1973 Atlanta Braves season
Encyclopedia
The highlight of the Atlanta Braves
season was Hank Aaron finishing the season just one home run
short of Babe Ruth
as baseball's all-time home run king.
s, ending the season with 713, which at that time one home run short of the record. He hit home run number 713 on September 29, 1973, and with one day remaining in the season, many expected him to tie the record. But in his final game that year, playing against the Houston Astros
(led by manager Leo Durocher
, who had once roomed with Babe Ruth), he was unable to hit one out of the park. After the game, Aaron stated that his only fear was that he might not live to see the 1974 season. That statement wasn't just about the death threats: one year earlier, September 30, 1972 was the last day that the legendary Roberto Clemente
ever played, as he perished in the offseason.
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 Hank Aaron finishing the season just one home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
short of Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth
George Herman Ruth, Jr. , best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935...
as baseball's all-time home run king.
Offseason
- October 27, 1972: Rico CartyRico CartyRicardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty is a former professional baseball player. Nicknamed Beeg Boy, he played mostly as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from to...
was traded by the Braves to the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
for Jim PantherJim PantherJames Edward Panther is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched three seasons in the majors for three different teams: for the Oakland Athletics, for the Texas Rangers, and for the Atlanta Braves.-Sources:...
. - January 10, 1973: Brian AsselstineBrian AsselstineBrian Hanly Asselstine is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of six seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1976 until 1981, for the Atlanta Braves, primarily as an outfielder.-Sources:...
was drafted by the Braves in the 1st round (15th pick) of the 1973 Major League Baseball Draft1973 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1973 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :Four dominating players of the late 70s and 80s were selected in the June regular phase...
(Secondary Phase). - January 21, 1973: Curt BlefaryCurt BlefaryCurtis Le Roy Blefary was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball who played with the Baltimore Orioles , Houston Astros , New York Yankees , Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres...
was signed as a free agent by the Braves. - February 28, 1973: 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...
was traded by the Braves to 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...
for Carl MortonCarl MortonCarl Wendle Morton was a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Montreal Expos and Atlanta Braves...
. - March 26, 1973: Denny McLainDenny McLainDennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
was released by the Braves.
Opening Day starters
- Hank Aaron
- Dusty BakerDusty BakerJohnnie B. "Dusty" Baker, Jr. is a former player and current manager in Major League Baseball, currently the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed a 19-year career as a hard-hitting outfielder, mostly with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers...
- 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...
- Ralph GarrRalph GarrRalph Allen Garr is a former Major League Baseball player who played outfield for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and California Angels. He batted left-handed and threw right...
- Gary GentryGary GentryGary Edward Gentry , is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, who played seven seasons for the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves between 1969 and 1975....
- Rod GilbreathRod GilbreathRodney Joe Gilbreath was a Major League Baseball second baseman from 1972 to 1978 for the Atlanta Braves.-Early life:Rod Gilbreath attended Watkins High School in Laurel, Mississippi...
- Davey JohnsonDavey JohnsonDavid Allen "Davey" Johnson is an American Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Washington Nationals. He was the starting second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles when they won four American League pennants and two World Series championships between 1965 and 1972...
- Johnny OatesJohnny OatesJohnny Lane Oates was an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees from 1970 to 1981...
- Marty PerezMarty PerezMartin Roman Perez Jr. was a shortstop and second baseman for the California Angels , Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants , New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics ....
Notable transactions
- May 19, 1973: Andre ThorntonAndre ThorntonAndré Thornton , nicknamed "Thunder," is a former first baseman and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos and Cleveland Indians during a 14-year career...
was traded by the Braves to the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe 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...
for Joe PepitoneJoe PepitoneJoseph "Joe" Anthony Pepitone is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder who played the bulk of his career for the New York Yankees. He also played several seasons with the Chicago Cubs and had short stints with the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves...
. - June 7, 1973: Pat DobsonPat DobsonPatrick Edward Dobson, Jr. was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , San Diego Padres , Baltimore Orioles , Atlanta Braves , New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians...
was traded by the Braves to the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for Frank TepedinoFrank TepedinoFrank Ronald Tepedino is a former left-handed Major League Baseball player. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. He played for the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves professional baseball teams in Major League Baseball during his career...
, Wayne NordhagenWayne NordhagenWayne Oren Nordhagen is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. He played eight seasons in the majors for the Chicago White Sox , Toronto Blue Jays , Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs .Drafted by the New York Yankees in 1968, Nordhagen played in 502 games in his eight...
, and players to be named later. The Yankees completed the deal by sending Dave CheadleDave CheadleDavid Baird Cheadle is a former left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher. He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and attended high school in Asheville, North Carolina...
to the Braves on August 15 and Al ClosterAl ClosterAlan Edward Closter is a former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched parts of four seasons in Major League Baseball between 1966 and 1973, pitching in a total of 21 games....
to the Braves on September 5. - June 19, 1973: Joe Pepitone was released by the Braves.
Hank Aaron’s Chase for the Record
At the age of 39, Aaron managed to slug 40 home runs in 392 at batAt bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
s, ending the season with 713, which at that time one home run short of the record. He hit home run number 713 on September 29, 1973, and with one day remaining in the season, many expected him to tie the record. But in his final game that year, playing against the Houston Astros
1973 Houston Astros season
The Houston Astros season was a season in American baseball. The team finished fourth in the National League West with a record of 82-80, 17 games behind the Cincinnati Reds.- Offseason :...
(led by manager Leo Durocher
Leo Durocher
Leo Ernest Durocher , nicknamed Leo the Lip, was an American infielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,009 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history. Durocher still ranks tenth in career wins by...
, who had once roomed with Babe Ruth), he was unable to hit one out of the park. After the game, Aaron stated that his only fear was that he might not live to see the 1974 season. That statement wasn't just about the death threats: one year earlier, September 30, 1972 was the last day that the legendary Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder. He was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. Clemente played his entire 18-year baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in...
ever played, as he perished in the offseason.
| Home Run | Date | Pitcher | Inning | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700 | 07/21/1973 | Ken Brett Ken Brett Kenneth Alven Brett was a Major League Baseball pitcher and the second of four Brett brothers who played professional baseball, the most notable being the youngest, George Brett.Ken played for 10 teams in his 14-year MLB career.Born in Brooklyn, Ken Brett grew up in southern California and was an... |
Bottom 3rd | Fulton County Stadium |
| 701 | 07/31/1973 | Pedro Borbón Pedro Borbón Spudro spärde Von Dolan is a former pitcher. He played Major League Baseball for 12 seasons for four teams, including 10 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds , playing on two World Series winning teams... |
Bottom 9th | Fulton County Stadium |
| 702 | 08/16/1973 | Jack Aker Jack Aker Jackie Delane Aker is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. Aker was used exclusively in relief. He appeared in 495 games, none as a starter, and was one of the American League's best closers of his era. He is of Potawatomi Indian ancestry... |
Top 8th | Wrigley Field |
| 703 | 08/17/1973 | Steve Renko Steve Renko Steve Renko, Jr. is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Montreal Expos , Chicago Cubs , Chicago White Sox , Oakland Athletics , Boston Red Sox , California Angels and Kansas City Royals .He helped the Angels win the 1982 American League Western... |
Top 6th | Parc Jarry |
| 704 | 08/18/1973 | Steve Rogers | Top 8th | Parc Jarry |
| 705 | 08/22/1973 | Reggie Cleveland Reggie Cleveland Reginald Leslie "Reggie" Cleveland is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Cleveland was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers. He ended his career with 105 wins, with a 3.73 ERA and 930 strikeouts. Reggie... |
Bottom 6th | Fulton County Stadium |
| 706 | 08/28/1973 | Milt Pappas Milt Pappas Milton Steven "Milt" Pappas is a former professional baseball pitcher... |
Bottom 1st | Fulton County Stadium |
| 707 | 09/03/1973 | Clay Kirby Clay Kirby Clayton Laws Kirby Jr. born in Washington, D.C. was a pitcher for the San Diego Padres , Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos .Kirby led the National League in losses in 1969.... |
Top 3rd | San Diego Stadium |
| 708 | 09/03/1973 | Vicente Romo Vicente Romo Vicente Romo Navarro , nicknamed "Huevo" , is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. From through , Romo played for the Cleveland Indians , Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox , San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers... |
Top 5th | San Diego Stadium |
| 709 | 09/08/1973 | Jack Billingham Jack Billingham John Eugene Billingham is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Houston Astros , Cincinnati Reds , Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox... |
Bottom 7th | Fulton County Stadium |
| 710 | 09/10/1973 | Don Carrithers Don Carrithers Donald George Carrithers is a former professional baseball pitcher. Carrithers pitched in all or part of eight seasons in Major League Baseball from 1970 until 1977.... |
Bottom 3rd | Fulton County Stadium |
| 711 | 09/17/1973 | Gary Ross Gary Ross (baseball) Gary Douglas Ross is an American former professional baseball player, a right-handed pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1968–1977. He played for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and California Angels. Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Ross stood tall and weighed .Ross appeared in 283 Major... |
Bottom 8th | Fulton County Stadium |
| 712 | 09/22/1973 | Dave Roberts Dave Roberts (pitcher) David Arthur Roberts was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for eight teams from 1969 to 1981. He was second in the National League with a 2.10 earned run average in for the San Diego Padres, after which he was traded to the Houston Astros, where he spent the... |
Top 6th | Astrodome |
| 713 | 09/29/1973 | Jerry Reuss Jerry Reuss Jerry Reuss -- pronounced "royce" -- is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the United States, who had a 22-year career from to .... |
Bottom 5th | Fulton County Stadium |
Roster
| 1973 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 | 93 | 322 | 80 | .248 | 4 | 27 | |
| 2B | 157 | 559 | 151 | .270 | 43 | 99 | |
| 3B | 161 | 595 | 167 | .281 | 41 | 104 | |
| SS | 141 | 501 | 125 | .250 | 8 | 57 | |
| LF | 120 | 392 | 118 | .301 | 40 | 96 | |
| CF | 159 | 604 | 174 | .288 | 21 | 99 | |
| RF | 148 | 668 | 200 | .299 | 11 | 55 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 74 | 21 | .284 | 0 | 2 | |
| 22 | 58 | 12 | .207 | 0 | 0 | |
| 11 | 20 | 1 | .050 | 0 | 0 | |
| 3 | 6 | 1 | .167 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 256.1 | 15 | 10 | 3.41 | 112 | |
| 16 | 86.2 | 4 | 6 | 3.43 | 42 | |
| 12 | 57.2 | 3 | 7 | 4.99 | 23 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 177.1 | 11 | 8 | 4.16 | 130 | |
| 13 | 37.1 | 0 | 2 | 7.71 | 20 | |
| 4 | 16.1 | 1 | 2 | 5.51 | 4 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 4.20 | 27 | |
| 24 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6.40 | 15 | |
| 23 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 7.63 | 8 | |
| 12 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5.33 | 18 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14.54 | 2 | |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18.00 | 2 |
League records
- Davey JohnsonDavey JohnsonDavid Allen "Davey" Johnson is an American Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Washington Nationals. He was the starting second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles when they won four American League pennants and two World Series championships between 1965 and 1972...
, Tied Rogers HornsbyRogers HornsbyRogers Hornsby, Sr. , nicknamed "The Rajah", was an American baseball infielder, manager, and coach who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball . He played for the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Boston Braves , Chicago Cubs , and St. Louis Browns...
’s record for most home runs in one season by a National League second baseman (42)
All-Stars
1973 Major League Baseball All-Star Game1973 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1973 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 44th 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 24, 1973 at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, home of the...
- Hank Aaron, first baseman, starter
- 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...
, reserve - Davey JohnsonDavey JohnsonDavid Allen "Davey" Johnson is an American Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Washington Nationals. He was the starting second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles when they won four American League pennants and two World Series championships between 1965 and 1972...
, reserve
Farm system
Kinston affiliation shared with New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...