The Old Atlanta Braves Logo: History, Meaning, and Where to See It in Atlanta
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting Truist Park, the old Atlanta Braves logo is more than just a piece of sports design—it’s a shortcut into the city’s baseball history. From the early “A” caps to the tomahawk and the controversial Native American imagery, the Braves’ older logos tell the story of how Atlanta’s team and identity have evolved.
This guide walks you through what those old Braves logos were, what they meant, and how you can still see and enjoy them around Atlanta, Georgia today.
Key Eras of the Old Atlanta Braves Logo
When people say “old Atlanta Braves logo,” they usually mean one or more of these:
| Era | Primary Logo Features | What Fans Remember |
|---|---|---|
| 1966–1971 | Block “A” with blue and red, Native American head imagery | Team’s arrival from Milwaukee, early Atlanta years |
| 1972–1986 | Script “Braves” with tomahawk, “screaming Indian” logo | Hank Aaron’s 715th home run, classic 70s–80s uniforms |
| Late 1980s–1990s | Refined script “Braves” with red tomahawk | “Worst to first,” early 90s dominance |
| 2000s variations | Cleaner tomahawk and script tweaks | Turner Field era, Chipper Jones years |
Each version still shows up across Atlanta—for example on vintage merchandise, murals, and fan collections.
How the Braves Logo Evolved in Atlanta
1. The Early Atlanta “A” and Native American Imagery (1960s–1970s)
When the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, the new hometown team used:
- A bold, block-style “A” on the cap
- A Native American head logo on jersey sleeves or marketing material
For longtime Atlantans, this look is tied to:
- The excitement of Atlanta getting a Major League Baseball team
- The early years at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, near downtown
- The period when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974
From a modern perspective, the Native American imagery is often seen as dated and insensitive. Over time, the Braves scaled this back and shifted the visual focus more onto the tomahawk and script “Braves”.
2. The “Screaming Indian” and Tomahawk Era (1972–1986)
In the 1970s and early 80s, the Braves’ visual identity centered on:
- A stylized cursive “Braves” across the chest
- The first version of the tomahawk under the wordmark
- The “screaming Indian” logo, used in various ways
If you’re browsing old photos in Atlanta sports bars, you’ll often see:
- Blue jerseys with white script “Braves” outlined in red
- The “screaming” profile of a Native American man, sometimes on caps or promo items
This logo still appears on:
- Vintage T-shirts and jackets at sports memorabilia shops around Atlanta
- Collectibles at card and hobby stores in metro Atlanta
- Older photos and displays in local sports museums or exhibits
Because of growing awareness around cultural representation, this logo is no longer used on the field, but it remains a recognizable historical symbol for longtime Braves fans in Atlanta.
3. The Classic Script “Braves” and Red Tomahawk (Late 1980s–1990s)
For many Atlanta residents, the “old Braves logo” they remember most is the one from the team’s 1990s dynasty years:
- Cursive “Braves” in red with navy outline
- A red and gold tomahawk beneath the wordmark
This is the look connected with:
- The move from worst to first in 1991
- Postseason runs and the 1995 World Series championship
- Stars like Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz
Fans in Atlanta still wear this logo everywhere—from MARTA trains on game days to neighborhood watch parties across the metro area. Even as uniforms get small updates, this core look is still what most people picture as the “classic Braves logo.”
Where to See Old Atlanta Braves Logos in the City
If you want to experience the old Braves logos in person, Atlanta gives you several easy options.
Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta
Even though the team plays with its current branding, you’ll still find nods to the old logos around Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta:
- Retired number displays and historic graphics around the concourses
- Throwback-style merchandise using classic script “Braves” and tomahawk looks
- Occasional “retro” theme nights with classic uniforms
Truist Park
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
When you walk the concourses on any game day, look up at the walls, columns, and display boards; they often feature historic photos where earlier logos are visible on caps, jerseys, and signage.
Local Sports Bars and Restaurants
Across Atlanta, especially near the ballpark and in sports-focused neighborhoods like Cumberland, Buckhead, and Midtown, you’ll see old logos in:
- Framed jerseys with the 1970s or 1980s scripts
- Posters featuring the “screaming Indian” or older A caps
- Neon-style art and vintage banners
If you’re exploring The Battery before a game, check the walls of restaurants and bars—many decorate with classic Braves memorabilia, making it easy to spot different versions of the logo through the decades.
Memorabilia and Sports Card Shops in Metro Atlanta
Collectors in Atlanta often look for original items featuring old logos:
- 1970s and 80s caps with earlier designs
- Game programs, ticket stubs, and pennants from Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
- 1990s jerseys with the championship-era script and tomahawk
Many long-established sports card and memorabilia shops around metro Atlanta carry vintage Braves items. When you visit, you can ask staff specifically about:
- “Old Atlanta Braves logo” jerseys or caps
- Items with the “screaming Indian” design
- Early Atlanta-era “A” logos
Old Braves Logo on Merchandise Today (What Atlanta Fans Can Still Buy)
Common “Old Logo” Styles Still Seen Around Atlanta
You’re likely to see these classic styles on the backs of fans all over the city:
- Navy caps with a red “A” – often close to the 1990s style
- Retro script “Braves” T-shirts – sometimes with a faded, vintage effect
- Throwback jerseys – especially from the Hank Aaron and Dale Murphy eras
Even if official team branding has been updated, sports retailers around Atlanta typically keep a “retro” section where older styles are always in demand.
Things to Consider When Buying Vintage or Retro Gear
If you’re shopping at an Atlanta shop or from a local collector:
🔍 Check authenticity
- Look for official tags on older jerseys and hats
- Ask if items are original vintage or modern reproductions
🎨 Be aware of imagery
- Some fans prefer to avoid outdated Native American logos out of respect
- Others collect them as part of the city’s sports history, while keeping modern sensibilities in mind
🧵 Inspect condition
- Vintage pieces may have wear, fading, or stitching issues
- Many Atlanta collectors see these imperfections as part of the charm, but it’s worth checking if you plan to wear the item regularly
Cultural Context: How Atlanta Fans View the Old Logos Today
In Atlanta, opinions on the old Braves logos can vary:
Nostalgia:
Many locals associate the logos with specific eras—Hank Aaron’s record, the 1990s playoff runs, family trips to Turner Field or Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium.Cultural sensitivity:
Some elements, especially the “screaming Indian” and older Native American head designs, are now viewed as culturally insensitive or stereotypical. This view has become more common over time, both in Atlanta and beyond.Modern identity:
The Braves have largely centered the identity around the script “Braves” and tomahawk, keeping continuity while gradually moving away from the most controversial imagery.
If you’re wearing older logos around town:
- Most fans will recognize them as part of the team’s history
- It can start conversations with longtime Atlanta residents about their memories of the team
- Being aware of how different people feel about Native American imagery can help you navigate those conversations respectfully
Quick Reference: Old vs. Current Braves Logo in Atlanta
Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand what you’re seeing around the city:
| Logo Type | Where You’ll Mostly See It in Atlanta | Typical Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Early Atlanta “A” and Native American head | Vintage photos, old programs, collectors’ items | Seen as early Atlanta history, rarely used officially now |
| “Screaming Indian” | Memorabilia shops, older fan gear, framed items | Recognized as historic but often viewed as insensitive today |
| 1980s–1990s script “Braves” with tomahawk | Everyday fan gear, retro jerseys, The Battery, around Truist Park | Considered the “classic” Atlanta Braves look |
| Current cleaned-up script and tomahawk | On-field uniforms, official team materials | The modern identity, still clearly connected to the 1990s logo |
Understanding the old Atlanta Braves logo helps you read the city’s baseball culture at a glance. Whether you’re walking through The Battery, visiting a local sports bar, or browsing memorabilia around metro Atlanta, those older logos are a visual timeline of how the Braves and Atlanta grew up together.