In 1871, the Atlanta Braves made their debut as the Red Stockings along with the Chicago White Stockings as the first two teams in baseball. The Braves started out as dominant as they are now. The Red Stockings won the six of the first eight pennants in baseball's history. In 1876 the Red Stockings joined the fast growing National League.

The Red Stockings changed their named to the Beaneaters in 1883 so they wouldn't be confused with the Cincinnati Red Stockings. Later that decade in 1887, the Beaneaters acquired the "Babe Ruth" of the 19th century, Mike "King" Kelly for an astonishing $10,000. John Clarkson won an unheard of 49 games in 1889, and in 1893 with the help of newly acquired Kid Nicholas and Jack Stivetts, the Beaneaters won a third straight pennant.

Unfortunately in 1903, the Beaneaters started a loosing streak, finishing no better than sixth. Finally that streak snapped in 1913. The Braves become the team's name in 1912. In 1919, the greatest runner ever, Jim Thorpe, joined the Braves. Rogers Hornsby finished up his career with the Boston Braves, and young George Sisler helped him spark the team to a third place finish.

In 1935, Babe Ruth played his last season as a Brave. Jim Turner, a 33 year old rookie, went 21-10 with an overpowering 2.38 ERA in 1938 as the Braves got more powerful game by game. With the help of young superstars, Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain who each won 21 games, the Braves won the World Series in the 1947 season.