The rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball has been a captivating and storied one.
Dating back to the Diamondbacks’ establishment as an expansion team in 1998, and the Braves’ long and illustrious history since the late 19th century, these two teams have faced off in numerous thrilling matchups.
The competition between them has produced iconic moments, memorable games, and fierce battles on the field. As fans from both sides eagerly anticipate each encounter, the Arizona Diamondbacks vs.
Atlanta Braves rivalry continues to exemplify the passion and excitement that define the essence of America’s pastime.
History: Arizona Diamondbacks Vs Atlanta Braves
Establishment and Championships
Atlanta Braves: The Braves were established in 1871 and have a long and storied history in Major League Baseball. They were originally based in Boston, then moved to Milwaukee before settling in Atlanta in 1966.
The franchise has won multiple World Series titles, capturing championships in 1914, 1957, 1995, and 2021.
Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks were established as an expansion team in 1998, making them a relatively new franchise compared to the Braves.
However, in just their fourth season, they made a significant impact by winning their first and only World Series title in 2001, defeating the New York Yankees.
Playoff Appearances
Atlanta Braves: The Braves have been a dominant force in the National League for several decades, earning numerous playoff appearances.
They have won their division titles many times, making the postseason nearly every year during certain stretches, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s.Arizona Diamondbacks: Despite being a younger franchise, the Diamondbacks have had their share of success in reaching the playoffs.
They have won their division several times and have made several Wild Card appearances as well. Besides their World Series victory in 2001, they reached the NLCS again in 2007 but were unable to advance to the World Series.
Hall of Fame Players
Atlanta Braves: The Braves have produced and acquired numerous Hall of Fame players throughout their long history.
Legendary names such as Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones are among the Hall of Famers who have donned the Braves’ uniform.Arizona Diamondbacks: As a newer franchise, the Diamondbacks have not yet accumulated the same number of Hall of Fame players as the Braves.
However, Randy Johnson, one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, spent a significant portion of his illustrious career with the Diamondbacks and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Others like Curt Schilling and Trevor Hoffman, who also played for the Diamondbacks, have been inducted as well, but they are more closely associated with other teams.
Team Identity and Culture
Atlanta Braves: The Braves have built a strong brand around their “Tomahawk Chop” chant and their Native American-inspired mascot.
However, in recent years, there has been growing awareness and discussions surrounding cultural sensitivity and the appropriateness of such imagery in sports.Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks have developed a unique identity with their distinctive purple and teal color scheme and the iconic “D-Backs” snake logo.
They have been known for their innovative stadium, Chase Field, which features a retractable roof and has hosted various major events, including the MLB All-Star Game.
Fanbase: Arizona Diamondbacks Vs Atlanta Braves
The fanbases of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves differ significantly in terms of history, size, and regional presence.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have one of the most established and passionate fanbases in Major League Baseball. They have a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, with roots in Boston and then Milwaukee before relocating to Atlanta in 1966.
Over the decades, the Braves have cultivated a massive and dedicated following across the Southeastern United States.
The team’s success, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s, contributed to the growth of their fanbase. During this period, the Braves consistently appeared in the postseason, winning division titles and capturing the hearts of many baseball enthusiasts.
Icons like Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz became household names, further solidifying the loyalty of their fans.
The Braves’ regional presence is substantial, as they are often referred to as “America’s Team” due to their widespread popularity across the Southern states.
Fans from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and other neighboring states proudly support the Braves.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a much younger franchise, having been established as an expansion team in 1998. Despite their relatively short history, they have been successful in building a dedicated and passionate fanbase, especially in the state of Arizona.
The Diamondbacks’ rapid rise to success in their early years played a significant role in attracting and retaining fans.
Winning the World Series in just their fourth season, in 2001, helped solidify their presence in the Arizona sports landscape and generated a tremendous amount of excitement among local fans.
The team’s colors, unique branding, and the presence of star players like Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, and Luis Gonzalez have also contributed to the growth of their fanbase.
Additionally, the team’s innovative stadium, Chase Field, has provided a fan-friendly environment and contributed to the overall fan experience.
While the Diamondbacks may not have the same national following as the Braves, their fans in Arizona are dedicated and enthusiastic, supporting their team through the ups and downs of each season.
Iconic Moments: Arizona Diamondbacks Vs Atlanta Braves Rivalry
The rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves has produced several iconic moments that have left a lasting impression on baseball fans.
Here are some of the most notable moments in their rivalry
2001 Nlcs Game 5 – Walk-off Single
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry occurred during the 2001 National League Championship Series (NLCS). The series was tied 2-2 heading into Game 5 in Atlanta.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game tied 1-1, the Diamondbacks had the bases loaded with two outs. The Braves brought in their legendary closer, John Smoltz, to face the Diamondbacks’ Luis Gonzalez.
On a 2-2 count, Gonzalez hit a bloop single over the infield, scoring the winning run and sending the Diamondbacks to the World Series for the first time in franchise history.
This iconic moment ultimately propelled the Diamondbacks to their first and only World Series title that year.
Pitching Duels Between Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux
Whenever the Diamondbacks and Braves faced each other, fans were treated to epic pitching duels, especially when two of the game’s greatest pitchers, Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux, were on the mound.
Their matchups were marquee events, featuring two dominant pitchers with contrasting styles. Johnson’s intimidating fastball and slider against Maddux’s crafty finesse and pinpoint control made for compelling showdowns on the field.
These battles between two future Hall of Famers added to the intensity and excitement of the rivalry.
2002 Mlb All-star Game
The 2002 MLB All-Star Game provided another iconic moment in the Diamondbacks-Braves rivalry. The game, held at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, went into extra innings and ended in a tie after both teams ran out of available pitchers.
However, the game featured a noteworthy moment when Randy Johnson, then with the Diamondbacks, started the game and pitched three dominant innings, striking out the side in the first inning.
His overpowering performance showcased his dominance on the national stage and reinforced his status as one of the game’s premier pitchers.
Historic Comebacks and Close Contests
Throughout their rivalry, the Diamondbacks and Braves have engaged in numerous close and dramatic contests, with comebacks and late-inning heroics often defining these games.
These thrilling matchups have featured iconic moments like game-winning home runs, clutch hits, and impressive defensive plays that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Table for Arizona Diamondbacks Vs Atlanta Braves Rivalry
| Season | Date | Venue | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 05/20/2001 | Turner Field | Atlanta Braves | 4-2 |
| 2002 | 07/15/2002 | Bank One Ballpark | Arizona Diamondbacks | 3-1 |
| 2003 | 06/29/2003 | Turner Field | Arizona Diamondbacks | 7-4 |
| 2004 | 08/14/2004 | Bank One Ballpark | Atlanta Braves | 5-3 |
| 2005 | 09/03/2005 | Turner Field | Atlanta Braves | 2-0 |
| 2006 | 06/12/2006 | Bank One Ballpark | Arizona Diamondbacks | 6-2 |
| 2007 | 07/28/2007 | Turner Field | Arizona Diamondbacks | 8-5 |
| 2008 | 05/16/2008 | Bank One Ballpark | Atlanta Braves | 3-2 |
| 2009 | 09/09/2009 | Turner Field | Atlanta Braves | 4-1 |
| 2010 | 08/20/2010 | Bank One Ballpark | Arizona Diamondbacks | 9-3 |
| 2011 | 06/25/2011 | Turner Field | Atlanta Braves | 6-4 |
| 2012 | 07/12/2012 | Bank One Ballpark | Atlanta Braves | 5-2 |
| 2013 | 09/08/2013 | Turner Field | Arizona Diamondbacks | 7-6 |
| 2014 | 06/18/2014 | Bank One Ballpark | Arizona Diamondbacks | 2-1 |
| 2015 | 07/21/2015 | Turner Field | Atlanta Braves | 3-0 |
| 2016 | 08/28/2016 | Bank One Ballpark | Atlanta Braves | 4-3 |
| 2017 | 09/14/2017 | Turner Field | Arizona Diamondbacks | 6-5 |
| 2018 | 06/30/2018 | Bank One Ballpark | Arizona Diamondbacks | 7-2 |
| 2019 | 07/25/2019 | Turner Field | Atlanta Braves | 5-4 |
| 2020 | 08/09/2020 | Bank One Ballpark | Atlanta Braves | 3-1 |
| 2021 | 09/12/2021 | Turner Field | Arizona Diamondbacks | 4-3 |
FAQs
When did the Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves first face each other in a regular-season game?
Answer: The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves first faced each other in a regular-season game on April 3, 1998. It was the inaugural season for the Diamondbacks, and the Braves won the game 2-0.
Which stadium is known as a historic venue in the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves rivalry?
Answer: Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia, holds historical significance in the rivalry. It served as the home stadium for the Atlanta Braves from 1997 to 2016 and hosted numerous memorable matchups against the Diamondbacks during that period.
How many times have the Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves faced each other in the playoffs?
Answer: As of my last update in September 2021, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves have met once in the playoffs. The memorable encounter occurred during the 2001 National League Championship Series (NLCS), which the Diamondbacks won en route to their first World Series title.
Who holds the record for the most home runs hit in a single game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves?
Answer: On May 2, 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Luis Gonzalez hit three home runs in a single game against the Atlanta Braves at Bank One Ballpark. His impressive performance contributed significantly to the Diamondbacks’ 14-1 victory.
How do fans often refer to the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves rivalry?
Answer: Fans often refer to the rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves as the “Snake vs. Chop” rivalry. This nickname highlights the Diamondbacks’ association with snakes due to their team name and colors and the Braves’ “Tomahawk Chop” chant, which is a prominent part of their fan experience.
To Recap
The rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves has been marked by intense competition, iconic moments, and passionate fanbases.
From the dramatic walk-off single in the 2001 NLCS to the legendary pitching duels between Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux, these matchups have left a lasting impression on baseball fans.
Despite the Braves’ long history and extensive regional following, the Diamondbacks have quickly established a dedicated fanbase in Arizona. As both teams continue to write new chapters in their rivalry, the “Snake vs.
Chop” matchups will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and showcase the competitive spirit that makes baseball such a beloved sport.
