1969 Atlanta Braves season
Encyclopedia
The Atlanta Braves
season was a season in American baseball. The National League
had been split into two divisions before the season, with the Braves somewhat incongruously being assigned to the National League West
. The Braves finished with a record of 93-69, winning the first ever NL West division title by three games over the San Francisco Giants
.
After the season, the Braves played in the first-ever inter-divisional National League Championship Series
. They went on to lose the NLCS
to the eventual World Champion New York Mets
, three games to none.
. The Braves (along with the Cincinnati Reds
) were placed in the NL West division, despite being located further east than the 2 westernmost teams in the new National League East
, the Chicago Cubs
and St. Louis Cardinals
. This was because the New York Mets
wanted to be in the same division as the reigning power in the NL, which were the Cardinals at the time (to compensate for playing against the Dodgers
and Giants
fewer times each season). The Cubs consequently demanded to be in the NL East as well in order to continue playing in the same division as the Cardinals, one of the Cubs' biggest rivals.
Félix Millán
started the All-Star Game, along with right fielder
Hank Aaron, and won his first Gold Glove
.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
season was a season in American baseball. The National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
had been split into two divisions before the season, with the Braves somewhat incongruously being assigned to the National League West
National League West
The National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of the three divisions of Major League Baseball's National League. It was created in 1969 when the previously undivided National League expanded its membership to twelve teams, positioning half of them in an Eastern division and the other...
. The Braves finished with a record of 93-69, winning the first ever NL West division title by three games over the San Francisco Giants
1969 San Francisco Giants season
The San Francisco Giants season was the franchise's 87th season and 12th season in San Francisco. The team finished second in the newly-established National League West with a record of 90-72, 3 games behind the Atlanta Braves.- Offseason :...
.
After the season, the Braves played in the first-ever inter-divisional National League Championship Series
National League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
. They went on to lose the NLCS
1969 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 4, 1969 at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaThe Mets struck first in the second off Phil Niekro when Jerry Grote singled in a run and Ken Boswell scored on a passed ball by Braves catcher Bob Didier...
to the eventual World Champion New York Mets
1969 New York Mets season
The New York Mets season was the eighth season for the Mets franchise, which played its home games at Shea Stadium. Managed by Gil Hodges, the team went 100-62, finishing first in the newly-established National League East by eight games over the Chicago Cubs...
, three games to none.
The new National League
The 1969 season marked the first year of divisional play in Major League BaseballMajor League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. The Braves (along with the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
) were placed in the NL West division, despite being located further east than the 2 westernmost teams in the new National League East
National League East
The National League East Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions. The Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies are tied for the most National League East Division titles . All of Atlanta's NL East titles came during a record stretch of 14 consecutive division titles...
, the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
and St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. This was because the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
wanted to be in the same division as the reigning power in the NL, which were the Cardinals at the time (to compensate for playing against the Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
and Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
fewer times each season). The Cubs consequently demanded to be in the NL East as well in order to continue playing in the same division as the Cardinals, one of the Cubs' biggest rivals.
Notable transactions
- October 14, 1968: 1968 Major League Baseball expansion draft1968 Major League Baseball expansion draftThe 1968 Major League Baseball expansion draft was conducted to stock up the rosters of four expansion teams in Major League Baseball which would begin play in the 1969 season....
- Al SantoriniAl SantoriniAlan Joel Santorini is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of six seasons in the majors, from until , for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.-External links:...
was drafted from the Braves by the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
with the 7th pick. - Skip GuinnSkip GuinnDrannon Eugene "Skip" Guinn is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played parts of three seasons in the majors, between and , for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros.-Sources:...
was drafted from the Braves by the Montreal ExposWashington NationalsThe Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
with the 17th pick. - Carl MortonCarl MortonCarl Wendle Morton was a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Montreal Expos and Atlanta Braves...
was drafted from the Braves by the Expos with the 45th pick. - Cito GastonCito GastonClarence Edwin "Cito" Gaston is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. His major league career as a player lasted from 1967–1978, most notably for the San Diego Padres and the Atlanta Braves...
was drafted from the Braves by the Padres with the 59th pick.
- Al Santorini
- December 2, 1968: Darrell EvansDarrell EvansDarrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
was drafted by the Braves from the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in the 1968 rule 5 draftRule 5 draftThe Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
. - March 17, 1969: Joe TorreJoe TorreJoseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
was traded by the Braves to the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
for Orlando CepedaOrlando CepedaOrlando Manuel Cepeda Pennes is a former Puerto Rican Major League Baseball first baseman.Cepeda was born to a poor family. His father, Pedro Cepeda, was a baseball player in Puerto Rico, which influenced his interest in the sport from a young age. His first contact with professional baseball was...
.
Regular season
Second basemanSecond baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
Félix Millán
Félix Millán
Félix Bernardo Millán Martínez is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:Millán, nicknamed "The Kitten" , born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, made his major league debut on June 2, 1966 with the Atlanta Braves, and played for Atlanta until 1973. Millan was primarily a second...
started the All-Star Game, along with right fielder
Right fielder
A right fielder, abbreviated RF, is the outfielder in baseball or softball who plays defense in right field. Right field is the area of the outfield to the right of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
Hank Aaron, and won his first Gold Glove
Rawlings Gold Glove Award
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
.
Opening Day starters
- Hank Aaron
- Felipe Alou
- Clete BoyerClete BoyerCletis Leroy "Clete" Boyer was a Major League Baseball player.A third baseman who also played shortstop and second base occasionally, Boyer played for the Kansas City Athletics , New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves...
- Orlando CepedaOrlando CepedaOrlando Manuel Cepeda Pennes is a former Puerto Rican Major League Baseball first baseman.Cepeda was born to a poor family. His father, Pedro Cepeda, was a baseball player in Puerto Rico, which influenced his interest in the sport from a young age. His first contact with professional baseball was...
- Tito FranconaTito FranconaJohn Patsy "Tito" Francona is a former outfielder/first baseman in professional baseball. He is the father of former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona.-Career:...
- Sonny Jackson
- Pat JarvisPat Jarvis (baseball)Robert Patrick Jarvis is a retired American professional baseball player. He was a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who played eight seasons for the Atlanta Braves and the Montreal Expos from to in the National League. Jarvis, who stood tall and weighed , is best known for being Nolan...
- Félix MillánFélix MillánFélix Bernardo Millán Martínez is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:Millán, nicknamed "The Kitten" , born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, made his major league debut on June 2, 1966 with the Atlanta Braves, and played for Atlanta until 1973. Millan was primarily a second...
- Bob TillmanBob TillmanJohn Robert Tillman was an American professional baseball player. A catcher, he threw and batted right-handed, stood tall and weighed ....
Notable transactions
- June 5, 1969: Larvell BlanksLarvell BlanksLarvell Blanks is a retired American Major League Baseball infielder.Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 3rd round of the 1969 MLB amateur draft, Blanks would make his Major League Baseball debut with the Atlanta Braves on July 19, 1972, and appeared in his final game on August 3, 1980.Blanks'...
was drafted by the Braves in the 3rd round of the 1969 Major League Baseball Draft1969 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1969 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The Washington Senators tabbed slugging outfielder Jeff Burroughs of Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA as the nation's number one pick...
. - June 13, 1969: Van KellyVan KellyVan Howard Kelly was a Major League Baseball player. He played for the San Diego Padres of the National League. Kelly only played in the 1969 and 1970 baseball seasons. In 111 games over two years, Kelly had 66 hits in 298 at-bats. He also hit 4 home runs and had a .221 batting average...
, Walt HriniakWalt HriniakWalter John Hriniak is a former catcher in American Major League Baseball who — despite a very brief MLB playing career and a batting average of only .253 — became one of the most prominent batting coaches in the game during the last two decades of the 20th century...
and Andy Finlay (minors) were traded by the Braves to the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for Tony González. - August 19, 1969: Claude RaymondClaude Raymond (baseball)Jean Claude Marc Raymond was a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox , Milwaukee Braves/Atlanta Braves , Houston Colt .45's/Houston Astros and Montreal Expos...
was purchased from the Braves by the Montreal Expos. - September 8, 1969: Mickey RiversMickey RiversJohn Milton "Mickey" Rivers is a former Major League Baseball player from 1970-1984 for the California Angels, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers...
and Clint ComptonClint ComptonRobert Clinton Compton was a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs. Compton's entire major-league career consisted of a two-inning appearance during the Cubs' October 3, 1972 game against the Philadelphia Phillies.Compton was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1968 MLB...
were traded by the Braves to the California AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
for Hoyt WilhelmHoyt WilhelmJames Hoyt Wilhelm was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985....
and Bob PriddyBob PriddyRobert Simpson Priddy is a retired American professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1962 to 1971, with the exception of the 1973 season. Priddy batted right-handed, stood tall and weighed . He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
. - September 11, 1969: Chico RuizChico Ruiz (Braves infielder)Manuel Ruiz Cruz is a former professional baseball player. An infielder, he played parts of two seasons in Major League Baseball, 1978 and 1980, for the Atlanta Braves.Ruiz was signed by the Braves in 1969 at age 17...
was signed as an amateur free agent by the Braves.
Roster
| 1969 Atlanta Braves | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 114 | 352 | 90 | .256 | 0 | 32 | |
| 1B | 154 | 573 | 147 | .257 | 22 | 88 | |
| 2B | 162 | 652 | 174 | .267 | 6 | 57 | |
| 3B | 144 | 496 | 124 | .250 | 14 | 57 | |
| SS | 98 | 318 | 76 | .239 | 1 | 27 | |
| LF | 104 | 304 | 104 | .342 | 16 | 58 | |
| CF | 123 | 476 | 134 | .282 | 5 | 32 | |
| RF | 147 | 547 | 164 | .300 | 44 | 97 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | 320 | 94 | .294 | 10 | 50 | |
| 82 | 227 | 50 | .220 | 0 | 10 | |
| 69 | 190 | 37 | .195 | 12 | 29 | |
| 82 | 198 | 50 | .253 | 3 | 24 | |
| 121 | 168 | 45 | .268 | 1 | 22 | |
| 51 | 88 | 26 | .295 | 2 | 22 | |
| 49 | 60 | 15 | .250 | 1 | 5 | |
| 22 | 27 | 6 | .222 | 0 | 2 | |
| 12 | 26 | 6 | .231 | 0 | 1 | |
| 7 | 7 | 1 | .143 | 0 | 0 | |
| 3 | 7 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | |
| 7 | 4 | 1 | .250 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 284.1 | 23 | 13 | 2.56 | 193 | |
| 36 | 241.1 | 18 | 10 | 3.47 | 160 | |
| 37 | 217.1 | 13 | 11 | 4.43 | 123 | |
| 26 | 144 | 6 | 10 | 3.62 | 72 | |
| 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 | 3 | |
| 1 | 2.1 | 0 | 1 | 15.43 | 2 |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 165.1 | 13 | 10 | 3.65 | 102 | |
| 24 | 88 | 7 | 5 | 3.78 | 60 | |
| 9 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 4.97 | 20 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 2.91 | 57 | |
| 36 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2.08 | 25 | |
| 33 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5.25 | 15 | |
| 29 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3.90 | 42 | |
| 8 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0.73 | 14 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 | 1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13.50 | 2 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18.00 | 1 |
National League Championship Series
| Game | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Score | Record (NYM-ATL) |
Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 4 | New York 1969 New York Mets season The New York Mets season was the eighth season for the Mets franchise, which played its home games at Shea Stadium. Managed by Gil Hodges, the team went 100-62, finishing first in the newly-established National League East by eight games over the Chicago Cubs... |
9 | Atlanta | 5 | 1-0 | 50,122 |
| 2 | October 5 | New York 1969 New York Mets season The New York Mets season was the eighth season for the Mets franchise, which played its home games at Shea Stadium. Managed by Gil Hodges, the team went 100-62, finishing first in the newly-established National League East by eight games over the Chicago Cubs... |
11 | Atlanta | 6 | 2-0 | 50,270 |
| 3 | October 6 | Atlanta | 4 | New York 1969 New York Mets season The New York Mets season was the eighth season for the Mets franchise, which played its home games at Shea Stadium. Managed by Gil Hodges, the team went 100-62, finishing first in the newly-established National League East by eight games over the Chicago Cubs... |
7 | 3-0 | 53,195 |
| NYM won 3, ATL won 0. New York wins the National League Championship and advances to the World Series 1969 World Series The 1969 World Series was played between the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles, with the Mets prevailing in five games to accomplish one of the greatest upsets in Series history, as that particular Orioles squad was considered to be one of the finest ever... |
|||||||
Awards and honors
- Rawlings Gold Glove AwardRawlings Gold Glove AwardThe Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
- Félix MillánFélix MillánFélix Bernardo Millán Martínez is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:Millán, nicknamed "The Kitten" , born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, made his major league debut on June 2, 1966 with the Atlanta Braves, and played for Atlanta until 1973. Millan was primarily a second...
, second base - Clete BoyerClete BoyerCletis Leroy "Clete" Boyer was a Major League Baseball player.A third baseman who also played shortstop and second base occasionally, Boyer played for the Kansas City Athletics , New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves...
, third base
- Félix Millán
All-Stars
1969 Major League Baseball All-Star Game1969 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1969 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 40th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played on July 23, 1969 at RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington, DC. The game resulted...
- Hank Aaron, OF, starter
- Félix MillánFélix MillánFélix Bernardo Millán Martínez is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:Millán, nicknamed "The Kitten" , born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, made his major league debut on June 2, 1966 with the Atlanta Braves, and played for Atlanta until 1973. Millan was primarily a second...
, 2B, starter - Phil NiekroPhil NiekroPhilip Henry Niekro , nicknamed "Knucksie" because of his usage and skill level with the knuckleball, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997....
, reserve