Atlanta Braves Opening Day countdown: 51, power
In the Atlanta Braves history two of the team’s power records are both focused on one number.
If someone were interested in perusing the Atlanta Braves all-time team records on Baseball-Reference, one thing would quickly stand out. The single-season record for both doubles and home runs share the same number, 51.
Doubles machine
Before the turn of the 20th century, Hugh Duffy was one of many hitting stars for the Boston Beaneaters. The future Braves acquired Duffy in 1982 after a year spent in the American Association. He would hit .301 in his first year, but then win the next two batting titles, though his 1894 season still ranks among one of the most incredible hitting lines ever put together.
Duffy hit .440 to set a major league single-season record that still stands 125 years later. In 616 plate appearances, he collected 237 hits, scored 160 runs, drove in 145 runs, hit 16 triples, knocked 18 home runs, stole 48 bases, and set an Atlanta Braves franchise standard with 51 doubles.
No other player has ever eclipsed 50 doubles, with Marcus Giles coming the closest in 2003 with 49. Incredibly, Freddie Freeman already has three 40+ double seasons, but he hasn’t cracked 45 yet, so he could certainly be a challenger for the team record.
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Power surge
While the Atlanta Braves have seen many great power hitters come through the organization over the years. In fact, there have been 22 seasons of 40+ home runs delivered by 10 players in franchise history. Only one has ever topped 50, though.
Coming into the 2005 season, Andruw Jones had been known for his power and his incredibly elite defense. Though he certainly had power, he had maxed out at 36 home runs in a single season before 2005.
Sporting a new uppercut finish to his swing, Andruw saw balls rocket out of the yard in 2005, leading the major leagues with 51 home runs and leading the National League with 128 RBI. He would follow up with 41 home runs and 129 RBI in 2006, his age 28 and 29 seasons. However, he would struggle in his age-30 season with the Atlanta Braves before hitting free agency, and his career was never the same.
Next. Tracking Braves top prospect lists. dark
The Atlanta Braves have enjoyed plenty of power over the years, but their power records are certainly within reach for a big bopper that would come up through the system. Are you listening, Ronald Acuna, Jr.?