Office Hours | Great Braves Pitchers and their Cards

The Best of the Braves on the Mound

The Atlanta Braves have a legacy as one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises, with roots stretching back to 1871. Starting as the Boston Braves before moving to Milwaukee in 1953 and finally settling in Atlanta in 1966, the team has been home to some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

From fireballers to finesse artists, Braves pitchers have left an indelible mark on the game, and on The Hobby of baseball cards. Let’s explore the standout cards of the top 10 Braves pitchers of all time, covering the Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta eras.

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The Best Braves Pitchers and their Cards

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Lew Burdette

While often overshadowed by his teammate Warren Spahn, Lew Burdette was a crucial part of the Milwaukee Braves’ success in the 1950s. Burdette’s performance in the 1957 World Series, where he won three complete games and was named Series MVP, remains one of the greatest postseason pitching feats ever.

His 1952 Bowman rookie card (#244) is a standout for collectors, featuring a vibrant, full-color photo that epitomizes the artistry of early Bowman sets.

Charlie Morton

Charlie Morton’s inclusion here might surprise some, but his contributions to the Braves’ recent success can’t be overlooked. As a veteran leader on the 2021 World Series championship team, Morton brought poise and experience to the Braves’ rotation.

His 2002 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects card (#BDP91) is likely to gain attention among collectors, especially after his postseason heroics.

Tom Glavine

Tom Glavine, a stalwart of the Braves’ 1990s rotation, combined with Greg Maddux and John Smoltz to form one of the most formidable pitching trios in baseball history.

A two-time Cy Young Award winner and 1995 World Series MVP, Glavine’s 1988 Topps rookie card (#779) is a key piece in Braves card collections. Its bright design and clean layout reflect the optimism of the late 1980s Braves teams.

Tim Hudson

Though Tim Hudson’s career began with the Oakland Athletics, he became a beloved figure during his nine seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Known for his consistency and leadership, Hudson earned an All-Star nod and helped the Braves remain competitive in the 2000s.

His 1999 Bowman Chrome rookie card (#375) is a sleek, modern collectible that reflects his steady presence on the mound.

Phil Niekro

The fluttering knuckleball made Phil Niekro a legend in Atlanta Braves history. Pitching for the team across four decades, Niekro amassed over 300 wins and became synonymous with Braves baseball in the 1970s.

His 1964 Topps rookie card (#541), shared with Catcher Phil Roof, is a collector favorite, capturing the early days of his Hall of Fame career. The card’s clean design and vintage aesthetic make it a must-have for fans of classic Braves players.

Johnny Sain

Johnny Sain was the ace of the Boston Braves’ pitching staff during the 1940s. Known for his role in the iconic “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain” duo, Sain helped lead the Braves to the 1948 National League pennant.

His 1948 Bowman rookie card (#12) is a prized piece, representing the dawn of the post-war baseball card era. The card’s minimalist design and black-and-white photo reflect the era’s style.

John Smoltz

Few pitchers are as versatile as John Smoltz, who excelled as both a starter and a closer. Smoltz’s contributions to the Braves’ 14 consecutive division titles include a Cy Young Award in 1996. His cards are cornerstones of modern baseball card history, representing the dawn of premium card production.

For collectors, Smoltz’s cards capture the intensity and determination he brought to every role he played on the mound.

Kid Nichols

One of the earliest great pitchers in baseball history, Kid Nichols dominated during the 19th century while playing for the Boston Beaneaters (a predecessor of the Braves). With 361 career wins, Nichols remains one of the most successful pitchers ever.

While no contemporary cards of Nichols exist, a few modern sets have honored him with retro-style cards that celebrate his contribution to Braves history.

Warren Spahn

No discussion of Braves pitching legends ends without Warren Spahn. With 363 career wins, Spahn is the most successful left-handed pitcher in MLB history and a cornerstone of the Milwaukee Braves’ 1957 World Series championship team.

Although his 1948 Bowman card (#18) is considered his rookie card, his Topps cards are as iconic as his career, particularly the 1953 Topps card (#147), which features a classic painted portrait of Spahn in a Braves cap. Spahn’s legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in Braves history is unchallenged, and his cards remain some of the most sought-after in The Hobby.

Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux’s tenure with the Atlanta Braves in the 1990s cemented his reputation as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Known as “The Professor,” Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards, including three with the Braves, and played a pivotal role in the team’s 1995 World Series win.

His rookie cards are essential for collectors, but for Braves fans, the 1992 Topps card (#580), marking his arrival in Atlanta, is especially treasured. Maddux’s combination of precision, strategy, and dominance makes him the ultimate Braves pitcher — and a true legend of the game.

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