Georgia native Jackie Robinson's 42 in front of the Braves Hall of Fame

The Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum and Hall of Fame is the official title for this Gateway City gem, but most of the folks in Atlanta shorten it to the Braves Museum. It a wonderful place to visit whether being introduced to the excitement of Braves baseball or a long-time fan. The history of the Atlanta Braves happens to go back almost to the start of professional baseball itself.

The first section covers the team from 1876 to 1952, the time the Braves were located in Boston, Massachusetts. During the time they played in Boston the Braves were called the Beaneaters, Doves, Red Stockings and other names, all of which is covered in a display. This section also includes information on the two World Series, 1914 (beat Philadelphia) and 1948 (lost to Cleveland) in which the Braves participated. Another highlight in this section is the jersey worn by Babe Ruth during his brief stint with the Braves in 1935 (he quit baseball that June). Among the other notable players covered are Hugh Jennings, Rabbit Maranville, Fred Tenney and Harry Wright.

Following the 1948 trip to the World Series, Boston fans deserted the Braves in record numbers. Total attendence for the 1952 season was 288,278, well below the 1.4 million fans that attended in 1948. Owner Lou Perini had found greener pastures in Milwaukee.

Restored "Bobolink," Milwaukee Braves transportation

The Milwaukee era has the most unique display within the Braves Hall of Fame. The fully restored "Bobolink" is a vintage 1954 rail car that the Braves used to travel to away games. As you walk through the fully restored railroad car Henry Aaron and Braves announcer Ernie Johnson, Sr. talk about train travel and baseball in the 1950's. Johnson was a pitcher with the Braves at the time. This section includes the 1957 and 1958 back-to-back World Series with the Yankees, which the Braves split. Also covered is the incredible 3-team race of 1956, where the Milwaukee Braves finished in second place, a single game behind the Brooklyn Dodgers and one game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds.

Fortunately, at least for Georgians, the Milwaukee Braves also had problems attracting fans. After a peak of 2.2 million fans attending games in 1957, Lou Perini sold the Braves when attendence slumped below 800,000 in 1962, and the buyers almost immediately began to seek out new locations. Atlanta mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., for whom the Braves Hall of Fame is named, had the foresight to build a stadium without having secured a ball team (a "build it and they will come" attitude). Less than a month before actual construction began, Allen secured the Braves franchise. Following a delay of a year, thanks to a lawsuit brought against the owners by the city of Milwaukee, the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966.

Historic Atlanta lockers in the Hall of Fame

The Atlanta section of the Braves Basball Hall of Fame includes a dugout bench from the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Hank Aaron's 715th home run baseball, and player's personal items like jerseys, bats, caps, and World Series rings some of which are attractively arranged in vintage lockers. A video presentation covers major events in Atlanta Braves history including some of the moments from the play-offs and World Series. In a display case in the center of the museum is the 1995 World Series trophy.

Outside the museum is "Monument Grove," an area that contains the Hall of Fame plaques for Braves players and managers, as well as monuments to others such as Ty Cobb (The Georgia Peach), Phil Neikro and Henry Aaron. On display in the area, which is in front of the entrance to the museum, are the retired numbers of the Braves including Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro and Dale Murphy plus the number of Jackie Robinson, which was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997.

Location: Southwest of the intersection of the Downtown Connector and the East-West Connector
Directions: Coming from the North or South:As you come into Atlanta on either Interstate 75 or 85, the two interstates will merge as you enter the city. Proceed through town to Exit #246 - Fulton Street/Stadium exit.

Coming from the East:Head into Atlanta on Interstate 20 West. Take Exit # 58A- Capitol Avenue exit.

Coming from the West Head into Atlanta on Interstate 20 East. Take Exit #56B- Windsor Street/Spring Street/Stadium exit.At the first light go right on Windsor Street. Turn left on Fulton Street.


Additional information:
Web sites:
Official web site
Check for times and prices.
Atlanta Braves timeline includes information on the Boston and Milwaukee Braves
Address:755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30312
Phone: 404. 614.2311

Date added: January 4, 2004
Last update: February 15, 2004