This week Bleacher Report published an article highlighting each city’s Mount Rushmore since 2000.
For Atlanta, this list included Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Freddie Freeman, and Chipper Jones.
Agree or disagree with that list, the choice is yours. However we’re going to make a top 10 list for every major Atlanta sports franchise, starting with the Atlanta Braves.
Since moving to Atlanta in 1966, the Braves have become one of baseball’s model franchises, producing Hall of Famers, MVPs, Cy Young winners and a World Series championship. From Hank Aaron’s legendary career to Ronald Acuña Jr.’s electrifying rise, the organization has been home to some of the greatest players in MLB history. While many stars have worn the Braves uniform, these are the 10 players who have made the biggest impact during the Atlanta era.
10. Ronald Acuña Jr. – Despite still being in the middle of his career, Acuña has already earned his place among the Braves legends. The 2023 National League MVP became the first player in MLB history to record a 40-home run, 70-stolen base season and has redefined what a leadoff hitter can be. If he continues producing at his current pace and helps bring another championship to Atlanta, Acuña has a legitimate chance to climb into the top five—or even challenge for the top three—before his career is over. His consistent history of injuries, especially this season remains an obvious concern. But if the first half of his career is a reflection of how the second half will go, he’ll no doubt finish in the top 5.
9. Freddie Freeman – Freeman spent 12 seasons becoming the heart and soul of the Braves organization. The 2020 National League MVP helped end Atlanta’s postseason drought before departing following the 2021 World Series championship. His consistency at the plate, leadership in the clubhouse and emotional connection with Braves fans ensure he’ll always be remembered as one of the franchise’s greatest first basemen. Although his exit remains a sour topic among fans, he has been the league’s most consistent hitter for over a decade.
8. Andruw Jones – Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive center fielders ever, Jones revolutionized the position with his incredible range. He won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves while also becoming one of the franchise’s greatest power hitters, finishing his Braves career with 368 home runs. His blend of elite defense and offensive production made him one of the cornerstones of Atlanta’s dynasty. Jones’ long, deserved, wait to baseball’s hall of fame will finally come to an end this summer as he was finally inducted this year.
7. Dale Murphy – Murphy gave Braves fans a superstar during some difficult seasons in the 1980s. The seven-time All-Star won back-to-back National League MVP Awards in 1982 and 1983 while combining elite power, defense and leadership. Even decades later, Murphy remains one of the most beloved athletes in Atlanta sports history. His absence in the hall of fame remains a hot debate among baseball expert and Braves fans.
6. Phil Niekro – Before the Braves became perennial contenders, Niekro carried the franchise throughout the 1970s. His devastating knuckleball allowed him to pitch deep into games and into his 40s, finishing with 268 victories as a Brave. He was often the lone bright spot on struggling teams and remains one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history.
5. John Smoltz – Smoltz may have had the most unique career of any pitcher in baseball history. After becoming one of the game’s premier starters and winning the 1996 Cy Young Award, he transitioned into an elite closer before returning to the rotation. His combination of 200-plus wins, over 150 saves and countless postseason heroics makes him one of Atlanta’s all-time great competitors.
4. Tom Glavine – Glavine’s consistency defined an era. The left-hander won 305 games during his Hall of Fame career, captured two Cy Young Awards and was named MVP of the 1995 World Series after shutting down Cleveland in the championship-clinching Game 6. He remains one of the most reliable pitchers the Braves have ever developed. His stints with the Mets may sway opinions on this ranking.
3. Greg Maddux – Few pitchers have ever dominated the sport like Maddux did during his Atlanta tenure. The Hall of Famer won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992-95, including all four while with the Braves, and helped anchor arguably the greatest starting rotation baseball has ever seen. His pinpoint command and unmatched baseball IQ made him nearly unhittable throughout the Braves’ historic run of division championships. There’s a strong argument Maddux is a top 5 pitcher ALL-TIME in MLB history.
2. Chipper Jones – The face of the Braves dynasty of the 1990s and early 2000s, Jones spent all 19 seasons of his Hall of Fame career in Atlanta. The 1999 National League MVP, eight-time All-Star and 2008 batting champion helped lead the Braves to the 1995 World Series title while becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in several offensive categories among Atlanta-era players. His loyalty and production cement his legacy as one of the greatest switch-hitters in baseball history.
1. Hank Aaron – There is no debate at the top. Aaron is the greatest player to ever wear an Atlanta Braves uniform. Although much of his career began in Milwaukee, he spent the final 12 seasons of his Hall of Fame career in Atlanta, smashing home runs, driving in runs and becoming baseball’s all-time home run king in 1974. His consistency, durability and historic accomplishments make him the gold standard of Braves baseball.
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