Atlanta Braves Best Players: A Local Fan’s Guide to the Greats

If you live in Atlanta, you already know the Braves aren’t just a baseball team—they’re part of the city’s identity. Whether you’re catching a game at Truist Park in Cobb County, walking through The Battery Atlanta, or talking sports at a Midtown bar, “Who are the best Atlanta Braves players?” is a question that comes up all the time.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to the greatest Braves players, with an emphasis on the Atlanta era (1966–present), plus how you can actually experience that history in and around Atlanta today.

How to Think About “Best” Braves Players

When Atlanta fans talk about the “best Braves players,” they usually mean a mix of:

• All-time legends who defined an era
• Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers
• Championship cornerstones, especially from 1995 and 2021
• Modern stars that current Atlantans watch at Truist Park

This guide focuses on players most connected to Atlanta, even though franchise history goes back to Boston and Milwaukee.

Mount Rushmore of Atlanta Braves Legends

If you’re new to Braves history, start with these four. Around Atlanta, these names come up constantly in conversations, murals, and at the ballpark.

Hank Aaron

Even though Hank Aaron began in Milwaukee, his legacy is deeply rooted in Atlanta.

Why he’s one of the best:

• Longtime home run king (755 career home runs)
• Hit his famous 715th home run in Atlanta, breaking Babe Ruth’s record
• Symbol of consistency, power, and courage during a challenging era in the South

Where to connect with his legacy in Atlanta:

• Truist Park – You’ll see Aaron tributes, including displays honoring his career.
• Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron statue – A central photo spot for fans.
• Hank Aaron Drive SE – Near the old Turner Field area, a reminder of his impact on Atlanta.

Chipper Jones

For many Atlanta residents who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s, Chipper Jones is the face of the Braves.

Why he’s one of the best:

• Spent his entire career with Atlanta
• Elite switch-hitting third baseman
• Key part of the Braves’ long run of division titles
• Known locally for clutch hits and loyalty to the city

You’ll see Chipper jerseys all over metro Atlanta—from Buckhead sports bars to youth fields in Cobb and Gwinnett.

Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz (The Big Three)

It’s hard to talk about one without the others. In Atlanta, these pitchers are often grouped together as the core of the 1990s dynasty.

Why they’re among the best:

• Dominant starting pitching staff during Atlanta’s run of division titles
• Anchored the 1995 World Series championship team
• All three are in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Locally, parents still tell their kids about going to games at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium and later Turner Field to watch these three carve up opposing lineups.

All-Time Greats of the Atlanta Era

Here’s a simple snapshot of some of the best Atlanta Braves players and what they’re most remembered for in the city:

1990s Braves: The Dynasty Atlanta Still Talks About

If you live in Atlanta long enough, someone will bring up the ’90s Braves. That era still shapes how the city thinks about baseball.

Key 1990s Stars

• Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz – The Big Three in the rotation
• Chipper Jones – Emerging star turned franchise icon
• Andruw Jones – Incredible defense in center field
• Fred McGriff – Middle-of-the-order power
• David Justice – Clutch hitter, including big postseason moments

For many Atlantans, that was the period when the Braves shifted from “just a team” to a source of civic pride. People still compare every new young player to the standard set in that era.

Modern Braves Stars: The New Core at Truist Park

If you’re watching the Braves today in Atlanta, these are the names you’ll hear cheered the loudest.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

Why Atlanta loves him:

• Explosive power and speed from the leadoff spot
• Highlights almost every night at Truist Park
• Seen as a modern face of both the Braves and MLB

Around town—from Downtown to Sandy Springs—you’ll see his jerseys on fans of all ages.

Ozzie Albies

Why he stands out:

• High-energy second baseman
• Strong power for his size
• Known among Atlanta fans for hustle and leadership on the field

He’s often mentioned locally as a heart-and-soul type player.

Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Others

• Austin Riley – Third baseman with major power, often compared by fans (cautiously) to the Chipper standard.
• Matt Olson – Big power bat at first base; quickly earned respect in Atlanta for his production.
• Travis d’Arnaud & Sean Murphy – Catchers who’ve become key pieces of recent postseason runs.

When you head to a game at Truist Park, these are the names you’re likely to hear kids yelling during batting practice or see on the backs of shirts at The Battery.

Braves Hall of Famers with Deep Atlanta Ties

Several Braves legends who are enshrined in Cooperstown are especially tied to the Atlanta years:

• Hank Aaron
• Chipper Jones
• Greg Maddux
• Tom Glavine
• John Smoltz
• Phil Niekro (pitched for both Milwaukee and Atlanta, but a favorite in local Braves history conversations)

Within the ballpark area, you’ll find:

• Retired numbers displayed prominently
• References to these greats throughout Braves Country artwork and signage

Where to Experience Braves History in Atlanta

If you’re in metro Atlanta and want to connect with the team’s best players beyond just watching on TV, there are several good options.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

Location: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta (Cobb County), GA 30339

What you can do:

• Attend a game to watch current stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies.
• Walk around the stadium to see:
  • Retired numbers of Braves legends
  • Displays honoring Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, and others
• Visit The Battery Atlanta around the park for:
  • Pre- and post-game atmosphere
  • Memorabilia shops where you can find jerseys of Braves greats

Former Stadium Area (Turner Field / Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium Site)

While the Braves no longer play there, the old stadium area near Downtown:

• Still carries memories of Hank Aaron’s 715th home run.
• May have markers and references to historic Braves moments, depending on redevelopment and current use.

This area is often part of how long-time Atlanta residents remember earlier eras of Braves baseball.

How Locals Talk About “Best Braves Ever”

Around Atlanta, you’ll often hear debates along these lines:

• Greatest overall player: Hank Aaron is usually the first name mentioned.
• Most beloved modern Brave: Chipper Jones and Freddie Freeman are frequent answers.
• Best pitcher: Many lean toward Greg Maddux, but Tom Glavine and John Smoltz are close.
• Best defender: Andruw Jones in center field is often described as on a different level.
• Most exciting current player: Ronald Acuña Jr. is the clear leader in most Atlanta conversations.

If you’re new to town and want to blend into Braves discussions, knowing these names and what they’re known for is a good starting point.

Tips for New or Visiting Fans in Atlanta

If you’re trying to quickly understand Braves history while in the city:

• 🏟 Catch a game at Truist Park
  Listen for which names get the loudest applause—those are usually either stars of today or legends being honored.

• 👕 Look at the jerseys around you
  You’ll notice a mix of Acuña, Albies, Riley, Chipper, Freeman, and Hank Aaron—a quick visual guide to fan favorites.

• 📸 Check out monuments and displays
  Around the stadium area, read plaques, look at statues, and note retired numbers to see which players the organization elevates as its best.

• 🗣 Talk to locals
  Ask older fans about the ’90s Braves, and younger fans about the 2021 World Series team; you’ll hear a lot of the same legendary names repeated.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, the “best Atlanta Braves players” list is both history and daily life. You see it in the statues at Truist Park, in the jerseys across the city, and in the way Atlantans still proudly talk about Hank Aaron’s swing, Chipper’s clutch hits, Maddux’s precision, and Acuña’s electric style of play.