The Boston Braves history is one of the oldest and most fascinating stories in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1871, the Braves became known for resilience and unforgettable moments, including the “Miracle Braves” championship run of 1914. The legacy of Boston Braves baseball remains vital to understanding the evolution of the franchise before moves to Milwaukee and Atlanta.
Established
1883
City
Boston – Milwaukee – Atlanta
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1883 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1966 – Present / Atlanta Braves
1953 – 1965 / Milwaukee Braves
1941 – 1952 / Boston Braves
1936 – 1940 / Boston Bees
1912 – 1935 / Boston Braves
1911 / Boston Rustlers
1907 – 1910 / Boston Doves
1883 – 1906 / Boston Beaneaters
Nickname
Braves – Regarding baseball, the Boston Braves have a long and storied history. The team was founded in 1871 as part of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NABBP), making them one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). But what many may not know is that their nickname has an interesting origin story.
The first incarnation of the Boston Braves came about when members from two different NABBP teams merged to form one cohesive unit: The Red Stockings and White Stockings. This combination gave rise to their original moniker, “Boston Red Caps” or “Red Caps” for short. However, this name didn't stick around for long as they soon changed it again after just two years due to its association with another local amateur team called "Caps."
Boston Braves Origin
In 1895, seeking a new identity that would set them apart from other clubs at the time, the owners decided on calling themselves "Braves," which was inspired by their manager's courage during tough times and his willingness to fight against all odds -- much like how Native American warriors were known for being brave during battle situations. It's also believed that some fans had already started referring to them by this name before any official announcement had been made due to its similarity with another popular term used back then - 'brave.'
Today, these exact words still embody everything about what makes up our beloved franchise – loyalty, courage, resilience & pride – so if you're ever wondering why we are called 'Braves,' now you know! As sports fanatics who root for such an iconic team steeped in tradition like ours should take comfort in knowing where our nickname originated from; because no matter how bad things get, we can always look back at those roots & remember why we've been able to stay strong throughout thick & thin.
Championship
World Series 1
1995, 1957, 1914
Stadium
2017 – Present / SunTrust Park
1997 – 2016 / Turner Field
1976 – 1996 / Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
1966 – 1976 / Atlanta Stadium
*Milwaukee*
1953 – 1965 / Milwaukee County Stadium
*Boston*
1915 – 1952 / Braves Field
1936 – 1941 / National League Park
1914 – 1915 / Fenway Park
1894 – 1914 / South End Grounds
1894 / Congress Street Grounds
1883 – 1894 / South End Grounds
Owner
2007 – Present / Liberty Media Corporation
1996 – 2007 / Time Warner
1976 – 1996 / Ted Turner
1962 – 1976 / William Bartholomay
1944 – 1962 / Lou Perini
1935 – 1945 / Bob Quinn
1922 – 1935 / Emil Fuchs
1919 – 1922 / George W. Grant
1915 – 1918 / Percy Haughton
1912 – 1915 / James Gaffney
1911 / William Hepburn Russell
1909 – 1910 / John Dovey
1907 – 1909 / George & John Dovey
1883 – 1909 / Arthur Soden
- 1914
-
World Series Winner 1914
In the 1914 World Series, the Boston Braves beat the Philadelphia Athletics in a four-game series.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Boston Braves History
The Boston Braves history, also known briefly as the Boston Bees, is one of the oldest and most fascinating chapters in Major League Baseball. The franchise originated as the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1871 before moving to Boston in 1876. Over 81 years in the city, the Braves became known for resilience, tradition, and unforgettable milestones. They captured one World Series title in 1914 and won several National League pennants, cementing the importance of Boston Braves history in shaping the modern game.
In their early years, the franchise quickly rose to prominence. Hall of Famers such as Kid Nichols, Rabbit Maranville, and Warren Spahn left a lasting impact on the club. The 1914 season produced one of the most famous teams in history, the “Miracle Braves.” After sitting in last place on July 4, Boston surged to win the pennant and then stunned Connie Mack’s heavily favored Philadelphia Athletics in the World Series. Behind ace pitcher Bill James, who threw two complete-game shutouts, the Braves captured their first and only championship in Boston.
Boston Braves history in 1920s and 1930s featured more notable names. Stars like Rogers Hornsby, Johnny Evers, and Joe Kelley anchored lineups that kept the team competitive. Their infield, famously called the “$100,000 Infield,” became a symbol of excellence in Boston Braves baseball history. Although championships were elusive, the Braves remained an integral part of the city’s sports identity, competing fiercely in the National League.
By the 1940s, the Braves experienced another resurgence under manager Casey Stengel. In 1948, powered by Hall of Famer Warren Spahn and pitcher Johnny Sain, the Braves won the National League pennant and returned to the World Series. However, they fell to the Cleveland Indians in six games. Still, this appearance marked the franchise’s final shot at a title while based in Boston.
Braves Achievements
Despite struggles in later seasons, the Boston Braves history left behind remarkable achievements. The franchise produced Hall of Famers such as Hank Aaron, who began his professional career in the Braves’ system, and Bob Elliott, who earned MVP honors in Boston. The Braves’ legacy also includes pioneering moments, like becoming the first Major League team to play a night game in Boston.
Ultimately, the Braves relocated to Milwaukee in 1953, bringing an end to their Boston era. Yet, the impact of Boston Braves baseball continues to resonate. Their “Miracle Braves” championship, historic players, and dedicated fan base helped define an important era in MLB. Though the team moved on, the Boston years remain a treasured part of baseball history, remembered fondly by fans and historians alike.
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Retired Number
3 / Dale Murphy
6 / Bobby Cox
10 / Chipper Jones
21 / Warren Spahn
29 / John Smoltz
31 / Greg Maddux
35 / Phil Niekro
41 / Eddie Matthews
42 / Jackie Robinson
44 / Hank Aaron
47 / Tom Glavine
*Blue is this team’s history