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

Atlanta is a baseball town at its core, and former Atlanta Braves players are a huge part of the city’s identity. Whether you grew up going to games at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, spent your childhood at Turner Field, or now head up to Truist Park in Cobb County, the names and stories of past Braves stars shape how Atlanta experiences baseball today.

This guide walks through the most important former Braves players, how they’re honored around Atlanta, and what local fans and visitors can do if they want to connect with Braves history in person.

How Former Braves Players Shape Atlanta’s Baseball Culture

When people in Atlanta talk about baseball, they usually talk about eras defined by players:

• The Hank Aaron era and the move to Atlanta
• The 1990s dynasty headlined by Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz
• The Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones years
• The transition to Truist Park and The Battery

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting, understanding these former players helps you understand:

• Why certain jersey numbers are retired and displayed at Truist Park
• Why streets, statues, and local landmarks are named the way they are
• Why certain players are still local celebrities years after retiring

Iconic Former Atlanta Braves Every Atlanta Fan Should Know

Hank Aaron: The Heart of Braves History in Atlanta

Henry “Hank” Aaron is more than a former player; he’s a central figure in the story of Atlanta itself.

• Broke Babe Ruth’s home run record in Atlanta in 1974
• Played for the Braves as they relocated from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966
• Became a symbol of strength during intense social and racial tension

Where you’ll see Hank Aaron in Atlanta:

• Hank Aaron statue at Truist Park
• The 755 sign (for his 755 career home runs) and tributes around the ballpark
• References to “Henry Aaron Drive” near the old Turner Field area
• Displays and memorabilia in and around Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta

For local fans, Aaron’s legacy is woven into Atlanta’s identity: courage, perseverance, and excellence on a national stage.

The 1990s Pitching Trio: Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz

If you hear long-time Atlanta residents talking about “the run in the ’90s,” they’re talking about these three:

• Greg Maddux – Precision pitcher, one of the greatest control pitchers in baseball history
• Tom Glavine – Left-handed ace, a cornerstone of the rotation
• John Smoltz – Dominant starter who later became a top closer

Together, they:

• Anchored the Braves’ 1995 World Series championship
• Led the team to frequent division titles
• Became regular faces on national broadcasts, putting Atlanta on the baseball map

At Truist Park, you’ll see their retired numbers prominently displayed. For Atlanta fans, the 1990s Braves are remembered as the team that turned the city into a baseball powerhouse.

Chipper Jones: The Face of the Modern Braves Era

Chipper Jones is one of the most beloved former Atlanta Braves players, especially for fans who came of age in the late ’90s and 2000s.

• Spent his entire career with Atlanta
• Known for clutch hitting and long-term consistency
• A major part of the Braves’ staying power after the early ’90s peak

Locally, Chipper is:

• A common jersey you’ll still see at Truist Park
• Celebrated in team displays, Hall of Fame references, and stadium graphics
• Associated with the continuity of Braves baseball across multiple stadium changes

Andruw Jones: Defense in Center Field

For Atlantans who watched games in the late 1990s and 2000s, Andruw Jones was must-see defense.

• Regarded as one of the best defensive center fielders of his era
• Brought athleticism and highlight-reel catches to Turner Field
• Helped maintain the Braves’ competitive identity after the early dynasty core aged

His role is often remembered in Atlanta as making routine plays out of impossible fly balls.

Dale Murphy: The Pre-Dynasty Star

Before the 1990s run, many Atlanta natives grew up with Dale Murphy as their hero.

• Star player during the 1980s
• Two-time league MVP
• A bright spot in years when the Braves weren’t yet dominant

Around Atlanta, older fans still speak about Murphy with deep respect, and you may spot Murphy jerseys at games and local watch parties.

Other Notable Former Braves with Strong Atlanta Ties

While not an exhaustive list, some other former Atlanta Braves players commonly discussed in the city include:

• Eddie Mathews – Hall of Famer who bridged the move to Atlanta
• David Justice – Big bat during the early ‘90s success
• Fred McGriff – Key contributor to the 1995 championship team
• Terry Pendleton – Leader on and off the field, later a Braves coach
• Brian McCann – Atlanta-area native who became a star catcher for the Braves
• Jason Heyward – Local product from metro Atlanta who debuted with the Braves
• Freddie Freeman – Longtime first baseman and MVP who became a modern fan favorite

Where to Experience Braves History in Atlanta

If you’re in the Atlanta area and want to connect with former Braves players or their legacy, there are several key places to visit.

Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta

Truist Park in Cobb County (755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta-area) is the main hub for Braves history today.

At and around the ballpark, you can:

• View retired numbers for legends like Aaron, Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Chipper
• See statues, plaques, and displays honoring former players
• Explore team stores that sell throwback jerseys and memorabilia
• Join stadium tours (often available on non-game days) that highlight Braves history

The surrounding mixed-use development, The Battery Atlanta, also has:

• Braves-themed restaurants and bars where former players are often referenced
• Occasional appearances, signings, or events tied to alumni (these vary by season)

Former Turner Field Area and Hank Aaron Landmarks

Turner Field is no longer an MLB park, but its legacy remains visible:

• The area is now Center Parc Stadium, used primarily for Georgia State University football
• Nearby, you may still spot historic markers and references connected to Braves history
• Hank Aaron Drive SE in that area serves as a continuing tribute

For longtime Atlanta residents, this part of town is filled with memories of the Chipper Jones / Andruw Jones era and the later years of the ‘90s core.

Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium Site

The original Atlanta Braves stadium site near downtown is where:

• Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record

There is a marked outline of the old stadium field and a commemorative display at or near the site, which is a meaningful stop for fans who want to stand where that iconic moment happened.

Meeting Former Braves Players in Atlanta

Many former Atlanta Braves players maintain a presence in the city or surrounding metro area, especially those who settled here after retirement.

Ways Atlanta fans sometimes connect with past players:

• Alumni days at Truist Park – Select games feature appearances by former players
• Pre-game ceremonies – The team occasionally honors former stars before big matchups
• Autograph or photo sessions – These are sometimes organized during special events
• Charity events and golf tournaments – A number of former players participate in local charity functions

If you live in metro Atlanta and want to catch these appearances, it’s common for fans to:

• Check team announcements and promotional schedules leading into each homestand
• Follow local sports radio and Atlanta-based sports coverage, which often mention alumni events

How Former Braves Are Remembered Around the City

Former Braves players show up in ordinary Atlanta life more than you might expect:

• Youth baseball and softball fields named after stars (especially at local parks and rec centers)
• Murals and artwork in neighborhoods with strong sports culture
• Local businesses using Braves-themed décor, often featuring photos of past players
• Ongoing community programs or foundations started or supported by former Braves

If you’re new to Atlanta, pay attention to the jerseys people wear on MARTA or in restaurants on game days—you’ll see a mix of current stars and legends like Aaron, Chipper, Maddux, and Murphy, showing how deeply these former players are woven into Atlanta’s everyday culture.

Quick Reference: Key Former Braves and Their Atlanta Legacy

What This Means for Fans in Atlanta

For someone in Atlanta, former Braves players are not just names in a record book. They:

• Influence how the city thinks about itself as a sports town
• Shape traditions at Truist Park, from retired numbers to music and chants
• Appear in local stories, conversations, and even street names and landmarks

If you’re living in or visiting Atlanta and want to deepen your connection to the city:

• Take a day at Truist Park, even on a non-game day, to explore the historical displays
• Visit the old stadium sites to trace the team’s journey through the city
• Learn the stories of core former players—Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Murphy—so you can follow local baseball conversations with ease

Understanding former Atlanta Braves players is one of the best ways to understand Atlanta’s sports culture, civic pride, and sense of history.