1. A Historic Milestone
On September 27, 2002, John Smoltz made headlines by achieving his 54th save of the season, breaking the National League record. This moment showcased his impressive transition from starting pitcher to a dominant closer.
2. Early Braves Highlights
In 1920, the Braves clinched victory over the Giants 3-2 at the Polo Grounds, thanks to a late homer by Tony Boeckel. This win in the second game secured the pennant for Brooklyn.
3. Record-Setting Triples
The Braves’ catcher Ray Powell etched his name in history on September 27, 1921, by hitting three triples in a single game, tying a Major League record in an 8-5 win against Brooklyn.
4. A Rookie’s Impact
In 1924, rookie Wade Lefler played a pivotal role in a Senators’ comeback against the Red Sox, driving in three runs with a bases-loaded double to help secure a 7-5 victory.
5. Hornsby’s Stellar Performance
On this day in 1925, Rogers Hornsby of the Cardinals had a remarkable outing against the Braves, hitting a home run and boosting his batting average to .403 during a doubleheader.
6. Berger’s Rookie Record
In 1930, Wally Berger hit his 38th home run for the Braves, setting a record for rookies that would later be tied by Frank Robinson and surpassed by Cody Bellinger.
7. Niekro’s Shutout
Phil Niekro dominated the Giants on September 27, 1982, pitching a two-hit shutout in a 7-0 victory, which pushed the Braves into a tie for first place in the NL West.
8. A Final Farewell
In 1987, Niekro made his last major league appearance, allowing five runs in three innings against the Giants, concluding his storied career with the Braves.
9. Mets Clinch Wild Card
The Mets claimed the National League wild card in 2000, defeating the Braves 6-2, marking another strong season for New York.
10. Sosa’s Milestone
Sammy Sosa made history in 2003 by hitting his 40th home run of the season, achieving a National League record for consecutive seasons reaching that mark.
11. Lucroy’s Record
On September 27, 2014, Jonathan Lucroy set a new record for catchers with his 46th double of the season, surpassing the previous record held by Ivan Rodriguez.
12. Ownership Change
In 2017, MLB owners approved the sale of the Miami Marlins from Jeffrey Loria to a group led by Bruce Sherman and former player Derek Jeter, signifying a major shift for the franchise.
13. Braves’ Consistency
The Braves have consistently been a competitive team, highlighted by notable performances from legends like Smoltz and Niekro, contributing to their rich history.
14. Celebrating Achievements
These moments remind fans of the Braves’ storied past, showcasing individual and team achievements that have shaped the franchise over the years.