House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves opening day countdown: the 80s

By Benjamin Chase

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: A general view of third base prior to Opening Day between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Suntrust Park on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 29: A general view of third base prior to Opening Day between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Suntrust Park on March 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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1 Mar 1998: Pitcher John Rocker of the Atlanta Braves in action during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Holman Stadium in Vero Beach, Florida. The Dodgers won the game, 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /

85. Rabbit’s 1930 runs

One of the more controversial members of the Hall of Fame, Rabbit Maranville was part of the Braves organization from 1912-1920 and then again from 1929 to 1935. Maranville was not a big offensive producer in his baseball career, but he had flashes, and at ages 37 and 38 in 1929-1930, Maranville posted two of the best OBPs of his career. That led to his two best run totals. In 1930, that total was 85, which was second to Wally Berger.

84. King’s steals

After nearly a decade with Cincinnati and Chicago, King Kelly came to the Braves in 1887. In his first season with the team, he set a team mark with 84 stolen bases as he hit .322/.393/.488 with 34 doubles, 11 triples, and 8 home runs to go along with those steals. Those 84 stolen bases are still the top number in the organization’s history in a single season.

83. Rocker’s saves

His comments to a reporter showed that his intensity on the mound was also part of his off-field life, but for a short time, John Rocker was absolutely dominant at the back of the Atlanta Braves bullpen. From 1998 to mid-2001, Rocker pitched in 210 games, with a 2.63 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 123/259 BB/K ratio, and 83 saves for the Braves. The team traded him to Cleveland in mid-2001 for two pitchers who contributed to the Braves immediately. Rocker pitched his final major league season the next year.

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