5 in 50- The Atlanta Braves

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Atlanta Braves. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Braves in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Braves players in the last 50 years.

5.   Dale Murphy (1976-1990)- 2-time MVP. 2-time NL home run leader.

4.   Chipper Jones (1993-2012)- 1999 NL MVP, 2008 NL batting title. 1995 World Series champion.

3.   Tom Glavine (1987-2002)- 2-time NL Cy Young award winner. 1995 World Series MVP.

2.   John Smoltz (1988-2008)- 1996 Cy Young award winner.  15-4 Post season record. 1995 World Series champion.

1.  Greg Maddox (1993-2003)- 3-time Cy Young award winner with Atlanta. 10 gold glove awards. 1995 World Series champion.

Honorable mention to Phil Niekro, Andrew Jones, Freddie Freeman, Dave Justice

Notes. The great Hank Aaron did not meet the criteria since he only played 4 seasons since 1972. # 5 was the toughest call. I considered the Hall of Famer Niekro, but he had many of his best seasons prior to 1972. I decided to select Murphy, who was one of the best players in the 1980s and should be considered as a Hall of Fame candidate. The top 4 were easy. They are easily the best 4 players for the Braves in the last 50 years. Their accomplishments speak for themselves.

Next up is the Miami Marlins