The Milwaukee Braves history is a unique chapter in Major League Baseball. Relocated from Boston in 1953, the Braves quickly built a passionate fan base in Wisconsin. Their success peaked with a World Series championship in 1957. The legacy of Milwaukee Braves baseball remains celebrated as a defining era before the team’s move to Atlanta in 1966.
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 – For baseball fans, the Milwaukee Braves are an iconic team with a storied history. But how did they get their nickname? In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of the Milwaukee Braves and why it has become such an integral part of Major League Baseball (MLB) lore.
Milwaukee Braves Origin
The story began in 1953 when major league baseball expanded to include teams from both coasts. The Boston Braves were one of those teams that made up part of this expansion and relocated to Wisconsin shortly after being established in Massachusetts. This move was met with great enthusiasm by Wisconsinites who showed up for the opening day at County Stadium wearing Indian headdresses and chanting “Braves!” It was then that the name stuck as it became associated with not only their new home but also a proud symbol for Native Americans across North America - something which still resonates today among sports fans everywhere.
This newfound identity helped propel them into success on-field, winning three consecutive National League pennants between 1957 and 1959 before eventually moving back to Atlanta, where they remain today under another moniker: The Atlanta Braves. Despite no longer playing in Milwaukee or even having any affiliation there anymore, many people still refer to them simply as “the Brewers,” due mainly in part because it is easier than saying "Milwaukee." Additionally, their former mascot Chief Noc A Homa remains popular amongst MLB enthusiasts – further solidifying its place in our memory banks forever.
Ultimately, while other nicknames have come and gone throughout professional sports history, none quite capture what makes this particular franchise so unique, like ‘The Brave s.' As such, if you ever find yourself discussing MLB past or present, remember exactly where these warriors started – right here in beautiful Milwaukee!
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
- 1949
- 1957
- 1966
-
Move to Milwaukee
The 1948 World Series, which the Braves lost in six games to the Indians, turned out to be the Braves’ last hurrah in Boston. Amid four mediocre seasons, attendance steadily dwindled until, on March 13, 1953, Perini, who had recently bought out his original partners, announced he was moving the team to Milwaukee, where the Braves had their top farm ... -
World Series Winner 1957
The 1957 World Series featured the defending champions, the New York Yankees (American League), playing against the Milwaukee Braves (National League). After finishing just one game behind the N.L. Champion Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956, the Braves came back in 1957 to win their first pennant since moving from Boston in 1953. The Braves won the Series in seven games, behind ... -
Relocate To Atlanta
Lou Perini sold the Braves to a Chicago-based group led by William Bartholomay after the 1961 season and the ink was barely dry on the deal when Bartholomay started shopping the Braves to a larger television market. Keen to attract them, the fast-growing city of Atlanta, led by Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., constructed a new $18 million, 52,007-60,606 seat multi-purpose ...
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.
Milwaukee Braves History
The Milwaukee Braves history, previously tied to the Boston Braves, is one of the most memorable eras in Major League Baseball. The franchise relocated from Boston to Wisconsin in 1953, bringing big-league baseball to Milwaukee for the first time. During their stay, the Milwaukee Braves baseball legacy grew with legendary players like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn, and Joe Adcock leading the way. The team captured three consecutive National League pennants from 1957 to 1959 and claimed a historic World Series title in 1957 by defeating the powerful New York Yankees.
The foundation of the Milwaukee Braves history was built on pitching and power. Hall of Famers Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette anchored a dominant rotation, combining for multiple 20-win seasons between 1953 and 1965. Offensively, the Braves were loaded with talent. Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Joe Adcock formed one of the league’s most feared batting orders, combining for more than 1,000 career home runs while in Milwaukee. Supporting stars like catcher Del Crandall, Bob Hazle, and Bill Bruton added depth, giving the team balance both at the plate and on the field.
The 1958 season further solidified the Milwaukee Braves baseball reputation as a powerhouse. That year, they set a major league record by winning 13 straight games, including an incredible 11-game road trip where they dominated nearly every opponent. Although they fell short of another championship, the team’s consistency made them one of the strongest franchises of the era. Fans across Wisconsin proudly celebrated what many still call the “glory days” of the Braves.
Braves Achievements
Team achievements also highlight the greatness of the Milwaukee Braves history. Their 1957 World Series victory remains one of the franchise’s crowning moments, with Hank Aaron hitting 44 home runs that season and Warren Spahn earning the Cy Young Award. The back-to-back pennants in 1957 and 1958 further established Milwaukee as a true baseball city. Even after relocating to Atlanta in 1966, the Milwaukee years left a lasting mark on the sport.
Today, the Milwaukee Braves history endures as a cherished chapter of the franchise. The team’s championship, records, and Hall of Fame stars cemented their place in MLB history. More importantly, they brought a winning tradition and unforgettable memories to fans in Wisconsin, ensuring that the era of the Milwaukee Braves will always be remembered with pride.
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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