Atlanta Braves Retired Numbers: The Legends You’ll See at Truist Park
If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are planning your first game at Truist Park, you’ve probably noticed the ring of honored numbers around the ballpark. Those are the Atlanta Braves retired numbers—jerseys that will never be worn again because the players (and one manager) made an unforgettable impact on the franchise.
This guide walks you through who the retired numbers belong to, why they matter to Braves history, and where you can see and experience them when you’re at the ballpark in Atlanta.
What Does It Mean When the Braves Retire a Number?
In MLB, when a team retires a number, it means:
- No future player on that team will wear that number.
- The player (or manager) is considered a franchise legend.
- Their impact goes beyond stats—usually including championships, awards, or long-term contributions.
For Braves fans in Atlanta, these numbers are like a living history lesson you can see every time you walk into Truist Park in Cumberland, just northwest of downtown.
Full List of Atlanta Braves Retired Numbers
The Braves franchise includes its history from Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta, so some legends played before the team arrived in Georgia. But all of them are honored here in Atlanta today.
Here’s a simple overview:
| Number | Person | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Dale Murphy | Outfielder |
| 6 | Bobby Cox | Manager |
| 10 | Chipper Jones | Third Baseman |
| 21 | Warren Spahn | Pitcher |
| 29 | John Smoltz | Pitcher |
| 31 | Greg Maddux | Pitcher |
| 35 | Phil Niekro | Pitcher (Knuckleballer) |
| 41 | Eddie Mathews | Third Baseman |
| 44 | Hank Aaron | Outfielder |
| 47 | Tom Glavine | Pitcher |
| 42 | Jackie Robinson | MLB-wide retired number |
You’ll see these numbers displayed at Truist Park along the upper deck façade and in various tribute areas around the park.
The Atlanta-Era Legends: Numbers Retired in the ATL
Chipper Jones – #10
If you grew up in or around Atlanta in the 1990s or 2000s, Chipper Jones was probably the Brave.
- Position: Third baseman (and some left field)
- Era: 1993–2012 (Atlanta Braves)
- Why he’s important to Atlanta:
- Career-long Brave, one of the faces of the franchise during the long run of division titles.
- A switch-hitter known for big hits in big moments, especially against the Mets.
- Where to see his legacy:
- His number 10 is visible around Truist Park and in the Monument Garden area inside the stadium.
Dale Murphy – #3
Before the Braves hit their 1990s dynasty, Dale Murphy was the star of Atlanta baseball.
- Position: Outfielder
- Era: 1976–1990 (Atlanta Braves)
- Why he’s important to Atlanta:
- Fan favorite during some tough years; a bright spot for Atlanta sports in the 1980s.
- Known as much for his character and community presence as his power at the plate.
- Local connection:
- Many long-time Atlantans still consider Murphy one of the most beloved Braves of all time.
Bobby Cox – #6
Bobby Cox wasn’t a player for the Braves, but he managed some of the best teams in Atlanta sports history.
- Role: Manager
- Major era: 1990–2010 (manager; also managed earlier in 1978–1981)
- Why he’s important to Atlanta:
- Led the Braves through the 1990s and early 2000s dynasty, including the 1995 World Series championship—the first major pro title for Atlanta.
- Known for his fiery support of his players (and many ejections).
- Seen in Atlanta as:
- The architect of the Braves’ glory years, a huge part of Atlanta’s identity as a baseball city.
The Big Three Pitchers of the 1990s: Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz
If you talk Braves history with any Atlanta fan, these three names come up fast.
Greg Maddux – #31
- Position: Pitcher
- Atlanta era: 1993–2003
- Why he’s important to Atlanta:
- One of the most precise pitchers the game has known.
- Helped anchor the rotation during multiple division titles and playoff runs.
Tom Glavine – #47
- Position: Pitcher
- Atlanta era: Mostly 1987–2002, then 2008
- Why he’s important to Atlanta:
- Left-handed ace, key to the 1995 World Series win.
- Often linked with Atlanta’s sports revival in the 1990s.
John Smoltz – #29
- Position: Pitcher (starter and closer)
- Atlanta era: 1988–2008
- Why he’s important to Atlanta:
- Remarkably successful both as a starter and later as a closer.
- Known for his competitiveness in October, a postseason staple for Braves fans.
If you’re at Truist Park, look for these numbers together—many local fans still talk about the “Big Three” as a single era of Braves dominance.
Hank Aaron and the Iconic #44
Even if you’re new to Atlanta, you’ve likely heard of Hank Aaron.
- Number: 44
- Primary team role in Atlanta: Right fielder and later front office executive
- Why he’s a legend in Atlanta:
- Broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record while playing for the Braves in Atlanta in 1974.
- Became a powerful symbol of perseverance, especially meaningful in the context of Atlanta’s civil rights history.
- Where to find Hank Aaron tributes in Atlanta:
- Truist Park’s Monument Garden: statues, displays, and memorabilia.
- His number 44 is featured prominently around the stadium.
- Atlanta’s sports conversation often returns to Aaron as the defining Braves legend.
If you’re visiting from out of town, spending extra time at the Hank Aaron displays inside Truist Park is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with Atlanta’s baseball story.
Earlier Franchise Greats Still Honored in Atlanta
The Braves honor their full franchise history—including Boston and Milwaukee—right here in Atlanta.
Warren Spahn – #21
- Position: Pitcher
- Main era: Boston/Milwaukee Braves
- Why he’s honored:
- One of the greatest left-handed pitchers in baseball history.
- Atlanta connection:
- Even though he didn’t pitch for the Atlanta Braves, his number is part of the franchise story recognized at Truist Park.
Eddie Mathews – #41
- Position: Third baseman
- Main era: Boston and Milwaukee Braves; played briefly during the early Atlanta move
- Why he’s honored:
- Slugging third baseman, key star as the franchise transitioned cities.
- Atlanta connection:
- Part of the bridge linking the Braves’ earlier eras to the Atlanta years.
Phil Niekro – #35
- Position: Pitcher (knuckleballer)
- Atlanta era: Long tenure from the 1960s into the 1980s
- Why he’s important to Atlanta:
- One of the key figures in early Atlanta Braves history.
- Known for his unique knuckleball and long career.
Jackie Robinson’s #42: Retired Across All MLB Teams
Although Jackie Robinson never played for the Braves, his number 42 is retired in every MLB ballpark, including in Atlanta.
- Number: 42
- Why you see it at Truist Park:
- MLB permanently retired his number to honor his role in breaking baseball’s color barrier.
- In Atlanta’s context:
- Fits deeply with the city’s civil rights legacy and the way sports intersect with social change here.
On Jackie Robinson Day each year, you’ll see Braves players wear 42 in his honor, just like every other MLB team.
Where to See the Retired Numbers at Truist Park
When you head to Truist Park (755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339), you can look for retired numbers in several spots:
1. Around the Upper Deck and Outfield Areas
- The retired numbers are displayed along the upper façade facing the field.
- Look up from your seat—especially in the outfield and upper levels—to spot the lineup of numbers.
2. Monument Garden (Inside Truist Park)
Monument Garden is one of the best spots in the ballpark for Braves history:
- Located along the main concourse behind home plate.
- Features statues, plaques, and displays for Hank Aaron and other legends.
- Many of the retired-number players are highlighted with photos, artifacts, and write-ups.
If you’re bringing kids or visitors new to Atlanta, Monument Garden is a great stopping point to explain the team’s history.
3. Team Store Merchandise and Displays
You’ll often find:
- Jerseys and shirts featuring 10 (Chipper), 44 (Aaron), 3 (Murphy), and some of the pitchers’ numbers.
- Posters, framed photos, and other memorabilia featuring retired-number players.
Even just browsing the Braves Clubhouse Store at Truist Park or at The Battery Atlanta helps put faces to the numbers you see around the stadium.
How to Plan a Visit Around Braves History
If you’re in Atlanta and want to really appreciate the retired numbers, you can build a small Braves history itinerary:
Arrive early on game day
- Get to Truist Park 60–90 minutes before first pitch to walk through Monument Garden and explore the concourse.
Walk the main concourse loop
- As you move around the stadium, look up for the retired numbers and note which side of the park they’re on for future visits.
Check game programs and in-park video boards
- Game presentations often highlight legends like Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, or the Big Three pitchers.
Talk to long-time fans and ushers
- Many Atlanta locals—especially season ticket holders and veteran staff—love to share personal stories about seeing these players in person.
Quick Reference: Atlanta Braves Retired Numbers You’ll See in the City
When you’re at Truist Park or watching from Atlanta, here’s your quick cheat sheet:
- #3 – Dale Murphy: 1980s Braves star, beloved Atlanta figure.
- #6 – Bobby Cox: Manager of the 1990s–2000s dynasty; 1995 World Series title.
- #10 – Chipper Jones: Face of the modern Braves; lifelong Brave.
- #21 – Warren Spahn: Legendary pitcher from the Boston/Milwaukee era.
- #29 – John Smoltz: Big-game pitcher, both starter and closer.
- #31 – Greg Maddux: Precision ace of the 1990s rotation.
- #35 – Phil Niekro: Knuckleballing workhorse, early Atlanta star.
- #41 – Eddie Mathews: Power-hitting third baseman from pre-Atlanta days.
- #42 – Jackie Robinson: Retired MLB-wide; honored in Atlanta with all teams.
- #44 – Hank Aaron: Atlanta’s ultimate baseball icon; home run king.
- #47 – Tom Glavine: Lefty ace and World Series hero.
Knowing these names and numbers gives you a deeper connection to Atlanta’s baseball identity—whether you’re catching a game at Truist Park, watching from a bar at The Battery, or simply trying to understand why these numbers matter so much to Braves fans across the city.