The Boston Doves were a Major League Baseball team active from 1907 to 1910, marking a brief but notable era in Boston’s baseball history. The 1909 Boston Doves season was one of their most challenging, reflecting the team’s struggles on the field. Despite difficulties, their existence played a vital role in shaping the city’s enduring baseball legacy.
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!
Boston Doves Origin
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
Boston Doves History
The Boston Doves, formerly known as the Boston Beaneaters, represented a transitional chapter in Major League Baseball history. The franchise adopted the Doves name in 1907 after the Dovey brothers purchased the club, and it remained until 1910 before later becoming the Boston Rustlers and eventually the Braves. Although the Boston Doves never reached the level of dominance achieved by earlier Beaneaters teams, they are remembered as an important part of Boston’s baseball evolution.
The 1909 Boston Doves season highlighted the team’s struggles, finishing near the bottom of the National League standings. Despite this, the franchise served as a foundation for the future Braves organization. The Doves played their home games at the South End Grounds before later moving to the newly built Braves Field. This period marked the end of Boston’s 19th-century powerhouse era, as financial instability and inconsistent rosters made it difficult for the club to compete with rivals like the New York Giants and Chicago Cubs.
Throughout their brief existence, the Boston Doves had notable players who brought flashes of excitement. Hall of Famer Johnny Evers briefly played with the team, while outfielder Ginger Beaumont provided solid offensive performances. The Doves also participated in several hard-fought battles against powerhouse teams of the early 20th century, keeping Boston’s baseball fans engaged even during losing seasons.
The 1909 Boston Doves team, in particular, remains a reference point for historians examining the decline of the once-successful Beaneaters. That year underscored the financial challenges ownership faced and the need for restructuring, which eventually led to new leadership under William Hepburn Russell and the name change to the Boston Rustlers.
Doves Achievements
In terms of achievements, the Boston Doves era may not have produced championships, but it contributed greatly to the survival and eventual rebirth of professional baseball in Boston. The resilience of the franchise during these lean years allowed it to transition into the Boston Braves, who would later become World Series champions.
Ultimately, the legacy of the Boston Doves is not defined by wins and losses but by their role in bridging Boston’s early baseball dominance with the success of future eras. The franchise’s persistence through difficult years ensured that baseball remained strong in the city, paving the way for milestones like the Braves’ 1914 World Series championship and the team’s long-term place in MLB history.
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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