Atlanta Braves Old Logo: A Local Fan’s Guide to the Team’s Classic Looks
If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or just love the Braves, the phrase “Atlanta Braves old logo” probably brings back specific memories: Fulton County Stadium, Turner Field nights, or your first game at Truist Park.
This guide walks through the history of the Braves’ old logos, why some designs disappeared, and how Atlanta fans today can still connect with those classic looks—on jerseys, in local shops, at the ballpark, and around the city.
How the Atlanta Braves Logo Has Changed Over Time
The Braves’ history stretches back long before the team arrived in Atlanta. But most locals think of three main “old logo” eras that still show up on hats, shirts, and throwback nights in Atlanta.
1. The Block “A” and Early Atlanta Era (1966–1986)
When the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, they introduced looks that many long-time residents still remember:
- Block “A” Caps:
A simple, block-style “A” on the cap, usually in blue and white, sometimes with red accents. - Braves Script & Feather:
The word “Braves” in script, paired with a feather. This began shaping the visual identity you still see echoes of today. - Fulton County Stadium connection:
For fans who grew up watching games at the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, this era’s designs are deeply nostalgic.
You’ll often see this style revived on throwback jerseys and retro caps worn around Cobb County and in-town neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, and Decatur.
2. The “Screaming Brave” / “Screaming Indian” Logo (1967–1989)
One of the most talked-about “old logos” is the smiling or screaming Native American head that appeared on various Braves materials and uniforms from the late 1960s through the 1980s.
- Design elements:
- A caricature-style Native American man’s head
- Open mouth as if yelling or laughing
- Feather and traditional hairstyle
- Where it appeared:
- Alternate logos
- Some jerseys and jackets
- Programs and merchandise
Over time, many fans and Native American advocates criticized this logo as culturally insensitive and stereotypical. As conversations about representation and respect grew, the Braves stepped away from using that head as a primary symbol.
Today, you’re unlikely to see the team promote it in an official way in Atlanta, although vintage items still circulate in local collectors’ markets.
3. The Tomahawk Era and the Script “A” (1987–Present, with tweaks)
Starting in the late 1980s, the team transitioned to a logo system that feels very familiar to today’s Atlanta fans:
- Script “Atlanta” or “Braves” in stylized red, white, and blue
- A tomahawk underneath the wordmark
- The curved “A” cap logo that is now iconic
While this logo and the tomahawk have been refined a bit over the years, the core design has remained largely consistent from the 1990s Braves dynasty years—think Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones—through to the present-day teams at Truist Park.
Quick Reference: Key Old Braves Logos Seen in Atlanta
| Era (Atlanta) | Common “Old Logo” Fans Mention | What Locals Usually Call It | Seen Around Atlanta Today? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s–1970s | Block “A” + feather elements | Early Atlanta Braves logo | Yes – retro caps/tees |
| 1967–1989 | Screaming Native head | “Screaming Brave / Screaming Indian” | Sometimes – vintage only |
| Late 1980s–1990s | Script “Braves” + tomahawk | Classic 90s Braves logo | Very common |
| 1990s–Present | Script “A” cap logo | Modern Braves “A” | Current primary look |
Why Some Atlanta Braves Old Logos Are No Longer Used
If you’re in Atlanta and searching for “Braves old logo” because you remember a certain design that seems to have vanished, there are a few reasons.
Cultural Sensitivity and Community Response
The “screaming” Native American head and similar imagery became the focus of serious debate. Many people—especially Native American communities—viewed it as:
- Stereotypical and disrespectful
- Using culture and identity as a mascot
- Reinforcing caricatured images on a national stage
Over time, the Braves organization, like many sports teams, pulled back from this type of logo. While the team still uses Native American–inspired themes such as the tomahawk and the team name itself, the overt caricature head is largely retired from official use.
Modern Branding and Simplification
Sports branding has moved toward:
- Cleaner logos that look good on TV, phones, and social media
- Fewer marks, focusing on one or two iconic symbols
- Designs that are easy to read at small sizes
The streamlined script “A” and the tomahawk fit this direction better than detailed character heads, so they became the main identity in Atlanta and beyond.
Where to See or Find Atlanta Braves Old Logos in the City
If you’re in the Atlanta area and want to see or own items with old Braves logos, you have several options.
1. Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta
At Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, you’ll find:
- Team store merchandise featuring older-style:
- Block “A” caps
- 1970s and 1980s jersey designs
- 1990s wordmarks and throwback styles
- Occasional throwback nights, where:
- Players wear uniforms modeled on past designs
- Old logos may appear on scoreboards and fan giveaways
While the screaming head logo is rarely used in official team merchandise, retro-style fonts, colors, and other historical nods are common.
2. Local Sports and Vintage Shops
Throughout Metro Atlanta, especially in Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, Midtown, and Decatur, you may find:
- Vintage and consignment stores that sometimes carry:
- Old Braves jackets and jerseys
- Caps with discontinued logos
- Promotional items from the Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field days
- Sports memorabilia and card shops that might stock:
- Pennants with old wordmarks
- Programs and media guides featuring past logos
- Collector pins and patches
Because inventory changes frequently, locals often call ahead to ask about “old Braves logo gear” or “vintage Braves items” before making a trip.
3. Flea Markets, Estate Sales, and Collectors’ Events
Around the Atlanta region, including Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties, fans often come across old logos at:
- Flea markets and antique malls
- Estate sales in older in-town neighborhoods
- Sports card shows and memorabilia fairs
These are the places where you’re most likely to see:
- The screaming Brave logo on older pennants and cups
- Fulton County Stadium era giveaways
- Promotional items from early Turner Field seasons
What Atlanta Fans Mean When They Say “Old Braves Logo”
In everyday Atlanta conversations, “old Braves logo” can mean different things depending on the age and memories of the fan:
- Older lifelong residents (1960s–1980s memories):
- Often think of the block “A”, early script “Braves,” and the screaming head.
- Fans who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s:
- Usually think of the script “Braves” with the tomahawk and the clean curved “A” from the Turner Field and World Series runs.
- Newer fans who discovered the team at Truist Park:
- Tend to see anything pre-Truist or pre-modern uniform refresh as “old,” including early Turner Field designs.
If you’re searching online or asking at a store in Atlanta, it helps to be specific:
- Mention the ballpark era (“Fulton County,” “Turner Field,” or “Truist Park” years)
- Describe the logo:
- “The screaming face”
- “The block A from the 70s”
- “The 90s script with the tomahawk”
This makes it easier for local staff, collectors, or fellow fans to know which old Braves logo you’re talking about.
Old Logos at the Ballpark: What You Can Expect
When you attend a game at Truist Park in Cumberland / Cobb County, you might notice:
- Historical displays around the park featuring old uniforms, logos, and photographs.
- On-field throwback games, especially during:
- Anniversary celebrations
- Special themed weekends
- Giveaway nights (bobbleheads, caps, replica jerseys) occasionally featuring:
- Retro uniforms from the Hank Aaron years
- 1990s playoff-era wordmarks
If your main interest is seeing classic Braves designs in person, checking the season promotional schedule before your visit can help you target specific games with retro themes.
Using Old Braves Logos in Atlanta: What to Keep in Mind
If you’re a local business owner, artist, or event organizer in Atlanta thinking about using old Braves logos in your own designs or promotions, there are two key issues:
1. Trademark and Copyright Considerations
Braves logos—old and new—are generally protected intellectual property. That means:
- Printing them on shirts, hats, or signs to sell can raise legal issues.
- Using logos in advertising can suggest an official connection you may not have.
For Atlanta businesses, it’s common to use:
- City colors (navy, red, white)
- References to Atlanta baseball
- General baseball imagery
…without directly copying specific protected logos.
2. Cultural Respect and Sensitivity
Using older logos that feature Native American caricatures can be especially sensitive in modern Atlanta:
- Many residents and visitors view these images as disrespectful or outdated.
- Public-facing businesses in the city center, Midtown, and neighborhoods like Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward often avoid these logos to maintain an inclusive image.
If your goal is to celebrate Atlanta baseball history, using:
- Numbers, years, ballpark imagery, or
- Non-caricatured, respectful historical nods
…is usually better received than reusing the screaming head or other controversial symbols.
How Atlanta Fans Can Collect and Display Old Braves Logos Responsibly
For fans who love the history but want to be thoughtful about what they wear and show:
- ✅ Focus on ballpark nostalgia
Items featuring Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Turner Field, and early Truist Park logos are usually straightforward and nostalgic. - ✅ Lean into uniform styles, not caricatures
Classic number fonts, script “Braves”, and retro color schemes give a vintage feel without leaning on controversial imagery. - ⚠️ Be mindful where you wear certain logos
Some older symbols may be seen as offensive in public spaces, workplaces, schools, or community events around Atlanta. - ✅ Use old logos as conversation starters, not punchlines
When other fans ask about a vintage item, many Atlantans use it as a chance to talk about how the team—and the city—have changed over time.
In Atlanta, the old Braves logos are more than just graphics. They mark different eras of the city itself—from the days at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, through the Turner Field years in Summerhill, to today’s packed evenings at Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta.
Understanding what those older logos represent—and how they fit into today’s Atlanta—helps you enjoy the nostalgia while staying grounded in the city’s present values and identity.