History of the Doves
The Boston Doves—the city’s first Major League Baseball team—were founded in 1908 and lasted until 1915. During their seven-year tenure, the team was known by several names, including the Red Stockings, Rustlers, and Braves. Despite having a few Hall of Famers on their roster over the years (including Honus Wagner), they never had much success as a franchise; they only finished above .500 twice during that span.
The Doves began life as part of an expansion effort for MLB in 1908 when two new teams were added to create what is now known as “the modern era” of baseball: The Chicago Cubs and Boston Doves (later renamed Red Stockings). They played at South End Grounds from 1909–1911 before moving to Fenway Park for the 1912–1915 season, where they became known simply as “Braves." While there were some bright spots throughout these years – such as winning streaks against Philadelphia Athletics or New York Giants – overall, it was not enough to keep them competitive with other clubs like St Louis Cardinals or Pittsburgh Pirates, who dominated this period in MLB history.
Despite having some great players like Honus Wagner, who made his major league debut with them during the 1910 season - which saw him lead the National League batting average (.354) -, he would eventually be traded away due to lack of financial resources available within the organization itself, something which hindered any chance at sustained success throughout its existence after that...
Overall, while short-lived compared to most franchises by today's standards, Boston Dove/Redstockins/Braves remain one most colorful chapters within Major Leagues' long, storied past, providing fans everywhere with unique insight into the game's development since its inception back in early 20th century.
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
Doves – The Boston Doves, now known as the Atlanta Braves, is one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises. Although they have undergone a few name changes over the years, their original nickname—the Doves—has an interesting origin story.
In 1907 when the team was first formed in Boston by ex-player George Dovey and his business partner Henry Killilea, it was decided that Dovey would choose a nickname for his new club. He chose “Dove” because it symbolized peace and hope after some tumultuous times in baseball history before this period. The dove had also been used as a mascot for teams such as Brooklyn Dodgers (now Los Angeles Dodgers), so there may have been some familiarity with this particular bird among fans then too!
However, despite its peaceful symbolism, many people were not pleased with this choice at all due to how weak doves are compared to other birds like eagles or hawks, which were seen more commonly on sports teams back then – so much so that within two years of being called “Doves” they changed their name again! This time around, though, instead, opting out for something less controversial: The Braves!
This change proved successful - even today, you can still see references made towards them being formerly known as "Boston Doves" from old newspapers or books are written about baseball history during those days - but ultimately, what remains true is how unique yet significant their origins are even today; showing us just how impactful small decisions can be on our lives whether we realize it or not!
Championship
World Series 0
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
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