REGULAR SEASON
Record: 94-68, first in NL West, one game ahead of the Dodgers
PLAYOFFS
NLCS: Beat Pirates 4-3
World Series: Lost to Twins 4-3
LEADERS
Avg: Terry Pendleton, .319
HR: Ron Gant, 32
RBI: Gant, 105
Runs: Gant, 101
Steals: Otis Nixon, 72
Wins: Tom Glavine, 20
Strikeouts: Glavine, 192
Starter ERA: Glavine, 2.55
Saves: Juan Berenguer, 17
Top salary: Lonnie Smith, $2.04 million
All-Stars: Tom Glavine";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves made history by becoming the first team ever to reach the World Series just one season after having the worst record in baseball. They managed the feat despite trailing the Dodgers by 9 1/2 games at the All-Star break. The comeback run included a combined no-hitter by Kent Mercker, Mark Wohlers and Alejandro Pena on Sept. 11 against the San Diego Padres.
Steve Avery was named MVP of the NLCS, hurling 16 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings as the Braves beat the Pirates in seven games. In the World Series, Mark Lemke led the way with a .417 batting average, but the Braves fell to the Twins in an exciting series, finally succumbing 1-0 in 10 innings in Game 7.
The Braves brought home a lot of hardware: Tom Glavine won the Cy Young Award; Terry Pendleton won the batting title and was named NL MVP; Bobby Cox was named Manager of the Year.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1992","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 98-64, first in NL West, eight games ahead of the Reds
PLAYOFFS
NLCS: Beat Pirates 4-3
World Series: Lost to Blue Jays 4-2
LEADERS
Avg: Terry Pendleton, .311
HR: Pendleton and David Justice, 21
RBI: Pendleton, 105
Runs: Pendleton, 98
Steals: Otis Nixon, 41
Wins: Tom Glavine, 20
Strikeouts: John Smoltz, 215
Starter ERA: Glavine, 2.76
Saves: Alejandro Pena, 15
Top salary: Charlie Leibrandt, $3.18 million
All-Stars: Ron Gant, Tom Glavine, Terry Pendleton, John Smoltz";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
Francisco Cabrera's 9th-inning single that scored a lumbering Sid Bream was the signature moment of the Braves run to a seven-game victory over the Pirates. Atlanta made the World Series for the second straight year, becoming the first NL team to win back-to-back pennants since the 1977-78 Dodgers.
Atlanta was 78-37 after May 27, moving from last place to an easy division win. Their run included a 13-game winning streak from July 8-25.
The Braves met Toronto in the World Series, losing in six games despite the clutch hitting of Deion Sanders, who hit .533 with five stolen bases.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1993","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 104-58, first in NL West, one game ahead of the Giants
PLAYOFFS
NLCS: Lost to Phillies 4-2
LEADERS
Avg: Jeff Blauser, .305
HR: David Justice, 40
RBI: Justice, 120
Runs: Ron Gant, 113
Steals: Otis Nixon, 47
Wins: Tom Glavine, 22
Strikeouts: John Smoltz, 208
Starter ERA: Greg Maddux, 2.36
Saves: Mike Stanton, 27
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $5.87 million
All-Stars: Steve Avery, Jeff Blauser, Tom Glavine, David Justice, John Smoltz";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves became the first team to win three straight NL West titles, but it was far from easy. Atlanta won 104 games and even then didn't take the division until the final day, breaking the hearts of Giants fans with a one-game edge.
Atlanta went 54-19 after the All-Star break, and overcame a 10-game deficit as of July 22. Fred McGriff proved to be a key July acquisition, as the Braves went 51-17 after he joined the lineup.
Greg Maddux won his second consecutive Cy Young Award, and Tom Glavine won 20 games for the third straight season.
Unfortunately for Braves fans the run ended in the NLCS against the Phillies, as the pitching of Curt Schilling, Danny Jackson and Tommy Greene proved too much for the Braves hitters.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1994","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 68-46, tied for second in NL East, six games behind Expos
PLAYOFFS
None, canceled by player strike
LEADERS
Avg: Fred McGriff, .318
HR: McGriff, 34
RBI: McGriff, 94
Runs: McGriff, 81
Steals: Deion Sanders, 19
Wins: Greg Maddux, 16
Strikeouts: Maddux, 156
Starter ERA: Maddux, 1.56
Saves: Greg McMichael, 21
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $4.98 million
All-Stars: David Justice, Greg Maddux, Fred McGriff";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves may have had their streak kept alive by the players strike, as they trailed the Expos by six games when the season was canceled in mid-August.
The season still held its highlights. Kent Mercker threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers on April 8, Atlanta's third no-hitter. Also, Bobby Cox became the 41st manager in major league history to win at least 1,000 games with a 6-5 victory June 17 against Cincinnati.
Greg Maddux became the first player to ever win three straight Cy Young Awards, two with the Braves and one with the Cubs. He finished 16-6 despite the short season.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1995","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 90-54, first place in NL East, 21 games ahead of the Mets and Phillies
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Beat Rockies 3-1
NLCS: Beat Reds 4-0
World Series: Beat Indians 4-2
LEADERS
Avg: Javy Lopez, .315
HR: Fred McGriff, 27
RBI: McGriff, 93
Runs: Chipper Jones, 87
Steals: Marquis Grissom, 29
Wins: Greg Maddux, 19
Strikeouts: John Smoltz, 193
Starter ERA: Maddux, 1.63
Saves: Mark Wohlers, 25
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $6.5 million
All-Stars: Greg Maddux, Fred McGriff";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
After flirting with championships for five years, the Braves finally reached the promised land, beating the Indians in six games to win their first World Series in 38 years. Atlanta overcame a 23-20 start, going 67-34 from June 14 to run away with the division.
Greg Maddux claimed his unprecedented fourth straight Cy Young Award, going 19-2 with a 1.63 ERA. He was the first starting pitcher since Walter Johnson in 1918-19 to record an ERA of less than 1.70 in two consecutive seasons.
Tom Glavine was MVP of the World Series, allowing one hit in eight innings in a 1-0 victory in the title-clinching Game 6.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1996","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 96-66, first place in NL East, eight games ahead of the Expos
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Beat Dodgers 3-0
NLCS: Beat Cardinals 4-3
World Series: Lost to Yankees 4-2
LEADERS
Avg: Chipper Jones, .309
HR: Ryan Klesko, 34
RBI: Chipper Jones, 110
Runs: Chipper Jones, 114
Steals: Marquis Grissom, 28
Wins: John Smoltz, 24
Strikeouts: Smoltz, 276
Starter ERA: Greg Maddux, 2.72
Saves: Mark Wohlers, 39
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $6.67 million
All-Stars: Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Fred McGriff, John Smoltz, Mark Wohlers";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves reached their fourth World Series out of five played (remember there wasn't a Series in 1994). They came up short in their attempt to defend their title, however, falling to the New York Yankees, who featured a 22-year-old rookie shortstop named Derek Jeter.
The Braves won the first two games of the World Series in Yankee Stadium, but then dropped four straight, shut down by David Cone, Andy Pettitte and Jimmy Key in three of those games.
There were several highlights for the Braves in 1996. The pitching staff set a major league record with 1,245 strikeouts, including 276 by John Smoltz, who went 24-8 to win the NL Cy Young.
Chipper Jones broke out for the first of what would be many strong seasons, hitting .309 with 30 home runs and 110 RBIs. The 1996 season also saw the debut of 19-year-old center fielder Andruw Jones on Aug. 15, who made the jump from A-ball to the majors in less than two months.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1997","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 101-61, first place in NL East, nine games ahead of the Marlins
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Beat Astros 3-0
NLCS: Lost to Marlins 4-2
LEADERS
Avg: Kenny Lofton, .333
HR: Ryan Klesko, 24
RBI: Chipper Jones, 111
Runs: Chipper Jones, 100
Steals: Marquis Grissom, 27
Wins: Denny Neagle, 20
Strikeouts: John Smoltz, 241
Starter ERA: Greg Maddux, 2.20
Saves: Mark Wohlers, 33
Top salary: John Smoltz, $7.0 million
All-Stars: Jeff Blauser, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Kenny Lofton, Javy Lopez, Greg Maddux, Denny Neagle";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves won their sixth straight division title, but fell short of the World Series for the first time since 1993. The Marlins, the wild card team, won the NLCS in six games, thanks in large part to the pitching of Kevin Brown and Livan Hernandez.
Atlanta's six straight first-place finishes was a record, topping the five straight set by the New York Yankees (1949-53) and the Oakland A's (1971-75).
Among the highlights of the season, their first at Turner Field, was having four starters rank in the top 10 in the NL in ERA (Denny Neagle, 2.97, Greg Maddux, 2.20, John Smoltz, 3.02, and Tom Glavine, 2.96 ERA).
On offense they had four players with at least 20 home runs (Ryan Klesko, 24; Javy Lopez, 23; Fred McGriff, 22; Chipper Jones, 21).";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1998","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 106-56, first place in NL East, 18 games ahead of the Mets
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Beat Cubs 3-0
NLCS: Lost to Padres 4-2
LEADERS
Avg: Chipper Jones, .313
HR: Andres Galarraga, 44
RBI: Galarraga, 121
Runs: Chipper Jones, 123
Steals: Andruw Jones, 27
Wins: Tom Glavine, 20
Strikeouts: Greg Maddux, 204
Starter ERA: Maddux, 2.22
Saves: Kerry Ligtenberg, 30
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $9.6 million
All-Stars: Andres Galarraga, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Javy Lopez, Greg Maddux, Walt Weiss";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
Another amazing regular season for the Braves as they won their seventh straight division title. After sweeping the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the playoffs, they went up against the San Diego Padres. Atlanta lost the first three games before falling in six games. NLCS MVP Sterling Hitchcock, a journeyman left-hander, beat the Braves twice in the series, including a 5-0 win in Game 6.
Tom Glavine won the NL Cy Young Award that season, his second, with a 20-6 record and 2.47 ERA.
Newcomer Andres Galarraga had an impressive season at first base, hitting .305 with 44 home runs.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","1999","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 103-59, first place in NL East, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Mets
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Beat Astros 3-1
NLCS: Beat Mets 4-2
World Series: Lost to Yankees 4-0
LEADERS
Avg: Chipper Jones, .319
HR: Chipper Jones, 45
RBI: Brian Jordan, 115
Runs: Chipper Jones, 116
Steals: Otis Nixon, 26
Wins: Greg Maddux, 19
Strikeouts: Kevin Millwood, 205
Starter ERA: Millwood, 2.68
Saves: John Rocker, 38
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $10.6 million
All-Stars: Brian Jordan, Kevin Millwood";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves overcame the loss of several key players to win their eighth straight division crown and fifth NL pennant of the 1990's.
The team lost Andres Galarraga in spring training to non-Hodgkins lymphoma in a bone in his lower back. They also lost Javy Lopez during the season.
Nevertheless, carried by an MVP season by Chipper Jones (.319, 45 HR, 110 RBIs, 25 steals), they returned to the World Series, where they were swept by the Yankees, including a 4-1 loss to Roger Clemens in Game 4.
Kevin Millwood came of age in the rotation with an 18-7 season, in which he placed third in the Cy Young voting. John Rocker emerged in the closer role with 38 saves in place of injured Kerry Ligtenberg.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","2000","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 95-67, first place in NL East, one game ahead of the Mets
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Lost to Cardinals 3-0
LEADERS
Avg: Chipper Jones, .311
HR: Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones, 36
RBI: Chipper Jones, 111
Runs: Andruw Jones, 122
Steals: Rafael Furcal, 40
Wins: Tom Glavine, 21
Strikeouts: Greg Maddux, 190
Starter ERA: Maddux, 3.00
Saves: John Rocker, 24
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $11.1 million
All-Stars: Andres Galarraga, Tom Glavine, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves won their ninth straight division title, but saw their streak of eight consecutive appearances in the NLCS come to an end when they were swept in the first round by the Cardinals.
They held on to win their division despite losing John Smoltz in spring training for the entire season due to a torn right medial collateral ligament.
Chipper Jones had another great season, hitting .311 with 36 home runs and 111 RBI. He became only the second third baseman in history to notch five straight 100-RBI seasons.
Shortstop Rafael Furcal, just 19, made an impressive jump from Class-A to the majors. He was named Rookie of the Year after hitting .294 with 40 stolen bases.
Andres Galarraga hit 28 home runs and drove in 100 runs in an impressive comeback from his bout with cancer.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","2001","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 88-74, first place in NL East, two games ahead of the Phillies
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Beat Astros 3-0
NLCS: Lost to Diamondbacks 4-1
LEADERS
Avg: Chipper Jones, .330
HR: Chipper Jones, 38
RBI: Andruw Jones, 104
Runs: Chipper Jones, 113
Steals: Rafael Furcal, 22
Wins: Greg Maddux, 17
Strikeouts: John Burkett, 187
Starter ERA: Burkett, 3.04
Saves: John Rocker, 19
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $12.5 million
All-Stars: John Burkett, Chipper Jones";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves barely held off the Phillies to win their 10th straight division crown, then advanced to the NLCS where they lost in five games to the eventual World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-Backs' pitching duo of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling proved too much, with Johnson outdueling Tom Glavine twice, and Schilling beating John Burkett once.
The Braves were hurt by year-long offensive struggles. Chipper Jones hit .330 with 38 homers, but the team ranked only ninth in the NL with a .260 batting average and 13th in runs scored (729).
John Smoltz, who missed the 2000 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, battled arm problems the first half of the season. He eventually became a reliever, and saved 10 games.
Greg Maddux won his 12th straight Gold Glove.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","2002","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 101-59, first place in NL East, 19 games ahead of the Expos
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Lost to Giants 3-2
LEADERS
Avg: Chipper Jones, .327
HR: Andruw Jones, 35
RBI: Chipper Jones, 100
Runs: Rafael Furcal, 95
Steals: Rafael Furcal, 27
Wins: Tom Glavine and Kevin Millwood, 18
Strikeouts: Millwood, 178
Starter ERA: Greg Maddux, 2.62
Saves: John Smoltz, 55
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $13.1 million
All-Stars: Tom Glavine, Andruw Jones, Mike Remlinger, John Smoltz";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves won their 11th straight division crown, but failed to reach the NLCS for just the second time since 1991. Tom Glavine suffered two losses in their five-game Division Series loss to Barry Bonds and the Giants. Bonds hit three home runs in the series, and the Giants went on to lose to the Angels in the World Series.
Greg Maddux won 16 games to join Cy Young as the only pitchers to ever win at least 15 games for 15 straight seasons.
John Smoltz made in incredible transition to the closer's role, setting an NL record with 55 saves.
Bobby Cox became the first NL manager to record at least 100 or more wins five different times.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","2003","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 101-61, first place in NL East, 10 games ahead of the Marlins
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Lost to Cubs 3-2
LEADERS
Avg: Gary Sheffield, .330
HR: Javy Lopez, 43
RBI: Sheffield, 132
Runs: Rafael Furcal, 130
Steals: Rafael Furcal, 25
Wins: Russ Ortiz, 21
Strikeouts: Ortiz, 149
Starter ERA: Ortiz, 3.81
Saves: John Smoltz, 45
Top salary: Greg Maddux, $14.75 million
All-Stars: Rafael Furcal, Marcus Giles, Andruw Jones, Javy Lopez, Russ Ortiz, Gary Sheffield, John Smoltz";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
Javy Lopez busted out with a 43-homer, 109-RBI, .328-batting average season, leading a very potent offense that also featured big seasons from Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones and Gary Sheffield, all of whom drove in 100 runs.
Greg Maddux won 16 games in his final season in Atlanta, extending his streak of 15-win seasons to 16 straight seasons.
The Braves fell to the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the playoffs, as the Cubs were sparked by the pitching of Kerry Wood, who won twice, and Mark Prior, who won once.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","2004","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 96-66, first place in NL East, 10 games ahead of the Phillies
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Lost to Astros 3-2
LEADERS
Avg: Marcus Giles, .311
HR: J.D. Drew, 31
RBI: Chipper Jones, 96
Runs: Drew, 118
Steals: Rafael Furcal, 29
Wins: Russ Ortiz, 15
Strikeouts: Jaret Wright, 159
Starter ERA: Wright, 3.28
Saves: John Smoltz, 44
Top salary: Chipper Jones, $15.3 million
All-Stars: Johnny Estrada";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves somehow managed to stretch their division championship run to 13 straight despite losing sluggers Javy Lopez and Gary Sheffield, and pitcher Greg Maddux in the offseason.
Jaret Wright and Russ Ortiz stepped up in the rotation to help the Braves lead the majors in ERA for the 10th time in 13 seasons.
Johnny Estrada became an All-Star in stepping into Javy Lopez's shoes at catcher.
Bobby Cox became the ninth manager to reach 2,000 career wins and John Smoltz set the franchise's all-time saves record.
The Braves' playoff run, however, ended in the first round for the third straight season, this time to the Astros.";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","2005","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "
REGULAR SEASON
Record: 90-72, first place in NL East, 2 games ahead of the Phillies
PLAYOFFS
NLDS: Lost to Astros 3-1
LEADERS
Avg: Chipper Jones and Marcus Giles, .293
HR: Andruw Jones, 51
RBI: Andruw Jones, 128
Runs: Marcus Giles, 104
Steals: Rafael Furcal, 46
Wins: Tim Hudson and John Smoltz, 14
Strikeouts: Smoltz, 169
Starter ERA: Jorge Sosa, 2.55
Saves: Chris Reitsma, 15
Top salary: Chipper Jones, $16 million
All-Stars: Andruw Jones, John Smoltz";
spt_braves_timeline[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_braves_timeline[i-1].body = "SUMMARY
The Braves made it 14 straight division titles despite the offseason losses of J.D. Drew, Jaret Wright, Paul Byrd and Russ Ortiz.
A 50-home run performance (and possible MVP season) by Andruw Jones, as well as a smooth transition back to the rotation for John Smoltz helped soften the blow.
The emergence of Jorge Sosa and Jeff Francoeur also helped keep the Braves on top.
But the playoff woes continued with a NLDS loss to the Astros in four games. Atlanta blew a 5-0 lead in Game 4, losing to Houston 7-6 in an 18-inning marathon."; // END editorial data