves moved their burgeoning star - who had finished fourth in the 1954 Rookie of the Year balloting - from left field to right field.</p>
<p id="mdciXm">What began in that 1955 season was the first of a record 25 All Star selection for one Henry Aaron. It was also the first season he wore his iconic number 44 after wearing number 5 his rookie season.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Aaron Alone" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UDO9eEWbGEboIkgzXzN8cErD3nc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24002032/3231064.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hank Aaron shifted to right field in 1955 - also taking the number 44 - which has become as ionic as the man who wore it.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Rd3g4p">Hank Aaron is, without argument, one of the top 10 players in the history of the game. As a position player, he is in the discussion as the best ever, although certainly he is in the top five of any baseball historian’s list. </p>
<p id="04mzTk">Aaron spend 20 of his 23 seasons in MLB with at least some time in right field. Over his 3,298 games played in his career, 2,174 of those including time in right. His next highest total was 315 games in left field - 105 of which were during his rookie season in ‘54.</p>
<p id="gRYGkl">Aaron’s career numbers are, obviously, legendary. He is still MLB’s all-time leader in RBI (2,297) and total bases (6,856). He finished his career with 3,771 Hits, 755 home runs, 2,174 runs, and a slash line of .305/.374/.555. His 143.0 bWAR is fifth all-time for positional players and seventh overall. </p>
<p id="Tuo413">The only men ahead of him, at least according to our friends at Baseball-Reference, are Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Cy Young, Barry Bonds, Willie Mayes and Ty Cobb. Truly the elite of the elite.</p>
<p id="KLQXfr">From 1955 through 1970, Aaron was the team’s primary right fielder except for the 1961 and 1962 seasons when he split time between center field and right appearing in 83 games in center each season. In 1971, the team had him split time between first base and right field for two seasons before moving him to left field for his last two campaigns with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="sdF6xR">Aaron received MVP votes in 19 seasons - 18 of which he saw significant time as the team’s right fielder.</p>
<p id="2WuEQ0">Using the 65 game mark that has been used throughout this series to qualify position players at a specific position, Aaron produced 123.2 bWAR in qualifying seasons in right field. That total would still place him 13th All Time in bWAR, just behind Eddie Collins and ahead of Ted Williams.</p>
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<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DGaEyMoKtapqtX7iM_oPv3g8klY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24013028/50987137.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Louis Requena/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hank Aaron led the Braves to their first playoff appearance in Atlanta in 1969.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="x1JwMK">Defensively, Aaron won three Gold Gloves as a right fielder, finishing his career fourth All Time in both games played and putouts as a right fielder. </p>
<p id="D1i03U">When the 37 year-old Aaron began his transition away from being team’s primary right fielder in 1971, Mike Lum spent the bulk of the time in ‘71 and ‘72. </p>
<p id="YynGjJ">Ralph Garr joined Lum in right field in ‘72, becoming the team’s primary fielder there in 1973. In 1974, Garr was the team’s primary center fielder, although he still saw a significant number of games in right. Garr led the NL in batting average, hits and triples during that All Star season for the “Roadrunner”.</p>
<p id="IkvARq">It was Dusty Baker who found himself the team’s primary right fielder in 1974, a role in which he also held in 1975, the last season he spent with Atlanta. </p>
<p id="bIVZvQ">Lum, Garr, and Baker all produced positive value out of the position in the first half of the decade. After a single season each from Ken Henderson and Jeff Burroughs, Gary Matthews took over in right field in 1978 where he would spend three seasons. </p>
<p id="72SizC">Matthews’ 1979 season was one of, if not the best, season of his career. The 1973 NL Rookie of the Year was selected as an All Star for the only time in his career in ‘79, when he slashed .304/.363/.502 and produced 4.4 bWAR as the team’s right fielder.</p>
<p id="4XtUtw">Beginning in 1981, Claudell Washington spent five seasons as the team’s primary right fielder. A high-priced free agent signing prior to the ‘81 season, the much-travelled Washington had burst on the scene as an All Star in 1975 for Oakland, after debuting for the A’s as a 19 year-old the season prior. After being traded to Texas in 1977, Washington played for the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> and New York Mets before Atlanta signed him after the 1980 season.</p>
<p id="CrQGxM">Washington was with the Braves until he was traded to New York Yankees mid-way through the 1986 season in a package the brought Ken Griffey, Sr. to Atlanta. Washington’s best season with Atlanta - and likely the best of his 17-year Major League career - came during the 1984 season when Washington was an All Star right fielder for the Braves. Although he played in only 120 games, he slashed .286/.374/.469 with a robust 130 OPS+.</p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hh2PJJxM7TpuOAxZ_DhnYra48Tc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24002826/1055357144.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Claudell Washington spent five seasons as Atlanta’s primary right fielder. He was an All Star in 1984.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="dRSCad">In six seasons with the Braves. Washington played in 651 games with all but one game being in right field. An above average offensive player during those seasons, his outfield defensive was not an asset, with a -8.3 dWAR against a 10.3 oWAR.</p>
<p id="xubSUl">In 1987, Dale Murphy shifted from centerfield to right field, and in doing so posted the best season by a player at that position since Hank Aaron in 1969. </p>
<p id="PXvvFn">Providing 7.7 bWAR for the season, Murphy was an All Star and finished 11th in the MVP voting in ‘87. Although he didn’t lead the league in any counting stats other than sacrifice flies, he did post a career-best 157 OPS+ that featured 44 home runs, 115 runs, 105 RBI, 115 walks, and a .295/.417/.580 slash line. </p>
<p id="Uz6HvK">Establishing a career-best .997 OPS for the season, Murphy set career highs in home runs and walks to punctuate the end of six-straight season of All Star selections in 1987.</p>
<p id="VMuj4T">Unfortunately for Murphy, his 1988 season began a precipitous decline his MVP-era form. Although he still posted 3.3 bWAR and a 106 OPS+, his slash line fell to .226/.313/.421 with only 24 home runs and 77 runs and RBI in 156 games.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Diego Padres" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iag6BLIhZfX5t3yZ2QD0g9w26OI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012452/611952628.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Owen Shaw/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Dale Murphy’s 1987 included hitting 44 home runs while posting a career-best 157 OPS+. He’s shown here batting in San Diego during the ‘87 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="yZOqFq">Murphy split time in the 1989 season between center and right, appearing in 82 games as a center fielder and 70 in right as the Braves languished in the nadir of their re-build. Murphy posted 1.6 bWAR with only a .228/.306/.361 slash line.</p>
<p id="fJt4Ud">As was covered extensively in our review of center fielders, Murphy was a back-to-back NL MVP and one of the greatest position players of the 1980s. But his best offensive season may have been his 1987 season, which is still the second-best season for any Atlanta right fielder not named Hank Aaron.</p>
<p id="5ovPx2">Beginning our look at this most-modern era of Braves baseball in Atlanta kicks us off with the 1990 season, Murphy’s last in Atlanta.</p>
<p id="EFNGq3">As always, the data used in this retrospective is primarily from Baseball-Reference. While that isn’t everyone’s favorite statistical repository, it works just fine for this review. The only qualifier for this list is a minimum 65 games in a single season at the position being reviewed. For this reason, the 2020 season is omitted.</p>
<h1 id="R2UXad">Best Single Seasons Since 1990</h1>
<p id="uETmFZ">Here are the best single seasons by a right fielder for the Braves since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Houston Astros" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3gCodHrMKOaeUlNqdszGujH_Kn4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012453/53364171.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>J.D. Drew’s 2004 season was the best of any right fielder since 1990, based on bWAR. It is also the highest total for a right fielder since Hank Aaron’s 1967 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="cfalyL"><strong>Top 5 Season, bWAR</strong></p>
<p id="AEo8LI">J.D. Drew, 2004, 8.3</p>
<p id="Fp81lT">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 6.8</p>
<p id="80J9fR">Jason Heyward, 2010, 6.4</p>
<p id="ZJJf75">Jason Heyward, 2012, 5.5</p>
<p id="fp1xS3">Jason Heyward, 2014, 5.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sheffield at bat" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OKwv7LrK2Pfyu0E484_igt4SDv8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012460/1959631.jpg">
<cite>Photo By Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield’s 2003 season was the best offensive season by OPS+ since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ocdtpU"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS+</strong></p>
<p id="VKagvx">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 162</p>
<p id="Ltao7r">J.D. Drew, 2004, 157</p>
<p id="RVe5za">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2021, 157</p>
<p id="wXE2sb">David Justice, 1994, 147</p>
<p id="MmR0fg">David Justice, 1991, 140</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SvDxX_hD-dXySMearRlBZdh5bXA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012463/76442824.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice blasted 40 home runs in 1993 - one more than Gary Sheffield in 2003 - for the highest single-season total since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="29jYjW"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by HR</strong></p>
<p id="bnJvS2">David Justice, 1993, 40</p>
<p id="V9WCvd">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 39</p>
<p id="EytrEL">J.D. Drew, 2004, 31</p>
<p id="ujAlZF">Jeff Francoeur, 2006, 29</p>
<p id="zccOZV">Jason Heyward, 2012, 27</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y_kb5SX_1a90TcQYrZogfQlciG0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012465/1036270338.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Nick Markakis posted four of the five best single-season totals for doubles, including 43 in 2018.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="yO0ujr"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by 2B</strong></p>
<p id="XIxgmw">Nick Markakis, 2018, 43</p>
<p id="6TO87m">Jeff Francoeur, 2007, 40</p>
<p id="ji9OVn">Nick Markakis, 2017, 39</p>
<p id="CPzgsj">Nick Markakis, 2016, 38</p>
<p id="aTXqCe">Nick Markakis, 2015, 38</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Gary Sheffield hits" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n9OUP40YBiXx76j1B5sA_Pv_LdI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24013012/2188856.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield’s 132 RBI was the highest total for right fielders since 1990. He was an All Star selection in that 2003 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QfRFjF"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by RBI</strong></p>
<p id="2OeC8x">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 132</p>
<p id="EeMSPS">David Justice, 1993, 120</p>
<p id="UyOL5d">Brian Jordan, 1999, 115</p>
<p id="nO0QFI">Jeff Francoeur, 2007, 105</p>
<p id="R9ZN2J">Jeff Francoeur, 2006, 103</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Gary Sheffield watches the ball take flight" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nxA4ZABkDr7a-Qno4jSZaHEN7bI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012470/2170876.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield led right fielders in runs scored in a season when he crossed the plate 126 times in 2003.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="kZcDGI"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by Runs</strong></p>
<p id="aJMgrV">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 126</p>
<p id="UbVUF3">J.D. Drew, 2004, 118</p>
<p id="b2vaUq">Brian Jordan, 1999, 100</p>
<p id="6BlWxw">Jason Heyward, 2012, 93</p>
<p id="bjSIi3">David Justice, 1993, 90</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="4 Oct 2003: Gary Sheffield of the Atlanta Braves during the Braves 3-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs in game 3 of the NLDS at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tNVW0CXWav6IbxBgQyqGslG6ALU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012473/110319506.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>With an OPS of 1.023 in 2003, Gary Sheffield led right fielders in OPS. His 2002 season was the fifth highest.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="7npCmN"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS</strong></p>
<p id="tDItaB">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 1.023</p>
<p id="Cuf7pU">J.D. Drew, 2004, 1.006</p>
<p id="ruCZyR">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2021, .990</p>
<p id="CDAopN">David Justice, 1994, .958</p>
<p id="xtcGrB">Gary Sheffield, 2002, .916</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Gary Sheffield swings at the pitch" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c-8rjwLWLk0MiYAk93gZafEARYs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012476/2098595.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield’s .330 batting average in 2003 led Braves right fielders in this retrospective. He hit .307 in 2002, the fourth highest average since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8peKTj"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by BA</strong></p>
<p id="FaEkxI">Gary Sheffield, 2003, .330</p>
<p id="HRPnj6">David Justice, 1994, .313</p>
<p id="VGzSm7">Matt Diaz, 2009, .313</p>
<p id="7yEkn8">Gary Sheffield, 2002, .307</p>
<p id="O3hk4X">J.D. Drew, 2004, .305</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DW0NXawkJ9WNCuQYq2djHo7CP2o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012478/143376638.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jason Heyward stole 21 bases in 2012, the most of any right fielder since 1990. He stole 20 in 2014, tying Andruw Jones in 1997 for the second highest total.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="R1hKJt"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by SB</strong></p>
<p id="y70TFp">Jason Heyward, 2012, 21</p>
<p id="l5VD6C">Andruw Jones, 1997, 20</p>
<p id="mFXkUY">Jason Heyward, 2014, 20</p>
<p id="7yJUxx">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 18</p>
<p id="zJd87f">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2021, 17</p>
<p id="jjcMEp"></p>
<h1 id="c8q3Lp">Best Single Seasons by Decade</h1>
<p id="mHKaMe">These are the best single seasons for right fielders per decade based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="In third inning action Atlanta Braves David Justic" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2n0FI9r9O7k-bmx2M8Ulr2LueGs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012591/52031070.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit: JIM GUND/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice had the top four bWAR seasons for a right fielder during the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ZXrvBK"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="XOo8fE">David Justice, 1993, 5.1</p>
<p id="grCjYs">David Justice, 1992, 4.9</p>
<p id="KLFTcS">David Justice, 1995, 3.8</p>
<p id="eS87vF">David Justice, 1994, 3.7</p>
<p id="qA0z6j">Brian Jordan, 1999, 3.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wXlrt2mCnohCj0rIHUK1j28Kfvk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012600/77015198.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice dominated the 1990s with each of the top 5 seasons for OPS+ for right fielders, led by his 147 in the strike-shortened 1994 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="vkFbwt"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="WrUb3V">David Justice, 1994, 147</p>
<p id="D2Yi28">David Justice, 1991, 140</p>
<p id="yM68am">David Justice, 1993, 131</p>
<p id="EhoIiV">David Justice, 1992, 121</p>
<p id="bUyv14">David Justice, 1995, 118</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Colorado Rockies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KPooukvhAG0K-nOXh-bwapcn3Vc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012608/1292737734.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice had a .313 batting average in 1994 - 30 points better than second place finishers Michael Tucker (1997) and Brian Jordan (1999).</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="uTFcm4"><strong>Top 5 BA, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="gViluF">David Justice, 1994, .313</p>
<p id="MbtgRY">Michael Tucker, 1997, .283</p>
<p id="5s3eaj">Brian Jordan, 1999, .283</p>
<p id="mMJUQE">Jermaine Dye, 1996, .281</p>
<p id="HKlga7">David Justice, 1991, .275</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WUsRzJ0GZS4Id3RYmf1zjcAtK2w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012616/90156770.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Brian Jordan paced Braves right fielders with 28 doubles in 1999.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="G3AC8t"><strong>Top 5 2B, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="fIOKn8">Brian Jordan, 1999, 28</p>
<p id="ZP5biV">Michael Tucker, 1998, 27</p>
<p id="cRHE8H">David Justice, 1991, 25</p>
<p id="5DcTzM">Michael Tucker, 1997, 25</p>
<p id="ze0wnh">David Justice, 1992, 18</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves David Justice watches the flight of" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OtOAyUiohUWzHCZ0nrLim1Q935I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012620/51992214.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice had four of the five highest home run totals for right fielders in the 1990s - including 40 in 1993. But his most memorable home run came in Game 6 of the 1995 World Series, as seen here.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="DKmg71"><strong>Top 5, HR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="eAMarr">David Justice, 1993, 40</p>
<p id="mqch8a">David Justice, 1995, 24</p>
<p id="OSMqlq">Brian Jordan, 1999, 23</p>
<p id="FHkZvx">David Justice, 1991, 21</p>
<p id="XfqyuM">David Justice, 1992, 21</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Braves v Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xEUtIm8wiQcZEMWp3EmX3QoDgUc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012626/51371696.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>J.D. Drew’s one season with Atlanta provided 8.3 bWAR through a combination of stellar offensive output and above-average defense in right field.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="D7Q2kt"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="jenT4T">J.D. Drew, 2004, 8.3</p>
<p id="Pbq9XD">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 6.8</p>
<p id="cETvXL">Gary Sheffield, 2002, 4.4</p>
<p id="z8mhKK">Brian Jordan, 2001, 4.3</p>
<p id="XaQq5S">Jeff Francoeur, 2007, 3.3</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2003 NBA All-star Weekend - Safilo Eyewear at the Saks Fifth Avenue NBA All-Star Suite" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1Ym1SVxRnD7_rsNKhtIWGr37RCc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012628/115519508.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Frank Mullen/WireImage</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield was an All Star for Atlanta in 2003 - a season in which he had a 162 OPS+.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="TY8QIr"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="0bjapv">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 162</p>
<p id="56Xy4a">J.D. Drew, 2004, 157</p>
<p id="ADtddR">Gary Sheffield, 2002, 138</p>
<p id="0JD41h">Matt Diaz, 2009, 132</p>
<p id="6ub3mR">Jeff Francoeur, 2005, 126</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CUzIjPynAxPgY3VSmRo5mPWGa2A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012633/52626907.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Zagaris/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield had the best and third-best batting average for right fielders in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="FE8MfK"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="BfQvCt">Gary Sheffield, 2003, .330</p>
<p id="TvMrVN">Matt Diaz, 2009, .313</p>
<p id="52wm3C">Gary Sheffield, 2002, .307</p>
<p id="W3Hsmc">J.D. Drew, 2004, .305</p>
<p id="BAMLlt">Jeff Francoeur, 2005, .300</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/enQBJVd7H_qgr69g3NetGe9F_ss=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012637/76539262.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jeff Francoeur hit 40 doubles in 2007 for the highest total of the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="J4iJ7t"><strong>Top 5 2B, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="I4V6zJ">Jeff Francoeur, 2007, 40</p>
<p id="NA0EXo">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 37</p>
<p id="POL8WV">Jeff Francoeur, 2008, 33</p>
<p id="Z7UPn3">Brian Jordan, 2001, 32</p>
<p id="iBwt2J">J.D. Drew, 2004, 28</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves’ Gary Sheffield hits a grand slam homer in th" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KRQp5ndJbQfbQF7xLPkY38eOV_I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012640/97252364.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield homered 39 times in 2003.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="HKME4m"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="3FLhpQ">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 39</p>
<p id="xaf42L">J.D. Drew, 2003, 31</p>
<p id="9zO6uE">Jeff Francoeur, 2006, 29</p>
<p id="zJGGJZ">Brian Jordan, 2001, 25</p>
<p id="3F4cTr">Gary Sheffield, 2002, 25</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Florida Marlins v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1YrbJlJ02M2p6msUeEmioh2JWzs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012648/104834638.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jason Heyward posted the top four bWAR seasons in the 2010s, led by 6.4 bWAR during his rookie season of 2010.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="IJ8eJv"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="5WQ8hS">Jason Heyward, 2010, 6.4</p>
<p id="fTTgup">Jason Heyward, 2014, 5.5</p>
<p id="Pt9QEP">Jason Heyward, 2012, 5.5</p>
<p id="3jqWts">Jason Heyward, 2013, 3.6</p>
<p id="zML8Xc">Nick Markakis, 2018, 2.6</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chicago Cubs v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_OQ-VRY-59Wk8OikbMgqqFDGOjE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012653/98265093.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jason Heyward’s epic home run on Opening Day in 2010 set the tone for his rookie season which provided the highest OPS+ for any right fielder in the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="kR6bHR"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="ThXaet">Jason Heyward, 2010, 131</p>
<p id="a1nJNS">Jason Heyward, 2012, 117</p>
<p id="FcjoO2">Nick Markakis, 2018, 116</p>
<p id="R473fN">Jason Heyward, 2013, 114</p>
<p id="BfZ53T">Jason Heyward, 2014, 109</p>
<p id="d1Uoc4">Nick Markakis, 2015, 109</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: MAR 30 Phillies at Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r8Dl1C_SOBcxZh__DeUiRs_vhAs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012659/946390970.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Nick Markakis had four of the five top batting averages in the 2010s. He hit .297 in 2018, besting his 2015 average by .001.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8bzLVA"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="E5fNFO">Nick Markakis, 2018, .297</p>
<p id="SkRHXo">Nick Markakis, 2015, .296</p>
<p id="7EMC4s">Nick Markakis, 2019, .285</p>
<p id="O9NeZU">Jason Heyward, 2010, .277</p>
<p id="sV4tdr">Nick Markakis, 2017, .275</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7BxGzVPXZPm-JnbQmyxGnnr5_WY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012720/610073642.jpg">
<cite>Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Nick Markakis hit 43 doubles in 2018 for the highest total of the 2010s by a right fielder. He hit 38 or more four times during his Braves tenure.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YcObnd"><strong>Top 5 2B, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="F8pI6a">Nick Markakis, 2018, 43</p>
<p id="z9puxU">Nick Markakis, 2017, 39</p>
<p id="6PycZn">Nick Markakis, 2015, 38</p>
<p id="Shltgq">Nick Markakis, 2016, 38</p>
<p id="WwyG54">Jason Heyward, 2012, 30</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JRtTb7V-shdkFJakR6_mKhUhT94=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012723/151386852.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jason Heyward hit 27 home runs in 2012. He was the only right fielder to exceed 20 home runs in a season for the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9OcJOM"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="TkItIN">Jason Heyward, 2012, 27</p>
<p id="IjXIVc">Jason Heyward, 2010, 18</p>
<p id="p4dyPM">Jason Heyward, 2011, 14</p>
<p id="nKJzd8">Jason Heyward, 2013, 14</p>
<p id="KPabCa">Nick Markakis, 2018, 14</p>
<p id="UZBYpu"></p>
<h1 id="cMW19O">Best Cumulative Qualifying Seasons</h1>
<p id="QfWEnJ">These are the best cumulative totals from qualifying season for Atlanta’s right fielders since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Sf84z-7Tnii9BoHyxi15HSbnrAU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012732/176935812.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jason Heyward’s ability as a defender and base runner helped him lead all Braves right fielders in bWAR since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="DqWTDB"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="JaNVTg">Jason Heyward, 22.9</p>
<p id="1Vnnwm">David Justice, 19.1</p>
<p id="p4e1ND">Gary Sheffield, 11.2</p>
<p id="6NUsHa">Brian Jordan, 9.8</p>
<p id="mFQsZx">J.D. Drew, 8.3</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves David Justice (L) acknowledges the" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yGlPIz-D9nbWK-VH3sSTJj6P90w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012761/52031696.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read GREG FOSTER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice hit 125 home runs in qualifying seasons as a right fielder for the Braves. He is shown here after homering at home against the Colorado Rockies on October 3, 1993.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="sdljTw"><strong>Top 5 HR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="zEYPxm">David Justice, 125</p>
<p id="AvCMjC">Jason Heyward, 84</p>
<p id="ZOp8ll">Jeff Francoeur, 78</p>
<p id="IkPtPO">Brian Jordan, 65</p>
<p id="L003wf">Gary Sheffield, 64</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves David Justice..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gdMV3syqU3LhdDGwSQ6BHLrv4do=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012772/81414641.jpg">
<cite>SetNumber: X44856</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice drove in 416 runs during qualifying seasons - the most for any right fielder since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gXtDyK"><strong>Top 5 RBI, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="FsUGXi">David Justice, 416</p>
<p id="kO6YZs">Nick Markakis, 373</p>
<p id="HkS2lH">Jeff Franceour, 359</p>
<p id="lfY6xk">Jason Heyward, 292</p>
<p id="IJjL0w">Brian Jordan, 289</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Arizona Diamondbacks" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cz8j30RGZE3c2DIX2Np59gqCmkg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012776/1148701519.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Nick Markakis played in 720 games in right field, 69 more than Jason Heyward.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="MXN7wV"><strong>Top 5 Games, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="AlkaEh">Nick Markakis, 720</p>
<p id="cZC0zh">Jason Heyward, 651</p>
<p id="FskvSk">David Justice, 625</p>
<p id="2A6DwD">Jeff Francoeur, 623</p>
<p id="stgyZ7">Brian Jordan, 424</p>
<p id="a243Ql"></p>
<h1 id="kfSDEK">Youngest and Oldest Qualifiers</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Chicago Cubs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WvnQqjt-Ru8h9hrnEHCK1Rf_DkU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012781/1146263498.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Diamond Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andruw Jones (1997) and Jason Heyward (2010) both were primary right fielders for Atlanta during their age 20 seasons.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Ubevga"><strong>Top 5 Youngest</strong></p>
<p id="6DIOyr">Andruw Jones, 1997, 20</p>
<p id="FmECtC">Jayson Heyward, 2010, 20</p>
<p id="T3gl7v">Jeff Francoeur, 2005, 21</p>
<p id="zlyBLe">Jason Heyward, 2011, 21</p>
<p id="vnghWU">Jermaine Dye, 1996, 22</p>
<p id="EN2GI9">Jeff Francoeur, 2006, 22</p>
<p id="bUuE2W">Jason Heyward, 2012, 22</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="San Francisco Giants v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m4F0OSnPK97KVwgYkkV7V0u72C8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012789/1176942921.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Playing right field for the Braves in 2019 at age 35 made Nick Markakis the oldest primary right fielder for Atlanta since 1990 to break a four-way tie for players at age 34.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="1WcM1O"><strong>Top 5 Oldest</strong></p>
<p id="oR50dh">Nick Markakis, 2019, 35</p>
<p id="sInpev">Dale Murphy, 1990, 34</p>
<p id="E4Hgav">Brian Jordan, 2001, 34</p>
<p id="1vEyp0">Gary Sheffield, 2003, 34</p>
<p id="ivR2OL">Nick Markakis, 2018, 34</p>
<p id="hyiY6h"></p>
<h1 id="NfumN9">Right Field Buffet</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1991 World Series" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2Fiujs_jEgTPOlCk1g7d4o43MGg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012797/51551106.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Justice was at the center of the Braves climb to prominence in the 1990s. He’s shown here after knocking down Twins catcher Brian Harper during the 1991 World Series.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="KoDWuo">The great thing about buffets is they offer a little something for everyone. Don’t like the beef tips? Get the fried chicken. Don’t eat meat? There are a copious number veggies - although warning, they might be ladened with butter, meat, and sneezes. </p>
<p id="Trcc2Q">Regardless, it is all about that soft-serve ice cream machine - you know that, I know that, and of course the Braves know that. </p>
<p id="pVE2wl">The last three decades of right fielders gave you a lot choices, that’s for sure. </p>
<p id="fiKbE4">Want a one-year rental who had a generationally great season? You’ve got that in J.D. Drew. </p>
<p id="QjvCjb">Would you prefer a veteran slugger whose hard-hit rate and exit velocity numbers would have surely been at the top of his generation? Gary Sheffield was that dude. </p>
<p id="1mK1VZ">Or maybe your thing is young prospects whose initial splash was their high-water mark? Take your pick between Jeff Francoeur and Jason Heyward.</p>
<p id="ZdJRA5">How about an out-spoken outfielder who replaced a franchise legend and went on to hit one of the most important World Series home runs in team history? David Justice is there for you.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hseM8G3yGyKkj2VCQENM-M-EG7s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012960/632841722.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X42266</cite>
<figcaption>Deion Sanders (center) and Brian Jordan (left) were teammates with the Atlanta Falcons. Although they both played for the Braves, they weren’t teammates on the diamond. Jordan - who quit football to play baseball full-time after the 1991 NFL season - spent 15 season in MLB.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="KWzCrG">Want a two-sport athlete to roam right? Brian Jordan was an All Star for the Braves and a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> alternate as a safety for the Falcons.</p>
<p id="FJICSm">Maybe you just like doubles. </p>
<p id="iOBQdj">Order a drink? Make it a double. Order a burger? Make it a double. Need to take the edge off with an ice cream cone? Make it a double. Need a right fielder? Sounds like you’d make it a Nick Markakis.</p>
<p id="NwY2N6">If you only care about the here-and-now, Ronald Acuna, Jr.’s knee injury might make you worry. But even so, he’s shown that he could be the guy in right for another four or five years, at least.</p>
<p id="V2IrvV">Unlike a lot of the other position player retrospectives, right field didn’t have one player who stood out head-and-shoulders above the rest. As you saw above, and will read below, since 1990 the Braves have rolled out numerous, notable players. </p>
<p id="ABLiAS">Such an even distribution of talent makes it challenging to crown one player as the best single player at the position, so let’s start with three and work our way from there.</p>
<p id="Y0gCSJ"><strong>The Final Three</strong></p>
<p id="d82Aax">Jason Heyward spent five seasons in right field and created the most bWAR of the group with 22.9. Heyward was a positive offensive contributor for Atlanta, but his defensive contribution was a key component of his overall value. His rookie year was his best with Atlanta, as he was an All Star and finished second in the Rookie of the Year award. He totaled 651 games in right field, behind Nick Markakis and just ahead of the next person in this list of three.</p>
<p id="sOqvq8">David Justice produced 19.1 bWAR in qualifying season as part of this retrospective, playing in 625 games in right field. Justice won the Rookie of the Year in the NL in 1990, but only appeared in 60 games in right field as he was the team’s primary first baseman until Dale Murphy was traded. Justice and Heyward were different sides of the same coins - highly touted prospects who provided All Star level production, with Justice being better offensively than Heyward - who was better defensively.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Steroid List" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cANJRuVAckEKVU5tSePxBS7ML0A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012953/110311357.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gary Sheffield is among the best offensive players in the history of the game.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Yzi32p">The other contender here, to me, is Gary Sheffield. Although J.D. Drew generated 8.3 bWAR in 2004 - with above average defensive - Sheffield’s offensive production exceeded that of anyone on this list. Sheffield was known for his bat - not his glove - as seen by a career -27.7 dWAR across shortstop, third base, and the outfield. His bat was special, though. </p>
<p id="0xRDPT">In 280 games as the team’s right fielder, Sheffield created 11.2 bWAR, with his offensive production in 2003 being the best of any player in this list - including an outstanding 1.023 OPS in 2003. Although he only played in two seasons with Atlanta he had the third highest bWAR total of all right fielders, helped by averaging 32 home runs, 104 runs, 108 RBI, and 15 steals in those two seasons.</p>
<p id="q9GtyB">Sheffield hasn’t yet been elected into Baseball’s Hall of Fame, in large part due to his involvement with the scandals related to performance enhancing drugs. He spent 22 seasons in the Majors, beginning as a 19 year-old shortstop for the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> in 1988. When his career ended after the 2009 season - after playing in 100 games for the New York Mets at age 40 - he had amassed 509 home runs, 2,689 hits, 253 stolen bases, scored 1,636 runs, and delivered 1,676 RBI. He slashed .292/.393/.514 for his career - one which saw him walk 304 more times than he struck out.</p>
<p id="gqkMyo">He played in almost twice as many games in the National League than American League, with the peak of his career starting in 1992 with the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>, followed by 10 years split between the Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers, two seasons with Atlanta, and three seasons with the New York Yankees. That 14 year run of dominance included nine All Star selections, five Silver Slugger Awards, and seven seasons garnering votes for MVP - including three top 3 finishes in 1992, 2003, and 2004.</p>
<p id="ngLXjx">For reference on how good Sheffield was offensively, he ranks 21st All Time in Win Probability Added (WPA), just below Chipper Jones and ahead of Al Kaline. Of players eligible for the Hall of Fame, he is the highest ranked player not in the Hall who isn’t named Barry Bonds (who is first, all time, by the way).</p>
<p id="vuDCQi">If this were about picking the best player to player right field for the Braves - including his overall career - Sheffield would be tops. And I thought long-and-hard about giving him the top spot in this list despite only playing two seasons with Atlanta. Ultimately, his time with Atlanta wasn’t long enough to justify the top spot.</p>
<p id="zBh9ki">That leaves five seasons each of Heyward and Justice battling for the top spot.</p>
<h1 id="JjWwAc">The Case for Justice </h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="World Series - Cleveland Indians v Atlanta Braves - Game Two" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7dJSU69gRADrXC6uXvGI__Hbghw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24012955/459762471.jpg">
<figcaption>Dave Justice didn’t have to hit a “Diamond Cutter” to take the top spot for right fielders since 1990. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="dhXiWu">While Heyward’s bWAR gives him the edge over Justice based on qualifying seasons, Justice is my selection as the top right fielder since 1990. </p>
<p id="YHfcOZ">I am not alone in that thinking. </p>
<p id="BJIrj2">In an unscientific poll I posted prior to the release of this article, out of 501 votes, 49-percent of the respondents voted for David Justice as the best right fielder since 1990. Gary Sheffield (25-percent), Nick Markakis (16-percent), and Jason Heyward (10-percent), rounded out the voting in the limited-to-four-options poll.</p>
<p id="EnKL5N">There are a few reasons why I ended up with Justice in the top spot. Beyond his accumulated statistics, he also provided 14.4 WPA, and according to Fangraphs, his wRC+ ranged between 120 and 151 in his five qualifying seasons. He was a slightly above average defensively as an outfielder, so while he wasn’t as good as Heyward, he was far from the liability that Sheffield was. </p>
<p id="424uyU">I also could not overcome my own bias on Justice’s perceived postseason impact. In 112 postseason games during his career, he was actually a below average offensive performer. He slashed only .224/.335/.382 with a -30.8% cWPA. However, with Atlanta, his postseason moments in both the NLCS and World Series jumps out for anyone who lived through that era - especially his 1992 NLCS and 1995 World Series performances. He posted positive cWPA in both of his World Series winning seasons: 20.3% in 1995 and 0.1% in 2000.</p>
<p id="toLJLM">As the team’s primary right fielder, Justice was an All Star twice, a Silver Slugger, and finished third in the 1993 NL MVP vote. In 1996, he was off to a blistering start to the season, when a shoulder injury ended his season in May. </p>
<p id="ZweQAM">That ‘96 season would be his last season with the Braves as he was traded to Cleveland before the 1997 and would have the best season of his career with the then-Indians winning the Silver Slugger, being named an All Star for the final time in his career and finishing fifth in the AL MVP. </p>
<p id="LrRzsU">He was traded by Cleveland to the New York Yankees in 2000, helping to power the Yankees to the World Series Championship after hitting 41 home runs between the two clubs during the regular season and being named MVP of the ALCS. </p>
<p id="tcLWzC">He wrapped up a 14-year career with Oakland in 2002 at age 36 having generated 40.4 bWAR for his career while hitting 305 home runs with a .279/.378/.500 slash line and a 129 OPS+.</p>
<p id="Lhzgi6">As for the other guys who didn’t make this list, although Jeff Francoeur had a couple of good seasons he also the two of the worst seasons of any right fielder. </p>
<p id="zr3HDE">Nick Markakis was reliable during his five seasons in right field - never bad and always good, but he never had a great season with Atlanta. That sounds like a back-handed compliment but it isn’t. He was an a solid performer as the Braves completed their rebuild.</p>
<p id="DH04Ui">Brian Jordan spent three seasons in right field for Atlanta and was an above average performer - specially his 1999 and 2001 seasons. His 2001 season is easy to overlook in the 2000s because of how great Sheffield and J.D. Drew were in the following three seasons.</p>
<h1 id="HsvilS">Notable Tidbits</h1>
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<img alt="Washington Nationals v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o_7aBV8fUui-FgQD7dkiGeDR9Z4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24013002/57610474.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jeff Francoeur was the only player to appear in 162 games in right field when he did so in 2006 and 2007.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="fxgqHB">Here is a look at some of the interesting notes for right fielders since 1990.</p>
<ul>
<li id="OecuSs">Only two seasons had more than one right fielder qualify in this ranking, speaking to the high level of performance the team has had in the last three decades at the position. </li>
<li id="Jw4W7x">Andruw Jones and Michael Tucker (1997) and Jeff Francoeur and Matt Diaz (2009) were the players who qualified in a single season. The tandem in the 1997 season (6.1 bWAR) dominated those in the 2009 season (1.4 bWAR) in overall impact.</li>
<li id="7vK6M2">Only five players appeared in a single season: Dale Murphy (1990), Jermaine Dye (1996), J.D. Drew (2004), Matt Diaz (2009), and Ronald Acuna, Jr. (2021).</li>
<li id="qUhpgs">Acuna, Jr.’s only season as a qualified player was last year, when he only played in 80 games due to injury. With 24 home runs, 52 RBI, and 3.6 bWAR in half-a-season, it is easy to dream how goods his totals might have been had he been healthy all season.</li>
<li id="HufrPt">Since 1990, right fielders produced 97.1 bWAR of total output.</li>
<li id="9zRm9l">The constancy of excellence shows up in the per-decade total with the 1990s providing 30.5 bWAR, the 2000s besting that with 32.4 bWAR, and the 2010s leading with 34.2 bWAR.</li>
<li id="YDGZdD">There were only two seasons with a player averaging negative bWAR - 2008 (-1.7) and 2009 (-0.3) - both by Francoeur.</li>
<li id="KdOYm7">Right field has stereotypically been a power position, and that holds true for the Braves. Since 1990, qualifying players combined for 605 home runs.</li>
<li id="8bd8Du">Only four seasons saw a qualifying player not exceed 10 home runs - Francoeur in 2009 and Nick Markakis in 2015, 2017, and 2019.</li>
<li id="9KWtoh">When it comes to total bases, Gary Sheffield paced right fielders with 348 in 2003. David Justice also exceeded 300 with 301 in 1993.</li>
<li id="dk2LJm">Four players qualified in five seasons: Justice, Francoeur, Heyward, and Markakis.</li>
<li id="8wPpgh">There were eight players to qualify in right field who played in less than 100 games. The fewest was 66 games from Matt Diaz, who also played in 50 games in left field that season.</li>
<li id="bMbK0p">Jeff Francoeur was the only player to to appear in 162 games in right field. He did so twice in 2006 and 2007.</li>
<li id="ZWu0LG">Eleven players played in 150 games or more in right field, led by Markakis (4) and Francoeur (3). Justice, Heyward, Sheffield, and Jordan rounded out the group.</li>
</ul>
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<img alt="Braves v Dodgers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cZzsEc5YGpIAHjkLp2_Dd_H2osk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24013095/51206455.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>J.D. Drew had far-and-away the best season of his career with Atlanta in 2004.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="sbKThn">J.D. Drew had what may be the best single season of any right fielder since 1990. As good as he was in 2004, his tenure has always been tainted because of the cost the Braves paid to bring him to Atlanta.</p>
<p id="MQTbLA">The Braves traded reliever Ray King, starting pitcher Jason Marquis, and top starting pitching prospect Adam Wainwright to the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a> for Drew and catcher/outfielder Eli Marrero after the 2003 season. </p>
<p id="crAkwB">Although Drew (8.3 bWAR) and Marrero (2.3bWAR) combined for 10.6 bWAR in their only seasons with Atlanta and Marquis was up-and-down in three seasons with the Cardinals, Wainwright has gone on to collect 47.3 bWAR (though 9/10/22). </p>
<p id="NGlJSo">Wainwright may retire after this season, but has won almost 200 games with the Cardinals in a career than includes three All Star selections, four top three NL Cy Young finishes, and more than 2,500 innings pitched in his career.</p>
<p id="RTBkK8">That’s a high price to pay for one season of Drew, who left Atlanta to sign as a free agent with the Dodgers after the ‘04 season. For Drew, 2004 was the only season of his career in which he received MVP votes - finishing sixth. </p>
<p id="O6qjKo">Ultimately, based on bWAR, Drew had the second best season by any <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> right fielder, training only Hank Aaron’s 1967 season when Aaron posted 8.5 bWAR for the season.</p>
<p id="7gb4Yf">As for the current - and future - of right field, it should be Ronald Acuna, Jr.’s for at least the balance of his current contract. Although he has struggled, by his standard, in his return from the knee injury that cost him the last-half of the 2021 season, he may very well be the best right fielder to play the position since 1990 with a few more qualifying seasons.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/9/15/23338908/best-atlanta-braves-right-fielder-since-1990-david-justice-jason-heyward-gary-sheffieldDJourn2022-08-19T12:00:00-04:002022-08-19T12:00:00-04:00The best Braves third basemen since 1990
<figure>
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7J-XZhRmHiV6DPekAWGo01ZMGvY=/0x207:2022x1555/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71261874/151169329.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chipper Jones carried on the legacy of great third basemen to be part of the Braves organization during his Hall of Fame career in Atlanta. | Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Chipper Jones built upon a legacy of positional excellence for the Braves that stretches back eight decades.</p> <p id="8pHTlm"> Given that Chipper Jones is the best position player to suit-up for the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> since 1990, it is little surprise that he is far-and-away the team’s best third baseman of the last three decades. </p>
<p id="0fSir1">A Hall of Famer, a National League MVP, an eight-time All Star; Jones easily tops this list and that is with all due respect to Terry Pendleton, who also former MVP, yet a distant second in terms of this retrospective ranking.</p>
<p id="UHOZqZ"><a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/6/22/23177125/atlanta-braves-best-players-since-1990">This series</a> has focused on players in this most-modern era of Braves baseball, with a look back at the players who graced the region with their skills since the team moved to Atlanta.</p>
<p id="Kiz6cv">The lineage of third basemen with the Braves organization deserves an expansion of the timeline, so join me in this sojourn of an amazing eight-decade run of third basemen in the organization.</p>
<p id="RYhTVz">With Austin Riley’s recent contract extension, it is a safe bet that he will be the team’s third baseman until at least 2027, despite his defensive shortcomings. With that future end point in mind, rewind to 1947 for the start of what has been a staggering amount of consistency from the hot corner.</p>
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<img alt="Bob Elliot Receiving Trophy" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CY5-r8GxZWZwD3GV8xjiScmJOfg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932045/515468514.jpg">
<figcaption>Bob Elliott was the 1947 NL MVP while playing third base for the Boston Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ozBxlx">Bob Elliott arrived in Boston to take over at third base prior to the 1947 season. A four-time All Star with three top-10 MVP seasons under his belt while with Pittsburgh, Elliott had the best season of his career in his first of five campaigns with the Braves. </p>
<p id="1MNjPy">Elliott won the NL MVP award in 1947 topping Cincinnati pitcher Ewell Blackwell in the voting. Elliott slashed .317/.410/.517 for the season with 22 home runs and 113 RBI. He would be a three-time All Star with the Braves and pick-up votes for MVP in two other seasons. </p>
<p id="Q3AIGj">Elliott was replaced at third in 1952 - the team’s final season in Boston - by a 20 year-old from Texarkana, TX. </p>
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<img alt="Milwaukee Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dxLm7tVlV5bwyaSDXAaPxqPzFaw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932052/451815594.jpg">
<figcaption>Eddie Mathews is arguably the Braves’ best all-around third baseman and the second best position player behind long-time teammate, and fellow Hall of Famer, Hank Aaron.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Eo3suY">Finishing third in the Rookie of the Year award, Eddie Mathews began his first of 15 seasons as the Braves primary third baseman by playing in 145 games and picking up down-ballot MVP votes before the team moved to Milwaukee in 1953.</p>
<p id="5hTAad">That 1953 season would be one of the best of his career. He would earn his first All Star game selection and finish second in the NL MVP voting to Brooklyn catcher Roy Campanella despite leading the league with 47 home runs.</p>
<p id="svFueo">The Hall of Famer appeared in 12 All Star games and was a key part of the 1957 Braves <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> winning team. Although he never won an MVP award, he finished second twice - including the 1959 season when he again led the NL in home runs, with 46, but finished just behind the legendary Cub, Ernie Banks.</p>
<p id="KGMhWZ">With the Braves, his career spanned through the team’s time in Milwaukee, and when the organization moved to Atlanta in 1966, it was Mathews who suited up as the team’s third baseman. In his age 34 seasons, Mathews played in 134 games and hit a modest .250/.341/.420. It would be his final season with the organization before spending part of a season with Houston before being traded to Detroit where he was a member of the Tigers’ 1968 World Series championship team in what would be his final season.</p>
<p id="ZDEclJ">For the Braves, Mathews in in the inner circle of team greats. His bWAR places him fourth all-time behind only Hank Aaron, Kid Nichols and Warren Spahn with 94.1 bWAR. To put that in perspective for fans of current-day Braves, that total is more than twice what Freddie Freeman accrued while with Atlanta and ahead of Chipper Jones by almost nine bWAR.</p>
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<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/brvP64sRZd6N6UdMeRx_yKRQnOs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932055/50971488.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Louis Requena/MLB Photos</cite>
<figcaption>Eddie Mathews played his final season with the Braves in Atlanta in 1966. He hit 493 of his 512 career home runs with the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Y10VlM">In those 15 season with the Braves, Mathews hit 493 home runs (he totaled 512 for his career), collected 2,201 hits, scored 1,452 runs and drove in 1,388. For his Braves career he slashed .273/.379/.517 for an .896 OPS and 145 OPS+. He led the NL in home runs twice and walks four times while picking up MVP votes in 10 seasons.</p>
<p id="IrO3aW">Mathews is also the only player to play for the Braves in Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.</p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HGSQj4EHS-ld2R2dsSJQVsML0Hk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932068/158345108.jpg">
<figcaption>Clete Boyer won the NL Gold Glove for third base with Atlanta in 1969.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Yeqme2">Replacing Mathews in 1967 was long-time <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> infielder Clete Boyer. He was the primary third baseman for the Braves for four season, earning the only MVP votes of his career in 1967 and winning his only Gold Glove in 1969, which is notable because Boyer was an excellent defender at third. </p>
<p id="mtmweE">With New York and Kansas City, Boyer played during the time that all-time defensive great Brooks Robinson won 16 AL Gold Gloves in-a-row at third. After moving to the NL, Boyer’s win was sandwiched between Ron Santo and Doug Radar, who each won four consecutive NL Gold Gloves. </p>
<p id="Hy3kM5">For as good of a player as Boyer was, he wasn’t the best in his family, as his brother Ken Boyer was an 11-time All Star, NL MVP, and five-time Gold Glove winner as a third baseman.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sOiTFlvUpLUnUi7ssOTvthBR6VA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932057/536460106.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Darrell Evans wrapped up his career where it started, finishing a 21 year career with Atlanta in 1989. He was the team’s primary third baseman from 1971 until being traded during the 1976 season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rETZpY">In 1971, Darrell Evans became the Braves’ primary third baseman after replacing Clete Boyer. Evans led the NL in walks in 1973 and 1974 and was an All Star for the only time in his Atlanta career in ‘73. During his All Star season, he belted 41 home runs and drove in 104 runners while posting a career best .959 OPS and 156 OPS+. Combined with his above average defensive, he sported an amazing 9.0 bWAR for the ‘73 season.</p>
<p id="N7N7bF">Evans would return to the Braves in 1989 at age 42 appearing in 107 games. It would be the final season of a 21 year career that included nine season with Atlanta, eight years with San Francisco, and five seasons with Detroit, where he led the AL with 40 home runs in 1985.</p>
<p id="YxG34S">After the Braves traded Evans to the Giants during the 1976 season, it was almost two years before Bob Horner would take the reigns at third base for Atlanta from his debut in 1978 through the 1983 season.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2NcnqEcc1K-1S_Ciw5L3UW7aJYA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932060/528530978.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Bob Horner, shown here in 1980, played with the Braves from 1978 through 1986, spending most of his career as the team’s primary third baseman. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ESZwkH">Horner, the ‘78 NL Rookie of the Year, notoriously went straight to Atlanta after being drafted by the team first overall in the June 1978 draft out of <a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com">Arizona State</a> University. </p>
<p id="cHIfOm">Although Horner’s time with Atlanta was hampered by injuries, the slugger hit 215 home runs in only 960 games with Atlanta during parts of nine seasons. That included five seasons of 27 or more home runs. He had an OPS+ of 127 with Atlanta, including a career best 143 in 1983.</p>
<p id="cqiNaR">An All Star during Atlanta’s 1982 NL West Division-winning season, Horner only played in more than 140 games twice - in ‘82 and in his final season with the team in 1986. It was during that final season in Atlanta that he blasted four home runs in a single game against the Expos. </p>
<p id="xMuRoi">A free agent after the 1986 season, Horner was caught in MLB’s overall issues with collusion, causing Horner to spend his age 29 season playing for the Yakult Swallows in Japan in 1987. </p>
<p id="GLDD23">Although Horner would return in MLB in 1988 with St. Louis, injury issues - this time with a shoulder - saw his career end that season despite being only 30 years old. </p>
<p id="t9oATS">Notably, Horner never played a game in the Minor Leagues during his career. </p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Pittsburgh Pirates" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xetGYXP5ZDfo3J-WkVbnV4xgzKQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932063/1185197188.jpg">
<cite>Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ken Oberkfell spend most of the mid-to-late 1980’s as the Braves’s primary third baseman.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ljAL1M">Ken Oberkfell was acquired by the Braves in June 1984 to become of the team’s third baseman after Horner broke his wrist driving for a ball at third.</p>
<p id="HspZmX">Oberkfell, who spent 16 seasons in MLB, was a quality player for the Braves in parts of five season until he was traded to Pittsburgh in 1988. As the team’s primary third baseman, Oberkfell provided 5.5 bWAR, including 3.4 in 1986, one of the best seasons of his career.</p>
<p id="lIoGb6">One of the more notable moments of Oberkfell’s time with Atlanta was during his final season with the team when he singled with two out in the ninth inning, breaking up <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> pitcher Mike Scott’s no-hit bid on June 13, 1988. </p>
<p id="82A7eX">In 1991, Terry Pendleton would make his mark on Braves history with his MVP 1991 season, the first of four seasons as the team’s third baseman before future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones would take over until 2012, save two season when the Braves brought back former prospect Vinny Castilla to play third.</p>
<p id="D9696x">From 1947 until 2012, eight Braves third basemen were the team’s primary player at the position in all but seven seasons. It boggles the mind to think that in 58 of 65 seasons, one of eight players were at the helm of the hot corner. </p>
<p id="UMMfGF">Going back to Austin Riley, if we project him being the Braves third basemen until 2027, then we could see nine third basemen be the primary player at the position for 66 of 80 seasons. That this rare consistency at a single position for any organization. </p>
<p id="33kJFb">I’m sure Sarah Langs could break that down further, but I am no Sarah Langs. </p>
<p id="1OYMcO">Now it is time to dive into the most-modern era of Braves third baseman. A reminder that most of the data is from Baseball-Reference, which isn’t perfect, but works fine for this purpose. To qualify for this ranking, a position player must appear in 65 games during a season at the position being reviewed. For that reason, the 2020 is omitted from the rankings but will be discussed in the retrospective.</p>
<h1 id="R2UXad">Best Single Seasons Since 1990</h1>
<p id="uETmFZ">Here are the best single seasons by a third baseman for the Braves since 1990.</p>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Diego Padres" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qqPDME7VeIKlUayX7VwNPtEejh0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930601/75938752.jpg">
<figcaption>At age 35, Chipper Jones created 7.6 bWAR in 2007, the best single season total for an Atlanta third baseman since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="jkd4Lq"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by bWAR</strong></p>
<p id="Lt1FkH">Chipper Jones, 2007, 7.6</p>
<p id="QDy1EJ">Chipper Jones, 2008, 7.3</p>
<p id="hOpWNs">Chipper Jones, 1998, 7.0</p>
<p id="0R80dH">Chipper Jones, 1999, 6.9</p>
<p id="BuSYdw">Chipper Jones, 1996, 6.2</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GYz6JwKAbQe_JhV1QnNWNr7CkM4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930596/81489194.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>With a 176 OPS+ in 2008, Chipper Jones posted the best single season OPS+ for an Atlanta third baseman since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="t7cbrJ"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS+</strong></p>
<p id="Jm51jD">Chipper Jones, 2008, 176</p>
<p id="7DwudH">Chipper Jones, 1999, 169</p>
<p id="5OE0Tg">Chipper Jones, 2007, 165</p>
<p id="LUeVHA">Chipper Jones, 2001, 160</p>
<p id="FHuE4v">Chipper Jones, 2006, 154</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2019" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qo3noPdJQtx8YhRTdFO1RhKJ5ZU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930590/1195507675.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones hit 45 home runs in 1999, the best single season total since 1990 for Atlanta third basemen.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ohsFSW"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by HR</strong></p>
<p id="fiyv3x">Chipper Jones, 1999, 45</p>
<p id="X5bh4E">Chipper Jones, 2001, 38</p>
<p id="tirD0V">Josh Donaldson, 2019, 37</p>
<p id="oiADov">Chipper Jones, 2000, 36</p>
<p id="4Z7Hgi">Chipper Jones, 1998, 34</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yBYkSM1e9bp43TYoum9eaHk776Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930584/76991547.jpg">
<cite>Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones hit 42 doubles in 2007, topping his 1999 and 1997 total of 41 as the best since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VlU38m"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by 2B</strong></p>
<p id="Ij6ltF">Chipper Jones, 2007, 42</p>
<p id="odCHKu">Chipper Jones, 1999, 41</p>
<p id="QI4SfD">Chipper Jones, 1997, 41</p>
<p id="1CJUKM">Terry Pendleton, 1992, 39</p>
<p id="xA6qnQ">Chipper Jones, 2000, 38</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBN-BRAVES-METS-JONES" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5FghuqAUJPoFejhNUOOT0Gy0YL0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930574/1134626561.jpg">
<cite>Photo: HENNY RAY ABRAMS/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones drove in 111 in 1997 and 2000, the highest single season totals for a third baseman since 1990. That included this grand slam against the Mets at Shea Stadium on Jun 25, 1997. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Duu7f9"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by RBI</strong></p>
<p id="9lUKFl">Chipper Jones, 1997, 111</p>
<p id="ARe8Ht">Chipper Jones, 2000, 111</p>
<p id="gFUQim">Chipper Jones, 1999, 110</p>
<p id="Z6ZyVf">Chipper Jones, 1996, 110</p>
<p id="FfEaFB">Austin Riley, 2021, 107</p>
<p id="hP8AbI">Chipper Jones, 1998, 107</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves’ Chipper Jones (R) is greeted by co" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oeQVu8ytJ9RSYTXqh5pMfGbsRJE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930564/51638148.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones scored this run against Tampa in 1998 - one of his 123 runs scored that season. That total was the best for any Atlanta third baseman since 1990. It is also a chance to remember long-time Braves coach Bobby Dews.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="WA83c3"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by Runs</strong></p>
<p id="lAzVGX">Chipper Jones, 1998, 123</p>
<p id="llk6Wm">Chipper Jones, 2000, 118</p>
<p id="TWLBwO">Chipper Jones, 1999, 116</p>
<p id="JU4FTy">Chipper Jones, 1996, 114</p>
<p id="81OtFy">Chipper Jones, 2001, 113</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones hits a first inning," data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E-c0L2n_Ckg_feFJGbU4y1ZnEgk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930522/51619138.jpg">
<cite>Photo: STEVE SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Each of the Top 5 OPS seasons by Braves third basemen belong to Chipper Jones. His best season was 1999 when he had a 1.074 OPS, including this home run against the Mets.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="HafcNk"><strong>Top 5 Season, by OPS</strong></p>
<p id="FLSh1u">Chipper Jones, 1999, 1.074</p>
<p id="P2QXxv">Chipper Jones, 2008, 1.044</p>
<p id="YcybVf">Chipper Jones, 2001, 1.032</p>
<p id="MZ58vn">Chipper Jones, 2007, 1.029</p>
<p id="COBfam">Chipper Jones, 2006, 1.005</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Philles v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vTxKLe61Gn2PB3C_aRtkXeNCwO4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930510/82869285.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones led all of baseball with a .364 batting average in 2008.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gcOigK"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by BA</strong></p>
<p id="uXQw8f">Chipper Jones, 2008, .364</p>
<p id="UUnrFH">Chipper Jones, 2007, .337</p>
<p id="3VAOtn">Chipper Jones, 2001, .330</p>
<p id="7Kkjez">Chipper Jones, 2006, .324</p>
<p id="pSbk96">Chris Johnson, 2013, .321</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBN-DEVIL RAYS-BRAVES-01" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/egQb0JAzsaGXW8nQDse2_vAiUQU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930504/1185787316.jpg">
<cite>Photo by STEVE SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones stole 25 bags in 1999, including this one against the Devil Rays in Tampa.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="i3uc9D"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by SB</strong></p>
<p id="7idAvO">Chipper Jones, 1999, 25</p>
<p id="Jkfd8C">Chipper Jones, 1997, 20</p>
<p id="MSPZx9">Chipper Jones, 1998, 16</p>
<p id="RXn6cU">Chipper Jones, 2000, 14</p>
<p id="t8FUww">Chipper Jones, 1996, 14</p>
<h1 id="PDcIIv"></h1>
<h1 id="c8q3Lp">Best Single Seasons by Decade</h1>
<p id="mHKaMe">These are the best single seasons for third basemen per decade based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sporting News Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HCECTZS1zagr1FGt-m7BYjt4VEs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930501/110343718.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones provided Atlanta with a 7.0 bWAR in 1998. He followed that up with a 6.9 bWAR in 1999.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="UQRjYg"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="SzEhIS">Chipper Jones, 1998, 7.0</p>
<p id="WfoGv6">Chipper Jones, 1999, 6.9</p>
<p id="6R9PUB">Chipper Jones, 1996, 6.2</p>
<p id="z1EZrw">Terry Pendleton, 1991, 6.1</p>
<p id="3nO4Y9">Terry Pendleton, 1992, 5.0</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2020" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hJIFFHWouHpLqA1YJiyL1j2eK0Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930490/1204045900.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Ron Vesely Photography via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones had an OPS+ of 169 in 1999, best of the decade for Braves third basemen.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gahGBi"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="yUb8jx">Chipper Jones, 1999, 169</p>
<p id="t935IY">Chipper Jones, 1998, 148</p>
<p id="OCnGtn">Terry Pendleton, 1991, 139</p>
<p id="tfQZC7">Chipper Jones, 1996, 137</p>
<p id="eigdfC">Terry Pendleton, 1992, 124</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/efB1ZPDaXQQdayitr-ClDl7Yoi0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930485/177181968.jpg">
<figcaption>Terry Pendleton his .319 in 1991 tying Chipper Jones’ .319 in 1999 for the best batting average by an Atlanta third baseman in the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VotTRC"><strong>Top 5 BA, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="S3L8Dv">Terry Pendleton, 1991, .319</p>
<p id="IZKSig">Chipper Jones, 1999, .319</p>
<p id="RRsxbP">Chipper Jones, 1998, .313</p>
<p id="u1ua7m">Terry Pendleton, 1992, .311</p>
<p id="FAMgYu">Chipper Jones, 1996, .309</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HhtaB05EbOU1nzFbF8_mL6aYY4M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930484/467675120.jpg">
<figcaption>Chipper Jones pounded 41 doubles in both the 1997 and 1999 season. That total was tops for third basemen in the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="FPDqkW"><strong>Top 5 2B, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="92cmzZ">Chipper Jones, 1997, 41</p>
<p id="3E0m5s">Chipper Jones, 1999, 41</p>
<p id="HBmiri">Terry Pendleton, 1992, 39</p>
<p id="Q3hcPl">Terry Pendleton, 1991, 34</p>
<p id="OQtHAy">Jim Presley, 1990, 34</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves’ third baseman Chipper Jones drives" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ApHS2RO-N5EiD-2jvU7KQaz0BdU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930482/51615339.jpg">
<cite>Photo: MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones hit a career best 45 home runs against the Mets in 1999. Wait, scratch that, he hit 45 home runs that season, this one against the Mets at Shea Stadium on July 2. My mistake.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="OnSejh"><strong>Top 5 HR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="ic9Uu9">Chipper Jones, 1999, 45</p>
<p id="a2v8uQ">Chipper Jones, 1998, 34</p>
<p id="raCpf5">Chipper Jones, 1996, 30</p>
<p id="WtPHR1">Chipper Jones, 1995, 23</p>
<p id="DhYnMv">Terry Pendleton, 1991, 22</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chicago Cubs v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-XPsD-k34dXU3MoxkD38Jv5ZhCs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930474/73929025.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones posted two seasons with a bWAR above 7.0 in the 2000s while manning third. His best season was 2007 when his bWAR was 7.6,</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zXwHzb"><strong>Top 5, bWAR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="n43osZ">Chipper Jones, 2007, 7.6</p>
<p id="RvNxIw">Chipper Jones, 2008, 7.3</p>
<p id="0HvyyK">Chipper Jones, 2001, 5.9</p>
<p id="4yBi1f">Chipper Jones, 2000, 5.7</p>
<p id="XeKhth">Chipper Jones, 2005, 4.1</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Pittsburgh Pirates" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JCgE9gc6U6NTJgYBcPpoDdK-GzU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930464/81705313.jpg">
<figcaption>Chipper Jones produced a 176 OPS+ in 2008, the best of the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="tZInfH"><strong>Top 5, OPS+, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="v1r8Gn">Chipper Jones, 2008, 176</p>
<p id="2cQWsH">Chipper Jones, 2007, 165</p>
<p id="8fKB0s">Chipper Jones, 2001, 160</p>
<p id="W4KLfv">Chipper Jones, 2006, 154</p>
<p id="c7OtCJ">Chipper Jones, 2005, 151</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Baseball - Interleague Play - Braves vs. Angels" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JkIgjkSnXiHCwk9_qes-jUb_Wo8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930459/577355106.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Larry Goren/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones hit .364 in 2008. His career-best batting average led all of MLB in 2008.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xcnMiq"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="T6lQR4">Chipper Jones, 2008, .364</p>
<p id="1gJ2Ja">Chipper Jones, 2007, .337</p>
<p id="jh7tOu">Chipper Jones, 2001, .330</p>
<p id="XMYoY5">Chipper Jones, 2006, .324</p>
<p id="LAslXN">Chipper Jones, 2000, .311</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="San Diego Padres v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VsJ002Hclzoc_EGa7V-8_eTjnFQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930449/74116656.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones stroked this double against San Diego on May 9, 2007. He hit 42 in 2007, the most of any single season by a Braves’ third baseman for the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GZiiwQ"><strong>Top 5 2B, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="iFHAjh">Chipper Jones, 2007, 42</p>
<p id="AZHmkL">Chipper Jones, 2000, 38</p>
<p id="0a9TOX">Chipper Jones, 2001, 33</p>
<p id="tHqx32">Chipper Jones, 2005, 30</p>
<p id="tTCWmG">Chipper Jones, 2006, 28</p>
<p id="db0TNF">Vinny Castilla, 2003, 28</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones (C) gets high fives a" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6obNDNBv6Bmw6VUMa5mFfbpTqcc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930446/51721946.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read STEVE SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones was greeting in the dugout with congratulations for hitting one of his 38 home runs in 2001. This home run was against the Cubs on Sept. 2, in Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rM97fA"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="bebcDk">Chipper Jones, 2001, 38</p>
<p id="CSpJag">Chipper Jones, 2000, 36</p>
<p id="bwpESz">Chipper Jones, 2004, 30</p>
<p id="ypfof3">Chipper Jones, 2007, 29</p>
<p id="Fo8u3Y">Chipper Jones, 2006, 26</p>
<p id="OzAHjv"></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Washington Nationals v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/edvW-CyomrQMXJS7pIb5LFZO9wI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930445/1172849080.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Josh Donaldson’s single season with Atlanta was good for 5.4 bWAR, best of the decade. His home runs became quite the celebratory activity in the Braves’ dugout by the end of the season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="sBNbTM"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="lBxSjz">Josh Donaldson, 2019, 5.4</p>
<p id="NQIrsO">Johan Camargo, 2018, 3.2</p>
<p id="EMkz6t">Chipper Jones, 2012, 2.8</p>
<p id="PTp83w">Chipper Jones, 2011, 2.5</p>
<p id="Y7GAyl">Chris Johnson, 2013, 2.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IDuD81hDh8AKLAhCqTMxwQfip7Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930434/1163950630.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Josh Donaldson brought the rain with this home run against the Mets in 2019 during Players’ Weekend. Donaldson led third basemen in OPS+ for the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="flzVwl"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="Ywuy4Z">Josh Donaldson, 2019, 126</p>
<p id="gnDRPv">Chipper Jones, 2012, 124</p>
<p id="ZFaCDQ">Chipper Jones, 2013, 124</p>
<p id="B09xHI">Chipper Jones, 2011, 121</p>
<p id="GwKgMx">Chipper Jones, 2010, 120</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cleveland Indians v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/24EkcLpu2DcFRyo9_O1U8tf3IeQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930431/182999127.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Pouya Dianat/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chris Johnson hit .321 in 2013. That mark led all Braves third basemen during the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="baALtC"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="Vl5aDf">Chris Johnson, 2013, .321</p>
<p id="n6gJjq">Chipper Jones, 2012, .287</p>
<p id="tNeNxV">Chipper Jones, 2011, .275</p>
<p id="erQP8r">Adonis Garcia, 2016, .273</p>
<p id="otB4wQ">Johan Camargo, 2018, .272</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4NKMSUhw3kA5UQNNrv1osAKLOXc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930428/179153372.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chris Johnson hit 34 doubles during the 2013 season, the most for the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wV5P95"><strong>Top 5 2B 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="qSmPdH">Chris Johnson, 2013, 34</p>
<p id="TCjanH">Chipper Jones, 2011, 33</p>
<p id="2MJFtw">Josh Donaldson, 2019, 33</p>
<p id="kUS8lN">Adonis Garcia, 2016, 29</p>
<p id="4c4vEi">Johan Camargo, 2018, 27</p>
<p id="cRGgf3">Chris Johnson, 2014, 27</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J_Y_vJ_BAsRbfdWmdJuSjlhOGng=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930421/1173632540.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Josh Donaldson hit 37 home runs in 2019, the most by any Braves third baseman in the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="04SOzj"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="T1UqXo">Josh Donaldson, 2019, 37</p>
<p id="BXtH0D">Johan Camargo, 2018, 19</p>
<p id="SqgV7b">Chipper Jones, 2011, 18</p>
<p id="oQvQmH">Chipper Jones, 2012, 14</p>
<p id="vPcNWl">Adonis Garcia, 2016, 14</p>
<p id="FNs48G"></p>
<h1 id="cMW19O">Best Cumulative Qualifying Seasons</h1>
<p id="QfWEnJ">These are the best cumulative totals from qualifying season for Atlanta’s third basemen since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chipper Jones #10" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rkmQu0NkwSVV_mdevtDfyyE7IoE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930416/629519.jpg">
<figcaption>As the Braves third baseman, Chipper Jones produced 74.9 career bWAR.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zzRtPh"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="mm7GV3">Chipper Jones, 74.9</p>
<p id="la1kym">Terry Pendleton, 13.6</p>
<p id="UINqbt">Austin Riley, 6.1</p>
<p id="R5yv1i">Josh Donaldson, 5.4</p>
<p id="1icgAp">Johan Camargo, 3.2</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2005 NLDS: Houston Astros v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AG_vrLFyZ37alW_siMF128pFi0g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930397/55855982.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones hit 415 regular season home runs as the Braves third baseman. He is shown here homering against Houston in the 2005 NLCS.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Vb1yE2"><strong>Top 5 HR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="SbDSbr">Chipper Jones, 415</p>
<p id="FXUwaB">Terry Pendleton, 67</p>
<p id="lqRbYQ">Josh Donaldson, 37</p>
<p id="9zt1K1">Vinny Castilla, 34</p>
<p id="zHwTjJ">Austin Riley, 33</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: SEP 21 Braves at Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i6Amemm8DEBJHAGZtEGtdtByDzg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930383/577678140.jpg">
<cite>Photo by James Escher/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones drove in 1,417 runs during his time as the team’s primary third basemen. It only seems like half that total came against the Mets.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="iJUP4W"><strong>Top 5 RBI, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="UAWI6V">Chipper Jones, 1,417</p>
<p id="tHsH2m">Terry Pendleton, 305</p>
<p id="8rXwRv">Vinny Castilla, 137</p>
<p id="zxBDzU">Chris Johnson, 126</p>
<p id="2leGzx">Austin Riley, 107</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BRAVES - ASTROS" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HbWm8BvgN8FK2AhMQUr0Uo_Ksv0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930368/112855942.jpg">
<cite>Photo by George Bridges/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones played 1,992 games at third during his Braves career. He’s shown here before injuring his leg in Houston in 2010. Injuries cost Jones a significant number of games after his two-plus stint as the team’s starting left fielder.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xVr9vt"><strong>Top 5 Games, Qualifying Season</strong></p>
<p id="qtTcZw">Chipper Jones, 1,992</p>
<p id="lMbDeT">Terry Pendleton, 544</p>
<p id="8Lf1GH">Chris Johnson, 275</p>
<p id="17b3H0">Austin Riley, 156</p>
<p id="5XpDWf">Josh Donaldson, 148</p>
<p id="zfgdKU"></p>
<h1 id="kfSDEK">Youngest and Oldest Qualifiers</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chipper Jones" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I-9JkgOwLxLo0WYofgThVGmiAv8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930360/285306.jpg">
<figcaption>Chipper Jones was the youngest qualifying third baseman to play for Atlanta since 1990 when he played his age 23 season in 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="g71xFg"><strong>Top 5 Youngest</strong></p>
<p id="JZzr66">Chipper Jones, 1995, 23</p>
<p id="IlE6kg">Chipper Jones, 1996, 24</p>
<p id="WtSi7x">Johan Camargo, 2018, 24</p>
<p id="taLDPu">Austin Riley, 2019, 24</p>
<p id="Qlbg6z">Chipper Jones, 1997, 25</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="St. Louis Cardinals v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I5jurZXOe6LaZ3zotxE2FCHmxwQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23930357/153680522.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones was also the oldest qualifier for third basemen since 1990. He is shown here before his last game with Atlanta in 2012 at age 40.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="TdOPIe"><strong>Top 5 Oldest</strong></p>
<p id="t2nk4U">Chipper Jones, 2012, 40</p>
<p id="csQrMZ">Chipper Jones, 2011, 39</p>
<p id="xCgIE3">Chipper Jones, 2010, 38</p>
<p id="5fbFLY">Chipper Jones, 2009, 37</p>
<p id="F7xm5H">Chipper Jones, 2008, 36</p>
<p id="WnYgJN"></p>
<h1 id="QYQ7KI">A Renewed Appreciation for Chipper</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Washington Nationals v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p3qPG3Bd4CRCSlM-jTUS4p1n3rE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23937816/152106891.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones’ career with the Braves has become legendary. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="v4TMsE">If you are in a work or school meeting, and someone provides you with summary data, that can be impactful. High-level work KPIs, mid-term course grades, etc., can provide a much-needed, moment-in-time context. Often, we accept that summary information and move on with our day, informed of - but not immersed in - the details of the data.</p>
<p id="oIvBs6">In hand-collecting and collating data for retrospective series, there is a level of intimacy you can’t get from seeing summary output data or KPI reporting. It’s the difference between having someone else cut your lawn and doing it yourself. It is a heckuva lot more work, but you know where every root, every hole, every rock is in your yard.</p>
<p id="mKGTmn">Most people probably don’t care about such things. I am not most people.</p>
<p id="7aWrRQ">I was at Chipper Jones’ first game as the Braves starting third baseman on Opening Day 1995 in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. I was at Chipper Jones’ last game as a Brave, the Wild Card play-in game loss in 2012 at Turner Field. In between, he had a Hall of Fame career, and ten years after his retirement, the statements of, “Chipper Jones, Hall of Famer” and “Chipper Jones is the best positions player since the Braves moved to Atlanta” have become inarguable facts.</p>
<p id="oQhBOK">But they don’t tell the whole story.</p>
<p id="JXYhzY">Neither does manually putting numbers in a spreadsheet, but that exorcise does underscore how truly fantastic his career was - and poses a few questions about what more he might have been able to accomplish had an ill-fated position change and injuries not impacted his career.</p>
<p id="QIPKkF">As both the youngest and oldest primary third baseman since 1990, Jones’ career longevity is notable. Across parts of 19 seasons, Jones produced 84.8 fWAR/85.3 bWAR. He was a league MVP, World Series Champion, a Silver Slugger, an All Star and won a batting title. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility with 97.2-percent of the vote.</p>
<p id="AruTlx">There’s no doubting that he was an all-time great.</p>
<p id="l0hdm3">Despite never leading the league in any major counting stats, he produced 2,726 career hits, scored 1,619 runs, drove in 1,623, belted 468 home runs, walking more than he struck out, and producing a triple-slash career line of .303/.401/.529 good for an .930 OPS and 141 OPS+.</p>
<p id="TWmvnq">The only times he led the National League in any categories - OPS and OPS+ in 2007 and batting average and OBP in 2008 - he was 35 and 36 years old, respectively.</p>
<p id="jJuyIj">Wow.</p>
<p id="NrXudc">Despite playing in 2,499 games in his career, he lost the strike-shortened 1994 season to a knee injury suffered in Spring Training and played in more than 140 game only one season after 2003 (his age 31 season).</p>
<p id="1ikf8W">Across the final nine seasons of his career, Jones averaged less than 126 games per season or basically 30 games fewer than he did in the first nine full-time seasons of his career. </p>
<p id="D4QH6n">While it might be unreasonable to expect someone to remain a 155+ game-per-season player through their 30s, the decline Jones saw started after the two seasons he spent playing left field is notable.</p>
<p id="ON6Skd">In December 2001, the Braves signed Vinny Castilla, bringing back their former prospect to man third base, shifting Jones to left field in the process. Castilla had bounced between two organizations the prior two seasons, but had been a two-time All Star and Silver Slugger during a seven-year run in Colorado that ended in 1999.</p>
<p id="jYo5rD">Castilla struggled mightily with the Braves in 2002 putting up the worst bWAR of his career with -1.1 for the season. While his defensive was a slight upgrade over Jones, offensively, he was well below average posting a 60 OPS+. Although he would rebound in 2003 with a roughly league-average offensive output with solid defense, the Braves let him leave via free agency after the 2003 season.</p>
<p id="cnX3Rh">The Braves remained committed to the Chipper Jones-in-left experiment to start the 2004 season, with Mark DeRosa starting at third base for the team coming out of Spring Training. That lasted until June 2nd, when Jones replaced the struggling DeRosa at third, where he remained the primary third baseman for the rest of his career. </p>
<p id="zNYz7k">Jones’ move back to third was also precipitated due to his own hamstring injury suffered in late April, which continued to plague him. He actually spent time taking pre-game drills at first base before his move back to the hot corner, as the team tried to shore up its infield defense and find a way to key Jones’ bat in the line-up.</p>
<p id="aNKB4j">As he told Ronald Blum of the Associated Press around the time of his positional change, “I’ve sacrificed for this team a lot over the years, moving positions and doing what I and Bobby (Cox) think are best for the team. Now I’m the one in need of a position change, just to stay healthy.”</p>
<p id="PtkBu9">Although Jones’ run in left field produced his typical premium offensive output, he was a below average fielder, with the extra wear-and-tear on his lower body impacting him the rest of his career.</p>
<p id="9MEgvy">The idea of the offensive numbers Jones may have been able to produce had he not missed almost 400 games during his career is thought provoking. The thought of even an addition 200 games being added to his career begins to bring to light the possibility of 3,000 career hits and 500 career home runs.</p>
<p id="LERoGt">Would that have made any difference on how the career of Chipper Jones is viewed? Probably not for Braves fans, but would those two milestone number have cemented his status in the inner sanctum of the Hall of Fame within the game itself? We, unfortunately, will never know.</p>
<p id="gUJ3Yw">Reviewing his season-by-season numbers closely does highlight just how sensational of a player he was during a career that saw him receive votes for NL MVP in twelve seasons -ranging from 1995 to 2012 - and meet, or exceed, 5.9 fWAR eight times.</p>
<h1 id="xKKn0i">Notable Tidbits</h1>
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<img alt="Los Angeles Angels v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kq0NxY-zAyjUlR6yvrN2BAv6PHk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23935058/1242081586.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Austin Riley seems set to hold down third base for the foreseeable future after signing the largest contract extension in Braves history earlier this season. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="JjQVMR">Here’s a look at some of the interesting notes for third basemen since 1990.</p>
<ul>
<li id="AAH3Yd">Austin Riley only qualified for this ranking in his 2021 season but his 2022 season is on pace to equal or surpass his productivity in ‘21. If he is able to repeat that feat again in 2023 - which the Braves are obviously banking on given his $212M contract extension - then he will move into second place in this ranking overtaking Terry Pendleton.</li>
<li id="R46rNq">Speaking of “TP”, the former long-time Braves coach’s 1991 and 1992 seasons can easily be overshadowed by the production Chipper Jones provided beginning in the last-half of the ‘90s, but Pendleton’s impact to the Atlanta organization shouldn’t be minimized.</li>
<li id="TA1u7b">Pendleton’s first two seasons in Atlanta combined output of 11.1 bWAR underscored his 1991 NL MVP Award and his second place finish in 1992. Retrospectively, it is easy to look back and wonder how Pendleton won in ‘91 over Barry Bonds (who won the ‘92 MVP). The story of the Braves season - and the career resurrection of Pendleton after struggling in St. Louis - certainly played a role but shouldn’t negate how excellent his overall contributions to the team were that season.</li>
<li id="orkcHr">Pendleton was renowned for his defensive acumen prior to signing with Atlanta - a big part of the changes the organization made prior to the season to upgrade their infield defense. For his career, he provided 13.5 dWAR in value, with 2.5 of that coming with Atlanta - although that number increases to 2.9 dWAR when you exclude a 40+ game run he had after returning to the team in 1996.</li>
<li id="0E8G1T">In parts of five seasons with Atlanta, Pendleton posted a 107 OPS+, by far the best numbers he put up for any of the five teams with which he spent time during his 15 year career.</li>
</ul>
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YZjPrgHp15Ry0BVJYEy40n7J984=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23938269/177181939.jpg">
<figcaption>The switch-hitting Terry Pendleton was NL MVP in 1991 and runner-up for the award in 1992. He was also the NL All Star starting third baseman and Gold Glove winner in ‘92.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="bOzIqg">One last note on Pendleton, going back to his 1991 season. In 1990, the last of nine seasons he spent in St. Louis, he mustered only a .230/.277/.324 slash line food for a .601 OPS and 65 OPS+. For Atlanta in ‘91, those marks soared to .319/.363/.517 for an .880 OPS and 139 OPS+ as he led the NL in hits, batting average and total bases. That earned Pendleton the Sporting News NL Comeback Player of the Year award along with the previously mentioned NL MVP award..</li>
<li id="L3sM63">Preceding Pendleton at third was Jim Presley in 1990. Presley was acquired from Seattle prior to Spring Training, but lasted only a single-season in Atlanta. An All Star as a 24 year-old in 1986, he was unable to regain the productivity he showed early in his career with Seattle and the change of scenery didn’t prove to jump-start his career. Presley had a 20 game stint with San Diego in 1991 but was out of baseball after spending 1992 in AAA for the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>.</li>
<li id="0IKXg7">Presley’s -1.8 bWAR in ‘90 was the worst of any qualifying third baseman for Atlanta since 1990. He wasn’t alone in producing negative results at the position. Despite the overall incredible production by third basemen through the decades, four other qualifying third baseman posted negative bWAR numbers. Vinny Castilla (2002), -1.1bWAR; Mark DeRosa (2004), -1.1bWAR; Chris Johnson (2014), -0.50; and Adonis Garcia (2016), -0.2 bWAR round out that list.</li>
<li id="1HiPPj">Although 2020 is not part of this ranking, Austin Riley also posted a -0.6 bWAR in that pandemic-shortened season. </li>
<li id="JAfFXf">The player to come closest to qualifying for this ranking - but just missing out - was Wilson Betemit when he played in 63 games, starting 46, at third in 2005 as he filled in as Chipper Jones missed time due to injury.</li>
<li id="Spxy6O">No player qualified in 2015 and 2017.</li>
<li id="oiwIN3">In 2015, the Braves had nine different players spend time at third base, led by Garcia and Juan Uribe with 42 games each. Alberto Callaspo, Pedro Ciriaco, Chris Johnson, and Hector Olivera all spent more than 20 games at third that season. Kelly Johnson, Daniel Castro, and Phil Gosslin also saw action at the hot corner. </li>
<li id="jvaE6I">In 2017, the Braves again used nine different players at third base, with Johan Camargo, Rio Ruiz and Garcia playing 39 games or more at the position. Among the other players to see time at the position that season were Brandon Phillips, Jace Peterson, Sean Rodriquez, Danny Santana, and Chase d’Arnaud.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Houston Astros v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7y9PsbaqAlSjvBoGqhWsbTrSsXw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23939313/808540488.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Third baseman, Freddie Freeman. That was a thing that happened 16 times in 2017.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="DH4Ib3">The best third baseman the Braves used in 2017 was not listed above. That honor belonged to Freddie Freeman, who move to third base after returning from injury because of the productivity Matt Adams has provided while filling-in for Freeman at first base. After 16 games, Freeman moved back to first, but proved to be more-than-competent at that the position during 136 inning.</li>
<li id="ZVn1Yh">Only two qualifying players failed to exceed 10 home runs during any single season (DeRosa in 2004 and Pendleton in 1994).</li>
<li id="eR06Yz">Mark DeRosa carved out a 16 year career in MLB as a utility player that included appearing in 136 or more games in four consecutive seasons for four different teams in the late 2000s. But his 2004 season - his last with Atlanta - was amongst the worst of his career, when he posted a 59 OPS+, the worst of any season in which he appeared in 65 games or more.</li>
<li id="Rze1We">Collectively, third basemen produced 102.9 bWAR in qualifying seasons since 1990. That includes 38.5 bWAR in the ‘90s, 40.2 bWAR in the ‘00s, 18.1 bWAR in the ‘10s and 6.1 bWAR from Austin Riley’s 2021 season.</li>
<li id="E9H9wb">Chipper Jones provided 74.9 bWAR as a third baseman or 73-percent of the total bWAR in this ranking.</li>
<li id="4y0EeP">Since Jones stole nine bases in 2001, no third baseman has stolen as many as seven bases in any season.</li>
<li id="e8opwa">From 1991 to 2001, Braves third basemen stole more than seven based eight times - seven of those times were by Jones.</li>
<li id="jL901y">Only four third basemen qualified in two or more seasons: Jones (16), Pendleton (4), Johnson (2), and Vinny Castilla (2).</li>
</ul>
<p id="BWrnBw">Between Chipper Jones and Eddie Mathews, the Braves have had two of the best offensive third basemen in MLB history. </p>
<p id="CJwK7O">The whole of their careers are remarkably similar with Jones’ career stretching out three years longer than Mathews, but with Jones only playing in 108 more games because of injuries. They each totaled more than 10,000 plate appearances with an OPS+ exceeding 140 for their careers.</p>
<p id="uKHtte">Offensively, there is an argument to be made on who the offensive player was during their career. Jones output was slightly better; but Mathews was a bit better when adjusted for era. Defensively, Mathews was a notch or two (or three) above Jones as a fielder.</p>
<p id="pzAao2">Jones - with almost six-times more post-season games played than Mathews - was an excellent playoff performer. In 93 career post-season games, Jones slashed .287/.409/.456, totaling 97 hits, 13 home runs, 58 runs scored, and 47 RBI - with a career WPA of 0.41. Interestingly, his cWPA was only -1.7-percent, but that rose to 6.1% in 16 World Series games.</p>
<p id="rjZMnm">Mathews only appeared in 16 post-season games, but those were all in the World Series, two of which game with the Tigers in 1968. Although his slash numbers were not overly impressive -.200/.385/.360 - his WPA was 0.40 and his cWPA was 29.6-percent, including an outstanding 39.7-percent in the 1957 World Series.</p>
<p id="T5I55G">This isn’t a debate of which of these two legendary Hall of Famers is better but an appreciation that two different generations of Braves fans were able to spend 15 years (or more) watch two players whose legendary on-field production was remarkably similar. </p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/23296957/atlanta-braves-third-basemen-since-1990-chipper-jones-terry-pendleton-austin-riley-eddie-matthewsDJourn2022-07-19T10:00:00-04:002022-07-19T10:00:00-04:00The (best) Atlanta Braves All Stars
<figure>
<img alt="Chipper Jones..." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zyCj7vHvap4vRVWQAnsWtVG6SEo=/0x319:2333x1874/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71151387/725679.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chipper Jones leads the parade of players to be selected as an All Star while a member of the Braves since 1990. Jones went 3 for 3, with a home run, in his epic 2000 All Star Game performance in Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With more than 150 selections since the team moved to Atlanta, the Braves have been well represented at the All Star Game. Let’s look back at the players who were selected to the Mid-Summer Classic.</p> <p id="ZcTRDL">The All Star game holds a special place in my baseball heart - and maybe yours as well. While I used to watch the whole game (and I even kept score a couple of years - which I don’t recommend), the most exciting part of game isn’t the game its self - at least not to me. </p>
<p id="FMI9m9">It’s the player introductions.</p>
<p id="OiLNb6">If you loved baseball as a kid, I’m sure you more-than-once imagined yourself as an All Star. Even in that self-concocted fantasy world, there was pride in the proclamation of being named “All Star” and pretending to doff your cap when your name was announced.</p>
<p id="NoPRIY">Now, each year, it’s those introduction that I enjoy the most. </p>
<p id="vpE7OC">“And now your National League All Star reserves. From the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> ...”</p>
<p id="yAsaft">It’s okay if you filled in your name there. I did, too.</p>
<p id="R2PC0V">Back to the real baseball world where a select few get to live out that dream and hear their name announced as an All Star for the Atlanta Braves.</p>
<p id="H8CJyE">Since the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, there have been 157 selections of Braves players to the National League All Star team - including six this year.</p>
<p id="dByfKb">Like the rest of this retrospective series, the focus here will be on this most-modern, post-1990 era, but this is a special honor, so here’s a look at all the players who were selected to the National League All Star team since 1966.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Hank Aaron Waving to Fans" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WTIPPN7SynRQew3cKiHdYwC87jQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23845910/517265204.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hank Aaron was selected to 25 All Star games during his illustrious career - 24 of which were as a member of the Braves organization.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YvWdiW">There’s only one place we can start and that is with Henry Aaron. He was selected to a total of 25 All Star games, 24 of which came as a member of the Braves. (A reminder, if you forgot, that two All Star games were played for a handful of years in the late 1950s to early 1960s.)</p>
<p id="TQ4eq9">Of those 25 appearances for Aaron, nine came after the team moved to Atlanta. Even though it is not uncommon for an outfielder to play a outfield position other than his primary position during the game, Aaron was selected as the starting right fielder in 1972 despite playing first base and in 1973 as a first baseman although he played most of the season in right field. </p>
<p id="2HKYl3">Ah, the days of paper All Star ballots.</p>
<p id="gCmXMM">In the Atlanta-era of the the 1960s, catcher Joe Torre and infielder/outfielder Felipe Alou joined Aaron as multiple year selections. A handful of other players were also selected, with the most notable being the first selection of Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro’s career.</p>
<p id="cOJi3H">In the 1970s, the Braves had six different multiple-time All Stars make their only All Star appearance as a member of the Braves. Niekro and second baseman Felix Millan were the only Braves to join Aaron in making multiple All Star teams with Atlanta, while another five players made the only All Star game of their career as a Brave. </p>
<p id="G06qhi">Among Atlanta’s All Stars was relief pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm, who made the 1970 All Star team as a reliever at age 47. It was the last of eight All Star appearances for the Hall of Famer.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Dale Murphy in Batting Action During All Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C9pAXpSJoqB-_7TW5dqZHvArA7M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23845915/515175000.jpg">
<figcaption>Dale Murphy was a seven-time All Star for the Braves in the 1980s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="1NGdQe">The 1980s began with outfielder Dale Murphy making his first All Star appearance as the Braves lone representative in 1980. It would be the first of seven All Star games for Murphy, including five as a starter. The only other Braves player to appear in two All Star games in the decade was catcher Bruce Benedict, who was selected in 1981 and 1983.</p>
<p id="SjouVJ">The decade ended with John Smoltz’s first All Star selection - and the only one for the Braves that season.</p>
<p id="XNst9y">The decade of the 1990s set sail with catcher Greg Olson representing the Braves as their only selection. Starting pitcher Tom Glavine held the same honor as Olson in 1991. </p>
<p id="5rrADE">After than 1991 All Star game, things changed for the Atlanta franchise, and that shows up in the number of All Star selections the team had for the decade.</p>
<p id="6fQ9XE">After 18 total selections in the 1980s (and 21 in the 1970s), the Braves had a whopping 37 selections in the 1990s. That’s 35 selection in the final eight years of the decade - more than four per season.</p>
<p id="ojFZnN">Multiple-time All Stars for the Braves included Glavine, starting pitcher John Smoltz, outfielder David Justice, shortstop Jeff Blauser, first baseman Fred McGriff, starting pitcher Greg Maddux, third baseman Chipper Jones and catcher Javy Lopez. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sheffield/Galarraga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BwSIxkZRTy51FjkssoWiKsKGf_Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23845921/725733.jpg">
<figcaption>Andres Galarraga started at first base for the Braves in the 2000 game played in Atlanta. He appears here with future Braves All Star Gary Sheffield. Galarraga was also an All Star for Atlanta in 1998.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wRXalK">The 2000s didn’t quite meet the same standards as the 1990s, but the first decade of the new millennium still saw 29 Braves selections with only 2004 yielding a single selection, the honor of which was bestowed upon catcher Johnny Estrada. </p>
<p id="ljCvSc">The decade began with the second of two selections for first baseman Andres Galarraga and the first of five selections for centerfielder Andruw Jones. Other players to appear in two-or-more All Star games included Chipper Jones, Glavine, Smoltz, and catcher Brian McCann.</p>
<p id="Iavpyt">The Braves organization rebounded in the 2010s - despite a fall-off in regular season success in the middle part of the decade - with 31 selections for the decade. First baseman Freddie Freeman appeared in four All Star games tying closer Craig Kimbrel for the most selections during that ten-year period.</p>
<p id="JtLyg7">The only other Braves All Star to appear in more than one game during the decade was starting pitcher Julio Teheran, who was the team’s only selection in both 2014 and 2016.</p>
<p id="eFWqAS">So far in the 2020s, the Braves have had nine All Stars, headlined by two selections of outfielder Ronald Acuna, Jr., bringing his current career total to three. </p>
<p id="0P5Kkw">Despite the shortened 2020 season, it is a shame that MLB didn’t at least select All Stars after the season, even if no game was played. If it had, there is no doubt that the Braves would have had multiple selections that season.</p>
<p id="Mcc0dd">Here’s a look at some of the highlights of Atlanta’s All Star selections over the past 50+ years Braves baseball in the Deep South.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2020" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4SlijRHwtPYFucYJfQo0fhI94As=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23845903/1204045756.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Ron Vesely Photography via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones was selected to eight All Star games during his career. His eight appearances as a Brave tied him with former teammate Tom Glavine for the most selections by a Braves player since 1990. Jones is shown here at the 1996 All Star Game in Philadelphia.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="KxH3m3">Most Selections with Atlanta Since 1990</h1>
<p id="zzKSgF">8 - Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine</p>
<p id="xBHH0G">7 - John Smoltz, Brian McCann</p>
<p id="yR1Gzl">6 - Greg Maddux</p>
<p id="lCCKVi">5 - Andruw Jones, Freddie Freeman</p>
<p id="p8Aw9m">4 - Craig Kimbrel</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive: Atlanta Braves v. Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FJlpv_pj4RDpwcQTwdUrso1TLmM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23845896/464171123.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Tom Glavine was selected to 10 All Star games during his career, including eight with the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="MINaNH">Total Player Career All Star Selections Since 1990*</h1>
<p id="llGwHZ">10 - Tom Glavine</p>
<p id="seVi9o">9 - Gary Sheffield</p>
<p id="SigaLU">8 - John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, Chipper Jones, Craig Kimbrell</p>
<p id="diU38d">7 - Billy Wagner, Brian McCann</p>
<p id="OOOomf">6 - Kenny Lofton</p>
<p id="Q2eT9h"><em>*-Includes selections prior to 1990 for players appearing as an All Star for Atlanta post-1990</em></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1998 All-Star Home Run Contest" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eplQ6Y6jfsHp82k2pGuFA04pkHU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23844675/456030321.jpg">
<figcaption>Chipper Jones was a five-time All Star starter at third base. His first start was in 1998.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="pVtKGG">Selections as an All Star Starter Since 1990</h1>
<p id="Kfr5B1">5 - Chipper Jones, 3B</p>
<p id="LhVWY5">3 - Freddie Freeman, 1B</p>
<p id="nKfeCn">3 - Greg Maddux, SP</p>
<p id="BraRtm">2 - David Justice, RF</p>
<p id="URwaQx">2 - Tom Glavine, SP</p>
<p id="wl5loW">2 - Fred McGriff, 1B</p>
<p id="aePtzd">2 - Ronald Acuna, Jr., CF, RF</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2PXJA7z422ZH2-_vW0A0HVKqXBA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23844684/1146263670.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Diamond Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Maddux was the starting pitcher three times for the National League during his with in Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="NscpH6">All Star Starters by Position Since 1990</h1>
<p id="mLieOg">C (2) - Javy Lopez, Brian McCann</p>
<p id="PK4xMp">1B (6) - Freddie Freemen (3), Fred McGriff (2), Andres Galarraga</p>
<p id="Dr3mTo">2B (2) - Martin Prado, Dan Uggla</p>
<p id="C2ztre">SS (3) - Jeff Blauser, Walt Weiss, Edgar Renteria</p>
<p id="jaL24g">3B (6) - Chipper Jones (5), Terry Pendleton</p>
<p id="a8alpf">CF (1) - Ronald Acuna, Jr.</p>
<p id="aFLvII">RF (5) - David Justice (2), Gary Sheffield, Nick Markakis, Ronald Acuna, Jr.</p>
<p id="ElhhLY">SP (6) - Greg Maddux (3), Tom Glavine (2), John Smoltz</p>
<p id="iWe6YE">DH (1)* - William Contreras</p>
<p id="o5DDH8"><em>*Based on the NL adding the designated hitter as a permanent regular season position in 2022.</em></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="87th MLB All-Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Us8WYSMOJfbiLZ0256_9soU5XdE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23875355/546703330.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Julio Teheran was a two-time All Star for Atlanta. His two selections were among the 32 for starting pitchers since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="WZfqPx">Selections by Primary Position Since 1990</h1>
<p id="WMvXzN">32 - Starting Pitcher</p>
<p id="rxnf1P">14 - Catcher*</p>
<p id="OWixXa">10 - First Base</p>
<p id="hryjeD">10 - Third Base</p>
<p id="NkHs7Z">9 - Relief Pitcher</p>
<p id="1tgiVC">9 - Right Field</p>
<p id="pYcpjA">9 - Center Field</p>
<p id="jcKI5S">6 - Shortstop</p>
<p id="0gv0NU">5 - Second Base</p>
<p id="yMTmVb">1 - Left Field</p>
<p id="Se7qDl">1 - Utility**</p>
<p id="lgszYS"><em>*-Although William Contreras started at DH in 2022 for the NL based on the voting, he appeared in more games at catcher than designated hitter prior to the All Star Game.</em></p>
<p id="JUCgs5"><em>**-Omar Infante appeared at six different positions with Atlanta for the season 2010 season, with 65 coming at second base. Prior to the All Star Game he appeared in more games at third base and in the outfield than at second base.</em></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1972 MLB All Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DN_HdyLMRSwLlSFrcOGXTVJ87ds=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23845974/51455479.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hank Aaron holds the MLB record for All Star game selections in a career. He’s picture here with former Braves teammate and Hall of Famer Joe Torre (l) and Hall of Famer (and future, former Brave) Ted Simmons (r) at the 1972 game in Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="ctpler">Most Selections as an Atlanta Braves Player Since 1966</h1>
<p id="1ek6M3">1 - (9) Hank Aaron</p>
<p id="RDFZHV">2 - (8) John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones</p>
<p id="XQgfEu">3 - (7) Dale Murphy, Brian McCann</p>
<p id="K8I7aC">4 - (6) Greg Maddux</p>
<p id="YfkBxU">5 - (5) Joe Torre, Andruw Jones</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2010 State Farm Home Run Derby" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Fypr0UZs1AVq9DCdjBI0zw0GaRg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23846053/102838585.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matt Brown/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jason Heyward (l) is the youngest Braves player to be selected to an All Star team when he was selected to the 2010 game in Anaheim at age 20. Pictured to Heyward’s left is former Gwinnett Braves player, Ryan Howard.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="gVQTDF">Youngest Selections Since 1966</h1>
<p id="qmrsZh">Jason Heyward, 20 (2010)</p>
<p id="lYp2SR">Mike Soroka, 21 (2019)</p>
<p id="Mn8N0M">Ozzie Albies, 21 (2018)</p>
<p id="fNPeFu">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 21 (2019)</p>
<p id="hL8bJp">John Smoltz, 22 (1989)</p>
<p id="E4dJKG">Brian McCann, 22 (2006)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VbbbS4wCOdJc20OkPJybMI9KUfg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23846061/50987149.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Louis Requena/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hoyt Wilhelm was selected to his eighth All Star game in 1970 as a relief pitcher at age 47. It was his only selection as a Brave and his first since 1962 when he was 39 and only three years younger than his All Star Game manager, Ralph Houk.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="IsjoAd">Oldest Selections Since 1966</h1>
<p id="YTREmC">Hoyt Wilhelm, 47 (1970)</p>
<p id="UaPICv">Phil Niekro, 43 (1982)</p>
<p id="oXabW4">Chipper Jones, 40 (2012)</p>
<p id="qK9RXv">John Smoltz, 40 (2007)</p>
<p id="lAwMx8">Hank Aaron, 40 (1974)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets, 1969 National League Championship Series" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tssJDlKzV9PMAK4Cl2IpyW1vqO8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23846074/1230450231.jpg">
<figcaption>Phil Niekro was selected to his first All Star game in 1969 at age 30.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="IuZJKv">All Star Selections, 1960s (Since 1966)</h1>
<p id="1wXp9f">Hank Aaron (4), Felipe Alou (2), Joe Torre (2), Denny Lemaster, Felix Millan, Phil Niekro, Ron Reed</p>
<p id="bHUb5D">Youngest Selection: Ron Reed, starting pitcher, 25 (1968)</p>
<p id="RZevoA">Oldest Selection: Hank Aaron, right field, 35 (1969)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1972 MLB All Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lzvwbxzXiSanjJ2Q5VvO2dkogNQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23846082/51455488.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Hank Aaron homered during the 1972 All Star Game, the first exhibition to be held in Atlanta. He is congratulated by Cesar Cedeno (l) and Billy Williams (r).</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="9OPrSr">All Star Selections, 1970s</h1>
<p id="I7jWOK">Hank Aaron (5), Felix Millan (2), Phil Niekro (2), Andy Messersmith, Biff Pocoroba, Buzz Capra, Darrell Evans, Davey Johnson, Dick Ruthven, Gary Matthews, Hoyt Wilhelm, Jeff Burroughs, Ralph Garr, Rico Carty, Willie Montanez</p>
<p id="MjW5tC">Youngest Selection: Biff Pocoroba, catcher, 24 (1978)</p>
<p id="7Pkzql">Oldest Selection: Hoyt Wilhelm, relief pitcher, 47, (1970)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1981 All Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DEQoEXJJcy5_syAPQS2hatwtprU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23846085/1212991927.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X25920 TK1</cite>
<figcaption>Bruce Benedict was a two-time All Star for Atlanta in the 1980s. He’s shown here congratulating future Brave Bruce Sutter after recording the final out of the 1981 game in Cleveland.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="41Iw4K">All Star Selections, 1980s</h1>
<p id="rRtrgJ">Dale Murphy (7), Bruce Benedict (2), Bob Horner, Claudell Washington, Gerald Perry, Glenn Hubbard, John Smoltz, Ozzie Virgil, Pascual Perez, Phil Niekro, Rafael Ramirez</p>
<p id="ou6wiU">Youngest Selection: John Smoltz, starting pitcher, 22 (1989)</p>
<p id="DtRv27">Oldest Selection: Phil Niekro, starting pitcher, 43 (1982)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="July 12, 1994: Major League Baseball All Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XTnKyfmBvl9k43FVPpKLzYJhliQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23846107/129701322.jpg">
<figcaption>Fred McGriff was named MVP after he hit a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning off Lee Smith to tie the game for the National League in 1994. The NL would win the game in the 10th inning.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="FuRxZ6">All Star Selections, 1990s</h1>
<p id="xDlpsc">Tom Glavine (6), Greg Maddux (5), Chipper Jones (3), Fred McGriff (3), John Smoltz (3), David Justice (2), Javy Lopez (2), Jeff Blauser (2), Andres Galarraga, Brian Jordan, Denny Neagle, Greg Olson, Kenny Lofton, Kevin Millwood, Mark Wohlers, Ron Gant, Steve Avery, Terry Pendleton, Walt Weiss</p>
<p id="DKVUXn">Youngest Selection: Steve Avery, starting pitcher, 23 (1993)</p>
<p id="uCFb8c">Oldest Selection: Andres Galarraga, first baseman, 37 (1998)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="All Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5sWtbiKuNmSPrbLmYYWSsPmx-l4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23875187/1088355.jpg">
<figcaption>Tom Glavine (l), Mike Remlinger, John Smoltz and Andruw Jones represented Atlanta in the 2002 All Star Game. Jones was selected five times during the decade, the most of any Braves player.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="uWBTK3">All Star Selections, 2000s</h1>
<p id="qCjWuO">Andruw Jones (5), John Smoltz (4), Brian McCann (4), Chipper Jones (3), Tom Glavine (2), Andres Galarraga, Edgar Renteria, Gary Sheffield, Greg Maddux, Javy Lopez, John Burkett, Johnny Estrada, Marcus Giles, Mike Remlinger, Rafael Furcal, Russ Ortiz</p>
<p id="s5ws6A">Youngest Selection: Brian McCann, catcher, 22 (2006)</p>
<p id="PWW2Mg">Oldest Selection: John Smoltz, starting pitcher, 40 (2007)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="84th MLB All-Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2XNqFIOrQOQ_jD3aCLWVwNWH67s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23875190/174509122.jpg">
<figcaption>Craig Kimbrel (l), Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman were the team’s All Star selections in 2013. Kimbrel and Freeman were both selected to four All Star games in the 2010s as Braves. </figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="BF4r6p">All Star Selections, 2010s</h1>
<p id="2aUPXH">Craig Kimbrel (4), Freddie Freeman (4), Brian McCann (3), Chipper Jones (2), Julio Teheran (2), Billy Wagner, Dan Uggla, Ender Inciarte, Jair Jurrjens, Jason Heyward, Jonny Venters, Martin Prado, Michael Bourn, Mike Foltynewicz, Mike Soroka, Nick Markakis, Omar Infante, Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna, Jr., Shelby Miller, Tim Hudson</p>
<p id="CDSdwK">Youngest Selection: Jason Heyward, right fielder, 20 (2010)</p>
<p id="TvQSix">Oldest Selection: Chipper Jones, third baseman, 40 (2012)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="91st MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FRy3sdzPHl-20KufWW5L-BD6AwY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23875347/1234078579.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ozzie Albies was one of two Braves to play in the 2021 All Star Game. </figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="ZrVKQ8">All Star Selections, 2020s (through 2022)</h1>
<p id="Q6HVVP">Ronald Acuna, Jr., (2), Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Travis d’Arnaud, William Contreras, Max Fried, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley</p>
<p id="2qNKc0">Youngest Selection: Ronald Acuna, Jr., right fielder, 23 (2021)</p>
<p id="r8DxIM">Oldest Selection: Travis d’Arnaud, catcher, 33 (2022)</p>
<h1 id="frm0GT"></h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2010 MLB All-Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YFkgrjiJLyKfiUTPTDBpwNOnfbw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23876593/102876946.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Brian McCann was the MVP of the 2010 All Star Game after driving in three runs, leading the NL to their first win since 1996. He is pictured here with a former car leasing specialist.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h1 id="0j7vcd">Notable Tidbits</h1>
<ul>
<li id="sw1ZsG">Fred McGriff (1994) and Brian McCann (2010) are the only two Atlanta Braves to be named MVP of the All Star game.</li>
<li id="2u8QFb">John Smoltz is the only Braves All Star to be both the youngest and oldest All Star for a specific decade.</li>
<li id="26Wq6B">No Braves player has ever hit more than one home run in a single All Star Game.</li>
<li id="b6QbZS">Since 1966, Hank Aaron (1971, 1972) and Andruw Jones (2003, 2005) are the only Braves to homer in more than one All Star Game.</li>
<li id="sXmAwI">Chipper Jones (2000) and Aaron (1972) both hit home runs in Atlanta when the Braves were the host team.</li>
<li id="tXGxzl">Aaron is also the only Brave with two or more stolen bases in their All Star career while with Atlanta.</li>
<li id="hn6RBi">Andruw Jones (2003) and McCann (2010) both drove in three runs in a single game, which is the most for any Brave.</li>
<li id="cVZ3MP">Smoltz (1996) is the only Braves pitcher to record a win in the All Star Game.</li>
<li id="A8xm5R">Since the team moved to Atlanta, Phil Niekro is the only Brave to earn a save (he had 29 during his regular season career).</li>
<li id="l5P8eI">Craig Kimbrel (2014) and Tom Glavine (1991) have the most strike outs in a single All Star Game appearance with three. Kimbrel struck out the side, in order, in his 2014 appearance. Glavine’s three strikeouts came in a two inning stint in the ‘91 game.</li>
<li id="ZA9Ajv">Bobby Cox (5) and Brian Snitker are the only Braves managers to manage the National League All Star team since the team moved to Atlanta.</li>
<li id="eEpYDT">Atlanta has hosted two All Star Games with the first in 1972 and the second in 2000. The region was to have hosted the 2021 All Star Game but it was moved to Denver because of reasons. Cue Forrest Gump.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2001 All-Star Game X" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/guYA1FO-OUoNQ8n3Vk3_lspmgqA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23876742/575840.jpg">
<figcaption>Chipper Jones (center, left) was one of two Braves All Stars in 2001. Can you name the other one? (Also pictured here from left to right are Rick Reed [I think], Mike Piazza [with blonde hair!], Sean Casey, Jones, future former Brave Mike Hampton, legendary manager and honorary coach Tommy Lasorda, Cliff Lee, and Jimmy Rollins.)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qgo3hu">Obscurity is relative, but by decade, here are some of the players who were selected to the All Star Game that you likely didn’t remember:</p>
<ul>
<li id="g1NMFo">Starting with post-1966 selections, I’ll go with Denny Lemaster, starting pitcher, 1967. It was his last season with Atlanta before heading to Houston. </li>
<li id="2TMrXN">There are a few options for the 1970s, but Dick Ruthven’s selection as a starting pitcher in 1976 leads this list. He was actually selected again in 1981 with the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>. </li>
<li id="eACT6u">Another former Phillie, first baseman Willie Montanez, is also someone you likely didn’t know was an All Star, even through he was selected in 1977. </li>
<li id="qsV1kq">A special mention to starting pitcher Buzz Capra (1974) and catcher Biff Pocoroba (1978) for having All Star names, in addition to their All Star selections.</li>
<li id="NPhGd4">With so many one-time-only selections in the 1980s, it’s tough to choose just one, so we will again go with a former Phillie, catcher Ozzie Virgil who was selected in 1987. </li>
<li id="HYHHHJ">Gerald Perry’s 1988 selection as a first baseman is also one you may not have recalled.</li>
<li id="xpmwOs">With the success the team had in the 1990s, many of the names are well-known with the fanbase, but Kenny Lofton’s 1997 selection as an outfielder may have been forgettable since he was only with the team for a single season. </li>
<li id="iuKGv4">Shortstop Walt Weiss was a starter in 1998, but he is a player whose All Star appearance may have slipped from your memory.</li>
<li id="ksdy1j">The Braves only had two selections in 2001: Chipper Jones and a starting pitcher. Kudos to you if you remember that the starter that season wasn’t Maddux, Glavine or Smoltz. It was John Burkett.</li>
<li id="FRjuOJ">Another starting pitcher will earn mention for skipping out of your brain in the 2000s. Russ Ortiz was one of five Braves to be selected in 2003. </li>
<li id="NjmSN1">Although only four years ago, good on you if you remember that starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz was an All Star in 2018. You might have forgotten that fact. I know I had.</li>
<li id="ssRoEr">Shelby Miller was the lone Braves representative in 2015 as a starting pitcher. It’s a shame he hasn’t able to stay healthy; but he was fantastic for the Braves during his All Star season - a season that was otherwise largely forgettable.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2019" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2FOK3c0P_dAnjpMu_OB6qKWovPg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23883805/1183661524.jpg">
<figcaption>Terry Pendleton’s sole All Star Game selection came as the NL’s starting third baseman in 1992, the season after he won the NL MVP award. He was joined in this photo by fellow starters, Hall of Famer and AL starting third baseman Wade Boggs, and the legendary outfielder (and 1991 MVP runner-up) Barry Bonds. (That appears to be former Braves hitting coach Clarence Jones behind Bond.)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="emmDyT">Although the All Star Game isn’t perfect, being selected to the game is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the 80-or-so players and coaches that participate in the festivities each year.</p>
<p id="CpweD1">To all those former Braves who got to experience the game and festivities associated with being an All Star, congratulations and hopefully this year’s game will remind you of fond memories from your time in the spotlight.</p>
<p id="62hlYD">And for the rest of us, on that special Tuesday evening in mid-July, we hope to get the joy of hearing, “And now the starters for the National League ... from the Atlanta Braves ...”</p>
<p id="lJLCK4">Yes, I filled my name in there again. I bet you did, too.</p>
<p id="cZBY1l"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/7/19/23209936/the-best-atlanta-braves-all-stars-chipper-jones-tom-glavine-john-smoltz-hank-aaron-brian-mccannDJourn2022-07-12T12:00:00-04:002022-07-12T12:00:00-04:00The best Braves centerfielders since 1990
<figure>
<img alt="2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Player Portraits" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YLyImwH3BHkA7myx3Ut6rAAGggY=/0x0:3504x2336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71099460/56910859.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The only thing better than the bat Andruw Jones was holding at this 2005 All Star game photoshoot was the glove he used when patrolling centerfield for the Atlanta Braves. | Photo by John Reid III /MLB via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Andruw Jones was a stalwart in centerfield for the Braves for a decade, but he isn’t the only former Atlanta centerfielder to have his career overlooked by Hall of Fame voters. </p> <p id="B1zuyc">Who is the first person that comes to mind when you think about centerfield, Atlanta and the last three decades?</p>
<p id="t6Efhq">Andruw Jones, maybe?</p>
<p id="xikHUE">As if it would have been anyone else. </p>
<p id="z2A1R0">From 1996 through 2007, Jones provided Atlanta with highlight catches, light-tower power and the not-quite-rhetorical question, “Was he was the best defensive centerfielder to ever play the game?”</p>
<p id="sdfm48">As great as Jones was - and we will discuss just how legendary his decade-long run as centerfielder for the Braves in greater detail in a bit - he wasn’t the only player to put together an almost - maybe should be - Hall of Fame career with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="dhAHfp">That teaser is a great jumping-off point to take a look at the notable players who spent time in centerfield for Atlanta - including several players with strong cases for inclusion in baseball’s Hall of Fame - before 1990.</p>
<p id="x2bLMp">When the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, they brought with them Atlanta-native Mack Jones to play centerfield. He debuted with the Braves in 1961 and hit 31 home runs in Milwaukee in the team’s last season there in 1965. </p>
<p id="Q1Ixpp">Mack Jones played more than 100 games in center in Atlanta during each of the 1966 and 1967 seasons before before being traded to the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Cincinnati Reds</a> prior to the 1968 season.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YZxXjzlGaAlKt1r7RM-qEsdKElM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23667021/51887912.jpg">
<cite>Photo by: Louis Requena/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Felipe Alou spent six seasons with the Braves collecting 22 of his career 42.2 bWAR while playing six different positions with the team - including 414 career games in centerfield.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VrOBQY">Felipe Alou took over in center in 1968, paying 158 games there while earning the final All Star berth of his career - and his second in three years with Atlanta - finishing 10th in the MVP voting. </p>
<p id="UFZ1Fb">Although playing the season at age 33, Alou produced a career-best 6.6 bWAR while leading the league in plate appearances, at bats and hits. Offensively, it was the second-best season of his six campaigns with the Braves, behind his 1966 season which ended with a fifth place finish in the MVP balloting.</p>
<p id="gwtVXw">Alou - who went on to have a successful career as a manager - is a person whose career achievement as a player combined with his managerial successes should qualify him for a place in baseball’s Hall of Fame Museum, but as of yet, that hasn’t happened. </p>
<p id="Y9b2f6">For his career he created 42.2 bWAR and collected more than 2,100 hits and 200 home runs. Add to that his 1,033 wins as manager - and being the first native of the Dominican Republic to manage in MLB - he played an important part in the history of the game. </p>
<p id="LnQUiY">That history includes being a member of one of the most successful baseball families with his brothers, sons and other extended family members. Alou was part of the only outfield in history comprised of three brothers when he joined is bothers Matty and Jesus in the Giants outfield in 1963. </p>
<p id="we3r83">The 1970s started with a single season each of Tony Gonzalez and Sonny Jackson in center before Dusty Baker took over the position in 1972. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UlR3rJUv31TIQFU2f0yDILnkEO0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23667091/52991161.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Louis Reqeuna/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Dusty Baker played with Atlanta from 1968 until 1975, including three seasons as the team’s starting centerfielder.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="uA2Q3a">Baker, who debuted with Atlanta as a 19 year-old in 1969, became a full-time starter in ‘72 and spent three seasons in centerfield before moving to right field in 1975, his last season with the Braves before he was traded to the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>. </p>
<p id="0B0cnY">Like Alou, Baker put up an above-average career during parts of 19 seasons as a major leaguer. Although the best seasons of his career came in Los Angeles - two Silver Slugger awards, two All Star games, a Gold Glove and two top seven finishes for NL MVP, Baker was a strong player for Atlanta.</p>
<p id="j8Ze39">Baker’s best season with Atlanta was 1972 when he hit .321 with an OPS+ of 142. Although only playing in 127 games, he finished 22nd in the NL MVP voting. In 628 games with Atlanta, he posted 13.4 bWAR and hit 77 of his 242 career home runs.</p>
<p id="NQOmKm">Baker - similar to Alou - should be in the Hall of Fame due to he career achievements as player and manager. Although Baker finished just shy of 2,000 career hits, he drove in more than 1,000 runs in addition to his previously noted home run total. </p>
<p id="ZL7xdT">Baker’s career as manager is really what will likely cement his future enshrinement in Cooperstown. Still active as manager of the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> at age 73, Baker has been a Major League manager for 25 years, with more than 2,000 career wins for five different organizations. Although he has yet with win a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> as a manager, Baker has garnered Manager of the Year votes in 14 seasons, including three second place finishes and three first place finishes (1993, 1997, and 2000).</p>
<p id="BiEb6f">For the remainder of the 1970s, Rowland Office spent the majority of time in center for Atlanta. Although he was a negative bWAR player for his time for the Braves, Office spent seven seasons with the team. The best season of his Atlanta tenure was 1976. </p>
<p id="rHpXip">Although Office did spend more time in center than anyone else during the late-’70s, several other players did see time at the position. That included “The Toy Cannon” Jim Wynn in ‘76, and Barry Bonnell who appeared in centerfield for 200 games between 1977 and 1979. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2020" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZLMNMCiGuVXri10qDJgxxgab_T0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23667347/1226654461.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Barry Bonnell played 200 games in center for Atlanta in the late ‘70’s. He was involved in two notable Braves trades that bookended his time in Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="DOyJXy">Bonnell was a 1/1 draft pick in the 1975 secondary January draft by the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> was part of two notable Atlanta trades. First, he was sent by Philadelphia with Jim Essian to Atlanta (less than four months after being drafted) for Dick Allen and Johnny Oates. </p>
<p id="DzcARB">Allen, who should have been elected to the Hall of Fame before he passed away in 2020, had been sent to the Braves from the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> for $5,000 prior to the 1975 season because Chicago was not certain that Allen was going to continue playing after leaving the team in mid-September 1974. </p>
<p id="KM6zJB">Allen refused to play for Atlanta and announced his retirement despite leading the American League in home runs, slugging and OPS in 1974. Atlanta ultimately traded Allen, in the afore mentioned trade, in May of ‘75.</p>
<p id="GYujCj">The Phillies were able to coax Allen out of retirement causing the Braves to trade Essian to the White Sox to complete the terms of the original Allen deal. </p>
<p id="i3h9Xi">Bonnell spent three seasons with Atlanta before they included him as part a trade that saw the Braves acquire Chris Chambliss prior to the 1980 season from Toronto. Chambliss had been traded to the Blue Jays by the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> earlier in the same off-season and would go on to spend seven seasons with Atlanta as their primary first baseman.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kqpO3kbUUALAVJ4P6IC-0Cl6LkA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23667100/3316075.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Dale Murphy hammered home back-to-back NL MVP awards in 1982 and 1983.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="OTIrTA">Then in 1980, Dale Murphy took over in centerfielder and would go on to become one of the most beloved players in team history.</p>
<p id="9UaNOl">Taken with the fifth pick in the 1974 June Draft, Murphy broke into the big leagues as a catcher but didn’t establish himself until he was moved to centerfield from first base prior to the 1980 season. </p>
<p id="38mup6">Murphy was selected to his first All Star game in 1980, hitting 33 home runs with a 135 OPS+ for the season, one that also saw him finish 12th in the NL MVP voting.</p>
<p id="iDyNiT">Beginning in 1982, Murphy put together an incredible six year run that is the backbone of his Hall of Fame candidacy. The ‘82 season saw the Braves win the National League West behind the 26 year-old Murphy. </p>
<p id="CSXoRn">Playing in 162 games, he lead the National League with 109 RBI, hitting 36 home runs, scoring 113 runs with a 142 OPS+ in 698 plate appearances. It was a 6.1 bWAR (6.0 fWAR) season for Murphy, that ended with a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, an All Star appearance and the NL MVP award.</p>
<p id="VG8QRI">Ted Turner and his cable television station, the SuperStation TBS, had their star in Murphy with the affable right-hander becoming the face of the team as Atlanta had their games beamed from coast-to-coast.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2R1atErdqhafSjYLKM1Vjnmd9Lo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23667351/78112755.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Dale Murphy became the face of the franchise in the early 1980s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="BT4MxS">His 1983 season was quite the follow-up for “Murph” as he again was an All Star, Silver Slugger, Gold Glover and the NL MVP award winner. He did that off the basis of a league leading 121 RBI, slugging percentage and OPS. He hit a career best (for a full season) .302 with 36 home runs, 131 runs scored and a 149 OPS+. His bWAR and fWAR was 7.1 for the year, one that saw him also steal 30 bases, for the only 30/30 season of his career.</p>
<p id="VbgDcC">The Braves only had one less win in 1983 than 1982 but finished second in the NL West. In 1984, the team slipped below .500 going 80-82, but Murphy carried the team with an NL-best 36 home runs, 332 total bases and slugging percentage while again playing in 162 games. Again an All Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, Murphy finished 9th in the NL MVP voting. His bWAR for the season was 5.5 with his fWAR at 5.6.</p>
<p id="VUdOYS">Although his offensive performance continued to be among the best in all of baseball, Murphy’s defense was beginning to degrade as he entered the mid-’80’s, in the midst of playing more than 700 consecutive games (his 740 consecutive games played is the 13th longest streak in baseball history).</p>
<p id="JS8Ju1">In 1985, Murphy again led the National League in games played but also led the league in plate appearances, runs, home runs, walks, and strikeouts. His .300 batting average was the last time in his career he would meet or exceed that threshold. His OPS+ was 152 and his 332 total bases matched the career high he set the season prior. </p>
<p id="WsSbxR">Although the Braves sunk to fifth place in the NL West, losing 96 games, Murphy still finished seventh in the NL MVP voting while being and All Star, Gold Glover and winning the last Silver Slugger award of his career.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Dale Murphy - Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/35cACsdZvxvWRe_gSJksCt9J61A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23667354/52604803.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Although remembered for his power, Dale Murphy stole 161 bases during his career.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xvuwXB">The team wouldn’t fair much better in 1986 than they did in 1985, with the team slipping to last place in the Division despite winning seven more game than they did in ‘85. Murphy posted his worst numbers since the strike-shortened 1981 season. Murphy played through a severely cut hand early in the season and was mired in a slump when his consecutive games streak ended on July 9, 1986. Despite those issues, he was still an All Star and Gold Glove winner, although he slipped to 21st in the NL MVP voting behind a 121 OPS+, 29 home runs and an .824 OPS. </p>
<p id="QNzQRh">The 1986 season also marked Murphy’s last season playing more than 100 games in centerfielder as he moved to right field in 1987, making way for off-season trade acquisition, Dion James.</p>
<p id="fKXxIh">Murphy’s 1987 season was the best of his career, and one that we will discuss in the retrospective of right fielders, but before we finish out the decade, let’s look at Murphy’s totals as a centerfielder with Atlanta from 1980 through 1986.</p>
<p id="2qrTmW">During those seven seasons, Murphy averaged 31 home runs, 98 runs, 95 RBI with a triple slash of .283/.367/.508 which was good for a 138 OPS+. He hit 220 home runs, stole 112 bases, drove in 663 runners and scored 686 runs during those seasons. He was an All Star six times, won five Gold Gloves and took home four Silver Slugger awards. He also won two NL MVPs and received votes in six of those seven seasons, including five times in the top 12.</p>
<p id="a8kSaP">His bWAR for those seven seasons was 34.7, with an oWAR of 37.2 and a dWAR of -3.0, a number that was brought down by the final two season which saw him rate as -4.0 combined. For reference Murphy’s fWAR during that time was 32.8.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB Photos Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YqG3X5CWT30ppJ-P7laR7F70ahs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23667355/52463470.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Dale Murphy spent eight season as the Braves primary centerfielder: 1980-1986; 1989.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="MxFvkY">Keep in mind, those numbers are all despite losing more than 50 games to the strike in 1981. For the decade, Murphy led the National League in almost all major offensive categories with only a second place finish in home runs being notable. While his career ended in 1993 at age 37, issues with his knee saw his career crater starting in 1988, when he was 32. A borderline Hall of Fame candidate - waiting on possible enshrinement by a veterans committee - there is no debating that he was one of the best players in all of baseball for the majority of the 1980s.</p>
<p id="BpSCWg">Now, back to James, whose first season with Atlanta was the best of his career. Although he was a below average defensive centerfielder, James slashed .312/.397/.472 for a 126 OPS+ and 3.0 bWAR (4.1 iWAR) in 1987, teaming with Albert Hall to man centerfield.</p>
<p id="cD33lY">The Braves lost more than 100 games in 1988 and used three players in center, all of whom played in a similar number of games (from 49 to 63) and all of who provided negative bWAR (-0.3 to -0.6). Terry Blocker joined James and Hall in the positional rotation.</p>
<p id="vvYPTy">With the team’s struggles in centerfield, Murphy returned to play 82 games in center in 1989, and actually posted positive defensive value between center and right. But offensively, slipped to a 106 OPS+ hitting only .226/.313/.421 with 24 home runs and scoring 77 runs and driving in 77 for the season. </p>
<p id="UQQXU6">Murphy was replaced in center by Oddibe McDowell, who was traded to Atlanta by Cleveland (for James) in July. McDowell was phenomenal in the 76 games he played that season with Atlanta, providing 2.1 bWAR hitting .304/.365/.471 for a 136 OPS+.</p>
<p id="ALvX9g">And that brings us to 1990 as McDowell began the season in center before giving way to Ron Gant.</p>
<p id="k3fR4k">As has been the case with all of the position player retrospectives, the only limiting factor is a player appearing in 65 games in a single season at the position. Because of that, the 2020 season is disqualified. The data is from Baseball-Reference, primarily, and is best when used with a grain or two of salt. The retrospective is focused on offensive performances but we will touch on defense later on in this article.</p>
<h1 id="W4K6Cx">Best Single Seasons Since 1990</h1>
<p id="zVP4PJ">Here are the best single seasons by a centerfielder for the Braves since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBN-ROCKIES-BRAVES-A.JONES" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mq4jprDeBMwLRzFzIj5Li81pwx8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669223/1134623966.jpg">
<cite>DOUG COLLIER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>When it comes to Top 5 seasonal bWAR, there is Andruw Jones, and no one else, as Jones swept the rankings led by 8.2 bWAR in 2000.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QSfLt5"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by bWAR</strong></p>
<p id="WnuRcl">Andruw Jones, 2000, 8.2</p>
<p id="J5hl41">Andruw Jones, 1998, 7.4</p>
<p id="C38dA8">Andruw Jones, 1999, 7.1</p>
<p id="7U5UlF">Andruw Jones, 2005, 6.7</p>
<p id="OfcH4N">Andruw Jones, 2002, 6.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Baseball Player Ron Gant Sliding to Home Base" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oNU-gS07Pq5x7eZQuPOTl15atqc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669231/517791494.jpg">
<figcaption>Ron Gant led all centerfielders in OPS+ with a 139 in 1990. He also had the third highest with 127 in 1991.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ou6dni"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS+</strong></p>
<p id="LZt6Xl">Ron Gant, 1990, 139</p>
<p id="1bFccB">Andruw Jones, 2005, 136</p>
<p id="xQ1exy">Ron Gant, 1991, 127</p>
<p id="GbWsyr">Andruw Jones, 2002, 127</p>
<p id="EK2xfi">Andruw Jones, 2000, 126</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Bill Goldberg Promotes “The Longest Yard” in Atlanta" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y9MltuGcuoXIqUVGF9t4DuAKVVY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669234/83186812.jpg">
<cite>Photo by R. Diamond/WireImage</cite>
<figcaption>Who’s next? Ronald Acuna, Jr., that’s who. Andruw Jones had four of the top home run totals in this ranking, including 51 in 2005. (Bill Goldberg knows what’s up.)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ORzd2a"><strong>Top 5 Season, by HR</strong></p>
<p id="CBKAtz">Andruw Jones, 2005, 51</p>
<p id="E5qrCl">Andruw Jones, 2006, 41</p>
<p id="YzOMpw">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 41</p>
<p id="c3B0XV">Andruw Jones, 2000, 36</p>
<p id="pMMsNk">Andruw Jones, 2003, 28</p>
<p id="0B03MH"></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B9ulvBW9RedGG6ctHMOqIuLR-wI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669289/57561739.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Zagaris/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andruw Jones had 129 RBI in 2006, edging out his 2005 total by one RBI for the highest total in the ranking.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QLdIqu"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by RBI</strong></p>
<p id="sFguaB">Andruw Jones, 2006, 129</p>
<p id="GPI0bY">Andruw Jones, 2005, 128</p>
<p id="ix21GV">Andruw Jones, 2003, 116</p>
<p id="0TYsjJ">Ron Gant, 1991, 105</p>
<p id="pwVCQ4">Andruw Jones, 2000, 104</p>
<p id="roswUl">Andruw Jones, 2001, 104</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: SEP 19 Phillies at Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9FzA1-GymR9oZbDPTyj6SAmywIk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671637/1169912840.jpg">
<cite>Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ronald Acuna, Jr. led Braves centerfielders since 1990 with 127 runs scored in 2019.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="NmL73I"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by Runs</strong></p>
<p id="QwEaYb">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 127</p>
<p id="fBvIZY">Andruw Jones, 2000, 122</p>
<p id="SpOrGL">Ron Gant, 1990, 107</p>
<p id="QljW1D">Andruw Jones, 2006, 107</p>
<p id="3xRxey">Marquis Grissom, 1996, 106</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Otis Nixon, 1993 NL Playoffs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GhA3s4XA9uABYej5_Sw537vZsNA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669293/81412176.jpg">
<cite>SetNumber: X45093</cite>
<figcaption>Otis Nixon stole 47 bases in 1993 which was the most by a centerfielder in this ranking.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wLee7H"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by SB</strong></p>
<p id="nwgdKS">Otis Nixon, 1993, 47</p>
<p id="RfiDDk">Michael Bourn, 2012, 42</p>
<p id="soBICx">Otis Nixon, 1992, 41</p>
<p id="X1or6p">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 37</p>
<p id="MbasxF">Ron Gant, 1991, 34</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Houston Astros - Game Three" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/22o72hp6j2eXbmWi_3eYPfKQ-nU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669297/450532743.jpg">
<figcaption>Kenny Lofton only played one season with Atlanta, but he hit .333 in 1997, which was the highest batting average for a Braves centerfielder in this ranking.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="OXJ5E4"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by BA</strong></p>
<p id="RmwVmb">Kenny Lofton, 1997, .333</p>
<p id="0NccKd">Marquis Grissom, 1996, .308</p>
<p id="OkpRex">Ender Inciarte, 2017, .304</p>
<p id="rk1kcf">Ron Gant, 1990, .303</p>
<p id="Aq2nBR">Andruw Jones, 2000, .303</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Kenny Lofton" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fmKreo9C4sdEX9sT8JdYkH5RG78=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669299/1400789.jpg">
<figcaption>Kenny Lofton’s .409 on-base percentage in 1997 topped this list, besting two seasons by Andruw Jones.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="PN4HUq"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OBP</strong></p>
<p id="ik1jRq">Kenny Lofton, 1997, .409</p>
<p id="OnogUy">Andruw Jones, 2000, .366</p>
<p id="yAPFpx">Andruw Jones, 2002, .366</p>
<p id="84efM4">Gregor Blanco, 2008, .366</p>
<p id="h5lbiY">Andruw Jones, 1999, .365</p>
<p id="r0I4Zy">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 9019, .365</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="National League Championship Series - Atlanta Braves v St. Louis Cardinals - Game Three" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9kC9o-rMPC83LtCfxnGHkF6f0Ug=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669550/461373663.jpg">
<figcaption>Coming off his World Series-clinching catch in 1995, Marquis Grissom had his best season as a Brave, collecting 207 hits.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qMwrIu"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by Hits</strong></p>
<p id="q1WZCP">Marquis Grissom, 1996, 207</p>
<p id="Hz1muV">Ender Inciarte, 2017, 201</p>
<p id="3vWAh2">Andruw Jones, 2000, 1999</p>
<p id="l6ilOo">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 175</p>
<p id="aZ76kr">Ron Gant, 1990, 174</p>
<h1 id="h4VOwK">Best Single Seasons by Decade</h1>
<p id="Em4nFv">These are the best single seasons for centerfielders per decade based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Andruw Jones #25" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xfDOqervlyuNcgCdDH-Bfp8evW8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671662/382083.jpg">
<figcaption>Andruw Jones had the two highest bWAR seasons in the 1990s, including 7.4 bWAR in 1998.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xbZ26D"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="QkRqT6">Andruw Jones, 1998, 7.4</p>
<p id="D7M7mP">Andruw Jones, 1999, 7.1</p>
<p id="d0459J">Ron Gant, 1990, 5.6</p>
<p id="e16lFN">Kenny Lofton, 1997, 5.0</p>
<p id="Sbyb3A">Marquis Grissom, 1996, 4.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Ron Gant" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3TjBsviLz5mfp0IsENsJMsRiK48=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23756758/1402234.jpg">
<figcaption>Ron Gant had to two top OPS+ seasons for centerfielders in the 1990s. His 139 OPS+ in 1990 led the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="DU9JcO"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="Xv5hjI">Ron Gant, 1990, 139</p>
<p id="Jso7WK">Ron Gant, 1991, 127</p>
<p id="1Ltfzt">Kenny Lofton, 1997, 119</p>
<p id="MZBfad">Andruw Jones, 1998, 116</p>
<p id="JC8U7e">Marquis Grissom, 1996, 114</p>
<p id="2ZB5Do">Andruw Jones, 1999, 114</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Kenny Lofton" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kxF9rOzcwGiXT9CBQC6CfOAtkz0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671666/255870.jpg">
<figcaption>Kenny Lofton hit .333 in his sole season with Atlanta in 1997.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="b7gmFc"><strong>Top 5 BA, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="jBV53c">Kenny Lofton, 1997, .333</p>
<p id="nYuhZS">Marquis Grissom, 1996, .308</p>
<p id="9zrIYq">Ron Gant, 1990, .303</p>
<p id="9MyyQl">Otis Nixon, 1992, .294</p>
<p id="VCVc2T">Andruw Jones, 1999, .275</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Nn4H7QOvIKH56KVgeNV_S6Qwudo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671669/1289856328.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ron Gant hit 32 home runs in both 1990 and 1991 which were the highest single-season totals for the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ASFlIF"><strong>Top 5 HR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="T6XfWE">Ron Gant, 1990, 32</p>
<p id="7J7EL5">Ron Gant, 1991, 32</p>
<p id="AImhZX">Andruw Jones, 1998, 31</p>
<p id="jjOTUU">Andruw Jones, 1999, 26</p>
<p id="DEuGuR">Marquis Grissom, 1996, 23</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cw66YlDpnuM_7Ts1FL7JuzD3ZKs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671674/1088305942.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Marquis Grissom collected 207 hits in 1996 - the most of the decade and the most for a centerfielder since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="7kAYOk"><strong>Top 5 Hits, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="F5Cv5Z">Marquis Grissom, 207, 1996</p>
<p id="6NDYg6">Ron Gant, 1990, 174</p>
<p id="JGQjcz">Kenny Lofton, 1997, 164</p>
<p id="SYMje5">Andruw Jones, 1999, 163</p>
<p id="budrL7">Andruw Jones, 1998, 158</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hRQGYgDJxZhm8PDX8WSDoHYIBvc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669556/1346598994.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Otis Nixon stole 186 bases during four seasons with Atlanta. His 47 steals in 1993 was the most of the decade. Nixon played with the Braves 1991-1993; 1999.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="HVQmEL"><strong>Top 5 SB, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="Ky10bA">Otis Nixon, 1993, 47</p>
<p id="ZYAQzO">Otis Nixon, 1992, 41</p>
<p id="1HCsOe">Ron Gant, 1991, 34</p>
<p id="AXvlF5">Ron Gant, 1990, 33</p>
<p id="HeVTxl">Marquis Grissom, 1995, 29</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Andruw Jones dives for a ball" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ULk9VasgFNT6KySynj3XN63lxZc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669602/2378246.jpg">
<figcaption>Between his defensive acumen and offensive abilities, Andruw Jones generated bWAR higher than 6.5 three times during the 2000s, including a ridiculous 8.2 bWAR in 2000.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xmJNw8"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="1IrQJM">Andruw Jones, 2000, 8.2</p>
<p id="6lQVwd">Andruw Jones, 2005, 6.7</p>
<p id="DJbdrj">Andruw Jones, 2002, 6.5</p>
<p id="BX3P23">Andruw Jones, 2006, 5.6</p>
<p id="YRjQ4T">Andruw Jones, 2003, 4.9</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Braves v Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4-VZ17lIPkomOI-jKILcByPhI9o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669596/1503836.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jed Jacobsohn /Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>As one of the best players in the game, it is no surprise that Andruw Jones had each of the top five OPS+ seasons, including 136+ in 2005.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="o1JKg5"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="fsfB6g">Andruw Jones, 2005, 136</p>
<p id="jUkCm3">Andruw Jones, 2002, 127</p>
<p id="oU6ewT">Andruw Jones, 2000, 126</p>
<p id="ObrK9i">Andruw Jones, 2006, 126</p>
<p id="CPFoyF">Andruw Jones, 2007, 117</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KKQAvEAb3nq48y5e744RhCeBc0Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669592/456852960.jpg">
<figcaption>Andruw Jones set a career hit when he hit .303 in 2002. That batting average was also the highest of any centerfielder in the 2000s for the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="0yu7yp"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="FIMYDq">Andruw Jones, 2000, .303</p>
<p id="MddgGl">Mark Kotsay, 2008, .289</p>
<p id="N8KHYJ">Andruw Jones, 2003, .277</p>
<p id="lC0mVM">Andruw Jones, 2002, .264</p>
<p id="shFh9k">Andruw Jones, 2005, .263</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Oakland Athletics v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4L_BjY9Xg4FNKllTUjDdJHs87fg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669587/53059030.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andruw Jones hit 51 home runs in 2005, the most of any season in his career.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="teyr2T"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="DJjAD2"> Andruw Jones, 2005, 51</p>
<p id="YsQoAy">Andruw Jones, 2006, 41</p>
<p id="B8b1SK">Andruw Jones, 2000, 36</p>
<p id="MoiyMi">Andruw Jones, 2003, 36</p>
<p id="u9a09X">Andruw Jones, 2002, 35</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Andruw Jones..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/brYX7-iWg0jON1_cDx_zQpnyGpc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669583/81344070.jpg">
<figcaption>Andruw Jones had each of the top five hit totals in the 2000s. He also robbed many opposing hitters throughout his Braves career.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="BCEbi5"><strong>Top 5 Hits, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="1KQzmx">Andruw Jones, 2000, 199</p>
<p id="ymgWK6">Andruw Jones, 2003, 165</p>
<p id="RyTbLz">Andruw Jones, 2001, 157</p>
<p id="5o6f2H">Andruw Jones, 2005, 154</p>
<p id="GKn9Ai">Andruw Jones, 2004, 149</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Andruw Jones #25" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cFhcLqREGNYbsuJARz2ts_ml8K8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669578/712606.jpg">
<figcaption>Andruw Jones stole 21 bases in 2000. It was the last time in his career he would exceed 20 stolen bases in a season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="k8mhWp"><strong>Top 5 SB, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="dpjnbx">Andruw Jones, 2000, 21</p>
<p id="tu3oDd">Gregor Blanco, 2008, 13</p>
<p id="S6TXA1">Nate McLouth, 2009, 12</p>
<p id="L1WQqu">Andruw Jones, 2001, 11</p>
<p id="H8FYa6">Andruw Jones, 2002, 8</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Houston Astros v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VTpAyrstRRvvSVQLUWkGNz3X5Fk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669576/149775280.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Michael Bourn posted 6.0 bWAR in his All Star season of 2012.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="vfKayZ"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="31vtbB">Michael Bourn, 2012, 6.0</p>
<p id="EJ7IXf">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 5.1</p>
<p id="fKBo7E">Ender Inciarte, 2016, 3.8</p>
<p id="I7ldKK">Ender Inciarte, 2018, 3.2</p>
<p id="ZhfBFp">Ender Inciarte, 2017, 2.7</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CD4Oy4zdOX3INoONI0g1ZgESo0A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671647/1228637023.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ronald Acuna, Jr.’s 121 OPS+ in 2019 was the best of the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="L1DPAF"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="DTGNQF">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 121</p>
<p id="hIbBJz">Michael Bourn, 2012, 99</p>
<p id="lmRRLG">Ender Inciarte, 2016, 98</p>
<p id="9z0iHL">Ender Inciarte, 2017, 98</p>
<p id="8pNggG">Cameron Maybin, 2015, 97</p>
<p id="np7VZW"></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jvk3iohQ99wm-8JLXsqqNtdej_s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669609/854384824.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ender Inciarte had the two highest batting averages in the 2010s, including 2017 when he hit .304.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="mQDAmE"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="gud82H">Ender Inciarte, 2017, .304</p>
<p id="FnTZFg">Ender Inciarte, 2016, .291</p>
<p id="WZG61j">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, .280</p>
<p id="m6KMkf">Michael Bourn, 2012, .274</p>
<p id="btUiHI">Cameron Maybin, 2015, .267</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QAt2xFYjFBMVgFyGCoNcDQr1dOI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669613/1167107449.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ronald Acuna, Jr. blasted 41 home runs in 2019, the highest total for any centerfielder in the 2010s, by far.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="UAAOU0"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="t7u1uG">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 41</p>
<p id="jInYRj">B.J. Upton, 2014, 12</p>
<p id="ye4aZ6">Ender Inciarte, 2017, 11</p>
<p id="aVxaws">Cameron Maybin, 2015, 10</p>
<p id="lL8VVd">Ender Inciarte, 2018, 10</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: SEP 06 Rangers at Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jC8CPSk1XnLHEVa1YvxTci-EUO4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669617/843915528.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ender Inciarte collected 201 hits in 2017, one of only two centerfielders to exceed 200 hits for the Braves since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qLN7yn"><strong>Top 5 Hits, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="aNkAb9">Ender Inciarte, 2017, 201</p>
<p id="aQIBKI">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 175</p>
<p id="f3eVCx">Michael Bourn, 2012, 171</p>
<p id="7DJg5V">Ender Inciarte, 2018, 158</p>
<p id="sGohDM">Ender Inciarte, 2016, 152</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FrTU31wSTVqPwpgiquX18uZgCDk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669620/150234443.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Michael Bourn stole 42 bases in 2012.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xPgdt0"><strong>Top 5 SB, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="CuZ3zP">Michael Bourn, 2012, 42</p>
<p id="c4h2SS">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 37</p>
<p id="ggTjgg">Ender Inciarte, 2018, 28</p>
<p id="yiLugg">Cameron Maybin, 2015, 23</p>
<p id="aQ3ZfY">Ender Inciarte, 2017, 22</p>
<h1 id="mZkG4C">Best Cumulative Qualifying Seasons</h1>
<p id="pMmLxa">These are the best cumulative totals from qualifying seasons for Atlanta’s centerfields since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arizona Diamondbacks v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Orr6c-9D0CEYNz6HBwDS_sJkTK4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669677/76178195.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andrew Jones provided 57.5 bWAR in qualifying seasons as Atlanta’s centerfielder. That was almost six times more than second place.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8cTiOJ"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="A6HpEs">Andruw Jones, 57.5</p>
<p id="GGg1xg">Ender Inciarte, 9.7</p>
<p id="vkXDaB">Ron Gant, 7.6</p>
<p id="nHXVa8">Otis Nixon, 6.2</p>
<p id="gdR34a">Marquis Grissom, 5.8</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sports Contributor Archive 2020" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S3rHCxbba2BWykm4wbQhgKHGhG8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669679/1204045992.jpg">
<cite>Photo by SPX/Ron Vesely Photography via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andruw Jones hit 345 home runs in qualifying seasons - almost 300 more than second place.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="RvdKiD"><strong>Top 5 HR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="9ZKrL2">Andrew Jones, 345</p>
<p id="O8jhc6">Ron Gant, 64</p>
<p id="dgPs5V">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 41</p>
<p id="gmj4rU">Marquis Grissom, 35</p>
<p id="bBNjGu">Ender Inciarte, 24</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New York Mets v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mWUoSJ4JhZnLI4kPyB38ZVipKdQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669752/50781219.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>With 1,034 RBI in qualifying seasons, Andruw Jones was far-and-away the leader in runs batted in for centerfielders.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8NrHkU"><strong>Top 5 RBI, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="Hl2vuU">Andruw Jones, 1,034</p>
<p id="RokGqM">Ron Gant, 189</p>
<p id="LJOBYK">Ender Inciarte, 147</p>
<p id="6jALrf">Marquis Grissom, 116</p>
<p id="GApWoQ">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 101</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Baltimore Orioles v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fxftJOgDRz4PbXJknTKDMRk45dw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669756/53149975.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>This is one of the 974 runs Andruw Jones scored in qualifying seasons - a game-winning home run against the Baltimore Orioles on June 25, 2005.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="79gTLs"><strong>Top 5 Runs, Qualifying Season</strong></p>
<p id="DwQuwT">Andruw Jones, 974</p>
<p id="3l0Ckq">Ender Inciarte, 261</p>
<p id="iwcL4z">Ron Gant, 208</p>
<p id="hXncgJ">Marquis Grissom, 186</p>
<p id="C14TmW">Otis Nixon, 156</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves vs Philadelphia Phillies - May 3, 2006" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9sgZBluSRYuMqeDj82WIDvR6kjY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669760/120938545.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>No one played in more games in centerfield than Andruw Jones, obviously. If you thought otherwise, you haven’t been paying attention.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="4vebMp"><strong>Top 5 Games, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="5MMxsD">Andruw Jones, 1,572</p>
<p id="YX3K1m">Ender Inciarte, 431</p>
<p id="yVlgQz">Marquis Grissom, 294</p>
<p id="eDeKaW">Ron Gant, 261</p>
<p id="l2plX2">B.J. Upton, 257</p>
<h1 id="S42DtW">Youngest and Oldest Qualifiers</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: FEB 26 Spring Training - Nationals at Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LREMNlEDREI2qfOFHC00i_5Smz4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669762/924704754.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andruw Jones and Ronald Acuna, Jr. were each 21 in a qualifying season. They tied for the youngest centerfielder. They are shown here in Spring Training 2018.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="j766yo"><strong>Youngest</strong></p>
<p id="ltN8Hk">Andruw Jones, 1998, 21</p>
<p id="XYxUC2">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2019, 21</p>
<p id="UYgNWV">Andruw Jones, 1999, 22</p>
<p id="fxlvJX">Andruw Jones, 2000, 23</p>
<p id="TmBXGQ">Andruw Jones, 2001, 24</p>
<p id="sF0lYq">Gregor Blanco, 2008, 24</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Otis Nixon" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-j5Y_pU_X8JmXR7xc1YCClF7zCA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23669766/140782057.jpg">
<cite>Photo By: Keith Torrie/NY Daily News via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Otis Nixon was the oldest qualifying centerfielder when he started 111 games in 1993. Nixon returned to Atlanta in 1999, at age 40, stealing 26 bases in 84 games.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Qr3vlY"><strong>Oldest</strong></p>
<p id="iASwvr">Otis Nixon, 1993, 34</p>
<p id="i35GFz">Otis Nixon, 1992, 33</p>
<p id="nPQzMb">Mark Kotsay, 2008, 32</p>
<p id="i6BnXo">Guillermo Heredia, 2021, 30</p>
<p id="2Xv2ln">Andruw Jones, 2007, 30</p>
<p id="9wVMy9">Kenny Lofton, 1997, 30</p>
<h1 id="iW2r5J">Appreciating Andruw Jones</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Braves Media Day" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/chwZBvba_k-UjefALZ8sUqdpqrY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23670911/3039829.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Appreciating Andruw Jones for what he was - a generational great whose defense was unmatched.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="jImOz7">For every Superman dive he made; each time he made a Spiderman-like catch against the outfield wall; all the times he annihilated a baseball with the power of Thor; Andruw Jones looked and played the part of superhero for most of his tenue with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="QQRrgp">Jones signed with the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> out of Curacao on July 2, 1993 at 16 years old. He was the top prospect in all of baseball before the 1996 season according to Baseball America after being named the publication’s Minor League Player of the Year after the 1995 season. He would repeat as Baseball America’s top Minor League prospect prior to the 1997 season.</p>
<p id="9FZ1sB">As prospects go, he was considered a can’t miss player. The question wasn’t if he was going to be good, it was how great would he be?</p>
<p id="jGYJ5I">Blessed with speed, power and the instincts to be an elite defensive centerfielder, Jones made his debut with Atlanta in 1996 after starting the season in High A and matriculating to the Majors on August 15, 1996. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="bNSWMC"><q>“Roberto Clemente. I remember watching Clemente in 1960. He got a base hit, rounded first base and put on the brakes but remained on is feet while going back to the base. That’s exactly what Andruw did. Great body control, could slide on his spikes if he wanted to.” - Paul Snyder to Bill Ballew in the February 1995 edition of Baseball America.</q></aside></div>
<p id="Vr9ZqK">Although the then 19 year old would only hit .217 during the regular season, he made his mark on history when he became the youngest player to hit a home run in the World Series and only the second player to homer in each of his first two World Series at bats.</p>
<p id="k4bmvX">Jones would become a regular in 1997, spending the majority of his time as the team’s right fielder and finishing fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.</p>
<p id="8qp7Az">Jones took over as Atlanta’s full-time centerfielder in 1998 and began a decade-long stretch of elite defense and above average offensive on his way to 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards, five All Star appearances, a Silver Slugger award and five years of receiving MVP consideration, including a second place finish in 2005.</p>
<p id="haRkKk">From 1998 through 2007, Jones averaged 34 home runs, 97 runs scored, 103 RBI, 158 games played and 670 plate appearances. That was good for a 115 OPS+ and 54.5 bWAR (35.7 oWAR and 22.0 dWAR); or if you prefer FanGraphs, he posted 57.2 fWAR during that time span.</p>
<p id="kngA9Q">Arguably his best offensive season was 2005, when he led the National League in both home runs and RBI for a Braves team that was dubbed the “Baby Braves” as the team leaned heavily on young players for what would be its last NL East Division title in their streak that began in 1991 (if you exclude the 1994 season). For the season he won the NL Hank Aaron Award and The Sporting News Major League Player of the Year.</p>
<p id="8Z2oFH">His 2000 season, one where he led the National League in plate appearances and at bat while hitting .303, scoring 122 runs, hitting 36 home runs and driving in 104 was a close second for best of his career as he ended-up eighth in the NL MVP awards. He also posted a career high in total bases and set his career high in OBP, which he tied in 2002.</p>
<p id="az2kkq">As a Brave, he totaled 61 bWAR, the 10th highest total in franchise history - and one spot above Dale Murphy. In those 12 seasons with the Braves - 10 as the primary centerfielder - Jones amassed a staggering 26.6 dWAR. </p>
<p id="K3PUZW">Although advanced defensive metrics are hit-and-miss for the era Jones played, make no mistake, he was better than anyone to play the position. From 1998 to 2004 he had more than 400 putouts per season; including a career high 492 in 1999. For his career he also had 101 outfield assists as a centerfielder, including a career high 20 in 1998.</p>
<p id="M4SOuh">His Total Zone Fielding Above Average for his career as a centerfielder was 173 - an average of 19 per season. </p>
<p id="xwm8Zc">For his career, Jones finished second all-time in Total Zone Total Fielding Runs Above Average, with 253. That mark is topped only by legendary infielder Brooks Robinson whose 293 came in six more seasons than Jones and a whopping more 8,004 innings.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Andruw Jones, center fielder for the Atlanta Braves, plays t" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_ZfSd-1MPhx80d60V1saFx5kU5M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23670917/94605174.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Chris Rank/Bloomberg via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andruw Jones played in the shadow of Dale Murphy, but it was in the field where Jones bested Murphy as a Brave.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rt7jR5">There is a reality about Jones. For as good as his career turned out, it is easy for some to classify it as a disappointment because of the expectations Jones had placed upon him early in his career. When Jones left Atlanta for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008, he was only 31 years old. Although he had struggled with Atlanta in 2007, it would have been hard to image that his sole season in LA would end with a slash line of .158/.256/.249 and a ghastly 35 OPS+.</p>
<p id="5OwJuG">He would bounce between three organizations between 2009 and 2012, with a respectable 108 OPS+ as a reserve corner outfielder and designated hitter, but Jones was left without a Major League opportunity and signed to play in Japan in 2013 and 2014 with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. </p>
<p id="h1MADv">Comeback attempts in 2015 and 2016 weren’t fruitful and Jones officially retired in February 2016. For his career, he hit 434 home runs, collected 1,933 hits, scored 1,204 runs and drove in 1,289 runs. That offensive output combined with his defensive performance to generate 62.7 bWAR (67.0 fWAR).</p>
<p id="SVQU4W">All-time, he ranks 22nd in dWAR, 19th in games played as a centerfielder, 16th in putouts, and first in Total Zone Runs as a CF (going back to 1953). Offensively, he ranks 48th in home runs and 88th in extra base hits.</p>
<p id="h1MUbC">His bWAR total places him in a tie for 161 all-time with Hall of Hamer Hal Newhouser where they are nestled amongst a list of Hall of Famers and players whose careers were similar to Jones - just shy of induction, at least so far.</p>
<p id="f4x9jD">Jones and Murphy have career similarities that are fascinating to compare. Offensively, Jones and Murphy collected remarkably similar statistics including an identical 1,748 career strikeouts. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YKpn6mRn3QtrpaaERlds8B9m51s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23670894/AJDM.PNG">
<figcaption>As shown in this Baseball-Reference batting comparison, Andruw Jones and Dale Murphy had remarkably similar offensive careers.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="BQ264v">Take a moment and look through that image above. Isn’t is amazing how close those numbers are?</p>
<p id="aEwXn0">Murphy was slightly better with a higher OPS+ and the slightly more advanced metrics of WPA+ and cWPA+ during their regular season careers, but Jones overshadowed Murphy when it comes to the postseason. </p>
<p id="VM9aGn">Although they both hit .273 in the postseason, Murphy only appeared in three postseason games while Jones played in 76 game with 279 plate appearances. Jones hit 10 home runs, drove in 34, scored 43 runs during 10 NLDS, one ALDS, five NLCS and two World Series. Of those postseason numbers, Jones had only one plate appearance outside of Atlanta, a sacrifice fly for an RBI for the New York Yankees in 2011.</p>
<p id="EW3grM">Defensively, Murphy was good at his best but Jones was maybe the best ever at his peak. Jones, as previously noted, collected 24.4 dWAR in his career - although it was 26.6 while with Atlanta - while Murphy had -6.8 dWAR for his career, -4.8 while with Atlanta.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oIGYGRWWTt1gR3rtjrOfD7Z5lNc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23670904/153286354.jpg">
<figcaption>Dale Murphy and Andruw Jones had nearly identical careers with the bat; but it was in the field that Jones separated himself from Murphy.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="t9CX1v">The biggest “what if” for each of them is “what if” they could have put up two more career-average season before their careers declined precipitously at 30 and 32, respectively. </p>
<p id="l8MF6U">The “what ifs” are even more trivial, but still pertinent, with the “what if Murphy had hit two more home runs?” and “what if Jones had gotten 67 more career hits?”</p>
<p id="wJ8gA2">In the end, even this look back at the career of Andruw Jones seems lacking.</p>
<p id="oQuStd">Despite given the unrealistic expectations pilled upon him as a prospect and nagging perceptions about his style of play, Jones - who has oddly not had his number 25 retired by the Atlanta Braves organization - is making headway toward induction in the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p id="dlZ19l">After two seasons mired in the mid 7-percent range, Jones has seen his voting total jump to 41.4-percent in 2022 with five years left on the ballot. Although his election is still far from guaranteed, his increasing vote total is a testament to the electorate's recognition of his elite defensive ability that sways him from a generational talent to a player who is recognized as one of the best to ever play centerfield.</p>
<p id="82Xmuh">It also makes him the obvious choice as the best centerfielder to play for the Braves since 1990.</p>
<h1 id="xKKn0i">Notable Tidbits</h1>
<p id="hNw4CO">Here is some notable information from a look at the data for centerfielders who played for Atlanta since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Andruw Jones..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kz0mxNkuzuxJB8PIhYydqyPqu0Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671865/81592850.jpg">
<figcaption>Andruw Jones dominates the centerfield leaderboard but he wasn’t alone in producing notable seasons with the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="CLKcFE">There were only two seasons without a qualifying centerfielder: 1994 and 2011.</li>
<li id="OiaJrS">Roberto Kelly played in 63 games after being traded for Deion Sanders, who played in 46 games, in ‘94. </li>
<li id="59oNyS">In 2011, Nate McLouth (55), Michael Bourn (53) and Jordan Schafer (51) shared time at the position with each providing positive bWAR for the season.</li>
<li id="GaZZLY">Nate McLouth had a horrific 2010 season with -2.7 bWAR. Although he was a positive contributor after his trade to Atlanta in 2009 (for a package that included Charlie Morton), his All Star season with the Pirates in 2008 was his career high-water mark. </li>
<li id="5yVvQy">After an excellent season by Michel Bourn in 2012, the Braves signed B.J. Upton as a free agent before the 2013 season. With a tantalizing power and speed combination that came with a lot of strikeouts, Upton was only 28 and the hope was that he would build on his 2012 season that saw him narrowly miss a 30/30 season when he hit 28 home runs and stole 31 bases for the <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a>. Unfortunately, that did not happen.</li>
<li id="y8rOz5">Upton cratered in 2013 hitting .184/.268/.322 for Atlanta with a -1.7 bWAR. He improved in 2014, but was still a negative producer with -0.1 bWAR. </li>
<li id="LaLZlf">As the Braves began their rebuild, Upton was traded with Craig Kimbrel for a package of players that included Cameron Maybin and a 2015 competitive balance round A pick. That pick turned out to be Austin Riley.</li>
<li id="zvs1Vm">Maybin stabilized center for Atlanta in 2015 until Ender Inciarte took over the position in 2016. </li>
<li id="M4tTp7">Inciarte won three Gold Gloves with Atlanta and notched an All Star selection in 2017. For three years he was an above average offensive and defensive performer with Atlanta racking up 9.7 bWAR (6.3 oWAR, 4.5 dWAR) from 2016 to 2018.</li>
<li id="fZKwzs">Ron Gant only spent two seasons of his career as a full-time centerfielder but those seasons - 1990 and 1991 - were excellent. Gant finished 14th in the NL MVP voting in 1990 and won the Silver Slugger and finished sixth in the MVP in 1991.</li>
<li id="X8CkUm">Gant was a 30/30 player in both those seasons when he also scored more than 100 runs. </li>
<li id="83x0lf">Otis Nixon didn’t become a full-time starter until joining Atlanta in 1991- his ninth season appearing in MLB.</li>
<li id="q1hFPy">As the primary starting centerfielder for the Braves in 1992 and 1993, Nixon stole 88 bases in additional to playing excellent defense. He returned to Atlanta for in 1999 to conclude his playing career at age 40. Although he was a reserve outfielder and pinch runner, he still managed to steal 26 bases.</li>
<li id="JR9Ohb">For his career, Nixon stole 620 bases across 17 seasons, a total that ranks 16th all-time.</li>
<li id="HYafz7">The Braves traded for Marquis Grissom before the start of the 1995 season, bringing the two-time All Star home to his native Atlanta. Although he didn’t follow-up his back-to-back All Star seasons with a selection during is time with the Braves, he did win the Gold Glove in both 1995 and 1996 and finished 13th in the NL MVP. </li>
<li id="nGuq0n">Grissom set career highs in both batting average (.308) and home runs (23) in 1996.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Kenny Lofton (R) talks with Deion S" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-DMFCGmD50zDKd4rVISrE8m5sBA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23671852/51744858.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read CARLO ALLEGRI/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Deion Sanders didn’t qualify in centerfield during his time in Atlanta, but Kenny Lofton did, spending the 1997 season with the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="yWBAuj">Kenny Lofton came to Atlanta in a trade for Grissom and David Justice and only spent the 1997 season in Atlanta before returning to Cleveland as a free agent in 1998.</li>
<li id="fJthL5">Lofton was an All Start with Atlanta and received down-ballot MVP votes, but his stolen base total dropped from 75 in 1996 to 27 in 1997. </li>
<li id="O82J0T">Despite playing in only 122 games, Lofton still recorded 164 hits and scored 90 runs while slashing .333/.409/.432 good for a 119 OPS+.</li>
<li id="cKnit8">Lofton spent 17 seasons in the Majors and generating 68.4 bWAR (62.4 fWAR) good for 119th all-time. He was a six-time All Star, won four Gold Gloves and finished 15th in career stolen bases with 622 - one spot ahead of Nixon.</li>
<li id="LYm4xp">Lofton fell off the Hall of Fame ballot after his first season of eligibility in 2013 despite posting career numbers that should have - at the least - helped him stay on the ballot. For all the advocation Braves fans have made over the year for Murphy and Jones, Lofton’s case for inclusion is just as strong (if not stronger).</li>
<li id="nwJ3LX">The 2010s was, by far, the worst decade for centerfielders in the last three full decades with only 16.9 collective bWAR from qualifying seasons. Despite not having a qualifying in 1994, the 1990s still produced 39.1 bWAR while the Andruw Jones-fueled 2000s generated 46.7 bWAR.</li>
<li id="0txtUb">When reviewing the 32 qualifying seasons recorded by centerfielders since 1990, it is remarkable how long of a career all of the now inactive players had. </li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p id="AROdaF">Ron Gant, 16 seasons</p>
<p id="L1ouOz">Otis Nixon, 17 seasons</p>
<p id="jyC3h2">Marquis Grissom, 17 seasons</p>
<p id="FLSnlq">Kenny Lofton, 17 seasons</p>
<p id="cNT8rL">Andruw Jones, 17 seasons</p>
<p id="7kPgV8">Gregor Blanco, 10 seasons</p>
<p id="FwrfFz">Mark Kotsay, 17 seasons</p>
<p id="hDWdB0">Nate McLouth, 10 seasons</p>
<p id="dRAKsj">Michael Bourn, 11 seasons</p>
<p id="EslE6w">B.J. Upton, 12 seasons</p>
<p id="4DWHqQ">Cameron Maybin, 15 seasons</p>
</blockquote>
<ul><li id="Mb6WCe">Of the the three still-active qualifying centerfielders, Ronald Acuna, Jr. has the least amount of tenure with only five seasons at the MLB-level while Inciarte is in his ninth season and Guillermo Heredia is in his seventh.</li></ul>
<p id="WwEWNw">It is worth reiterating that it is mind-boggling that Andruw Jones hasn’t been afforded the recognition of having his number retired by the Atlanta Braves organization. Surely that will change if Jones is enshrined in the Hall of Fame in the coming years.</p>
<p id="j8Z90W">The Hall of Fame candidacies of Jones, Dale Murphy, Kenny Lofton, Dusty Baker and Felipe Alou are unfortunately still points of discussion within baseball, but there’s not doubting the legacy of their careers - and those of other excellent players like Ron Gant and Marquis Grissom.</p>
<p id="28fGQ6">With Michael Harris II taking over in centerfield earlier this season - and still the youngest player in baseball - here’s hoping that we are witnessing the next player in a long line of great players to man centerfield in Atlanta.</p>
<p id="r7nhYa"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/7/12/23192005/best-atlanta-braves-centerfielders-1990-andruw-jones-kenny-lofton-dale-murphy-atlanta-hall-of-fameDJourn2022-06-21T12:00:00-04:002022-06-21T12:00:00-04:00The best Braves shortstops since 1990
<figure>
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Rafael Furcal" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uBPGr5OH0kQpZdv325ZaIfhQlAM=/0x0:3504x2336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70999361/81415055.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Is Rafael Furcal the best shortstop to play for the Braves since 1990?</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Braves have excelled at developing shortstops for more than three decades. Out of all the talented shortstops Atlanta has produced, who ranks as the best since 1990?</p> <p id="xYmDea">The official start of Summer is upon us and Dansby Swanson is putting up the best season of his career. It is too early to know if this - his last season before free agency - will be his swan song with Atlanta, but we at Battery Power have thoughts about him and you can read some of them <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/6/15/23166427/atlanta-braves-dansby-swanson-contract-extension-free-agency">here</a> and <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/6/16/23170907/braves-dansby-swanson-has-become-elite">here.</a> </p>
<p id="JuSQlQ">Regardless of how the rest of this season plays out for Swanson, it is hard to believe he has been the starting shortstop for Atlanta for most of the past seven seasons. </p>
<p id="e8763L">Surely he must rank at the top of shortstops to play for Atlanta since 1990, right? After all, his tenue with the Braves has him on pace to appear in 800 games with Atlanta before this season ends. </p>
<p id="z6EkcG">You’ll have to wait to see where Cobb County’s favorite shortstop slots among those from the last three decades who have manned the position. </p>
<p id="cteBEd">Before we jump into this most-modern era of Braves baseball, let’s take a look at some of the notable shortstops who played for Atlanta from 1966 through 1989.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Denis Menke - Houston Astros" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WtD0YVp1nZsSnJLZg2xwYtQJ2vY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633270/488270493.jpg">
<figcaption>Denis Menke’s best season was with the Milwaukee Braves, but he spent two years in Atlanta before being traded to Houston where he was a two-time All Star for the Astros.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="KH0tTF">When the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, they brought with them Denis Menke, the 25 year-old shortstop who had posted 11.2 bWAR in the prior three seasons in Milwaukee, despite only playing in 71 games in 1965. </p>
<p id="FrNH8Z">His 1964 season was the best of his career, when he produced 6.7 bWAR on the back of a 136 OPS+. Although he ended his career as a two-time All Star, those appearances were with the Houston, because Atlanta traded him to the Astros for team’s next starter, Sonny Jackson.</p>
<p id="bUc2Tz">Jackson debuted in 1963 as an 18 year-old and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting when he appeared in 150 games for the Astros in 1966. After being acquired by the Braves in 1968, he spent three seasons as the team’s starting shortstop before moving to centerfield in 1971. He ended his playing career in 1974 but stayed in the game as a minor league and major league coach for the Braves for almost two decades. </p>
<p id="33EgMb">Jackson was followed by Marty Perez, whose three years at the position were the most of any player until Rafael Ramirez became the starting shortstop in 1981. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Pittsburgh Pirates" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n9TkZB_sim5jWxHDQrrw717e7CU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633273/1324507094.jpg">
<cite>Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Rafael Ramirez played eight seasons in Atlanta in the early- and mid-1980’s. An All Star in 1984, he finished his 13-year career with five seasons in Houston.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="3OFA3v">Ramirez anchored the position for five seasons in the 1980s. He finished 16th in the NL MVP voting in 1983 and was selected to the NL All Star team in 1984. His best season, at least according to bWAR, was the NL West Division winning season of 1982, when he produced 3.5 bWAR for the Braves.</p>
<p id="xkw8fR">His tenure with the team ended after the 1987 but during parts of eight seasons he provided 7.2 bWAR.</p>
<p id="yCKZul">Andres Thomas shared shortstop with Ramirez in 1986 and 1987 before going on to become the full-time starter in 1988. Thomas, who was only 22 years old in 1986, peaked in those 100 games in 1986 as he posted negative value in every other season of his career. </p>
<p id="YDUwjX">From 1987 through 1990, his final season in MLB, he yielded a -6.2 bWAR, nadiring at -1.8 in only 84 games in 1990. (In case your are wondering, FanGraphs does view his body of work with a slightly more positive slant, but still rates his career as worth -4.6 fWAR with 1986 still being his only positive value season.)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Diego Padres" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3tOm1nsYCLEFr-VIURVR7DgMSmQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23634998/543288326.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andres Thomas struggled offensively and defensively during his five-year career with the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="U7ll8a">Despite his career not panning out, that doesn’t negate the fact that Thomas was a well-regarded prospect in the mid-1980’s. Baseball American ranked him as the Braves fourth best prospect for 1986. Thomas was so well regarded that the Braves declined to trade him in both 1987 and 1988. </p>
<p id="6Rbjq8">Five years before the Braves famously almost traded for Barry Bonds in 1992 - and the details of how that deal fell apart is still subject of debate - the Braves reportedly turned down a deal that would have seen them acquire Bonds for Thomas in 1987. </p>
<p id="0p7lPp">The following year, reports in late 1988 indicate that the Braves declined a deal with the Pirates for Thomas because they wouldn’t include Bonds.</p>
<p id="Yi2awV">Regardless of the validity of those purported deals, the primary reason that the Braves were willing to entertain trades for Thomas was because of a high-touted prospect whom the team had selected fourth overall in the secondary June 1984 draft. That player, Jeff Blauser, will move us into the 1990s.</p>
<p id="Tir2Uv">As you may-well know by now, this ranking of players is based off of data from Baseball-Reference, and while that may not be your cup of tea, for this purpose it works out just fine. The single qualifier for this ranking is that a player must appear in 65 games at this position in a single season. For that reason, the 2020 season is omitted. </p>
<p id="KuEudb">Although this review is based primarily on offensive performance, it is ludicrous to ignore the defensive performance at this position. We will touch on defense later on in this article.</p>
<p id="6OG3f5">Let’s get on with it and take a look at the best shortstops since 1990.</p>
<h1 id="x9Utwe">Best Single Seasons Since 1990</h1>
<p id="H2LOpH">Here are the best single seasons by a shortstop for the Braves since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New York Mets v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ds2uy29aFxl362fGi5jZUvkCePs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623737/55386081.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Rafael Furcal produced 6.5 bWAR in 2005, the highest total of any Braves shortstop since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GYN3Tp"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by bWAR</strong></p>
<p id="50Ol15">Rafael Furcal, 2005, 6.5</p>
<p id="KTm0IA">Andrelton Simmons, 2013, 5.8</p>
<p id="UlLDKa">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 5.7 </p>
<p id="LzXis2">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 4.9</p>
<p id="Q3sm7Y">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 4.8</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBN-ASTROS-BRAVES-BLAUSER 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-tUHeVZThDIa3hrHHfMXR63K_6Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623741/1134626667.jpg">
<cite>AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jeff Blauser had an OPS+ of 130 in 1997, the best in the ranking. He also had the second highest with 125 in 1993.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="209SNv"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS+</strong></p>
<p id="oXmoSp">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 130</p>
<p id="2sbnJn">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 125</p>
<p id="KEUY6o">Edgar Renteria, 2007, 124</p>
<p id="IrKyP2">Jeff Blauser, 1992, 123</p>
<p id="JUwAdW">Yunel Escobar, 2009, 115</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Toronto Blue Jays v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ezvYnMfBJE8BgCUSPRmFYeB8x9o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623752/1317853380.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Dansby Swanson hit 27 home runs last season. His 2021 total was 10 more than the next highest total.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wiX5je"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by HR</strong></p>
<p id="sqWlY3">Dansby Swanson, 2021, 27</p>
<p id="f6KbGx">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 17</p>
<p id="u69rza">Andrelton Simmons, 2013, 17</p>
<p id="IvXEEr">Dansby Swanson, 2019, 17</p>
<p id="Dql5kN">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 15</p>
<p id="QaZOBC">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 15</p>
<p id="DtCul6">Alex Gonzalez, 2011, 15</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7QTrB-WBrSCfMdLsooiP7TBUHoU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623763/1232233948.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Swanson led shortstops in this ranking with 88 RBI in 2021.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="1tgNhY"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by RBI</strong></p>
<p id="fAqJME">Dansby Swanson, 2021, 88</p>
<p id="RJUqlY">Yunel Escobar, 2009, 76</p>
<p id="UwntGY">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 73</p>
<p id="HJeVRd">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 70</p>
<p id="qB4lS9">Edgar Renteria, 2006, 70</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Rafael Furcal..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZVawMlUxEdgbgaQMk4usnZyeVsQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623765/81392551.jpg">
<figcaption>Rafael Furcal scored a staggering 130 runs in 2003, 20 more runs than second-place finisher Jeff Blauser.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="tvpOiI"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by Runs</strong></p>
<p id="KbPiB9">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 130</p>
<p id="11Nbyl">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 110</p>
<p id="ozPU29">Rafael Furcal, 2004, 103</p>
<p id="W5YwVV">Edgar Renteria, 2006, 100</p>
<p id="LhtJPP">Rafael Furcal, 2005, 100</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBN-ASTROS-BRAVES-BLAUSER 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i2IzuF08cNc39-fSJJpvepOZXnU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623771/1134626715.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit STEVE SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jeff Blauser led shortstops with an .886 OPS in 1997.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8DudPk"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS</strong></p>
<p id="XuROAg">Jeff Blauser, 1997, .886</p>
<p id="CPBolN">Edgar Renteria, 2007, .860</p>
<p id="wKNnxT">Jeff Blauser, 1993, .837</p>
<p id="7XHuR7">Yunel Escobar, 2009, .812</p>
<p id="sMUx1S">Jeff Blauser, 1992, .811</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rbnk9Y1mNQ5npsPQ-z_b5kWbiyc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623774/53037415.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Stolen base attempts and Rafael Furcal were synonymous during his tenure with the Braves.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="POE4f6"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by SB</strong></p>
<p id="xORsE8">Rafael Furcal, 2005, 46</p>
<p id="m3RiAW">Rafael Furcal, 2000, 40</p>
<p id="eWCSMj">Rafael Furcal, 2004, 29</p>
<p id="nS0rrD">Rafael Furcal, 2002, 27</p>
<p id="1wylpH">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 25</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eZcK7fmidy3hf3EjmiGhIn2KZpA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623779/73775252.jpg">
<figcaption>Edgar Renteria hit .332 in 2007, leading all Braves shortstops in batting average in this ranking.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zeoZoe"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by BA</strong></p>
<p id="xg1bDc">Edgar Renteria, 2007, .332</p>
<p id="0pysIq">Jeff Blauser, 1997, .308</p>
<p id="C8ICuO">Jeff Blauser, 1993, .305</p>
<p id="waKd1y">Yunel Escobar, 2009, .299</p>
<p id="FPbB94">Rafael Furcal, 2000, .295</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jeff Blauser" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1eBGz7O1XH05sLtnQxL01_RIaO8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23623784/1402205.jpg">
<figcaption>Jeff Blauser posted on base percentages above .400 in both 1993 and 1997. His .405 OBP in 1997 led the list.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="F871e6"><strong>Top 5 Season, by OBP</strong></p>
<p id="gmfUsX">Jeff Blauser, 1997, .405</p>
<p id="Jyomyi">Jeff Blauser, 1993, .401</p>
<p id="G18fIP">Rafael Furcal, 2000, .394</p>
<p id="Jf5qcY">Edgar Renteria, 2007, .390</p>
<p id="K7TmJC">Walt Weiss, 1998, .386</p>
<p id="UrQkei"></p>
<h1 id="h4VOwK">Best Single Seasons by Decade</h1>
<p id="Em4nFv">These are the best single seasons for shortstops per decade based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dN55bYSwIjV0OM8PliY38W5hQHs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633576/1350239708.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jeff Blauser had four of the five best bWAR seasons for Atlanta shortstops in the 1990s, including the decade’s best 5.7 in 1993.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Pwiocl"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="rBmyEv">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 5.7</p>
<p id="r7icw1">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 4.8</p>
<p id="e7vcAS">Walt Weiss, 1998, 2.8</p>
<p id="CO4D40">Jeff Blauser, 1992, 2.3</p>
<p id="QjgHxN">Jeff Blauser, 1994, 2.1</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xSloNVZKIGOml7qblMGiEzfJJE4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633584/74373949.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Blauser posted the five best OPS+ seasons by shortstops in the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="MXf2oz"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="Fjedtt">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 130</p>
<p id="60qQH2">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 125</p>
<p id="TZd9Fm">Jeff Blauser, 1992, 123</p>
<p id="PLQ0Dd">Jeff Blauser, 1991, 111</p>
<p id="ItVhBf">Jeff Blauser, 1990, 101</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jeff Blauser" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pPtGbfyNdd0XFCM6jEwq71B1x7A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633592/1402236.jpg">
<figcaption>By hitting .308 in 1997, Blauser had the best batting average for Braves shortstops in the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="4fCYVy"><strong>Top 5 BA, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="GYg4lK">Jeff Blauser, 1997, .308</p>
<p id="sjlMsZ">Jeff Blauser, 1993, .305</p>
<p id="djFsVj">Walt Weiss, 1998, .280</p>
<p id="l9otFT">Ozzie Guillen, 1998, .277</p>
<p id="iKZVSZ">Jeff Blauser, 1990, .269</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sporting News Archive" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EgW0--9SeFUDrCQe-G4Oku4qkg8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633600/110313378.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Blauser had the five best home run totals, including 17 in 1997.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="jgYJ4b"><strong>Top 5 HR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="TD69YQ">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 17</p>
<p id="8yfhH5">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 15</p>
<p id="L4UkX1">Jeff Blauser, 1992, 14</p>
<p id="NKQyb1">Jeff Blauser, 1995, 12</p>
<p id="5YkpTO">Jeff Blauser, 1991, 11</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/52Qzez2aTZtozgGUNKBJqtRM3_A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633606/1293149266.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The leader for hits in a single season in the 1990s was Jeff Blauser, with 182 base knocks in 1993. He had four of the top five totals for the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8VUhAv"><strong>Top 5 Hits, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="mPIzlX">Jeff Blauser, 1993, 182</p>
<p id="1ywVw6">Jeff Blauser, 1997, 160</p>
<p id="3SXndu">Jeff Blauser, 1990, 104</p>
<p id="iCY0Ey">Jeff Blauser, 1994, 98</p>
<p id="BBvH3t">Walt Weiss, 1998, 97</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Rafael Furcal throws the ball" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Dmpx2ukiOimODZrQRpvzu9Ob-qE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633616/2108253.jpg">
<figcaption>Rafael Furcal’s 6.5 bWAR in 2005 was the highest of the decade. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9qdQN0"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="lQHfyj">Rafael Furcal, 2005, 6.5</p>
<p id="eFknoG">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 4.9</p>
<p id="1nk1n7">Yunel Escobar, 2009, 4.3</p>
<p id="wmbSLK">Edgar Renteria, 2006, 4.2</p>
<p id="824Bs0">Edgar Renteria, 2007, 4.1</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Milwaukee Brewers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GqX-7KUtxKn1JXqHIuQ2UYkDCCI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633635/74421608.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Edgar Renteria had a 124 OPS+ in 2007, the best season total in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="OwWAi3"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="Ast2cb">Edgar Renteria, 2007, 124</p>
<p id="UPVE46">Yunel Escobar, 2009, 115</p>
<p id="7oBpun">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 105</p>
<p id="BvVOz7">Edgar Renteria, 2006, 104</p>
<p id="Zw1l01">Yunel Escobar, 2008, 102</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CO: Atlanta Braves v Colorado Rockies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xUv9UPLULVmpuXPiDJbU6Dxt_zo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633640/74328751.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Renteria hit .332 in 2007, the only season a shortstop topped .300 during the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QDtE97"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="h8frSV">Edgar Renteria, 2007, .332</p>
<p id="fr0pTV">Yunel Escobar, 2009, .299</p>
<p id="7Wa5iD">Rafael Furcal, 2000, .295</p>
<p id="Mgfgtw">Edgar Renteria, 2006, .293</p>
<p id="P8qoM8">Rafael Furcal, 2003, .292</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BSB-BRAVES-DIAMONDBACKS" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7qcIgB_q0l8BdcGL2XIL--JptRA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633646/1194130900.jpg">
<cite>Photo by ROY DABNER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Rafael Furcal hit 15 home runs in 2003. His total bested three other seasons by a single home run.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="kipcb3"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="In9USb">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 15</p>
<p id="vgrgYM">Rafael Furcal, 2004, 14</p>
<p id="lXNJUW">Edgar Renteria, 2006, 14</p>
<p id="DwkP1K">Yunel Escobar, 2009, 14</p>
<p id="tCECho">Rafael Furcal, 2005, 12</p>
<p id="4OkSRI">Edgar Renteria, 2007, 12</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Braves v Cubs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f-4l1sfY8eUwF0PF2YLjt5Cr7qM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633770/2747724.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The single season hits leader for the 2000s was Rafael Furcal in 2003 when he accumulated 194 hits on the season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="4bqi9F"><strong>Top 5 Hits, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="dhZx4U">Rafael Furcal, 2003, 194</p>
<p id="i778ol">Rafael Furcal, 2002, 175</p>
<p id="vPx0dz">Rafael Furcal, 2005, 175</p>
<p id="Fbtn77">Edgar Renteria, 2006, 175</p>
<p id="6gKHxJ">Edgar Renteria, 2007, 164</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="San Diego Padres v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AJOl7qG9FP5RyeRfkWIJOKNN-_o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633778/180581645.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andrelton Simmons had the three best bWAR seasons for Braves shortstops in the 2010s. In 2013 he provided Atlanta with 5.8 bWAR, the best of the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="sZ8Ol3"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="QiQg6l">Andrelton Simmons, 2013, 5.8</p>
<p id="zUU5XW">Andrelton Simmons, 2015, 4.5</p>
<p id="DJsH1u">Andrelton Simmons, 2014, 2.6</p>
<p id="In7q0U">Dansby Swanson, 2018, 2.2</p>
<p id="b0Vqvp">Alex Gonzalez, 2010, 1.6</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5e3FM3A0NNfFwQU5h-32qyl0GTc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633784/168245557.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Pouya Dianat/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Known for his defense, Simmons produced the best OPS+ of any shortstop during the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="n4dWOY"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="veFsFV">Andrelton Simmons, 2013, 90</p>
<p id="M8Jz7F">Dansby Swanson, 2019, 89</p>
<p id="rcTGsd">Dansby Swanson, 2018, 87</p>
<p id="UsDN8G">Andrelton Simmons, 2015, 84</p>
<p id="WtC4o3">Alex Gonzalez, 2010, 83</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Toronto Blue Jays v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B2TSk2kTxWnYTxUL5aRvCfS3HFA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633803/488375378.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Simmons hit .265 in 2015, the best of the 2010s. He posted three of the four best batting averages during the decade.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="haj4cM"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="ECIWBd">Andrelton Simmons, 2015, .265</p>
<p id="FFAQ2T">Dansby Swanson, 2019, .251</p>
<p id="L5sj8r">Andrelton Simmons, 2013 .248</p>
<p id="ALseEC">Andrelton Simmons, 2014, .244</p>
<p id="BZbUjV">Erick Aybar, 2016, .242</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PyDzWJl1q4A98bASbkie8xGtxjA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633806/1151104973.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Dansby Swanson (2019) and Andrelton Simmons (2013) hit 17 home runs to tie for the most home runs hit by a Braves shortstop in the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="4GU1xa"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="HbLPxn">Dansby Swanson, 2019, 17</p>
<p id="TBSH08">Andrelton Simmons, 2013, 17</p>
<p id="gROFyp">Alex Gonzalez, 2011, 15</p>
<p id="cW7Lg9">Dansby Swanson, 2018, 14</p>
<p id="AKINRB">Andrelton Simmons, 2014, 7</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Miami Marlins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wd5Qc3a0yuT0Ixp4qnrdcyNCuYY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633807/166820248.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Andrelton Simmons’ 150 hits in 2013 was the highest single season total in the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="0qGonT"><strong>Top 5 Hits, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="DZVRJd">Andrelton Simmons, 2013, 150</p>
<p id="WdIMJR">Andrelton Simmons, 2015, 142</p>
<p id="O3aQJP">Alex Gonzalez, 2011, 136</p>
<p id="mjusyk">Andrelton Simmons, 2014, 132</p>
<p id="u3Lpz2">Dansby Swanson, 2019, 121</p>
<p id="kQunai"></p>
<h1 id="mZkG4C">Best Cumulative Qualifying Seasons</h1>
<p id="pMmLxa">These are the best cumulative totals from qualifying seasons for Atlanta’s shortstops since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Rafael Furcal" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YVvXRyExSm8dHJ1ijiSQqcCrdgY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633814/81443141.jpg">
<figcaption>Rafael Furcal’s cumulative 21.9 bWAR topped all Braves shortstops since 1990 in qualifying seasons.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="uXNQz6"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="WFKYpr">Rafael Furcal, 21.9</p>
<p id="uWdeT5">Jeff Blauser, 18.9</p>
<p id="OUmaeJ">Andrelton Simmons, 12.9</p>
<p id="qn8luw">Yunel Escobar, 9.1</p>
<p id="dbxGs5">Edgar Renteria, 8.3</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jeff Blauser" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_v-Nji1sxfDnCpcxh1GIvdHnHHQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633821/259783.jpg">
<figcaption>Jeff Blauser hit more home runs than any other shortstop during qualifying seasons.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xDkxSK"><strong>Top 5 HR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="oVY8Qa">Jeff Blauser, 93</p>
<p id="Xo1Dkb">Dansby Swanson, 64</p>
<p id="Cxj17w">Rafael Furcal, 53</p>
<p id="BX60Wi">Andrelton Simmons, 28</p>
<p id="13khwU">Edgar Renteria, 26</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jeff Blauser" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G9K0bVFqjag-wlsueOC8RM5Ckw8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633829/239653.jpg">
<figcaption>Blauser also led all shortstops in RBI during qualifying seasons.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="5KMcVC"><strong>Top 5 RBI, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="xvs20B">Jeff Blauser, 393</p>
<p id="A1HwrV">Rafael Furcal, 266</p>
<p id="x61AkO">Dansby Swanson, 263</p>
<p id="MURKs2">Yunel Escobar, 155</p>
<p id="5UbRwa">Andrelton Simmons, 149</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Royals v Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_hZ3ISBCTQVgTTeVzvA57UP9aQ0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633832/50971076.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Rafael Furcal edged Jeff Blauser for the most runs scored in cumulative seasons.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="eWIRQ1"><strong>Top 5 Runs, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="s2DIz8">Rafael Furcal, 554</p>
<p id="86gg70">Jeff Blauser, 520</p>
<p id="QqYcxu">Dansby Swanson, 265</p>
<p id="byq6Pa">Yunel Escobar, 188</p>
<p id="b68u9b">Edgar Renteria, 187</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="World Series - Atlanta Braves v New York Yankees - Game Two" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F98saxcQ7EnPlMQCFshT7D-1ZdI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23635004/457538199.jpg">
<figcaption>Jeff Blauser leads the way in games played during qualifying seasons, with 884 games played at shortstop.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="tpAbvQ"><strong>Top 5 Games, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="rdn2mR">Jeff Blauser, 884</p>
<p id="1O1Y6t">Rafael Furcal, 777</p>
<p id="O4TBEi">Dansby Swanson, 563</p>
<p id="Sq8fQA">Andrelton Simmons, 449</p>
<p id="5U3q7k">Yunel Escobar, 339</p>
<h1 id="S42DtW">Youngest and Oldest Qualifiers</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Rafael Furcal bunts" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ss4pJ3TIuzvqJpwlbYaEpgJp7fA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633836/1826783.jpg">
<figcaption>Despite having his actual age increased twice during his career, Rafael Furcal was still the youngest shortstop in have a qualifying season at the position.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="7KXFRF"><strong>Top 5, Youngest</strong></p>
<p id="M5hoRk">Rafael Furcal, 2000, 22</p>
<p id="D4DtlO">Rafael Furcal, 2001, 23</p>
<p id="J5O4L2">Andrelton Simmons, 2013, 23</p>
<p id="Z9ubrG">Dansby Swanson, 2017, 23</p>
<p id="cpLhR2">Four tied at 24</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBN-DIAMONDBACKS-BRAVES-01" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SpQ0grnAYc3L7eyIoYUaVPy2nEA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23633843/1149668924.jpg">
<cite>STEVE SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Current Braves bench coach Walt Weiss clocked in with the oldest qualifying season for a shortstop when he played the 2000 season at age 36.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Jbn38q"><strong>Top 5, Oldest</strong></p>
<p id="3bsgb6">Walt Weiss, 2000, 36</p>
<p id="1chLUh">Walt Weiss, 1999, 35</p>
<p id="6iVGPe">Alex Gonzalez, 2011, 34</p>
<p id="UvETA8">Ozzie Guillen, 1998, 34</p>
<p id="FWt9eC">Walt Weiss, 1998, 34</p>
<h1 id="HeUfE6">Blauser or Furcal?</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Cincinnati Reds" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lyYv25eRpmNxjaQ9qsQdTm0OD_U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23635246/77089693.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jeff Blauser was the starting shortstop during Atlanta’s 1995 World Series Championship season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zRyDxs">Heading into the 1987 season, Jeff Blauser was the top <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> prospect according to Baseball America. After being drafted with the fifth overall pick in the secondary 1984 draft, he debuted as a 21 year-old in 1987, playing 51 games at shortstop, but he appeared in only 18 games for Atlanta in 1988.</p>
<p id="6iZz19">In 1989, Blauser broke through and appeared in 142 games as a utility player, appearing at at each infield position but first base and in center field for Atlanta. In 1993, he became the Braves’s full-time shortstop, after sharing time with the ulta-light hitting Rafael Belliard.</p>
<p id="7oxIqu">Blauser was an All Star in 1993, finishing 16th in the MVP balloting, with a slash line of .305/.405/.436 and leading the league in hit-by-pitch. He appeared in 161 games and set a career high in hits (182) and steals (16). Both Baseball-Reference and FanGraphs rated Blauser’s defense above average at the positions that season. </p>
<p id="WPVRlB">Blauser didn’t get enough credit, in my opinion, for his ability to get on base through his Braves career. From 1991 though 1997, he posted a walk rate of 11.3% or better in each season other than 1994 and posted an OBP that exceeded .400 in both 1993 and 1997. </p>
<p id="N6YWMJ">Although his low BABIP-fueled 1994-1996 seasons were only slightly above average (and included missing almost 80 games to injury in 1996), he bounced back in 1997 with another All Star game selection, his only Silver Slugger award and another down-ballot appearance for NL MVP.</p>
<p id="CrO9tC">In 1997, he set a career high in numerous offensive categories, including is triple slash line of .308/.405/.482 and OPS+ with 130. FanGraphs viewed his season almost on par with 1993, with a career best wRC+ of 135 and a fWAR of 5.2 vs. a 5.4 fWAR in 1993.</p>
<p id="nGe1UF">Blauser signed as a free agent with the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> prior to the 1998 season and saw his career end after the 1999 season at age 33 despite posting positive value in a utility role for the Cubs that season.</p>
<p id="PYrpKP">For his career, he posted 20.9 bWAR/19.7fWAR, during 11 seasons with Atlanta and two with the Cubs with a 102 OPS+ and a 106 wRC+. He posted the highest bWAR of any player drafted in the secondary 1984 draft (the next highest was pitcher Blaine Beatty, who proved only 0.5 bWAR for his career). </p>
<p id="nBej2n">If you include both 1984 drafts, his 20.9 bWAR was the fourth highest of all the first-round draft choice, behind only Mark McGwire, Jay Bell and Shane Mack.</p>
<p id="DJknLE">Notably, the top two bWARs from the 1984 draft were from two Braves legends and Hall of Famers, as Greg Maddux posted 106.6 bWAR after being taken with the third pick (31 overall) in the second round by the Cubs and Tom Glavine’s 80.7 bWAR after being taken with the 19th pick of the second round (47 overall) by the Braves.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Braves v Pirates" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PaCwptl_GqmqtU4JKlh9j30bu7k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23635250/51228703.jpg">
<cite>Photo by John Grieshop/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Rafael Furcal spent the first six seasons of his 14 year career with Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Um96ou">Rafael Furcal signed with Atlanta in 1996 as an international free agent. Despite having not played at AA or AAA, the Braves summoned Furcal to the big leagues in 2000 after losing starting shortstop Walt Weiss to injury. </p>
<p id="85UXd7">At the time, Furcal was thought to be 19 years old. He would win the 2000 NL Rookie of the Year award, playing in 131 games and stealing 40 bases. (Furcal’s time with Atlanta was marked with controversies about his age, which you can read about in greater detail in <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/1/20/22889912/atlanta-braves-starting-nine-rafael-furcal-career-retrospective">this piece</a> from Battery Power earlier this year.)</p>
<p id="mvX0Vn">A shoulder injury in 2001 caused him to miss the last half of the season. But from 2002 to 2005, he appeared in 150 or more games three times. The high water-marks for his Braves career were 2003 and 2005.</p>
<p id="4nN9I3">Furcal was an All Star in 2003, a season that saw him lead the NL in triples and collect a career-high with both 294 total bases and runs scored with 130. His slash line led to his highest OPS of his time with Atlanta, at .794.</p>
<p id="jRryBA">After a slight step back in performance in 2004 - and a mid-season DUI arrest that caused him to serve jail time after the season due to a violation of parole stemming from a 2000 DUI arrest - Furcal rebounded in 2005 for one of the best seasons of his career.</p>
<p id="cdYSTg">Although Baseball-Reference values his season more than FanGraphs (6.5bWAR vs. 4.5fWAR), both provide context for his overall performance. He set a career high with 46 stolen bases and posted a .777 OPS while playing in 154 games in 2005. </p>
<p id="1ebkuv">In six season with Atlanta, Furcal stole 189 bases and scored 554 runs - including scoring more than 100 runs per season in his last three seasons with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="b1goQo">What I forgot - and maybe you did as well - was how good Furcal was after he left Atlanta as a free agent. After signing with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>, he spent six seasons with the team appearing in another All Star game in 2010 and finishing 14th in the NL MVP vote in 2006.</p>
<p id="Y8e2tR">Although he appeared in 200 fewer games in his six seasons with LA than his six seasons in Atlanta, his slash numbers were almost identical. For his Atlanta career, he posted .284/.348/.409 whereas his time in LA generated a .283/.351/.406 triple slash line.</p>
<p id="4qSKsq">His last All Star game selection occurred in 2012 during his second season with the Cardinals. After missing the 2013 season, his career ended with a nine games stint with Marlins in 2014.</p>
<p id="417kML">For his career, Furcal stole 314 bases and collected 1,817 hits but only had a 96 OPS+ and 99 wRC+. There’s a sizable difference in his WAR valuations with his bWAR at 39.5 and fWAR at 33.1. </p>
<p id="zzYkaz">Who is the best shortstop between the two?</p>
<p id="Of4fyt">Offensively, Blauser bettered Furcal during their Braves tenures. Blauser’s OPS+ was 106 with Atlanta while Furcal’s was only 95. Blauser appeared in 367 more games than Furcal, regardless of qualifying status per season. That led to a Baseball-Reference oWAR total of 26.3 for Blauser while Furcal only produced 16.8 oWAR.</p>
<p id="LVjUns">Defense is where Furcal separated himself from Blauser, although Blauser’s defense was not as bad as the older readers might recall based on Bobby Cox’s use of Rafael Belliard as a starter and then as a frequent defensive replacement for Blauser throughout Blauser’s career. </p>
<p id="l9jmyL">Admittedly, I am not an advanced statistical savant, and many advanced defensive metrics aren’t available for much of Blauser’s career but FanGraphs does provide some context for Furcal, with a UZR/150 (which started with 2002 totals) providing positive value to his 2002 and 2005 seasons, but those totals were offset by negative valuation in 2003 and 2004 at shortstop. Additionally, FanGraphs credits Furcal with 36 DRS from 2002-2005, including a career best 24 in 2005.</p>
<p id="gW31E2">While Furcal was not an elite defensive shortstop, he was better than Blauser, who provided average defensive performance during his best seasons. Baseball-Reference gives Furcal a dWAR of 9.4 as a Brave while Blauser earned only 0.5 dWAR. </p>
<p id="5C39Mw">Relying on WAR isn’t optimal, especially for two players whose career were separated by one offseason. However, if we look at FanGraphs fWAR for each of their qualifying seasons we end up with a tie. </p>
<p id="dW414z">Yup, each player posted 17.9 fWAR during their qualifying seasons starting with the 1990 season.</p>
<p id="ABxxVy">Tied.</p>
<p id="oGMdfA">We can’t go through all these words and end this in a tie so this will come down to a tiebreaker. </p>
<p id="lMjOeD">This is tough because I am someone who values availability and longevity more than high peaks with a shorter tenue. But, despite Blauser playing in two more seasons than Furcal, the number of games the two played a shortstop is only separated by about half a season’s worth of games, with Blauser playing in 884 games to Furcal’s 777.</p>
<p id="CILbBT">Because of that, I will give Rafael Furcal the slight edge based on a similar performance in less games and the value Furcal provided as a defensive player.</p>
<p id="3C3qpu"></p>
<h1 id="xKKn0i">Notable Tidbits</h1>
<p id="hNw4CO">Shortstop provided a lot of value for the Braves since 1990, so let’s take a look at some of the interesting data for the position.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Rafael Belliard" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v8K_ghF_LfO_kYBy63qNBSlGQEk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23635515/1402233.jpg">
<figcaption>We can’t have a discussion about Braves shortstops and not talk about “Pac-Man” - the nickname of Rafael Belliard.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="7WPfXp">Although Rafael Belliard only qualified in two seasons - 1991 and 1992 - he played eight seasons with Atlanta and appeared in 671 games.</li>
<li id="HGfLHC">Belliard averaged almost exactly two plate appearances per game with Atlanta, with 1,353 plate appearances in the afore mentioned 671 games.</li>
<li id="wlgJA4">Belliard’s calling card was his defense, with his bWAR at 5.3 during this time with Atlanta from 1991 to 1998. That rates better than the first nine seasons of his career, which were spent with the Pirates.</li>
<li id="ASV614">In his 17-year career, that started in 1982, Belliard hit a grand total of two home runs - one each with Atlanta and Pittsburgh. </li>
<li id="2lR0sX">As you might imagine, his OPS+ was a lowly 46. But his addition in 1991 was part of the organization’s dedication to improve the team’s defense, something the diminutive short-stop provided by posting a positive defensive dWAR in each season of his Braves career until 1998 when he was neutral in the last seven games of his career. Fangraphs also viewed his defensive value as a positive for his entire run in Atlanta.</li>
<li id="0aeieB">After Belliard and Blauser departed the organization, Walt Weiss was brought in ahead of the 1998 season and ended up gaining the lone All Star selection of the former AL ROY’s career.</li>
<li id="7inDkl">Weiss missed a significant amount of time in the later half of the ‘98 season, which opened the door for Ozzie Guillen. Guillen, whom the Braves had signed after being released by the Orioles, shared time with his fellow 34 year-old former AL ROY club member for the balance of the ‘98 season as well as the 1999 campaign.</li>
<li id="yk1Tqh">Weiss and Guillen were both known as defense-first shortstops, although both were positive offensive contributors throughout their careers.</li>
<li id="0e7z9C">With Atlanta, Weiss is likely best remembered for his miraculous catch and throw in the 10th inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a>. If you haven’t seen the play, here’s the video, although the tension of the moment can’t be replicated.</li>
</ul>
<div id="gfi6qw"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MGZAbwvu4_o?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<ul>
<li id="edYOtM">Weiss’s playing career ended after playing the 2000 season with Atlanta and Guillen’s also concluded after spending 2000 with Tampa Bay. Both would go on to manage in MLB teams with Guillen winning a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> with the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> in 2005.</li>
<li id="hr8WoD">Weiss joined Atlanta as its bench coach for the 2018 season and continues in that role for the Braves.</li>
<li id="jzv2ci">Five qualifying players provided negative value, although only two were significant. Andres Thomas had a -1.8 bWAR in only 72 games at shortstop in 1990. Rafael Belliard’s lack of offensive production generated -1.2 bWAR in 1992. The other three players only had a slight negative value, with those being Weiss (-0.2, 1999), Erick Aybar (-0.1, 2016) and Dansby Swanson (-0.1, 2017).</li>
<li id="Ln0fqp">The only season without a qualifying player at shortstop was 2012. Andrelton Simmons injury after his call-up to the Braves on June 2 of that year meant that Paul Janish played the most games at the position, with Tyler Pastornicky and Jack Wilson also seeing significant action. </li>
<li id="2P9cJo">Simmons posted a whopping 2.9 bWAR in only 49 games in 2012. That value was offset by Pastornicky (-1.4, 47 games), Wilson (-0.9, 29 games) and Janish (-0.2, 55 games).</li>
<li id="JXbxWw">It was Simmons who hit the infamous “Infield Fly” ball in the 2012 NL Wild Card Game. </li>
<li id="RSU6ES">Simmons, who maybe the the greatest defensive infielder since the team moved to Atlanta (and at worst is in the discussion), has one of the biggest variances in bWAR vs. fWAR that I have seen. For his career, his bWAR is 37.0 but his fWAR is only 24.9.</li>
<li id="eS3AGm">Simmons won two Gold Gloves while with Atlanta and his offensive uptick in 2013 led him to place 14th in the NL MVP vote. </li>
<li id="Vcyp8v">Although he has never made an All Star team, Simmons won two Gold Gloves with the Angels and finished eighth in the AL MVP voting in 2017 and 15th in 2018.</li>
<li id="8BgaJU">Simmons’ gaudy defensive performances offset fair-to-middling offensive output, although the 2010s as a whole were a poor offensive decade for the Braves at shortstop.</li>
<li id="NbZdVY">On the other hand, the 2000s were teeming with phenomenal seasons.</li>
<li id="LmIcNI">Edgar Renteria was brought in to replace Furcal in 2006 and his two seasons with the Braves both exceeded 4 bWAR.</li>
<li id="q3RCPk">An All Star in ‘06, Renteria had two of the best offensive seasons of his career with Atlanta. In his two seasons he hit .310/.374/.451 and was better than average defensively, with a dWAR that combined for 1.5.</li>
<li id="bNQ0Bl">Renteria spend 16 seasons in the majors, debuting in 1996 as a 19 year-old for the Florida Marlins. He was a five-time All Star, won two Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers, got MVP votes in two seasons and collected 2,327 hits when his career ended after his age 34 season with the Reds in 2011.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: JUL 07 Braves v Dodgers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b2ADCxI8xAX9wkPb9eBe1D6MSLY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23635782/695412598.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Chris WIlliams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Yunel Escobar finished sixth in the 2007 NL ROY vote. He spent parts of four seasons with Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="vAhAPb">Yunel Escobar followed Renteria at shortstop in 2008. He finished sixth in the 2007 NL ROY vote, after hitting .326 and splitting time between all the infield positions other than first base.</li>
<li id="u4tScr">Escobar, whose whistling while playing defense was like nails running down a chalkboard for many people, was was highly productive until his 2010 season when he was traded mid-year as part of a deal that brought back Alex Gonzalez from Toronto.</li>
<li id="pVUfrf">Escobar’s career ended after the 2017 seasons, but he generated 26.8 bWAR during his 11 seasons. He played more than 1,000 of his career 1,400 career games at shortstop.</li>
<li id="jAstZq">For the 2000s, Atlanta shortstops created a total 39.2 bWAR in qualifying seasons. That total was almost double that of the 1990s (20.4) and the 2010s (20.3).</li>
<li id="Yp5vOP">The veteran Gonzalez played was a steady defensive player with a bit of pop. He hit double-digits in home runs for the final time in his career with the Braves in 2011, although his SLG was slightly below his career totals during his 221 games with Atlanta.</li>
<li id="wBG9lN">As the Braves continued their rebuild by trading established MLB player for prospects, there was shock throughout the fanbase with the organization traded Simmons prior to the 2016. Part of the return from the Angels was veteran shortstop Erick Aybar.</li>
<li id="xALEmJ">Aybar’s status as a placeholder at the position became more clear after the Braves traded for Dansby Swanson approximately three weeks after the Simmons trade.</li>
<li id="9QqP4b">Aybar. Chicken bone.</li>
<li id="AuNFCn">For the 2010s, no shortstop posted an OPS+ higher than 90 nor a batting average higher than .265. That was a stark transition from the 2000s when only one season saw a shortstop hit less than .265 and had six separate seasons of an OPS+ of 100 or higher.</li>
<li id="AI9qrV">As mentioned in the beginning of this article, Swanson’s 2020 season was excluded since the season was only 60 games. The WAR total he produced wouldn’t have changed the ranking of top shortstops, but was his most productive to date.</li>
<li id="nnhroi">Swanson has been phenomenal through mid-June 2022, but for his career has only posted a 93 OPS+, including his 2022 stats through June 16. Similarly, his wRC+ is only 92.</li>
<li id="VO4iqb">Defensively, he has been average to slightly above, with a dWAR of 3.8 through the 2021 season. His DRS has been up-and-down with +7 through last season but with as many negative seasons as positive ones through 2021. His UZR has also been slightly below average for his career at -3.3 through the end of last season.</li>
<li id="KEVBPo">The last half of Swanson’s 2022 season will be fascinating. A notoriously streaky offensive player, he is on track for the best season of his career. Will he be able to maintain his 127 OPS+ for the full season? What does that mean for his future in Atlanta? I guess we will find out together.</li>
</ul>
<p id="wYnsf6">A few final thoughts to wrap-up this positional retrospective. The productivity the position provided in the 2000s was something I had forgotten about. For the decade, the average qualifying season provided 3.56 bWAR.</p>
<p id="LJYzxq">With due respect to a handful of pre-1990 players, the Braves dedication to drafting and developing shortstops jumps off the page with Blauser, Furcal, Escobar and Simmons all being draft or signed players. That’s 62.8 of 81.8 bWAR from in-house players in qualifying seasons. </p>
<p id="EunJuW">If you subtract the negative value from Thomas, that’s still 61 out of 81.8 bWAR. Throw in another 5.1 bWAR if you want to include the trade for Swanson, since he was a minor league player at the time of his acquisition.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Braves v Rockies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HUK1L-9aYqTW2C4zxD9eTOSDA7E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23639897/282407.jpg">
<figcaption>The knee injury Chipper Jones sustained before the 1994 season shifted him from shortstop to third base, but he did appear in 49 games at shortstop in his career. That total included 41 starts, 38 of which came in 1996.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QG4vZT">When you include the performance of two still-active shortstops that were traded by Atlanta as prospects in the last 20 years - Elvis Andrus with 30.7 career bWAR in 14 seasons and Nick Ahmed with 12.4 bWAR in nine seasons - the Braves organization has had quite the pipeline of talent at the position.</p>
<p id="EVcEuM">And that’s to say nothing of guys like Mark DeRosa and Tony Graffanino who both provided double-digit career bWAR value in careers - both of which spanned more than a decade. Nor does that include Chipper Jones and Ozzie Albies who were both shortstop prospects who found success with Atlanta at other positions.</p>
<p id="g2lJq0">Whatever happens next at shortstop, the Braves will be hard-pressed to get the same value from the position as they have for the last three decades.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/6/21/23165602/best-braves-shortstops-since-1990-rafael-furcal-jeff-blauser-dansby-swanson-andrelton-simmonsDJourn2022-06-02T14:00:00-04:002022-06-02T14:00:00-04:00The best Braves left fielders since 1990
<figure>
<img alt="BBN-METS-BRAVES-KLESKO" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WNIDv0m_CnFzbDHLFC6v_8eh6wA=/0x23:1024x706/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70936307/1149671576.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko and Chipper Jones join Ron Gant as the three most obvious options as the best left fielder for the Braves since 1990. | Photo credit should read STEVEN R. SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ryan Klesko played the most games, Chipper Jones had two strong seasons and Ron Gant had the best single season; but who will lay claim to the best left fielder for the Braves since 1990?</p> <p id="xdRaj0">Oof. </p>
<p id="G9j4e3">That’s the best way I can describe the left field for the greater part of the past decade. </p>
<p id="pcybb1">Since 1990, the Braves have manned the left side of the outfield with a litany of converted infielders, platoon outfielders, and players whose defensive prowess was less-than-desirable (including a few whose range was rivalled only by that of a maple tree).</p>
<p id="aCQcV1">From 1990 through 2008, the position typically made-up for the defensive limitations of the fielders by offering above average offensive output. Starting in 2009, however, left field has largely been an abyss, save a handful of seasons. </p>
<p id="HYNPWd">We’ll dive deeper into this later, but to mark how poorly the position has been since 2015, there have been four seasons - five if you include 2020 - that didn’t qualify for this list as no single player appeared in 65 or more games. While I have not included the 2020 season in any of these retrospectives, the fact that five of the past seven season (when including 2020) haven’t had a single player play in 40-percent of the Braves games in left field … that is, as they say, yikes. </p>
<p id="r04J94">Yikes, yikes, yikes.</p>
<p id="jgh1Fi">This isn’t to say that legends and Hall of Famers haven’t played left field for Atlanta, because they have.</p>
<p id="eNBX2f">If you had to take a guess as to who the best left fielder to play in Atlanta since 1966 was, who would you choose? </p>
<p id="N9Izog">I’ll give you a minute to think about that question.</p>
<p id="keSrwm">Ready?</p>
<p id="GX7r4K">Are you sure?</p>
<p id="4zIBOw">It’s Lonnie Smith.</p>
<p id="IOzxQn">Lonnie Smith played with Atlanta from 1988 through 1992. You may already know Smith’s story, but if you don’t, here’s the quick recap. He played in MLB from 1978 though 1994, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting with the Phillies in 1980 and finishing second in the NL MVP voting while with the Cardinals during his lone All Star season in 1982.</p>
<p id="wvsXhJ">Notably, he won a World Series with each of the first three teams he played for including the Royals in 1985. Known as “Skates” through out his career, Smith’s involvement with MLB’s drugs hearings in the mid-1980s almost ended his career. Smith signed with Atlanta in 1988 at age 32 played in only 43 games posting a lowly OPS of .638.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oMYOJdsB9VwBD2v-cqx5bYoMqrU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23592345/541692408.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lonnie Smith produced the best season of any left fielder in Atlanta Braves history in 1989.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9y5nh1">He bounced back in a big way in 1989 with the best season of his 17 year career, posting a bWAR of 8.8 (fWAR of 8.1). Despite playing on the worst team in the National League, Smith finished 11th in the NL MVP voting and led the league with a .415 OBP. For the year, he hit a career best 21 home runs, stole 25 bases and produced a .948 OPS. </p>
<p id="B04Hdk">He followed his career-best season with an outstanding 4.6 bWAR in 1990, with an OPS of .844 anchored by an OBP of .459. He also provided outstand defense in left during those seasons.</p>
<p id="XC25Dm">During the worst-to-first season of 1991, the 35 year-old Smith played in 99 games for Atlanta with a 1.8 bWAR and ended his Braves run in 1992 as part-time player, but still posted 1.5 bWAR.</p>
<p id="E5Gl15">Although Smith is remembered by many for his baserunning gaff in the 1991 World Series, he hit three home runs in that World Series with a 13.5% cWPA. He followed that up with an 11.5% cWPA in the 1992 World Series despite only appearing as a pinch-hitter in each of the six games. </p>
<p id="uSo4gP">For his post-season career, he posted a 42.9% cWPA in 63 games with a triple-slash of .278/.341/.424. He was even better during his career in five World Series appearances. In 32 games - and 124 plate appearances - he produced a 46.8 cWPA and a triple slash of .277/.341/.473.</p>
<p id="pyB1j4">During his regular season career with Atlanta, he provided 17.3 bWAR , which is the most of any left fielder since the team moved to Atlanta. (FanGraphs rated his tenue slightly lower, but still strong with 14.8 fWAR.)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Ken Griffey Jr. And Sr. Chat In Dugout" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N0Nvhcnd5tMX5jo6WHni8YbANNc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593200/515181062.jpg">
<figcaption>Ken Griffey, Sr. and his son chat in the Braves dugout during the elder’s time with Atlanta. You may be familiar with his son. I understand he played baseball when he was a little older.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="BoqrQn">Looking back at other notable players for the Braves who manned left field through the 1980s, Ken Griffey, Sr. was a positive producer in a parts of three season in his late-30’s before Smith took over the position. The 19-year MLB veteran spent parts of the 1986 and 1988 season with Atlanta. In 1987, Griffey slashed .286/.358/.456 will playing left field during his age 37 season.</p>
<p id="N2mcPR">Brett Butler had a strong season in 1983 before he was traded in one of the worst trades of the 1980s. Dale Murphy spend almost half a season in left during his MVP season of 1982.</p>
<p id="j8WWth">The 1970s had Jeff Burroughs in the last two seasons of the decade. The former AL MVP was an All Star for the Braves in 1978 and finished in the top 20 of the MVP vote in two of his three seasons with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="Gjui1y">Ralph Garr spent parts of eights seasons seeing time in left field with Atlanta from 1968 through 1975. The “Roadrunner” was an All Star in 1974 when he led the league with a .353 batting average, hits with 214, and triples with 17. He finished 12th in the MVP voting that season. He also got down-ballot votes for MVP in 1971 and 1972.</p>
<p id="ojxXrX">Hank Aaron spent time in left field in both 1973 and 1974 and was an All Star both seasons.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1970 Major League Baseball Allstar Game - American League v National League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VCXS76MGVOfKMhSvFBAV370-zx8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593186/471547586.jpg">
<figcaption>Rico Carty was an All Star in 1970 when he led the NL with a .366 batting average while playing left field for Atlanta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Q5PUaN">Rico Carty held down left field for five of the first seven seasons the Braves played in Atlanta. He provided Atlanta with 16.1 bWAR (second highest to Smith) during his time in Atlanta including his All Star 1970 season. That season he led the NL with a .366 batting average and a .454 OBP while hitting 25 home runs and driving in 101 runs. He finished 10th in the MVP voting, one season after finishing 13th despite only appearing in 104 games in 1969.</p>
<p id="MMQiVp">Now its time to focus Braves left fielders from 1990 through 2021. The sole qualifier is a player must have appeared in 65 games during a single season in left field. </p>
<p id="6AitVe">As always, the following stats are from Baseball-Reference, and while not perfect, it works just fine for this application. Further, this retrospective has focused primarily on offensive value, and that will continue to be the case while reviewing left fielders.</p>
<h1 id="R2UXad">Best Single Seasons Since 1990</h1>
<p id="uETmFZ">Here are the best single seasons by a left fielder for the Braves since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jQNx7j66ClqecycfvvZY_JOaH6E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593209/1289856161.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ron Gant led all left fielders by posting 6.5 bWAR in 1993. He finished fifth in the NL MVP vote that season. He also had large biceps.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="sNCHSI"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by bWAR</strong></p>
<p id="6Gt4zi">Ron Gant, 1993, 6.5</p>
<p id="xEsaBl">Chipper Jones, 2002, 5.8</p>
<p id="dv6Hfy">Martin Prado, 2012, 5.4</p>
<p id="l9ahgk">Lonnie Smith, 1990, 4.6</p>
<p id="6yP9iP">Chipper Jones, 2003, 4.4</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Ryan Klesko..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OvLSnj7MIoxzUdWRp4hvADM7VJs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593218/81412854.jpg">
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko led all left fielders in OPS+ with a 158 in 1995. While the converted first baseman was not known for is defense he did make this leaping catch against the Dodgers in April 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QiWpAw"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS+</strong></p>
<p id="voct6V">Ryan Klesko, 1995, 158</p>
<p id="vo1S2N">Chipper Jones, 2002, 153</p>
<p id="19t8RU">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2018, 143</p>
<p id="NIDkuf">Chipper Jones, 2003, 137</p>
<p id="RzUQwe">Justin Upton, 2014, 133</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Pittsburgh Pirates" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rGgUhbfsF3hCBOQgAdWPGHNXdtU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593222/1170076988.jpg">
<cite>Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ron Gant paced left fielders with 36 home runs in 1993.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="LCrAzh"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by HR</strong></p>
<p id="LESkf0">Ron Gant, 1993, 36</p>
<p id="A39niv">Ryan Klesko, 1996, 34</p>
<p id="UFbkXe">Justin Upton, 2014, 29</p>
<p id="WMPRkl">Chipper Jones, 2003, 27</p>
<p id="W3Jdfn">Justin Upton, 2013, 27</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ySzYMEfR1GDAcq_rslc5vEqVa7I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595942/144899235.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Martin Prado hit 42 doubles in 2012, the best total for any left fielder since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VlU38m"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by 2B</strong></p>
<p id="Ij6ltF">Martin Prado, 2012, 42</p>
<p id="Ik7YkH">Chipper Jones, 2002, 35</p>
<p id="5wo60i">Justin Upton, 2014, 34</p>
<p id="FqXzY0">B.J. Surhoff, 2001, 33</p>
<p id="YaNCOE">Chipper Jones, 2003, 33</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g6Kjf-iTqK6rDbxb3cLZGZwlLPo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593228/232748.jpg">
<figcaption>Ron Gant’s outstanding 1993 season included 117 RBI.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Duu7f9"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by RBI</strong></p>
<p id="9lUKFl">Ron Gant, 1993, 117</p>
<p id="30su2i">Chipper Jones, 2003, 106</p>
<p id="ApiEyG">Justin Upton, 2014, 102</p>
<p id="dvLv8P">Chipper Jones, 2002, 100</p>
<p id="0YaFdg">Ryan Klesko, 1996, 93</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="RON GANT BRAVES" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V5CJzTZdxLcLMYIbwA56Taapjx4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593289/233484.jpg">
<figcaption>Ron Gant’s 113 runs in 1993 led all left fielders.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="WA83c3"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by Runs</strong></p>
<p id="lAzVGX">Ron Gant, 1993, 113</p>
<p id="AVA030">Chipper Jones, 2003, 103</p>
<p id="1bU0z6">Justin Upton, 2013, 94</p>
<p id="L9GXzN">Chipper Jones, 2002, 90</p>
<p id="KXnN7p">Ryan Klesko, 1996, 90</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="RYAN KLESKO BRAVES" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bz847FPbok1rUTYj1PD5FftIhfo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593293/72502292.jpg">
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko produced a 1.004 OPS in 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="HafcNk"><strong>Top 5 Season, by OPS</strong></p>
<p id="FLSh1u">Ryan Klesko, 1995, 1.004</p>
<p id="AzPhCt">Chipper Jones, 2002, .972</p>
<p id="icGWgg">Chipper Jones, 2003, .920</p>
<p id="OPpaNE">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2018, .917</p>
<p id="1nnKFp">Ryan Klesko, 1994, .907</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CY51mmi5xN7lvb_4OuaBSEHDmT0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23593301/74211054.jpg">
<cite>Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Matt Diaz led left fielders with a .338 batting average in 2007. He also tied Chipper Jones for the second highest when he hit .327 in 2006.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gcOigK"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by BA</strong></p>
<p id="uXQw8f">Matt Diaz, 2007, .338</p>
<p id="Vpygbq">Matt Diaz, 2006, .327</p>
<p id="MovVB8">Chipper Jones, 2002, .327</p>
<p id="eBGHr9">Ryan Klesko, 1995, .310</p>
<p id="YyHcYZ">Chipper Jones, 2003, .305</p>
<p id="WsPS3W">Lonnie Smith, 1990, .305</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H_KM55Aq99Aqitdqo-kKFUIfacY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594174/1289856222.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ron Gant had the two best single single totals for stolen bases with 32 in 1992 and 26 in 1993.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="i3uc9D"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by SB</strong></p>
<p id="7idAvO">Ron Gant, 1992, 32</p>
<p id="W27tp4">Ron Gant, 1993, 26</p>
<p id="SrRRma">Reggie Sanders, 2000, 21</p>
<p id="xEYq0Y">Gerald Williams, 1999, 19</p>
<p id="DLYxui">Martin Prado, 2012, 17</p>
<p id="K8YhJA">Willie Harris, 2007, 17</p>
<h1 id="PDcIIv">Best Single Seasons by Decade</h1>
<p id="mHKaMe">These are the best single seasons for left fielders per decade based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Pittsburgh Pirates" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CpDikfjioQS2LpDLrsFFRqq0tbs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594180/1370274761.jpg">
<cite>Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ron Gant’s 1993 season offers a lot of “what ifs”. He was injured in an ATV accident before the 1994 season and was released by Atlanta after signing a contract extension. He played in MLB for a decade after the accident although he missed the 1994 season before signing with the Reds in 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="FcyEso"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="T3wUI0">Ron Gant, 1993, 6.5</p>
<p id="VgxEeg">Lonnie Smith, 1990, 4.6</p>
<p id="gVUR9e">Ron Gant, 1992, 3.6</p>
<p id="KjdTjm">Ryan Klesko, 1996, 3.5</p>
<p id="we5xBo">Ryan Klesko, 1998, 2.9</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="World Series - New York Yankees v Atlanta Braves - Game Three" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I745srqDtN7h8svw0mvX8sx3t7Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594185/457538245.jpg">
<figcaption>The top three OPS+ seasons in the 1990s all belong to Ryan Klesko. Although he was a bat-first left fielder, his offense production made up his defensive short-comings.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="93t1ul"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="X3EJIb">Ryan Klesko, 1995, 158</p>
<p id="45flUx">Ryan Klesko, 1994, 130</p>
<p id="PL4aAZ">Ryan Klesko, 1996, 128</p>
<p id="HfLxVa">Lonnie Smith, 1990, 127</p>
<p id="adv5uv">Ron Gant, 1993, 126</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VuVqwSwAHKOsp0dhMpWwo78QCWY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594213/1314646155.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko had three of the top four batting averages for left fielders in the 1990s, including hitting .310 in 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="D5ceOI"><strong>Top 5 BA, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="EWzoCJ">Ryan Klesko, 1995, .310</p>
<p id="8gaYd1">Lonnie Smith, 1990, .305</p>
<p id="HF6GLQ">Ryan Klesko, 1996, .282</p>
<p id="M8ZXbt">Ryan Klesko, 1994, .278</p>
<p id="ijzSHx">Lonnie Smith, 1991, .275</p>
<p id="1eAdcP">Gerald William, 1999, .275</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0N88EgZnTWlxMfTdlxo2ygSoPWQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594222/1289856511.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ron Gant launched 36 home runs in 1993. Ryan Klesko rounded out the remainder of the top 5 single single home run totals.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="EDUsKC"><strong>Top 5 HR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="Zpq6tS">Ron Gant, 1993, 36</p>
<p id="qlO7LL">Ryan Klesko, 1996, 34</p>
<p id="iDaMRv">Ryan Klesko, 1997, 24</p>
<p id="qv8VKN">Ryan Klesko, 1995, 23</p>
<p id="eGhWd0">Ryan Klesko, 1998, 18</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="RON GANT BRAVES" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8RdeyMe44YQlejLyttgKxFa3x1o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594231/233484.jpg">
<figcaption>Ron Gant had rare power and speed combination. Although he narrowly missing having a 30SB/30HR season while playing left field in 1993, he did go 30/30 while playing center field in 1990 and 1991.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="lzslKm"><strong>Top 5 SB, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="XnKiOH">Ron Gant, 1992, 32</p>
<p id="rv7Xn3">Ron Gant, 1993, 26</p>
<p id="eE4fDb">Gerald Williams, 1999, 19</p>
<p id="EHKOqi">Lonnie Smith, 1990, 10</p>
<p id="ja8GS1">Lonnie Smith, 1991, 9</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hk1wBllt_qdPPEJaYIuKXUOyV-I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594242/486117753.jpg">
<figcaption>Chipper Jones moved to left field in 2002 and proceeded to put up 5.8 bWAR and finish 11th in the NL MVP voting.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zXwHzb"><strong>Top 5, bWAR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="n43osZ">Chipper Jones, 2002, 5.8</p>
<p id="QDMoTw">Chipper Jones, 2003, 4.4</p>
<p id="rkws0p">Matt Diaz, 2007, 2.6</p>
<p id="KNWgxc">Willie Harris, 2007, 2.1</p>
<p id="hnlsAZ">Matt Diaz, 2006, 1.9</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Giants v Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/omFQGUdSY6PdL8p3JYA0daA24_I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594246/1518193.jpg">
<figcaption>Chipper Jones boosted the Braves outfield production with a 153 OPS+ while playing left field in 2002. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="tZInfH"><strong>Top 5, OPS+, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="v1r8Gn">Chipper Jones, 2002, 153</p>
<p id="cmk7tQ">Chipper Jones, 2003, 137</p>
<p id="vbpWzs">Matt Diaz, 2007, 124</p>
<p id="CROOPT">Matt Diaz, 2006, 114</p>
<p id="tbYeWn">Charles Thomas, 2004, 109</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Milwaukee Brewers v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VN3JZI1yHn36ZIZp2YNGNmWBtCI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23594247/76963320.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Matt Diaz hit .338 in 2007, the highest batting average for qualified left fielders in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xcnMiq"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="T6lQR4">Matt Diaz, 2007, .338</p>
<p id="F1PJJO">Matt Diaz, 2006, .327</p>
<p id="bFs4VO">Chipper Jones, 2002, .327</p>
<p id="ZDhgAJ">Chipper Jones, 2003, .305</p>
<p id="6ekcoT">Charles Thomas, 2004, .288</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jones hits 2R HR" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wKtgeIgOS6-sPFCro9ZNTeW8oQ8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595257/2560948.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Chipper Jones had the highest single season home run totals for left fielders in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GZiiwQ"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="iFHAjh">Chipper Jones, 2003, 27</p>
<p id="k9DXQs">Chipper Jones, 2002, 26</p>
<p id="A6agXD">Garret Anderson, 2009, 13</p>
<p id="AlPUZX">Matt Diaz, 2007, 12</p>
<p id="SD2WTy">Reggie Sanders, 2000, 11</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBN-CUBS-BRAVES-01" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k39uzvj6SbGZ1KXVm7N_9_YYdEo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595260/1194104467.jpg">
<cite>Photo by STEVE SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Reggie Sanders struggled mightily in is lone season with Atlanta in 2000. He did steal 21 bases that season, most of any single season in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="JGa0nm"><strong>Top 5 SB, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="9dwPEJ">Reggie Sanders, 2000, 21</p>
<p id="10fNfs">Willie Harris, 2007, 17</p>
<p id="jVOewI">Gregor Blanco, 2008, 13</p>
<p id="FdMw7w">B.J. Surhoff, 2001, 9</p>
<p id="LezQB7">Chipper Jones, 2002, 8</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tb2_bob5VfjDpQOOPJw2MI9Etug=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595276/151003556.jpg">
<figcaption>Martin Prado led left fielders in the 2010s with a 5.4 bWAR.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="WV7Q4p"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="HE7CtC">Martin Prado, 2012, 5.4</p>
<p id="RR2pTM">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2018, 3.9</p>
<p id="nu96SV">Justin Upton, 2014, 3.1</p>
<p id="uAHa0k">Justin Upton, 2013, 2.8</p>
<p id="YRhxcK">Martin Prado, 2011, 1.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Japan v MLB All Stars - Game 6" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9axiJx5611KwkYO0GadpYsXHftM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595301/1061780662.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ronald Acuna, Jr. paced Braves left fielders with a 143 OPS+ in 2018. Did you remember he played with a team of MLB players in Japan after the season? I didn’t. Here he is celebrating a home run during game six of the series in Nagoya.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="2gZ086"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="ddmewk">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2018, 143</p>
<p id="lPB33B">Justin Upton, 2014, 133</p>
<p id="66PAK6">Justin Upton, 2013, 124</p>
<p id="zJfD3G">Martin Prado, 2012, 114</p>
<p id="2GThnF">Matt Kemp, 2017, 101</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v. Chicago Cubs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ir_-UrkADBPJZntYbemHc-0JUoI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595309/144981479.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Martin Prado was the only Braves left fielder to hit .300 or better in the 2010s. He batted .301 in 2012.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="3mXS3C"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="jkOvNu">Martin Prado, 2012, .301</p>
<p id="uxu8z9">Ronald Acuna, Jr. 2018, .293</p>
<p id="NfKsbm">Matt Kemp, 2017, .276</p>
<p id="CRsR6J">Justin Upton, 2014, .270</p>
<p id="Lx08Ee">Justin Upton, 2013, .263</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jG5F370eRzuyQyOjFcON6BNxVwQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595314/456055540.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Justin Upton pounded 29 home runs in 2014, one season after hitting 27 for the Braves. His totals were the high water mark for Braves left fielders.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="G1RANT"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="JEOH09">Justin Upton, 2014, 29</p>
<p id="Fiq5aD">Justin Upton, 2013, 27</p>
<p id="7iTUvT">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2018, 26</p>
<p id="AEgOj5">Matt Kemp, 2017, 19</p>
<p id="0QbDBv">Martin Prado, 2011, 13</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arizona Diamondbacks v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YqW3cGQfDK6L49fureYsuXCDF_k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595319/147236102.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Martin Prado lead the 2010s in steals by a left fielder with 17 in 2012.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="PPOh3I"><strong>Top 5 SB, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="GNqkU5">Martin Prado, 2012, 17</p>
<p id="s23C9N">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2018, 16</p>
<p id="hWX0yL">Justin Upton, 2013, 8</p>
<p id="Uabj0I">Justin Upton, 2014, 8</p>
<p id="ukEvNQ">Melky Cabrera, 2010, 7</p>
<h1 id="cMW19O">Best Cumulative Qualifying Seasons</h1>
<p id="QfWEnJ">These are the best cumulative totals from qualifying season for Atlanta’s left fielders since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chipper Jones led left fielders with 10.2 bWAR, narrowly beating Ron Gant’s 10.1 bWAR." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SA26K5n2LkrarjIy9zlfA2MkAeU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595350/548118.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="blnzqf"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="Vshbjg">Chipper Jones, 10.2</p>
<p id="KsmXU9">Ron Gant, 10.1</p>
<p id="AckLcg">Ryan Klesko, 9.6</p>
<p id="74XIbg">Martin Prado, 6.9</p>
<p id="8TqBmO">Lonnie Smith, 6.4</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Ryan Klesko hits a grand slam home" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c4EUJ_TRthTqojBGyXl321NNBnk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595360/52027412.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read STEVEN SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko led all Braves left fielders with 116 in qualifying seasons - a total that more than doubled the next highest total.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rnadhh"><strong>Top 5 HR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="7ZwCPo">Ryan Klesko, 116</p>
<p id="GYz41c">Justin Upton, 56</p>
<p id="D07Tto">Ron Gant, 53</p>
<p id="VoLlp3">Chipper Jones, 53</p>
<p id="k0d7Un">Ronald Acuna., Jr. 26</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves’ Ryan Klesko is congratulated by te" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o1lIPx86ULpYhxCfNBKC_71P7C4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595367/51587873.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko drove in 364 runs during qualifying seasons as the Braves left fielder during his tenure with the team in the 1990s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="bVDBTI"><strong>Top 5 RBI, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="8pKs55">Ryan Klesko, 364</p>
<p id="Xezqi7">Chipper Jones, 206</p>
<p id="5hXvDn">Ron Gant, 197</p>
<p id="DV2urv">Justin Upton, 172</p>
<p id="eiMqb1">Martin Prado, 127</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Ryan Klesko #18" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JaT3INS18LJWrYPA5BvHll2n9-I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595377/382131.jpg">
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko played the most games of any Braves left fielder since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="RN20GD"><strong>Top 5 Games, Qualifying Season</strong></p>
<p id="Qh27ai">Ryan Klesko, 570</p>
<p id="6wUMej">Chipper Jones, 301</p>
<p id="blHM7p">Ron Gant, 293</p>
<p id="9JHLYe">Justin Upton, 258</p>
<p id="WueFzV">Lonnie Smith, 221</p>
<h1 id="kfSDEK">Youngest and Oldest Qualifiers</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Cincinnati Reds" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZE0MWE4vpjBuW4mZc5HRC5lFPSo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595381/951568296.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ronald Acuna, Jr. was the youngest player to qualify in left field, playing 101 games at the position during his age 20 season in 2018.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="RrelhK"><strong>Top 5 Youngest</strong></p>
<p id="06TZ0M">Ronald Acuna, Jr., 2018, 20</p>
<p id="Pu8maw">Ryan Klesko, 1994, 23</p>
<p id="y6YwCR">Kelly Johnson, 2005, 23</p>
<p id="byUzth">Ryan Klesko, 1995, 24</p>
<p id="BvQrba">Gregor Blanco, 2008, 24</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New York Yankees v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CGYVmwkubxeNdrywVGBlZ3kraUU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595400/88759390.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Garret Anderson had spent the first 15 seasons of his career with the Angles before signing with the Braves for the 2009 season. The 37 year-old former three-time All Star ended his career the following season with the Dodgers.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="oU7aK7"><strong>Top 5 Oldest</strong></p>
<p id="g5cIqP">Garret Anderson, 2009, 37</p>
<p id="Wjrvph">B.J. Surhoff, 2001, 36</p>
<p id="6XGgAB">Lonnie Smith, 1991, 35</p>
<p id="rfGrNp">Lonnie Smith, 1990, 34</p>
<p id="lUnruT">Dave Gallagher, 1994, 33</p>
<h1 id="21duPU">Klesko, the Converted Left Fielder</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v St. Louis Cardinals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vJip2Z4ZITT5H7KmWDeRkT5uiFA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595474/453026885.jpg">
<figcaption>Ryan Klesko debuted with Atlanta in 1992 and played with the team through the 1999 season before returning to his native California for the last eight seasons of his career.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="kyD4SR">As you can see the from games-played leaders in left field since 1990, only one player - Ryan Klesko - spent more than two qualifying season at the position. That strategy worked out fairly well for Atlanta with the position providing positive bWAR by all qualifying players but one - Dave Gallagher (who posted a -0.1 bWAR in 1994) - from 1990 through 2008.</p>
<p id="ExYz0O">Cumulatively, the 1990s provided 27.8 bWAR for the decade. That slipped to 20.6 bWAR in the 2002s and fell to 15.1 in the 2010s.</p>
<p id="CcoaSk">So who lays stake to the title of the best left fielder since 1990? </p>
<p id="CZv9UL">Chipper Jones and Ron Gant were almost even in their two qualifying seasons. Justin Upton was good for two seasons a in the early 2010s, but not as good as Lonnie Smith’s two seasons at the beginning of the 1990s. Martin Prado was excellent in 2012 and okay in 2011.</p>
<p id="R3R9yW">Ultimately, it was difficult for me to overlook the lack of time spent at the position by anyone other than Klesko.</p>
<p id="0TFQNc">Klesko played the most games at the position - by far - but he was such a poor defensive player in left field that it dropped his overall value. That is to be expected for a player who was really a first baseman masquerading as a left fielder. </p>
<p id="hlKriv">If you are too young to remember Klesko’s career, it was actually underrated. </p>
<p id="GvHmts">Baseball America ranked Klesko in the Top 3 of Braves prospects four times in the early 1990s - including the organizations top prospect over Chipper Jones after the 1990 season. A highly-touted pitcher out of high school, the Braves took a chance on his bat after an arm injury and a commitment to play at Arizona State saw his draft stock slip. The power in his bat played, with Baseball America ranking him as the third best prospect in baseball prior to the 1991 season and as the eighth best prospect heading into 1992.</p>
<p id="X5RQwk">Hitting was Klesko’s forte. His athletic ability was high enough to provide the team with positional versatility at the major league level. In eight seasons with Atlanta, he toggled between left field and first base, although most of his action was in the outfield.</p>
<p id="kGizrq">His 16-year career WAR totals range from 26.7 bWAR to 30.1 fWAR. While WAR isn’t the end-all-be-all, it does frame his career pretty well. He triple slashed .279/.370/.500 while collecting more than 1,500 career hits, 278 home runs and finishing 13 RBI short of 1,000 for his career. He finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1994.</p>
<p id="LJIYdl">For Atlanta, he appeared in 792 games and hitting .281/.361/.525 in eight seasons. He was traded from Atlanta prior to the 2000 season and spent seven seasons with the Padres, earning his lone All Star appearance in 2001. He wrapped up his career in 2007 with the Giants at age 36.</p>
<p id="mawiNJ">Klesko wasn’t as good in the post season as he was during the regular season, but still finished his career with a positive cWPA at 5.4% across 62 games - all but six of which were with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="Qvke6w">While it would be justifiable to bestow the honor of best Braves left fielder to Jones or Gant, the fact they they played in almost less than half the total games in left field that Klesko did is a big reason for choosing Klesko.</p>
<h1 id="xKKn0i">Notable Tidbits</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Chicago Cubs v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vrY35DeUdMM6SYjeEuIE8OgPPZA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595476/74537546.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Matt Diaz and Willie Harris combined to produce 4.7 bWAR in 2007</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xbT11P">Left field was the position of leftovers for the majority of the lasts two decades. Let’s take a look at some interesting data for left fielders.</p>
<ul>
<li id="p8anXZ">As stated at the beginning of this article four of the last six qualifying seasons (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021) saw no single player appear in more than 65 games in left field. </li>
<li id="VXQ0mF">Many of the players on this list saw extensive time at positions other than left field, leading to an average number of games played per season by qualifiers of 108 games.</li>
<li id="G4CtSq">Ryan Klesko led all players in qualifying seasons with five. Five other players tied for second with two qualifying seasons.</li>
<li id="8W8pae">The fewest games played by qualifiers was led by Reggie Sanders’ 69 in 2000. Charles Thomas (70, 2004), Dave Gallagher (71, 1994), Klesko (74, 1994), Gregor Blanco (77, 2008) and Kelly Johnson (79, 2005) all appeared in less than 80 games in their respective seasons.</li>
<li id="qPD7ON">Only four players produced negative bWAR in left field, although three of those season have occurred in the last eight seasons. Garret Anderson was the worst with -1.4 bWAR in 2009. Matt Kemp (-1.3, 2017), Melky Cabrera (-0.3, 2010) and Gallagher (-0.1, 1994) round of the list of negative bWAR producers.</li>
<li id="GkjxMn">After Chipper Jones played his last season in left field in 2003 it was 10 seasons until a left fielder hit more than 13 home runs. Jones hit 27 bombs in 2003 and Justin Upton matched that total in 2013.</li>
<li id="yJmpuS">The lowest home run total for qualifying left fielders was a single home run hit by Blanco in 2008. Gallagher in 1994 and Willie Harris in 2007 hit two in their respective seasons.</li>
<li id="5Inu85">Ryan Langerhans followed up a promising 2005 season by playing 104 games in left field in 2006. Although he produced 1.0 bWAR for the season, he wasn’t able to match the output of his prior season. He did appear in a total of 131 games in 2006, the highest total in the parts of 11 season he spent in MLB.</li>
<li id="uKDWSz">The Braves acquired Reggie Sanders as part of six player trade with the Padres in December 1999 that sent Klesko, among others, to San Diego. Sanders struggled with Atlanta, including an 0 for 34 hitless streak. For his career, Sanders provided 39.8 bWAR across 17 seasons, including an All Star selection for the Reds in 1995 when he finished sixth for the NL MVP. His single season in Atlanta was the worst of his career outside of his first nine game cup of coffee with Cincinnati in 1991.</li>
<li id="zWYmaj">Other than Gallagher, who saw the majority of his action with Atlanta as a defensive replacement with only 22 starts in his 71 games as a left fielder, Charles Thomas saw the fewest plate appearances as a qualifying Braves left fielder.</li>
<li id="mHbxM9">Thomas provided immense value to the Braves beyond his on-field production as a rookie in 2004. He was one of the pieces that went to Oakland in the trade that brought Tim Hudson to Atlanta. After appearing in 83 games for Atlanta, Thomas only saw action in 30 games in 2005 for Oakland, hitting .109 in 55 plate appearances. He was out of organized baseball by 2008.</li>
<li id="PxHskY">Lonnie Smith led left fielders in triples, hitting nine in 1990, one more than Harris hit in 2007.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Colorado Rockies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/df6uS51WTrmsr1-QEP5EXcbqQzw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23595956/450386037.jpg">
<figcaption>B.J. Surhoff played in 210 games for the Braves from 2000 to 2002.</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="5RU3eM">B.J. Surhoff spent 19 seasons in MLB after being selected with the first overall pick in the 1985 draft by the Brewers. He spent more than 1,000 games each with the Milwaukee and the Baltimore Orioles as well as more than 200 with Atlanta. Although he was in his mid-30’s when the Braves traded for him in 2000, he was an effective everyday outfielder until suffering an ACL injury less than a third of the way into the 2002 season. He would return to the Orioles in 2003 as a part-time utility player until he retired after the 2005 season at 40 years old. </li>
<li id="0Ctbwi">Although he had appeared in 48 games across three seasons before joining Atlanta in 2006, the 28 year-old Matt Diaz found a home in Atlanta, hitting .327 in his rookie season. In parts of six season for Atlanta, he hit .299/.347/.449</li>
<li id="PL3E2B">Diaz signed as a free agent with the Pirates prior to the 2011 season, but the Braves re-acquired him at the waiver trade deadline in 2011. He’d play the 2012 season with Atlanta before ending his career with the Marlins in 2013.</li>
<li id="5RS4v8">Gerald Williams, who passed away earlier this year at age 55, played two seasons for the Braves in the late ‘90s. His 1998 season was slightly better than 1999 when he spent more time in right field than left.</li>
<li id="UscpFn">While there isn’t anything nice to say about Cabrera’s time with Atlanta, Blanco went on to have a nice career after leaving Atlanta. Blanco played a decade in the Majors on won two World Series rings while being utility outfielder for the Giants.</li>
<li id="m2XacT">Justin Upton was a Silver Slugger award winner for Atlanta in 2014. The notoriously streaking Upton, who debuted as a 19 year-old with Arizona in 2007, played in 303 games with Atlanta before the team traded him to the Padres prior to the 2015 season.</li>
<li id="iIbU2i">From 1990 through 2004, qualifying left fielders who provided 38.7 bWAR. From 2005 through 2021, that number dropped to 24.8 bWAR. Worst of all was that the position provided a sum of 2.6 bWAR from 2015 through 2021, all thanks to Ronald Acuna, Jr.</li>
<li id="jVCHT0">Oddly, the some best seasons for left field since 1990 were 1992 and 1993, 2002 and 2003, and then 2012 and 2013. Although 2022 isn’t provided the best start for the Braves in left field, maybe this will be part of another two-year run of significant value. The 15-year MLB veteran recently signed with the Mariners after the Angles released the 34 year-old during Spring Training earlier this year.</li>
<li id="iUZ3zb">And lastly, Matt Kemp lead the NL in double plays hit into while with the Braves in 2017. He hit into 25 of them that season.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Autumn maple on a farm along Route 7, Vermont" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sMpzBQpv8_v7AoQu-LDYFQMnUnc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23596825/1096027874.jpg">
<figcaption>I’m fairly certain this maple tree would have been a defensive upgrade over a handful of the left fielders Atlanta has employed during the last 30 years. If you don’t believe me, go look up some of the defensive metrics of Anderson, Kemp and Klesko.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="p45TZz"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2022/6/2/23144238/best-braves-left-fielders-since-1990-chipper-jones-ron-gant-ryan-klesko-martin-prado-lonnie-smithDJourn2022-05-12T14:00:00-04:002022-05-12T14:00:00-04:00The best Braves catchers since 1990
<figure>
<img alt="Javy Lopez or Brian McCann? The best Braves catcher since 1990 is one of the two. But who is it?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/faYz3UHIRBdr9mAFUv12UJy4Jro=/0x0:3072x2048/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70861901/382179.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>In a two-man race between Javy Lopez and Brian McCann, who will ultimately win the title as the best Braves catcher since 1990?</p> <p id="BtnmcY">Since the Braves moved to Atlanta prior to the 1966 season, catcher has been a position of relative stability, with the team employing a handful of long-term catchers whose tenure with the team spanned nine years or longer. </p>
<p id="4q0Jz9">Since 1990, the Braves had the luxury of having two catchers log more than 1,000 games behind the plate. While this retrospective looks at all the qualifying seasons for catchers since the beginning of the ‘90s, ultimately the conversation comes down to Brian McCann versus Javy Lopez as to who is the best catcher of this most-modern era of Braves baseball.</p>
<p id="sUV4yH">In the classic 1960s cartoon, ‘The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show’, most segments ended with a cliffhanger teaser of two different future segment titles based on different ways the story could turn out. </p>
<p id="3Anm45">If you are from the ‘Battle for Dream Island’ era, that’s cool, because ‘BFDI’ cliffhangers from that series works here, too. Think of this as Firey versus Flower.</p>
<p id="YaJfk0">So who is it? McCann or Lopez? Lopez or McCann?</p>
<p id="yViMBv">In the honor of ‘Rocky and Bullwinkle’, find out it is later in this article, in: “Lopez Crushes McCann’s Cans Hearts” or “Lopez Can’t Out Man McCann”. </p>
<p id="euLv77">(Alliteration?! Consonance?! Assonance?!<strong> </strong>I wasn’t an English Major! But Luan Loud-quality bad pun-based sub-heads? Definitely!)</p>
<p id="CFXacc">Anyway, back to the subject-matter at hand. Before diving into the McCann vs. Lopez debate, it’s take a look back at some of the other notable catchers in <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> history. </p>
<p id="JdaAKC">Given that Phil Niekro and his notoriously effective but difficult-to-catch knuckleball anchored the Braves’ starting rotation in Atlanta from 1966 through 1983, these men donned the tools of ignorance knowing that they, nor their steed, were going to know exactly where that unique pitch was going every fourth day.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DUdQD6r8oET7Zt6YZKiYSRXS3NY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23442791/53316180.jpg">
<cite>Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Joe Torre bats against the Reds in Cincinnati in 1967.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="6sd9qv">When the Braves moved from Milwaukee, they brought with them Joe Torre who was coming off of three consecutive All Star seasons as the primary Braves catcher. Torre, who debuted for the Braves as a 19 year-old in 1960 and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 1961, would post All Star seasons in 1966 and 1967 with Atlanta and hit the first home run in what was then known as Atlanta Stadium. </p>
<p id="zmpPAM">A solid defensive catcher, Torre was an outstanding offensive player who posted an OPS+ of 156 in 1966, when he slashed .321/.382/.560 with 36 home runs as 101 RBI in more than 600 plate appearances. After a down season - for him - in 1968, Torre found himself embroiled in a disagreement with the team over his contract, and was traded to the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a> for HOFer Orlando Cepeda. </p>
<p id="oXvAkM">Torre, who shifted to corner infielder because of the Cardinals employing 1967 MVP runner-up Tim McCarver, would win the MVP award in 1971 while earning four consecutive All Star births with the Cardinals from 1970 through 1973, before ending his career with the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> in 1977. </p>
<p id="4N6iDk">Torre’s post-playing career earned him Hall of Fame enshrinement as a manager, including a three-year stint for the Braves in the early 1980s. Despite Torre spending 10 seasons as a catcher - playing more than 900 game in his career behind the plate - his impressive offensive output has left him short of Hall of Fame induction as a player.</p>
<p id="v23j7Q">Oddly, despite posting 33.2 bWAR while playing more than 1,000 games with the Braves organization - and posting a .529 winning percentage and winning the 1982 NL West Division as manager - the Braves still have not inducted Torre into their Hall of Fame.</p>
<p id="v5gffW">A few other notable names who spent time at catcher in Atlanta during the ‘60’s included Bob Tillman and Bob Didier who were the primary catchers in 1969 and 1970; former Milwaukee Braves back-up catcher (and HOF broadcaster) Bob Uecker who ended his playing career in Atlanta; and Rico Carty, who started 14 games in 1966 (and appeared in a total of 17 games). Oddly, Carty did not appear as a catcher at any other point in his 15-year MLB career.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="St. Louis Cardinals v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rSkAzEHGKOpsDdH5WqzWQJIiyQs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23442811/578552282.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Earl Williams had two stints with Atlanta during the 1970s. Williams, shown here kneeling in pain in 1972 as Torre watches.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="sHnW8a">In 1971, rookie Earl Williams was the primary catcher (although he did see significant time at first and third base) and proceeded to win the Rookie of the Year award as he posted 4.2 bWAR boosted by a 123 OPS+ and 33 home runs. He spent 1972 behind the dish for Atlanta before being traded to the <a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> in a deal that brought Davey Johnson and catcher Johnny Oates to Atlanta. </p>
<p id="nAOqZ7">Oates and Vic Correll would man the position until Williams returned to Atlanta in 1975 for another year-and-a-half run with Atlanta before being purchased from Atlanta by Montreal. </p>
<p id="eQPSN7">The back-half of the 1970’s saw three Braves prospects suit up at catcher on the way to carving out historical footnotes for the organization.</p>
<p id="iZqoiz">Dale Murphy, who would go on to be a Braves icon for his excellence as an outfielder, including back-to-back NL MVP awards, came up as a catcher in 1976 and struggled for several seasons before leaving the catching position for good prior to the 1980 season.</p>
<p id="xwuKkR">While the other two Braves catchers didn’t go on to have the career achievements of Murphy, Biff Pocoroba and Bruce Benedict are two of only four players in the history of the Braves franchise to spend 10 years or more with the Braves and to only play for the Braves organization. </p>
<p id="rY5ynM">Pocoroba was with Atlanta from 1975 through 1984 and was named to the NL All Star team in 1978. He spent most of his career as a back-up with injuries limiting his role in the last-half of his career.</p>
<p id="qhiyAX">Benedict, whose reputation as a superb defensive catcher belied the his lack of offensive power, was with the organization for 12 seasons from 1978 through 1989. He was a two-time All Star, in 1981 and 1983, with his ‘83 season including a .295 batting average and a stellar .385 OBP. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E25jnzBxN45p8Zufglgqegwh4bE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23442829/81344416.jpg">
<figcaption>Bruce Benedict spent 12 seasons with the Braves and was an NL All Star in 1981 and 1983.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="z5g5J5">Although not as uncommon in that era as now, Benedict provided little power as a backstop hitting only 18 home runs in the 982 games he played with Atlanta.</p>
<p id="mm1S4S">In part due to Benedict’s limited offensive production, the Braved traded for Ozzie Virgil after his All Star season with Philadelphia prior to the 1986 season. Virgil’s high-water mark with Atlanta was 1987 when he was an All Star and pounded 27 home runs. </p>
<p id="ageCtR">However, that same ‘87 season saw Steve Bedrosian - who was the primary player traded for Virgil - save 40 games for the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> while winning the NL Cy Young award.</p>
<p id="NLvn1d">As the decade wound-down, the Braves were home to Ted Simmons, who ended his Hall of Fame career with a three-year run as a utility player (including catcher) and with days left in the 1988 season, the team traded for former <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> All Star Jody Davis, whose subsequent 92-game run in Atlanta was woefully unproductive. </p>
<p id="rMSaOB">And that brings us to 1990.</p>
<p id="bHked8">As with the other position-player pieces in this series, this look at the best catchers since 1990 will focus, primarily, on offensive performance. </p>
<p id="FZIe3b">Catcher is a notoriously difficult position to judge defensively - especially going back decades when current advanced metrics were not available. Additionally, the role catchers have played in game-calling, “handling a pitching staff” and other nearly-impossible to define ways make the total value of position a difficult one to view without some caveats. </p>
<p id="yOb5fV">In keeping with the previously defined qualifying seasonal standard, the only determining factor to qualify for this list is appearing in 65 games at catcher in a single season. All data is based on Baseball-Reference data, and while not perfect, it works just fine for this application.</p>
<p id="nBwrl0">Let’s take a look at the best catchers since 1990s, shall we? </p>
<h1 id="Ls1ces">Best Single Seasons Since 1990</h1>
<p id="Jbze2X">Here are the best single seasons by a catcher for the Braves since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Javy Lopez runs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vOewSUKSrORWiVnGbWo6snVTaso=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447899/2351207.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>In 2003, Javy Lopez posted one of the strongest offensive seasons for a catcher in MLB history.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="crSOL6"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by bWAR</strong></p>
<p id="txb38x">Javy Lopez, 2003, 6.8</p>
<p id="BLiKW4">Brian McCann, 2008, 5.5</p>
<p id="mA5TEn">Brian McCann, 2006, 4.3</p>
<p id="a9O1q4">Brian McCann, 2010, 3.6</p>
<p id="yJzoJe">Javy Lopez, 1997, 3.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Javy Lopez heads to first base" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uXN5DQXyCmOAQfNPgQ_DZug9gkM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447911/2488896.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Craig Melvin/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lopez’s OPS+ of 169 in 2003 bested Brian McCann’s 143 in 2006.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ZYB74K"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS+</strong></p>
<p id="wpotRE">Javy Lopez, 2003, 169</p>
<p id="hbXVNP">Brian McCann, 2006, 143</p>
<p id="izx37N">Brian McCann, 2008, 135</p>
<p id="G0pMBX">Javy Lopez, 1997, 129</p>
<p id="jUPYnE">Kurt Suzuki, 2017, 128</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Javy Lopez hits" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1buG4JN_xGqawCU0WyvrjsFOs9I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447906/2721769.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>In 2003, Lopez broke the record for home runs hit by a catcher (while catching) with 41.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VrYdS4"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by HR</strong></p>
<p id="XV9Tyv">Javy Lopez, 2003, 43</p>
<p id="JYsZDU">Javy Lopez, 1998, 34</p>
<p id="Yn4Koz">Brian McCann, 2006, 24</p>
<p id="t9nOlS">Brian McCann, 2011, 24</p>
<p id="eeXrBc">Javy Lopez, 2000, 24</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Javy Lopez produced the two highest RBI totals for a catcher since 1990 with 109 in 2003 and 106 in 1998." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hev03qzbFwBrTjSHy6UAHE-vPw0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447912/2170880.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lopez exceeded 100 RBI in a season twice, driving in 109 in 2003 and 106 in 1998.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GYMgFU"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by RBI</strong></p>
<p id="I0uowu">Javy Lopez, 2003, 109</p>
<p id="yvtCFx">Javy Lopez, 1998, 106</p>
<p id="hS2ZwA">Brian McCann, 2009, 94</p>
<p id="Xg1veB">Brian McCann, 2006, 93</p>
<p id="Mj77gi">Brian McCann, 2007, 92</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Baltimore Orioles" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0pdQEzP1qd1wL8yEkzoXjhlMbhU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447915/451042269.jpg">
<figcaption>Jopez led Braves catchers in runs scored in a single season with 89 in 2003. His 73 in 1998 was second on the list.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="7PZNtC"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by Runs</strong></p>
<p id="lOHmPe">Javy Lopez, 2003, 89</p>
<p id="3oHOwT">Javy Lopez, 1998, 73</p>
<p id="NhU3Q8">Brian McCann, 2008, 68</p>
<p id="IsyoM1">Brian McCann, 2009, 63</p>
<p id="ZSVho3">Brian McCann, 2010, 63</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Lopez rounds bases after 25th home run" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UxldWiUTzpSuNPKgTwBW2HxdYPk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447916/2351140.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>By registering a 1.065 OPS in 2003, Lopez led all Braves catchers in single season OPS.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9wL6fk"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by OPS</strong></p>
<p id="bOrGy6">Javy Lopez, 2003, 1.065</p>
<p id="Qeu5hl">Brian McCann, 2006, .961</p>
<p id="mV1oIm">Brian McCann, 2008, .896</p>
<p id="N1gsRr">Javy Lopez, 1997, .895</p>
<p id="YzZvjn">Kurt Suzuki, 2017, .887</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hL6gDdcQuAab8zvwIyMQ7lcTDC4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447919/71940977.jpg">
<figcaption>Brian McCann hit .333 in 2006, edging Lopez’s .328 in 2003, for the highest batting average in a season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="EAbHbE"><strong>Top 5 Seasons, by BA</strong></p>
<p id="ZeXweK">Brian McCann, 2006, .333</p>
<p id="yPn5kW">Javy Lopez, 2003, .328</p>
<p id="Ilrshz">Javy Lopez, 1995, .315</p>
<p id="WJAXxC">Johnny Estrada, 2004, .314</p>
<p id="S2X4yP">Brian McCann, 2008, .301</p>
<p id="oh1YjY"></p>
<h1 id="h4VOwK">Best Single Seasons by Decade</h1>
<p id="Em4nFv">These are the best single seasons for catchers per decade based on qualifying seasons only.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oCbdAv5MEYM0Am1ftOXwl7dCENw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447921/451214918.jpg">
<figcaption>Javy Lopez had the four highest single season bWAR totals in the 1990s, including a 3.5 bWAR in 1997.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Lvb3VW"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="XbE7Xt">Javy Lopez, 1997, 3.5</p>
<p id="9f0fsd">Javy Lopez, 1998, 3.0</p>
<p id="MNmI2a">Javy Lopez, 1995, 1.8</p>
<p id="NvCYpx">Javy Lopez, 1996, 1.5</p>
<p id="C9luMH">Greg Olson, 1990 and 1992, 1.0</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Florida Marlins v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kwaMuc5_GaroCyFa8ZZhJy5alAs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447923/86303689.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lopez also produced the four highest seasonal OPS+ totals, led by 129 in 1997.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="cillEI"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="KUc8Ml">Javy Lopez, 1997, 129</p>
<p id="gXwMYu">Javy Lopez, 1998, 124</p>
<p id="kLzpdK">Javy Lopez, 1995, 117</p>
<p id="81TbhI">Javy Lopez, 1996, 101</p>
<p id="t7PwNN">Greg Olson, 1990, 92</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NIJoA4xhrIEjjAWqTmQHp2TT4cY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447931/1350239541.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>During the Braves World Series Championship season of 1995, Lopez hit .315 in 100 games.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="R2JbQA"><strong>Top 5 BA, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="YCuyjl">Javy Lopez, 1995, .315</p>
<p id="qeG1mr">Javy Lopez, 1997, .295</p>
<p id="t6D7vC">Javy Lopez, 1998, .284</p>
<p id="3Uqo5N">Javy Lopez, 1996, .282</p>
<p id="PXBYhS">Greg Olson, 1990, .262</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1998 All-Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XtHS6bVoENqaoA3N7wHvFLoKWnU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447932/456030539.jpg">
<figcaption>Lopez was an All Star for the second time in his career in 1998. He hit 34 home runs for the Braves that season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="4YEVGz"><strong>Top 5 HR, 1990s</strong></p>
<p id="6ecoSp">Javy Lopez, 1998, 34</p>
<p id="0nJhTj">Javy Lopez, 1997, 23</p>
<p id="q9AfOY">Javy Lopez, 1996, 23</p>
<p id="t1e7Q0">Javy Lopez, 1995, 14</p>
<p id="RDNbxj">Javy Lopez, 1994, 13</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves Javy Lopez" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O3BKGWg9lIlQXvzbYkugkg7pKhQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447938/81370175.jpg">
<figcaption>Lopez, shown here against Arizona on 8/17/2003, finished fifth in the NL MVP voting and was an All Star for the final time in his career in ‘03. He posted a 6.8 bWAR for the season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="uz7QRb"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="BrxJPi">Javy Lopez, 2003, 6.8</p>
<p id="cursax">Brian McCann, 2008, 5.5</p>
<p id="zuqPnt">Brian McCann, 2006, 4.3</p>
<p id="LGY1Vd">Brian McCann, 2009, 3.2</p>
<p id="btpCO0">Javy Lopez, 2000, 2.5</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="San Francisco Giants new second baseman Eric Young, #21, makes a diving tag against the Atlanta Braves Javy Lopez, #8, in the fourth inning at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco on Wednesday August 20, 2003. (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS / Nhat V. Meyer)" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RQwuYILAx4BN3cgmkUiwCmjwtDg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447944/1172738009.jpg">
<cite>Photo by MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lopez’s 169 OPS+ led the Braves in 2003. Gary Sheffield finished second with a 162 OPS+ that season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9FULy7"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="E2Lt2x">Javy Lopez, 2003, 169</p>
<p id="IwaTdV">Brian McCann, 2006, 143</p>
<p id="zKEJ58">Brian McCann, 2008, 135</p>
<p id="R9oNmy">Brian McCann, 2009, 119</p>
<p id="RARNFh">Johnny Estrada, 2004, 113</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v New York Mets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nYFw4EHxT7pDm-EQAc-Mx8l6mYg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447946/71940984.jpg">
<figcaption>Brian McCann secured his first Silver Slugger award and All Star nod in 2006 when he led the Braves with a .333 batting average.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qz8WdY"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="Wxlg0Y">Brian McCann, 2006, .333</p>
<p id="05bUZ9">Javy Lopez, 2003, .328</p>
<p id="sY51Y3">Johnny Estrada, 2004, .314</p>
<p id="gypWMB">Brian McCann, 2008, .301</p>
<p id="rfBa5Y">Javy Lopez, 2000, .287</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BBA-BRAVES-METS-LOPEZ-HOMER" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hc2NPTx6LzUlQVYV_iPUIS_NC0Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447959/1149449106.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lopez’s 43 home runs in 2003 led all Braves catchers. His 24 in 2000 tied McCann’s 24 in 2006 for second-most in the 2000s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="3NmHOM"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2000s</strong></p>
<p id="ACwAhJ">Javy Lopez, 2003, 43</p>
<p id="tTYRxj">Javy Lopez, 2000, 24</p>
<p id="9FgprT">Brian McCann, 2006, 24</p>
<p id="uTbYun">Brian McCann, 2008, 23</p>
<p id="0cn83r">Brian McCann, 2009, 21</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="New York Mets v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TT_zi2tn11pgkF8Zu0x6b8MimtA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447962/103881899.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Brian McCann’s 3.6 bWAR in 2010 led the 2010s. He also posted the second highest mark for catchers with 2.8 in 2013.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rwaLZW"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="FlskwA">Brian McCann, 2010, 3.6</p>
<p id="TdyeE0">Brian McCann, 2013, 2.8</p>
<p id="8qNVO0">Brian McCann, 2011, 2.6</p>
<p id="5AFr3P">Kurt Suzuki, 2017, 2.6</p>
<p id="rhk19R">Evan Gattis, 2014, 2.2</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vRRwSB8kNodSw11Y1NSl-3pnKGg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447967/843929944.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Kurt Suzuki led Braves catchers with in OPS+ in the 2010s with a 128 in 2017. He’s shown here after his walk-off single against the Miami Marlins on September 7, 2017.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="nmdDr2"><strong>Top 5 OPS+, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="Mjvzgk">Kurt Suzuki, 2017, 128</p>
<p id="jjQuVS">Evan Gattis, 2014, 126</p>
<p id="J48Ms7">Brian McCann, 2010, 124</p>
<p id="IdHjmI">Brian McCann, 2011, 122</p>
<p id="hDFTAI">Brian McCann, 2013, 118</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OzLk-MFgTPB8DiYH0eA76yVVdQg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447969/489355772.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>A.J. Pierzynski hit .300 in 2015, his age 38 season. That batting average led all Braves catchers in the 2010s.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="7ILn3D"><strong>Top 5 BA, 2020s</strong></p>
<p id="OQh3js">A.J. Pierzynski, 2015, .300</p>
<p id="vz5NvD">Kurt Suzuki, 2017, .283</p>
<p id="3fltRP">Tyler Flowers, 2017, .281</p>
<p id="sOHQdh">Kurt Suzuki, 2018, .271</p>
<p id="GAiUO7">Brian McCann, 2011, .270</p>
<p id="vVCOOS">Tyler Flowers, 2016, .270</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v. Atlanta Braves - Civil Rights Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-t3GnNgkgSYroTyFY7dyG_bgPGM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447973/114494448.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/MLB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Brian McCann homered 24 times in 2011, the most of any catcher in the 2010s. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ox82RD"><strong>Top 5 HR, 2010s</strong></p>
<p id="jk0vGn">Brian McCann, 2011, 24</p>
<p id="AtXjA9">Evan Gattis, 2014, 22</p>
<p id="Ff3udZ">Brian McCann, 2010, 21</p>
<p id="cKoums">Brian McCann, 2012, 20</p>
<p id="QSFA2X">Brian McCann, 2013, 20</p>
<p id="X4oC2j"></p>
<h1 id="mZkG4C">Best Cumulative Qualifying Seasons</h1>
<p id="pMmLxa">These are the best cumulative totals from qualifying seasons for Atlanta’s catchers since 1990.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Divisional Series - St Louis Cardinals v Atlanta Braves - Game Two" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PbfjdOxAvLvFQXHHY3pt6ZEevd0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447977/1179056235.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>McCann, who ended his playing career by returning to Atlanta in 2019, led all Braves catchers with 24.3 bWAR in qualifying seasons since 1990.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rmpS6B"><strong>Top 5 bWAR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="jh21Fc">Brian McCann, 24.3</p>
<p id="IClyD7">Javy Lopez, 21.0</p>
<p id="3kCNRV">Kurt Suzuki, 4.7</p>
<p id="L6qein">Tyler Flowers, 2.6</p>
<p id="nPWAMJ">Greg Olson, 2.2</p>
<p id="5wpQ5I">Evan Gattis, 2.2</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Javier Lopez of the Atlanta Braves celebrates as h" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1AAF0WflYJxjsentCOHMKBwbMlw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447985/51992683.jpg">
<cite>Photo credit should read BRIAN BAHR/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Javy Lopez led Braves catchers in home runs in qualifying seasons with 202. He also homered 10 times in the post-season during his career, including this 10th inning home run against the Reds in the NLCS on October 11, 1995.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="db4p5C"><strong>Top 5 HR, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="fOaRL5">Javy Lopez, 202</p>
<p id="retIGP">Brian McCann, 183</p>
<p id="3oEpbo">Tyler Flowers, 39</p>
<p id="OBDRQY">Kurt Suzuki, 31</p>
<p id="i8W6wm">Evan Gattis, 22</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="81st MLB All-Star Game" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FpHuU6DnM8zzZyZieHjAbau2Yec=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23447997/102874487.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>McCann, a seven-time All Star with Atlanta, led Braves catchers in RBI during qualifying seasons. McCann drove in the only three runs scored by the NL in the 2010 All Star game with this seventh inning, bases-loaded double. The NL won the game 3-1 and McCann was named the game’s MVP.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="4NbUHz"><strong>Top 5 RBI, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="IJJAc7">Brian McCann, 683</p>
<p id="RKtlwL">Javy Lopez, 645</p>
<p id="BZyl5l">Tyler Flowers, 154</p>
<p id="HilruU">Greg Olson, 131</p>
<p id="E8fB86">Johnny Estrada, 115</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2-IS2WmV_LGmakU1Je80aL_o5M8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23448003/148046756.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>McCann scored 472 runs during his nine qualifying seasons. His total was two more runs that Lopez scored in nine qualifying seasons of his own.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="B1grJL"><strong>Top 5 Runs, Qualifying Seasons</strong></p>
<p id="qjUlbv">Brian McCann, 472</p>
<p id="A1FdSY">Javy Lopez, 470</p>
<p id="EL3Kkv">Tyler Flowers, 138</p>
<p id="QEjjnN">Greg Olson, 132</p>
<p id="8DXTf7">Johnny Estrada, 87</p>
<p id="jXuXeJ"></p>
<h1 id="S42DtW">Youngest and Oldest Qualifiers</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Braves v San Diego Padres" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FUfwH2zi996li9wDH1PGHrhjpJY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23448005/72014060.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Brian McCann was 22 in 2006, his first qualifying season as Braves catcher. He and Lopez alternated spots for the youngest catcher on this list.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wzyjHx"><strong>Top 5 Youngest</strong></p>
<p id="JIuqsJ">Brian McCann, 2006, 22</p>
<p id="35W92U">Javy Lopez, 1994, 23</p>
<p id="EsOCff">Brian McCann, 2007, 23</p>
<p id="1RGTJS">Javy Lopez, 1995, 24</p>
<p id="WR6pje">Brian McCann, 2008, 24</p>
<p id="sinDN7"></p>
<p id="DZ8g31"><strong>Top 5 Oldest</strong></p>
<figure class="e-image">
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<cite>Photo by John Hefti/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>A.J. Pierzynski played 19 seasons in MLB, with his final two seasons as a member of the Braves. His age 38 season in 2015 was the oldest on the list. He just missed qualifying in 2016 when he caught 64 games.</figcaption>
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<p id="PmtVZr">A.J. Pierzynski, 2015, 38</p>
<p id="Oqhz0k">Eddie Perez, 2004, 36</p>
<p id="2oPBmz">Brian McCann, 2019, 35</p>
<p id="xT7BWY">Kurt Suzuki, 2018, 34</p>
<p id="oqWbc4">Kurt Suzuki, 2017, 33</p>
<p id="C5Nn8V">Tyler Flowers, 2019, 33</p>
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<h1 id="nReuHn">Lopez Crushes McCann’s Cans Hearts</h1>
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<figcaption>Lopez was behind the dish for the final out in 1995 as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Cleveland Indians to win the World Series.</figcaption>
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<p id="Qs2A9V">When it comes to the best starting catchers for the Braves in the last 30 years, it is a flip of a coin between Brian McCann and Javy Lopez. Across the board, their offensive careers are so evenly matched, you could call it a tie and be justified in that conclusion.</p>
<p id="iWmnGX">If you exclude qualifying seasons, their careers are almost in parallel with each other. If you want to factor in their entire career, again, they are almost in lockstep. </p>
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<figcaption>Thanks to Baseball-Reference and the power of MS Paint, you can see just how close McCann and Lopez were, offensively while with Atlanta. McCann is the top set of data in this image.</figcaption>
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<p id="l6X0R8"><em>Writer’s note: I changed my mind. After writing this piece, I went back and looked at the numbers again. At first, I thought McCann held a slight enough edge to call him the winner. But, now I think that honor is bestowed to Lopez based on fewer plate appearances. It is close, that’s for sure.</em></p>
<p id="AECgmg">Lopez edges out McCann as the best Atlanta Braves catcher since 1990, in my (revised) opinion. Lopez put up the better single season - his 2003 campaign is one of the best ever produced by a catcher - and his overall production in few opportunities give him a the nod.</p>
<p id="BcCTIV">But it’s close. So close. Like, really, really, close.</p>
<p id="nqqATT">There was one stat where McCann blew Lopez away ... stolen bases. McCann led all Braves catchers with 22 stolen bases in qualifying season with Lopez second with eight. Lopez returned the favor by besting McCann in triples, 14 to 2 for their respective Atlanta careers.</p>
<p id="UJMXQX">Looking at more numbers from qualifying seasons, McCann appeared in 1072 games at catcher compared to 1030 for Lopez. Those extra games allowed McCann to edge Lopez in Total Bases 1871 to 1857. While Lopez did hold the advantage with home runs, McCann put up slightly higher counting states thanks to those extra 4-percent games played. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>McCann stole 23 bases with Atlanta. He also motored into second with 236 doubles.</figcaption>
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<p id="OcMAt8">If you wanted to find another tie-breaker for Lopez, then the post-season is where an argument for Lopez could be made. </p>
<p id="J5zBMv">Maybe. </p>
<p id="dXUhv5">For his career, Lopez appeared in 15 post-series across nine seasons (all with Atlanta), slashing .278/.327/.493 and 10 home runs and the MVP award for the 1996 NLCS. But, cWPA (Championship Win Probability Added) rated him at -39.6% for his career, including the 1996 World Series with a -25.6%.</p>
<p id="BF2cmV">McCann, in eight seasons (five with Atlanta) and 11 post-season series, slashed a poor .172/.252/.297. However, cWPA rated him much better than Lopez, with a career -7.8% and a World Series cWPA of 4.4%.</p>
<p id="CfvuBW">Lopez signed with the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent prior to the 2004 season and put up a 4.8 bWAR season hitting .316 while hitting 23 home runs. His 2005 season was still productive, but injuries limited him to 103 games. That same season the 21 year-old McCann was called up to Atlanta as part of the “Baby Braves” that lead the team to the NL East pennant. </p>
<p id="ufb4Iz">The next season saw McCann break-out as as a star while the 35 year-old Lopez was traded to the Boston Red Sox mid-season before Boston released him in September of that year.</p>
<p id="PGJbOl">Lopez did not appear in any games against Atlanta after McCann despite six head-to-head meetings between the Orioles and Braves in 2005 and 2006. So hopes of a tie-breaker based on head-to-head production isn’t an option.</p>
<p id="UoyTaC">While McCann was able to return to Atlanta to end his career in 2019, Lopez was not able to do the same. Despite not playing in 2007, the Braves brought Lopez to Spring Training in 2008 with an opportunity to win the back-up catcher’s job to McCann. </p>
<p id="MIsJLO">Having McCann and Lopez share duties behind the plate would have, in retrospect, been a fitting way to link these two Atlanta greats together. But alas, Lopez didn’t show enough in the eyes of the Braves to earn a trip north from Orlando and thus Corky Miller and Clint Sammons served as McCann’s back-up in ‘08.</p>
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<h1 id="oWRWsr">Notable Tidbits</h1>
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<figcaption>Kurt Suzuki and Tyler Flowers served as an effected catching tandem in 2017 and 2018, posting a collective 7.4 bWAR combined in those two seasons.</figcaption>
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<p id="qs8sus">Although several players missed the 65-game cutoff to qualify for a season, the relatively few number of players that qualified at catcher was surprising. Here’s some interesting details from the data:</p>
<ul>
<li id="RzotUE">Of 37 qualifying seasons, only 11 different catchers qualified.</li>
<li id="Mda4qn">Only seven seasons had multiple qualifiers, with three of those occurring between 2017 and 2019. The other four seasons were 1992, 1993, 2002, and 2004.</li>
<li id="TRJmlN">What was surprising, in retrospect, was the notable back-up catchers that didn’t qualify for any season. That includes revered back-up catchers such as David Ross and Charlie O’Brien. </li>
<li id="iUjV95">O’Brien’s development of hockey goalie-style catcher’s masks was a trend for more than a decade in MLB.</li>
<li id="AAC0bQ">Greg Olson (1992) and Eddie Perez (2004) only managed three home runs in each of their qualifying seasons, the fewest of any seasons. </li>
<li id="kxw8k2">Back-up catchers are often among the most popular players with a team’s fanbase, and the Braves are no exception. Olson, Perez, Ross, O’Brien, and Evan Gattis were all fan favorites during their respective runs with Atlanta. </li>
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<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Olson spent four seasons with Atlanta in the early ‘90s.</figcaption>
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<ul>
<li id="Fiw9V2">Olson, who came into the 1990 season as a long-shot to make the Braves roster, took advantage of injuries at the catching position - including to 38 year-old, high-priced, free agent signee Ernie Whitt - and a hot offensive start, to win the starting catching job and appear in the 1990 All Star game. </li>
<li id="MNp3Lb">Olson held off another veteran free agent for the starting job in 36 year-old Mike Heath during the legendary 1991 worst-to-first season.</li>
<li id="7cLapR">The Braves have had a number of catching prospects since 1990 whose careers ended up disappointing or not materializing until after leaving the organizations. This includes Kelly Mann, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Brayan Pena, and Christian Bethancourt.</li>
<li id="qAt85j">We all have our favorite little-known Braves reserve catchers, mine happens to be Jerry Willard. Greg Myers was a two-time Braves reserve. Maybe you liked one of the 2018 reserves? Chris Stewart, Rene Rivera, or maybe Carlos Perez?</li>
<li id="nSNrMJ">One of the best story of the early 2010s was that of Gattis. “El Oso Blanco” hit 43 home runs while not wearing batting gloves for the Braves in two seasons as a catcher/bat-playing-other-positions. He finished seventh in the 2013 NL Rookie of the Year awards.</li>
<li id="fu8yJT">When he retired following the 2018 season Gattis hit 139 career home runs and 12 triples. Gattis hit one triple for the Braves and hit the other 11 for the Astros in 2015. An incredible quirk in the history of triples. </li>
<li id="OZNHaO">Henry Blanco’s nickname was “Hank White”. That’s pretty funny in that dry wit sort of way. Blanco also had one triple during his two-year run as a back-up catcher 20 years ago.</li>
<li id="v8Lo2h">Ross, although not qualifying for this list, earns recognition by posted a 119 OPS+ in four seasons and 227 games as the Braves back-up catcher from 2009 through 2012. </li>
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<cite>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Ross was excellent as the back-up to Brian McCann for four season ended in 2012.</figcaption>
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<ul>
<li id="CacC1f">A whole article could be written on the Braves back-up catchers alone. Hello to Francisco Cabrera, Atlanta Braves icon, and hello to Joe Aryault, too.</li>
<li id="mIuO7p">Going back to qualifying seasons, power was in short supply outside of Lopez and McCann. Braves catchers supplied 14 qualifying seasons of 10 of fewer home runs, none of which included Lopez of McCann.</li>
<li id="P2ukee">The worst bWAR was produced by Damon Berryhill in 1992, with -1.0. Only four other players put up negative bWAR seasons, Blanco (2002, -0.4), Olson (1993, -0.3), Flowers (2019, -0.2) and Lopez (1994, -0.1).</li>
<li id="Qdwc91">Slightly more than half - 19 of 37 - qualifying seasons produced an OPS+ of 100 or higher.</li>
<li id="M0d3pg">And 18 of the 37 qualifying seasons were produced by Lopez and McCann.</li>
<li id="na3BMz">Kurt Suzuki exploded for a .887 OPS in 2017 - best of any catcher that decade.</li>
<li id="19evhf">Suzuki’s 19 home runs in 2017 came in only 309 plate appearances.</li>
<li id="kGiBtK">The 2017 season was fantastic for the position as Suzuki and Flowers combined for 31 home runs, 99 RBI and hit .282 as the duo split time at catcher with Flowers appearing in 85 games at the position and Suzuki appearing in 77.</li>
<li id="amR3sP">Although he didn’t qualify for this list, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the 2020 season had by Travis d’Arnaud. In 44 games he posted an OPS+ of 139.</li>
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<cite>Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Greg Olson’s 1991 World Series collision with the Twins Dan Gladden is an icon moment for Braves catchers.</figcaption>
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<p id="YnBlzH">Here we are, at the end of this look back on the best to strap-on the shin guards, clip their chest protector into place and keep ice on their knees for hours after a game in Atlanta history. </p>
<p id="AW7rmC">We know that the best comes down to Javy Lopez and Brian McCann. </p>
<p id="5Z8svE">As for Lopez being better than McCann ... ask me again tomorrow. I might change my mind between now and then.</p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2022/5/12/23058561/the-best-braves-catchers-since-1990-brian-mccann-javy-lopez-greg-olson-joe-torre-dale-murphyDJourn