Atlanta Braves Former Players: A Local Fan’s Guide to the Legends

Atlanta is a baseball town, and for many people who live in or visit the city, former Atlanta Braves players are as much a part of the city’s identity as Peachtree Street or the BeltLine. Whether you’re catching a game at Truist Park, strolling through The Battery Atlanta, or just talking sports at a local bar, the names of past Braves stars come up constantly.

This guide walks you through the most important former Braves to know, how they connect to Atlanta today, and what you can do around the city if you want to celebrate Braves history in person.

The Most Iconic Former Atlanta Braves Players

While the franchise dates back to Boston and Milwaukee, Atlanta fans usually focus on the Atlanta era (since 1966). Here are some of the most influential names every local fan should recognize.

Hank Aaron – The Home Run King and Atlanta Icon

Henry “Hank” Aaron is not just a former Braves player; he’s a central figure in Atlanta’s sports and civil rights story.

• Played in Atlanta: 1966–1974
• Position: Right field
• Signature moment: Passing Babe Ruth with home run No. 715 in 1974

Local connections you can still feel in Atlanta:

• Hank Aaron Terrace at Truist Park – A premium seating/party area named in his honor.
• Statues and tributes – Hank Aaron is featured prominently in Braves historical displays around Truist Park and The Battery.
• Many Atlantans still refer to the original downtown stadium site as “the old Hank Aaron stadium area,” near what became Turner Field and now Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium.

For anyone living or visiting Atlanta, learning about Hank Aaron is part baseball education, part Atlanta history lesson.

Chipper Jones – The Face of the 1990s–2000s Braves

Chipper Jones is one of the most beloved former Atlanta Braves, especially for fans who grew up in the 1990s.

• Played in Atlanta: 1993–2012 (entire MLB career)
• Position: Primarily third base
• Known for: Switch-hitting power, clutch postseason moments, long-term loyalty to Atlanta

Atlanta ties you’ll notice:

• He’s often involved in Braves broadcasts and events, so long-time fans still hear his name regularly.
• Many local youth baseball players in metro Atlanta grew up modeling their swings after Chipper or wearing his number.

If you’re new to the city and want to understand why locals talk so fondly about that era, Chipper is a central figure.

Dale Murphy – A Hero from the Pre-Glory Years

Before the World Series wins and long playoff streaks, Dale Murphy carried Braves fandom through tougher seasons.

• Played in Atlanta: 1976–1990
• Position: Mostly center field
• Known for: Back-to-back MVP awards in the 1980s, strong reputation for character and community involvement

For older Atlanta residents, Dale Murphy was often their first Braves hero. You’ll see his name come up frequently in local sports radio conversations and fan debates about players who deserve more national recognition.

Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine & John Smoltz – The Pitching Trio

If you talk Braves history in Atlanta, someone will bring up this Hall of Fame trio almost immediately.

• Greg Maddux – Precision and control, joined the Braves in the 1990s
• Tom Glavine – Left-handed ace, key part of the 1995 World Series title
• John Smoltz – Starter, closer, and postseason standout

These three helped define Atlanta’s identity as a pitching powerhouse and built the foundation for the long run of division titles. Even now, you’ll hear their names mentioned in:

• Local broadcasts during pitching comparisons
• Youth pitching clinics and private coaching around metro Atlanta, where their styles are often referenced as models

More Beloved Former Braves Every Atlanta Fan Should Know

Here are additional names that come up often in Atlanta conversations:

• Phil Niekro – Knuckleball legend from the earlier Atlanta years
• Andruw Jones – One of the best defensive center fielders many Atlanta fans have ever seen
• Fred McGriff – “Crime Dog,” a key middle-of-the-order bat in the ’90s
• David Justice – Big playoff moments, including the 1995 World Series
• John Rocker – Controversial former closer, mainly remembered for off-field comments
• Sid Bream – Famous for “The Slide” in the 1992 NLCS that many Atlanta fans still talk about
• Brian McCann – Atlanta-area native (Duluth) turned All-Star catcher for the Braves
• Jason Heyward – Another Atlanta-area product (McDonough) who debuted with big local buzz

These former players show how deeply intertwined Braves baseball is with the metro Atlanta area, from local high schools to national stages.

Where to Experience Braves History in Atlanta Today

If you want to connect with former Atlanta Braves players or the team’s history while you’re in the city, there are several key spots to know.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

Truist Park is the current home of the Braves, located in Cumberland in Cobb County. It’s not just a ballpark – it’s a living museum of Braves history.

Inside and around the park, you’ll find:

• Monuments and displays honoring former players like Hank Aaron and members of the 1995 World Series team
• Historic memorabilia in concourse displays and premium areas
• Photo spots featuring names and imagery of Braves legends

Even on non-game days, The Battery Atlanta (the mixed-use development around the stadium) often features:

• Braves-themed restaurants and shops with nods to former players
• Occasional fan events, autograph sessions, or alumni appearances, especially on weekends and during the season

Braves Hall of Fame & Team Museum Elements

The Braves have maintained various Hall of Fame and museum-style exhibits across different ballparks over the years. In the Truist Park era, many of these elements are integrated into:

• In-park displays
• Special “heritage” areas that showcase great former players
• Themed spaces you can see during ballpark tours

If you’re especially interested in former players:

• Consider a Truist Park tour (usually available on non-game days), where guides often share stories about major Braves legends, explain retired numbers, and show historical artifacts.

Check current information through the Braves’ official channels before planning a visit, as tour times and access points can change.

Old Turner Field / Hank Aaron Drive Area

While the Braves no longer play downtown, the area around the old stadium site still matters historically:

• The stretch of road known as Hank Aaron Drive SE is a reminder of his impact on the city.
• The former Turner Field has been converted for use by Georgia State University (Center Parc Stadium), but longtime Atlanta residents still connect it strongly with 1990s and 2000s Braves teams and players.

If you’re exploring sports history in Atlanta, this area helps connect past ballparks, former players, and the city’s urban development.

How Former Braves Stay Connected to Atlanta

Many former Atlanta Braves maintain strong ties to the city, even after retirement or after moving to other teams. If you’re in Atlanta, you might encounter these connections in a few ways.

Broadcasting & Media

Some former players have appeared on Braves TV or radio broadcasts, pregame shows, or special segments. Depending on the season and media arrangements, you might see or hear:

• Former pitchers or position players providing expert analysis
• Alumni guests during special “throwback” or commemorative games

Local sports radio stations and Atlanta sports TV often reference these voices when discussing current Braves storylines.

Community Events, Clinics & Charities

Former Braves players sometimes participate in:

• Youth baseball clinics around metro Atlanta
• Charity events, galas, and golf tournaments with a strong Braves presence
• School visits or appearances at community centers

If you live in the Atlanta area and have kids in baseball or softball, your local league or training facility may occasionally host Braves alumni as guest instructors or speakers.

Retired Numbers and Honors You’ll See in Atlanta

One of the most visible ways Atlanta honors its former players is by retiring jersey numbers and displaying them proudly at the ballpark.

Here’s a simplified look at some of the most important retired numbers associated with former Atlanta Braves:

When you attend a game at Truist Park, you’ll see these numbers displayed, giving you a visual overview of which former Braves players shaped the franchise’s identity.

Visiting Atlanta and Want to Dive into Braves History?

If you’re coming to Atlanta specifically interested in Braves history and former players, consider this simple plan:

1. Tour Truist Park

   • Look for retired numbers, murals, and tributes to great former Braves.
   • Ask tour guides questions about specific players; they’re usually very familiar with team history.

2. Spend Time at The Battery Atlanta

   • Explore the shops and restaurants that feature Braves decor and nods to former players.
   • Check posted schedules or official Braves communication for any alumni events or signings during your visit.

3. Explore Hank Aaron–Linked Areas

   • Drive or walk along Hank Aaron Drive SE downtown to connect the team’s present with its past.
   • If you’re interested in city history more broadly, note how Hank Aaron’s name shows up in Atlanta’s civic landscape, not just in baseball.

4. Talk to Local Fans

   • At sports bars, barbershops, offices, and neighborhood parks, you’ll hear strong opinions about who the greatest former Braves really are.
   • Names like Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz will almost always come up.

Living in Atlanta as a Braves Fan

For residents, former Braves players are part of everyday life:

• You might see kids in metro Atlanta youth leagues wearing #10 (Chipper) or #44 (Hank Aaron).
• Local teachers and coaches often use stories of past Braves to talk about perseverance, teamwork, and community impact.
• Many Atlantans measure time by Braves eras: “the Hank years,” “the Murphy years,” “the ’90s run,” and now the newer generation.

Understanding the city’s relationship with former Atlanta Braves players helps explain why baseball holds such a special place in Atlanta culture. Whether you’re just arriving, visiting, or have lived here for years, those names on the outfield wall and on the backs of throwback jerseys tell a big part of Atlanta’s story.