2011 Atlanta Braves season
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Atlanta Braves
season was the Braves' 46th season in Atlanta, and the 136th of the franchise. For the first time since the 1990 season
, Bobby Cox
did not manage the club, having retired following the 2010 season
. He was succeeded by Fredi González
, the former third-base coach for the Braves between 2003 and 2006. After entering the playoffs with their first franchise Wild Card berth in 2010, the Braves attempted to return to the postseason for a second consecutive season. Entering the final month of the regular season with a record of 80–55 and an -game lead in the Wild Card standings, the Braves went 9–18 in September to finish the season with a record of 89–73. This September collapse caused the team to fall one game behind the St. Louis Cardinals
in the Wild Card race after the final scheduled game of the season, which consequently eliminated them from postseason contention.
announced that Fredi González
would replace long-time Braves manager Bobby Cox
as manager of the team in 2011. The announcement came just two days after the 2010 Atlanta Braves
were eliminated from the postseason. It was also announced that pitching coach Roger McDowell
, third-base coach Brian Snitker
, and bullpen coach Eddie Pérez would retain their current positions, while former hitting coach Terry Pendleton
would replace Glenn Hubbard
as the first-base coach. There were two newcomers to the staff, Larry Parrish
, as the hitting coach, and Carlos Tosca
as the bench coach. Hubbard and former bench coach Chino Cadahia
were not offered positions on the new coaching staff.
October 19: The Atlanta Braves
released left-fielder Melky Cabrera
, reliever Takashi Saito
, and back-up catcher J. C. Boscan
in order to make room on their 40-man roster for future transactions that would come in the offseason.
picked up the $2.5 million options for both shortshop Alex Gonzalez and All-Star utility man Omar Infante
. Additionally, the Braves resigned reliever Scott Proctor
to a one-year deal worth $750,000 including incentives that bring the total to $1 million. Finally, the Braves declined reliever Kyle Farnsworth
's $5.25 million option and center fielder Rick Ankiel
's $6 million option for the 2011 season.
November 3: The Braves claimed utility man Joe Mather
off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals
. He was later placed on outright waivers by the Braves on March 27 after underperforming in Spring Training.
November 16: The Braves traded Omar Infante
and Mike Dunn
to the Florida Marlins
for Dan Uggla
. In January, Uggla's contract was extended to a five-year, $62 million deal.
, effectively ending his tenure as a Brave. On the same day, the Braves agreed to terms with infielder/outfielder Eric Hinske
, allowing his return in 2011.
December 3: The Braves agreed to a two-player trade with the White Sox
, sending minor league right-handed pitcher Kyle Cofield
to Chicago in exchange for right-handed relief pitcher Scott Linebrink
.
December 10: At the Winter Meetings
, the Braves agreed to a one-year deal with left-handed relief pitcher George Sherrill
for the 2011 season.
off waivers from the Seattle Mariners
in order to add bullpen depth to the organization.
January 18: In order to avoid arbitration, the Braves offered new one-year contracts to starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens
($3.25 million), second baseman Martin Prado
($3.1 million), and relief pitchers Peter Moylan
($2 million) and Eric O'Flaherty
($895,000). These were the last four Braves players to be eligible for arbitration.
January 31: The Braves signed right-handed pitcher Rodrigo López to a minor league contract, which included an invite to the major league Spring Training camp.
had been offered a two-year contract extension, taking him through the 2013 season with the Braves.
served as the Florida home for the Atlanta Braves
. The last two games, on March 29–30, were played at Turner Field
against the Minnesota Twins
.
2011 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule
Spring Training Standings
†Split-squad game
‡Games played at Turner Field
in Atlanta, Georgia
.
, Brian McCann pulled a foul ball sharply toward the Braves' dugout, striking Minor League manager Luis Salazar
in the left eye. After being knocked down four stairs and falling on his head, he was airlifted to the Orlando Regional Medical Center
for further treatment. Following a strong recovery from multiple facial fractures, doctors determined that Salazar's left eye could not be saved and performed an operation to have it removed on March 16. Despite this, he still plans to perform his new job as manager of the Class A Advanced Lynchburg Hillcats
. During the entire ordeal, Brian McCann expressed feelings of guilt for hitting the ball and was notably shaken by the incident.
versus the Washington Nationals
, right-fielder Jason Heyward
launched a home run in his first at-bat of the season. Combined with his first at-bat home run on Opening Day of 2010, Heyward became just the second player in major league history to hit a home run on his first at-bat in his first two Opening Day games. The other player was Kaz Matsui who did the feat in 2004 and 2005.
April 8, 2011: In the sixth inning of the first game of the season at Turner Field
, long-time Braves third-baseman Chipper Jones
notched his 2,500th career hit
, a single off of Antonio Bastardo
. Braves long-time skipper Bobby Cox
was in attendance to view the milestone. Chipper is just the ninth switch hitter
to reach the 2,500 hit plateau.
April 13, 2011: In the bottom of the ninth of a 1–5 loss to the Marlins
, Chipper Jones
hit a solo home run
to collect the 1,500th RBI
of his career. Combined with his hit milestone just five days prior, Chipper now stands with just Eddie Murray
as the only switch-hitters in history to collect 2,500 hits and 1,500 RBIs in a career.
April 25, 2011: In his third major career milestone of the month, Chipper Jones
collected his 500th career double
to leadoff the top of the twelfth inning against the Padres
. Chipper became just the 52nd player in MLB History and only the fourth switch-hitter to reach the milestone.
May 15, 2011: The May 15th series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies
at Turner Field was the fifth annual Civil Rights Game
, concluding four days of festivities in Atlanta. In a pre-game ceremony, Ernie Banks
, Carlos Santana
, and Morgan Freeman
were honored with the Beacon of Life, Beacon of Change, and Beacon of Hope awards, respectively.
May 17, 2011: Down to the last strike and trailing by one run in the final game of a series against the Astros
, Brian McCann hit a pinch-hit home run to tie the game. Two innings later, McCann hit another home run to win the game. According to the Elias Sports Bureau
, McCann became just the second player in Major League history to hit a pinch-hit, game-tying home run in the ninth inning and then end an extra-inning game with another homer. The other player to achieve this was Jeff Heath
for the Boston Braves in a 1949
win over the Reds.
June 12, 2011: With the 4–1 win against the Astros
at Minute Maid Park
, the team put the Braves franchise record since inception in the National League
in 1876
at 9,983 wins and 9,982 losses. This was the first time since June 4, 1923, when the overall record was 3,084 wins and losses, that the overall franchise record was over .500.
July 7, 2011: Braves rookie closer Craig Kimbrel
collected his twenty-seventh save of the season with the series-sweeping 6–3 win against the Colorado Rockies
, setting a major league record for most saves by a rookie before the All-Star break. The previous record was held by Jonathan Papelbon
, who had registered twenty-six saves during his rookie season in 2006. On June 3, Kimbrel broke the record for the most saves before the All-Star break by a National League
rookie when he collected his seventeenth save against the Mets
at Citi Field. The previous National League record holder was Yhency Brazoban
, who had sixteen saves before the break for the Dodgers
in 2005. Kimbrel entered the All-Star break with twenty-eight saves to set the mark for the new record.
July 15, 2011: In the first game after the All-Star break, the Braves defeated the Washington Nationals
11–1, earning the franchise its 10,000th win since inception into the National League
in 1876
. They, along with the San Francisco Giants
and Chicago Cubs
, are now the only Major League franchises with ten thousand or more wins.
July 26, 2011: Hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates
for a four-game series at home, the Braves played the longest game in terms of time in franchise history. Starting at the scheduled 7:10 time in the evening, the marathon lasted six hours and thirty-nine minutes to end at 1:50 the following morning. The game, which ended with a very controversial walk-off for the Braves in the nineteenth inning, was the longest in terms of innings for the team since May 4, 1973 when a game against Philadelphia lasted twenty innings and ended in a Phillies victory.
August 12, 2011: The Braves announced in the off-season that Bobby Cox
would be inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame after having retired at the end of the 2010 season. As a part of the Braves Alumni Weekend, his number six was retired at a special luncheon and afterward an on-field ceremony was held to recognize the long-time Braves manager before the scheduled game versus the Chicago Cubs
.
August 12, 2011: Having recorded a hit in every game since July 4, Braves second-basemen Dan Uggla
ran his hitting streak up to 32 games with a second inning solo home run
off Carlos Zambrano
, his first of two home runs on the night and the thirteenth home run of the streak. Uggla's long hitting streak set a new Atlanta Braves
record, passing Rico Carty
, who established a 31-game hitting streak in 1970. The only player with a longer streak in Braves franchise history is Tommy Holmes
, who reached a 37-game streak in 1945 for the Boston team.
August 31, 2011: Closing out a 3–1 win against the Washington Nationals
in front of a home crowd, Braves rookie closer Craig Kimbrel
collected his 41st save of the season, setting a new major league record for most saves in a single season by a rookie closer. The previous record-holder was Neftali Feliz, who saved forty games for the Texas Rangers
during his rookie season in 2010. Kimbrel went on to finish the season with 46 saves to set the mark for the new rookie record.
September 8, 2011: While recording a no-decision in a 2–3 loss to the Phillies
, Braves rookie pitcher Brandon Beachy
set the record for most strikeout
s in a season by an Atlanta Braves rookie by striking out Michael Martínez
and recording his 140th strikeout. The old record of 139 strikeouts was previously held by Jair Jurrjens
, who achieved that number in 2008.
September 28, 2011: Despite holding an -game lead in the Wild Card race on the first day of September, the Braves' horrible September win-loss record created a situation leading into Closing Day that almost mirrored the scenario presented on that day in 2010. The Braves again found themselves in a tie atop the Wild Card standings with just one scheduled game to play, this time with the St. Louis Cardinals
. Taking on the Houston Astros
in Houston
on the final day, the Cardinals shutout their opponent 8–0 on a Chris Carpenter
gem. Meanwhile, the Braves faced the Philadelphia Phillies
at home to conclude their schedule. Despite a solid start by veteran Tim Hudson
, the Braves fell to the Phillies 3–4 in thirteen innings, officially eliminating the team from playoff contention. It was the first time since June 8 that the Braves did not possess a portion of first place in the Wild Card standings.
MLB Player of the Month
MLB Pitcher of the Month
MLB Rookie of the Month
MLB Player of the Week
Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award
at AT&T Park
, Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell
was accused of making homophobic statements and gestures toward a group of men who attended the game. High-profile attorney Gloria Allred
staged a press conference on April 27 to announce these allegations made by Justin Quinn of Fresno, California
. Quinn alleges McDowell made crude sexual gestures in the direction of three men during batting practice before the game started. In response to the allegations, McDowell stated that he is deeply sorry about his response to the fans in San Francisco, and apologized to everyone involved. On April 28, it was announced that the Atlanta Braves
organization was conducting an investigation into the incident. In a statement, Major League Baseball
commissioner Bud Selig
said that he would take action when the results of the investigation were released.
On April 29, McDowell was placed on administrative leave until the investigation was complete. In response, the team named minor league pitching coordinator Dave Wallace
to serve as the pitching coach in the interim. On May 1, Major League Baseball levied a two week suspension against McDowell, retroactive to April 29. McDowell was required to attend sensitivity training and personally apologize to Quinn. In response, Braves president John Schuerholz
said he agreed with MLB's discipline measures.
was arrested in the Buckhead area of Atlanta and charged with a DUI
. The arresting officer, detecting a strong odor from Lowe's vehicle, gave Lowe a field sobriety test. He was subsequently taken to and booked in the Atlanta City Jail. Being released the following afternoon, Lowe said in a statement that he was truly sorry to his family, friends, teammates, fans, and the Braves organization and hoped that the matter would not distract the team.
Nearly a month later on May 26, Cory Yager, the attorney for Derek Lowe, confirmed that the DUI charges have been dropped. Yager cited the reason as a lack of evidence.
* = Acquired Mid-Season
† = No Longer with Braves
Name = Player Qualifies for Batting Title (batters) or ERA Title (pitchers)
Complete batting stats can be found here.
Complete pitching stats can be found here.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
season was the Braves' 46th season in Atlanta, and the 136th of the franchise. For the first time since the 1990 season
1990 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Cincinnati Reds over Oakland Athletics ; José Rijo, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP Dave Stewart*National League Championship Series co-MVPs: Rob Dibble and Randy Myers...
, Bobby Cox
Bobby Cox
Robert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager...
did not manage the club, having retired following the 2010 season
2010 Atlanta Braves season
The 2010 Atlanta Braves Season featured the Braves' attempt to reclaim a postseason berth for the first time since 2005. The Braves once again were skippered by Bobby Cox, in his 25th and final season managing the team. It was their 45th season in Atlanta, and the 135th of the franchise...
. He was succeeded by Fredi González
Fredi González
Fredi Jesus González is the current manager of the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball. Gonzalez is also the former manager of the Florida Marlins 2007–2010. For the four years prior to 2007, he was third base coach for the Atlanta Braves.-Biography:Gonzalez grew up in Miami, Florida, where he...
, the former third-base coach for the Braves between 2003 and 2006. After entering the playoffs with their first franchise Wild Card berth in 2010, the Braves attempted to return to the postseason for a second consecutive season. Entering the final month of the regular season with a record of 80–55 and an -game lead in the Wild Card standings, the Braves went 9–18 in September to finish the season with a record of 89–73. This September collapse caused the team to fall one game behind the St. Louis Cardinals
2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
in the Wild Card race after the final scheduled game of the season, which consequently eliminated them from postseason contention.
October 2010
October 13: The Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
announced that Fredi González
Fredi González
Fredi Jesus González is the current manager of the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball. Gonzalez is also the former manager of the Florida Marlins 2007–2010. For the four years prior to 2007, he was third base coach for the Atlanta Braves.-Biography:Gonzalez grew up in Miami, Florida, where he...
would replace long-time Braves manager Bobby Cox
Bobby Cox
Robert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager...
as manager of the team in 2011. The announcement came just two days after the 2010 Atlanta Braves
2010 Atlanta Braves season
The 2010 Atlanta Braves Season featured the Braves' attempt to reclaim a postseason berth for the first time since 2005. The Braves once again were skippered by Bobby Cox, in his 25th and final season managing the team. It was their 45th season in Atlanta, and the 135th of the franchise...
were eliminated from the postseason. It was also announced that pitching coach Roger McDowell
Roger McDowell
Roger Alan McDowell is the pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves and was a right-handed relief pitcher for twelve seasons in Major League Baseball from 1985 to 1996. He played for the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League and the Texas Rangers and...
, third-base coach Brian Snitker
Brian Snitker
Brian G. Snitker is the current Atlanta Braves third base coach. He was named to that position on October 3, 2006, replacing Fredi González, who left to join the Florida Marlins as manager...
, and bullpen coach Eddie Pérez would retain their current positions, while former hitting coach Terry Pendleton
Terry Pendleton
Terry Lee Pendleton is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, and a former hitting coach and current first base coach of the Atlanta Braves. He played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, but he also spent time with the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas...
would replace Glenn Hubbard
Glenn Hubbard (baseball)
Glenn Dee Hubbard is a former first base coach for the Atlanta Braves and second baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1978 to 1989...
as the first-base coach. There were two newcomers to the staff, Larry Parrish
Larry Parrish
Larry Alton Parrish is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and right-handed batter who played with the Montreal Expos , Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox...
, as the hitting coach, and Carlos Tosca
Carlos Tosca
Carlos Tosca is the bench coach for the Atlanta Braves. He was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2002 to 2004.-Biography:Tosca managed the Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League until 1996....
as the bench coach. Hubbard and former bench coach Chino Cadahia
Chino Cadahia
Aurelio "Chino" Cadahia is the current bench coach for the Kansas City Royals.Cadahia joined the Kansas City Royals in 2011 after spending the last 15 seasons in the Braves' organization, including the last four seasons as the bench coach for the Major League club...
were not offered positions on the new coaching staff.
| Position | 2010 2010 Atlanta Braves season The 2010 Atlanta Braves Season featured the Braves' attempt to reclaim a postseason berth for the first time since 2005. The Braves once again were skippered by Bobby Cox, in his 25th and final season managing the team. It was their 45th season in Atlanta, and the 135th of the franchise... |
2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | Bobby Cox Bobby Cox Robert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager... |
Fredi González Fredi González Fredi Jesus González is the current manager of the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball. Gonzalez is also the former manager of the Florida Marlins 2007–2010. For the four years prior to 2007, he was third base coach for the Atlanta Braves.-Biography:Gonzalez grew up in Miami, Florida, where he... |
| Hitting | Terry Pendleton Terry Pendleton Terry Lee Pendleton is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, and a former hitting coach and current first base coach of the Atlanta Braves. He played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, but he also spent time with the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas... |
Larry Parrish Larry Parrish Larry Alton Parrish is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and right-handed batter who played with the Montreal Expos , Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox... |
| Pitching | Roger McDowell Roger McDowell Roger Alan McDowell is the pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves and was a right-handed relief pitcher for twelve seasons in Major League Baseball from 1985 to 1996. He played for the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League and the Texas Rangers and... |
|
| First-base | Glenn Hubbard Glenn Hubbard (baseball) Glenn Dee Hubbard is a former first base coach for the Atlanta Braves and second baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1978 to 1989... |
Terry Pendleton Terry Pendleton Terry Lee Pendleton is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, and a former hitting coach and current first base coach of the Atlanta Braves. He played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, but he also spent time with the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas... |
| Third-base | Brian Snitker Brian Snitker Brian G. Snitker is the current Atlanta Braves third base coach. He was named to that position on October 3, 2006, replacing Fredi González, who left to join the Florida Marlins as manager... |
|
| Bullpen | Eddie Pérez | |
| Bench | Chino Cadahia Chino Cadahia Aurelio "Chino" Cadahia is the current bench coach for the Kansas City Royals.Cadahia joined the Kansas City Royals in 2011 after spending the last 15 seasons in the Braves' organization, including the last four seasons as the bench coach for the Major League club... |
Carlos Tosca Carlos Tosca Carlos Tosca is the bench coach for the Atlanta Braves. He was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2002 to 2004.-Biography:Tosca managed the Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League until 1996.... |
October 19: The Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
released left-fielder Melky Cabrera
Melky Cabrera
Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17...
, reliever Takashi Saito
Takashi Saito
is a Japanese professional baseball player.Saito previously pitched for the Yokohama BayStars in the Japanese Central League, compiling a record of 87–80 over 13 seasons...
, and back-up catcher J. C. Boscan
J. C. Boscan
Jean Carlos "J.C." Boscan is a right-handed Major League Baseball catcher who is currently a free agent...
in order to make room on their 40-man roster for future transactions that would come in the offseason.
November 2010
November 2: The BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
picked up the $2.5 million options for both shortshop Alex Gonzalez and All-Star utility man Omar Infante
Omar Infante
Omar Rafael Infante [in-FAHN-tay] is a Major League Baseball utility player who is currently on the Miami Marlins...
. Additionally, the Braves resigned reliever Scott Proctor
Scott Proctor
Scott Christopher Proctor is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a Free Agent.-Minor leagues:Proctor was drafted in the 17th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft by the New York Mets out of Martin County High School, but decided to attend Florida State University,...
to a one-year deal worth $750,000 including incentives that bring the total to $1 million. Finally, the Braves declined reliever Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Lynn Farnsworth is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school and college:...
's $5.25 million option and center fielder Rick Ankiel
Rick Ankiel
Richard Alexander Ankiel is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently with the Washington Nationals. He bats and throws left-handed....
's $6 million option for the 2011 season.
November 3: The Braves claimed utility man Joe Mather
Joe Mather
Joseph Paul Mather is an American professional baseball outfielder and third baseman who is a free agent.-Early life:Mather was born on July 23, 1982, in Sandpoint, Idaho. At Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee, Arizona he played basketball and was also an All-State performer in baseball...
off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals
2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
. He was later placed on outright waivers by the Braves on March 27 after underperforming in Spring Training.
November 16: The Braves traded Omar Infante
Omar Infante
Omar Rafael Infante [in-FAHN-tay] is a Major League Baseball utility player who is currently on the Miami Marlins...
and Mike Dunn
Michael Dunn (baseball)
Michael G. Dunn is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins.-Baseball career:Dunn played collegiate baseball for the Community College of Southern Nevada from 2003 to 2005...
to the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
for Dan Uggla
Dan Uggla
Daniel Cooley Uggla is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball....
. In January, Uggla's contract was extended to a five-year, $62 million deal.
December 2010
December 2: The Braves decided to non-tender the contract of Matt DiazMatt Diaz
Matthew Edward Diaz is a Major League Baseball outfielder who plays for the Atlanta Braves. He grew up in Lakeland, Florida.-Amateur career:...
, effectively ending his tenure as a Brave. On the same day, the Braves agreed to terms with infielder/outfielder Eric Hinske
Eric Hinske
Eric Scott Hinske is a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman currently an Atlanta Braves organization...
, allowing his return in 2011.
December 3: The Braves agreed to a two-player trade with the White Sox
2011 Chicago White Sox season
The 2011 Chicago White Sox season was the club's 112th season in Chicago and 111th in the American League. The 2011 White Sox schedule was revealed at 7:00 pm CT on September 14, 2010 along with every other team in Major League Baseball.-Offseason:...
, sending minor league right-handed pitcher Kyle Cofield
Kyle Cofield
Kyle Steven Cofield is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft. He bats and pitches right-handed.Cofield was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Chicago White Sox for...
to Chicago in exchange for right-handed relief pitcher Scott Linebrink
Scott Linebrink
Scott Cameron Linebrink is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who is a free agent. He attended Texas State University.-Career:...
.
December 10: At the Winter Meetings
Winter meetings
The Baseball Winter Meetings are an annual event, held each December, attended by representatives from all 30 Major League Baseball organizations, more than 160 minor league baseball teams, various league offices, companies associated with baseball and guests from international baseball-playing...
, the Braves agreed to a one-year deal with left-handed relief pitcher George Sherrill
George Sherrill
George Friederich Sherrill , also known as "The Brim Reaper", "Flat Breezy", and "Duckbill" , is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who is a free agent-College and independent baseball:Sherrill was not drafted after graduating from Austin Peay State...
for the 2011 season.
January 2011
January 13: The Braves claimed right-handed reliever Anthony VarvaroAnthony Varvaro
Anthony Michael Varvaro is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently in the Atlanta Braves organization. He was the Mariners' 12th round selection in the June 2005 Major League Baseball Draft; signed by Mariners scout David May.Varvaro graduated from Curtis High School in New York City in June...
off waivers from the Seattle Mariners
2011 Seattle Mariners season
The Seattle Mariners season was the 35th season in franchise history. Their last playoff appearance was Ten Years ago.-Coaching changes:Daren Brown, the Seattle Mariners interim manager during the 2010 season, stated that he had interest in returning as the full-time manager in 2011...
in order to add bullpen depth to the organization.
January 18: In order to avoid arbitration, the Braves offered new one-year contracts to starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens
Jair Jurrjens
-Childhood:Jurrjens grew in a quiet neighborhood called ´Kura Piedra´ pronounced in Dutch as ´Steenkoraal or Stenenkoraal´, and was always active in baseball. His older brother, Carl Jr., also played baseball.Jurrjens speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu....
($3.25 million), second baseman Martin Prado
Martín Prado
Martín Manuel Prado is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Atlanta Braves....
($3.1 million), and relief pitchers Peter Moylan
Peter Moylan
Peter Michael Moylan is a relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball. Moylan features a mid ninety mile per hour fastball and throws sidearm.-Early career:...
($2 million) and Eric O'Flaherty
Eric O'Flaherty
Eric George O'Flaherty is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.O'Flaherty is the only pitcher in Seattle Mariners franchise history to begin his Major League career with seven consecutive wins.-Road to the Mariners:O'Flaherty was drafted out of high school by the Seattle...
($895,000). These were the last four Braves players to be eligible for arbitration.
January 31: The Braves signed right-handed pitcher Rodrigo López to a minor league contract, which included an invite to the major league Spring Training camp.
February 2011
February 21: The Braves announced that General Manager Frank WrenFrank Wren
Franklin E. Wren is an American front office executive in Major League Baseball. Since the end of the baseball season, he has been the general manager of the Atlanta Braves....
had been offered a two-year contract extension, taking him through the 2013 season with the Braves.
Spring Training
The 2011 Atlanta Braves played a 35-game slate that started on February 26, 2011 for the 2011 Spring Training season. Pitchers and catchers were to report by February 14 with the first full-squad workout occurring February 19. For the fourteenth straight season, Champion Stadium at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena VistaLake Buena Vista, Florida
Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. It is mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by The Walt Disney Company, the other being Bay Lake....
served as the Florida home for the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
. The last two games, on March 29–30, were played at Turner Field
Turner Field
Turner Field is a stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves since 1997. Turner Field was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium, it was completed in 1996 to serve as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics...
against the Minnesota Twins
2011 Minnesota Twins season
The Minnesota Twins season was the 51st season for the franchise in Minnesota, and the 111th overall in the American League. The team drew 3,168,107 fans during the year...
.
2011 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule
Spring Training Standings
| Legend | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Braves Win | Braves Loss | Braves Tie | Game Cancelled |
| 2011 Spring Training Game Log | |
|---|---|
†Split-squad game
‡Games played at Turner Field
Turner Field
Turner Field is a stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves since 1997. Turner Field was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium, it was completed in 1996 to serve as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics...
in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
.
Luis Salazar injury
In the first inning of the March 9 game versus the St. Louis Cardinals2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
, Brian McCann pulled a foul ball sharply toward the Braves' dugout, striking Minor League manager Luis Salazar
Luis Salazar
Luis Ernesto Salazar Garcia is a former third baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball, a right-handed batter who played from 1980 to 1992....
in the left eye. After being knocked down four stairs and falling on his head, he was airlifted to the Orlando Regional Medical Center
Orlando Regional Medical Center
Orlando Regional Medical Center , is a 808-bed tertiary hospital in downtown Orlando, Florida.-External links:* Official Website* Official Website...
for further treatment. Following a strong recovery from multiple facial fractures, doctors determined that Salazar's left eye could not be saved and performed an operation to have it removed on March 16. Despite this, he still plans to perform his new job as manager of the Class A Advanced Lynchburg Hillcats
Lynchburg Hillcats
The Lynchburg Hillcats are a minor league baseball team in Lynchburg, Virginia. They are a Class High-A team in the Carolina League, and currently are a farm team of the Atlanta Braves. They had been a farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1995, with the Cincinnati Reds fulfilling the final...
. During the entire ordeal, Brian McCann expressed feelings of guilt for hitting the ball and was notably shaken by the incident.
Season standings
MLB Standings| Opening Day Starters | |
|---|---|
| Position | Name |
| Starting Pitcher | Derek Lowe Derek Lowe Derek Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. He throws and bats right-handed. He is 6'6" and 230 pounds.-Early years:... |
| Catcher | Brian McCann |
| First Baseman | Freddie Freeman Freddie Freeman Frederick Charles "Freddie" Freeman is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball.-Professional career:... |
| Second Baseman | Dan Uggla Dan Uggla Daniel Cooley Uggla is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball.... |
| Third Baseman | Chipper Jones Chipper Jones Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves... |
| Shortstop | Álex González |
| Left Fielder | Martín Prado Martín Prado Martín Manuel Prado is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Atlanta Braves.... |
| Center Fielder | Nate McLouth Nate McLouth Nathan Richard McLouth is a Major League Baseball player. Primarily a center fielder, McLouth bats from the left side and throws from the right. He is 5' 11" tall and weighs 185 pounds... |
| Right Fielder | Jason Heyward Jason Heyward Jason Alias Heyward , nicknamed J-Hey and J-Hey-Kid, is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Atlanta Braves. He throws and bats left-handed.... |
Notable occurrences
March 31, 2011: On Opening DayOpening Day
Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book...
versus the Washington Nationals
2011 Washington Nationals season
The Washington Nationals' 2011 season was the seventh season for the American baseball franchise of Major League Baseball in the District of Columbia and the 43rd since the original team was started in Montréal, Canada...
, right-fielder Jason Heyward
Jason Heyward
Jason Alias Heyward , nicknamed J-Hey and J-Hey-Kid, is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Atlanta Braves. He throws and bats left-handed....
launched a home run in his first at-bat of the season. Combined with his first at-bat home run on Opening Day of 2010, Heyward became just the second player in major league history to hit a home run on his first at-bat in his first two Opening Day games. The other player was Kaz Matsui who did the feat in 2004 and 2005.
April 8, 2011: In the sixth inning of the first game of the season at Turner Field
Turner Field
Turner Field is a stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves since 1997. Turner Field was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium, it was completed in 1996 to serve as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics...
, long-time Braves third-baseman Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
notched his 2,500th career hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, a single off of Antonio Bastardo
Antonio Bastardo
Antonio Francisco Bastardo is a relief pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.-2007:...
. Braves long-time skipper Bobby Cox
Bobby Cox
Robert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager...
was in attendance to view the milestone. Chipper is just the ninth switch hitter
Switch hitter
In baseball, a switch-hitter is a player who bats both right-handed and left-handed.-Baseball:Usually, right-handed batters hit better against left-handed pitchers and vice-versa. Most curveballs break away from batters hitting from the same side as the opposing pitcher. Such pitches are often...
to reach the 2,500 hit plateau.
April 13, 2011: In the bottom of the ninth of a 1–5 loss to the Marlins
2011 Florida Marlins season
The Florida Marlins' 2011 season was the 19th season for the Major League Baseball franchise. This was the final year in which the Marlins played their home games at Sun Life Stadium, as well as the final season for the team under the name "Florida Marlins"....
, Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
hit a solo home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
to collect the 1,500th RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
of his career. Combined with his hit milestone just five days prior, Chipper now stands with just Eddie Murray
Eddie Murray
Eddie Clarence Murray , nicknamed "Steady Eddie", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and designated hitter. He was known as one of the most reliable and productive hitters of his era. Murray is regarded as one of the best switch hitters ever to play the game...
as the only switch-hitters in history to collect 2,500 hits and 1,500 RBIs in a career.
April 25, 2011: In his third major career milestone of the month, Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
collected his 500th career double
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
to leadoff the top of the twelfth inning against the Padres
2011 San Diego Padres season
The San Diego Padres' 2011 season was their 43rd season in MLB.-2010-2011 Offseason:Adrian Gonzalez would have been in the last year of his contract in 2011, but the Padres were not going to meet Gonzalez’s open market value especially with Jeff Moorad’s purchase of the Padres from John Moores not...
. Chipper became just the 52nd player in MLB History and only the fourth switch-hitter to reach the milestone.
May 15, 2011: The May 15th series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies
2011 Philadelphia Phillies season
The Philadelphia Phillies 2011 season was the 129th season in the history of the franchise. The Phillies won their fifth consecutive National League East championship, and also finished with the best record in baseball for the second straight year. The Phillies, at 3-1 odds, were the heavy-favorite...
at Turner Field was the fifth annual Civil Rights Game
Civil Rights Game
The Civil Rights Game is an annual Major League Baseball game that honors the history of civil rights in the United States and marked the unofficial end to the league's Spring Training. Starting in 2009, the game became a regular season game.The first two games were held at AutoZone Park in...
, concluding four days of festivities in Atlanta. In a pre-game ceremony, Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks
Ernest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
, Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana
Carlos Augusto Alves Santana is a Mexican rock guitarist. Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered rock, salsa and jazz fusion...
, and Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman is an American actor, film director, aviator and narrator. He is noted for his reserved demeanor and authoritative speaking voice. Freeman has received Academy Award nominations for his performances in Street Smart, Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus and won...
were honored with the Beacon of Life, Beacon of Change, and Beacon of Hope awards, respectively.
May 17, 2011: Down to the last strike and trailing by one run in the final game of a series against the Astros
2011 Houston Astros season
The Houston Astros' 2011 season was the 50th season for the franchise in the National League in Houston, their 47th as the Astros and their 12th season at Minute Maid Park....
, Brian McCann hit a pinch-hit home run to tie the game. Two innings later, McCann hit another home run to win the game. According to the Elias Sports Bureau
Elias Sports Bureau
The Elias Sports Bureau is an American company that provides historical research and statistical services in the field of professional sports.In 1913, Al Munro Elias and his brother Walter established the Al Munro Elias Bureau in New York City...
, McCann became just the second player in Major League history to hit a pinch-hit, game-tying home run in the ninth inning and then end an extra-inning game with another homer. The other player to achieve this was Jeff Heath
Jeff Heath
John Geoffrey Heath was a Canadian left fielder in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Cleveland Indians. He was one of the American League's most promising power hitters of the late 1930s and early 1940s, twice leading the AL in triples, and batting at least .340 with over...
for the Boston Braves in a 1949
1949 Major League Baseball season
-Regular season standings:-World series:-Awards and honors:-Statistical leaders:-All-Star game:-Cycles:*Wally Westlake, Pittsburgh Pirates, June 14 vs. Boston Braves*Gil Hodges, Brooklyn Dodgers, June 25 at Pittsburgh Pirates*Stan Musial, St...
win over the Reds.
June 12, 2011: With the 4–1 win against the Astros
2011 Houston Astros season
The Houston Astros' 2011 season was the 50th season for the franchise in the National League in Houston, their 47th as the Astros and their 12th season at Minute Maid Park....
at Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park is a ballpark in Downtown Houston, Texas, United States that opened in 2000 to house the Major League Baseball Houston Astros....
, the team put the Braves franchise record since inception in the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in 1876
1876 Boston Red Caps season
With the dissolution of the National Association, the Boston team joined the brand new National League. The team name was changed to the Boston Red Caps to avoid confusion with the new Cincinnati Red Stockings team...
at 9,983 wins and 9,982 losses. This was the first time since June 4, 1923, when the overall record was 3,084 wins and losses, that the overall franchise record was over .500.
July 7, 2011: Braves rookie closer Craig Kimbrel
Craig Kimbrel
Craig Michael Kimbrel is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Breaking the record for saves by a rookie in the 2011 season, Kimbrel was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the National League....
collected his twenty-seventh save of the season with the series-sweeping 6–3 win against the Colorado Rockies
2011 Colorado Rockies season
The Colorado Rockies' 2011 season, the franchise's 19th in Major League Baseball, was a season in American baseball. They did not return to the postseason for the third time in five years after also missing in 2010.-Offseason:...
, setting a major league record for most saves by a rookie before the All-Star break. The previous record was held by Jonathan Papelbon
Jonathan Papelbon
Jonathan Robert Papelbon is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. Before joining the Phillies, Papelbon played with the Boston Red Sox from 2005-2011....
, who had registered twenty-six saves during his rookie season in 2006. On June 3, Kimbrel broke the record for the most saves before the All-Star break by a National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
rookie when he collected his seventeenth save against the Mets
2011 New York Mets season
The New York Mets' 2011 season was the franchise's 50th season and its third at Citi Field. Following a poor 2010 season, the Mets attempted seek their first postseason appearance since 2006...
at Citi Field. The previous National League record holder was Yhency Brazoban
Yhency Brazobán
Yhency José "Belt-High" Brazobán is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball...
, who had sixteen saves before the break for the Dodgers
2005 Los Angeles Dodgers season
In 2005, the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered from a rash of injuries to key players such as closer Eric Gagné, shortstop Cesar Izturis and outfielder J.D. Drew and fell to their second worst record in Los Angeles history, finishing in fourth place in the Western Division of the National League...
in 2005. Kimbrel entered the All-Star break with twenty-eight saves to set the mark for the new record.
July 15, 2011: In the first game after the All-Star break, the Braves defeated the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
11–1, earning the franchise its 10,000th win since inception into the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in 1876
1876 Boston Red Caps season
With the dissolution of the National Association, the Boston team joined the brand new National League. The team name was changed to the Boston Red Caps to avoid confusion with the new Cincinnati Red Stockings team...
. They, along with the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
and Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, are now the only Major League franchises with ten thousand or more wins.
July 26, 2011: Hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates
2011 Pittsburgh Pirates season
The 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the Pirates' 125th season as a member of Major League Baseball and 130th season overall. The season was the first with manager Clint Hurdle, who was hired to replace the fired John Russell...
for a four-game series at home, the Braves played the longest game in terms of time in franchise history. Starting at the scheduled 7:10 time in the evening, the marathon lasted six hours and thirty-nine minutes to end at 1:50 the following morning. The game, which ended with a very controversial walk-off for the Braves in the nineteenth inning, was the longest in terms of innings for the team since May 4, 1973 when a game against Philadelphia lasted twenty innings and ended in a Phillies victory.
August 12, 2011: The Braves announced in the off-season that Bobby Cox
Bobby Cox
Robert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager...
would be inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame after having retired at the end of the 2010 season. As a part of the Braves Alumni Weekend, his number six was retired at a special luncheon and afterward an on-field ceremony was held to recognize the long-time Braves manager before the scheduled game versus the Chicago Cubs
2011 Chicago Cubs season
The 2011 Major League Baseball season was the 139th Chicago Cubs baseball season. The official successor to Lou Pinella was Mike Quade, who was signed to a 2-year deal...
.
August 12, 2011: Having recorded a hit in every game since July 4, Braves second-basemen Dan Uggla
Dan Uggla
Daniel Cooley Uggla is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball....
ran his hitting streak up to 32 games with a second inning solo home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
off Carlos Zambrano
Carlos Zambrano
Carlos Alberto Zambrano is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. Zambrano, who stands 6' 5" and weighs 260 pounds, was signed by the Cubs as a free agent in 1997 and made his debut in 2001...
, his first of two home runs on the night and the thirteenth home run of the streak. Uggla's long hitting streak set a new Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
record, passing Rico Carty
Rico Carty
Ricardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty is a former professional baseball player. Nicknamed Beeg Boy, he played mostly as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from to...
, who established a 31-game hitting streak in 1970. The only player with a longer streak in Braves franchise history is Tommy Holmes
Tommy Holmes
Thomas Francis Holmes was an American right and center fielder and manager in Major League Baseball who played nearly his entire career for the Boston Braves...
, who reached a 37-game streak in 1945 for the Boston team.
August 31, 2011: Closing out a 3–1 win against the Washington Nationals
2011 Washington Nationals season
The Washington Nationals' 2011 season was the seventh season for the American baseball franchise of Major League Baseball in the District of Columbia and the 43rd since the original team was started in Montréal, Canada...
in front of a home crowd, Braves rookie closer Craig Kimbrel
Craig Kimbrel
Craig Michael Kimbrel is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Breaking the record for saves by a rookie in the 2011 season, Kimbrel was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the National League....
collected his 41st save of the season, setting a new major league record for most saves in a single season by a rookie closer. The previous record-holder was Neftali Feliz, who saved forty games for the Texas Rangers
2010 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers’ 2010 season was the 50th in franchise history. The team, managed by Ron Washington, won their first division title since 1999 and reached the World Series for the first time in only their fourth playoff appearance. Washington would become only the second manager in franchise...
during his rookie season in 2010. Kimbrel went on to finish the season with 46 saves to set the mark for the new rookie record.
September 8, 2011: While recording a no-decision in a 2–3 loss to the Phillies
2011 Philadelphia Phillies season
The Philadelphia Phillies 2011 season was the 129th season in the history of the franchise. The Phillies won their fifth consecutive National League East championship, and also finished with the best record in baseball for the second straight year. The Phillies, at 3-1 odds, were the heavy-favorite...
, Braves rookie pitcher Brandon Beachy
Brandon Beachy
Brandon Alan Beachy was born September 3, 1986, to parents Lester and Lori Beachy. He is currently a professional baseball pitcher who plays for the Atlanta Braves organization....
set the record for most strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s in a season by an Atlanta Braves rookie by striking out Michael Martínez
Michael Martinez
Michael Gabriel Martínez is a Major League Baseball infielder and center fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies....
and recording his 140th strikeout. The old record of 139 strikeouts was previously held by Jair Jurrjens
Jair Jurrjens
-Childhood:Jurrjens grew in a quiet neighborhood called ´Kura Piedra´ pronounced in Dutch as ´Steenkoraal or Stenenkoraal´, and was always active in baseball. His older brother, Carl Jr., also played baseball.Jurrjens speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu....
, who achieved that number in 2008.
September 28, 2011: Despite holding an -game lead in the Wild Card race on the first day of September, the Braves' horrible September win-loss record created a situation leading into Closing Day that almost mirrored the scenario presented on that day in 2010. The Braves again found themselves in a tie atop the Wild Card standings with just one scheduled game to play, this time with the St. Louis Cardinals
2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
. Taking on the Houston Astros
2011 Houston Astros season
The Houston Astros' 2011 season was the 50th season for the franchise in the National League in Houston, their 47th as the Astros and their 12th season at Minute Maid Park....
in Houston
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
on the final day, the Cardinals shutout their opponent 8–0 on a Chris Carpenter
Chris Carpenter
Christopher John Carpenter is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2003, and is currently signed with the team until the 2011 season, with a club option for 2012.Carpenter was 22 years old and a highly-regarded prospect when he broke into the...
gem. Meanwhile, the Braves faced the Philadelphia Phillies
2011 Philadelphia Phillies season
The Philadelphia Phillies 2011 season was the 129th season in the history of the franchise. The Phillies won their fifth consecutive National League East championship, and also finished with the best record in baseball for the second straight year. The Phillies, at 3-1 odds, were the heavy-favorite...
at home to conclude their schedule. Despite a solid start by veteran Tim Hudson
Tim Hudson
Timothy Adam Hudson is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Atlanta Braves. Hudson began his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and played his last two years of college eligibility at Auburn University...
, the Braves fell to the Phillies 3–4 in thirteen innings, officially eliminating the team from playoff contention. It was the first time since June 8 that the Braves did not possess a portion of first place in the Wild Card standings.
Game log
2011 Atlanta Braves Schedule| Legend | ||
|---|---|---|
| Braves Win | Braves Loss | Game Postponed |
| 2011 Regular Season Game Log | |
|---|---|
Composite box score
| Inning | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | 75 | 66 | 92 | 55 | 62 | 78 | 79 | 54 | 56 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 641 |
| Opponents | 82 | 58 | 64 | 80 | 57 | 74 | 95 | 43 | 32 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 605 |
- Source: Baseball Reference
Midseason transactions
| Date | Team | Acquired by Braves | Traded from Braves |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 31 | Houston Astros 2011 Houston Astros season The Houston Astros' 2011 season was the 50th season for the franchise in the National League in Houston, their 47th as the Astros and their 12th season at Minute Maid Park.... |
CF Michael Bourn Michael Bourn Michael Ray Bourn is a professional baseball outfielder with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball. He serves as the Atlanta Braves leadoff hitter. He has also been a member of the United States national baseball team.... |
CF Jordan Schafer Jordan Schafer Jordan James Schafer is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Houston Astros.-Baseball career:... RHP Juan Abreu Juan Abreu Juan Abreu is a right-handed baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros.-Baseball career:Abreu was signed as a minor league free agent by the Atlanta Braves before the 2010 season after being in the Kansas City Royals organization, reaching no higher than the AA level of their minor league... LHP Brett Oberholtzer RHP Paul Clemens |
| August 31 | Pittsburgh Pirates 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates season The 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the Pirates' 125th season as a member of Major League Baseball and 130th season overall. The season was the first with manager Clint Hurdle, who was hired to replace the fired John Russell... |
LF Matt Diaz Matt Diaz Matthew Edward Diaz is a Major League Baseball outfielder who plays for the Atlanta Braves. He grew up in Lakeland, Florida.-Amateur career:... |
RHP Eliecer Cardenas |
| August 31 | Seattle Mariners 2011 Seattle Mariners season The Seattle Mariners season was the 35th season in franchise history. Their last playoff appearance was Ten Years ago.-Coaching changes:Daren Brown, the Seattle Mariners interim manager during the 2010 season, stated that he had interest in returning as the full-time manager in 2011... |
IF Jack Wilson | Player to be named |
Accolades and Awards
- See: Atlanta Braves award winners and league leaders
Midseason accolades
All-Star Selections- Brian McCann - Starting catcher (Sixth All-Star Game)
- Jair JurrjensJair Jurrjens-Childhood:Jurrjens grew in a quiet neighborhood called ´Kura Piedra´ pronounced in Dutch as ´Steenkoraal or Stenenkoraal´, and was always active in baseball. His older brother, Carl Jr., also played baseball.Jurrjens speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu....
- Relief pitcher (First All-Star Game) - Jonny VentersJonny VentersJonathan William Venters is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.-Professional career:Venters was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 30th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft....
- Relief pitcher (First All-Star Game) - Craig KimbrelCraig KimbrelCraig Michael Kimbrel is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Breaking the record for saves by a rookie in the 2011 season, Kimbrel was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the National League....
- Relief pitcher (First All-Star Game) - Chipper JonesChipper JonesLarry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
- Reserve third-baseman (Seventh All-Star Game) Injured, did not play
MLB Player of the Month
- Dan UgglaDan UgglaDaniel Cooley Uggla is an American professional baseball second baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball....
- August; Player of the Month for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
MLB Pitcher of the Month
- Jair JurrjensJair Jurrjens-Childhood:Jurrjens grew in a quiet neighborhood called ´Kura Piedra´ pronounced in Dutch as ´Steenkoraal or Stenenkoraal´, and was always active in baseball. His older brother, Carl Jr., also played baseball.Jurrjens speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu....
- May; Pitcher of the Month for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
MLB Rookie of the Month
- Craig KimbrelCraig KimbrelCraig Michael Kimbrel is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Breaking the record for saves by a rookie in the 2011 season, Kimbrel was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the National League....
- June; Rookie of the Month for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional... - Freddie FreemanFreddie FreemanFrederick Charles "Freddie" Freeman is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball.-Professional career:...
- July; Rookie of the Month for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional... - Craig KimbrelCraig KimbrelCraig Michael Kimbrel is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Breaking the record for saves by a rookie in the 2011 season, Kimbrel was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the National League....
- August; Rookie of the Month for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
MLB Player of the Week
- Martín PradoMartín PradoMartín Manuel Prado is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Atlanta Braves....
– May 9th–15th; Player of the Week for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Postseason accolades
Silver Slugger Award- Brian McCann – Silver Slugger Award for Catcher
Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award
- Craig KimbrelCraig KimbrelCraig Michael Kimbrel is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Breaking the record for saves by a rookie in the 2011 season, Kimbrel was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the National League....
– Rookie of the Year for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Roger McDowell allegation
After the April 23 game against the San Francisco Giants2011 San Francisco Giants season
The San Francisco Giants are an American baseball team. Their 2011 season marked their 129th year in Major League Baseball, and their fifty-fourth year in San Francisco since their move from New York following the 1957 season. They opened the 2011 season as the defending World Series champions on...
at AT&T Park
AT&T Park
AT&T Park is a ballpark located in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, at the corner of Third and King Streets, it has served as the home of the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball since 2000....
, Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell
Roger McDowell
Roger Alan McDowell is the pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves and was a right-handed relief pitcher for twelve seasons in Major League Baseball from 1985 to 1996. He played for the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League and the Texas Rangers and...
was accused of making homophobic statements and gestures toward a group of men who attended the game. High-profile attorney Gloria Allred
Gloria Allred
Gloria Rachel Allred is an American lawyer noted for taking high-profile and often controversial cases, particulary those involving the protection of women's rights.-Early life:...
staged a press conference on April 27 to announce these allegations made by Justin Quinn of Fresno, California
Fresno, California
Fresno is a city in central California, United States, the county seat of Fresno County. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 510,365, making it the fifth largest city in California, the largest inland city in California, and the 34th largest in the nation...
. Quinn alleges McDowell made crude sexual gestures in the direction of three men during batting practice before the game started. In response to the allegations, McDowell stated that he is deeply sorry about his response to the fans in San Francisco, and apologized to everyone involved. On April 28, it was announced that the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
organization was conducting an investigation into the incident. In a statement, Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
commissioner Bud Selig
Bud Selig
Allan Huber "Bud" Selig is the ninth and current Commissioner of Major League Baseball, having served in that capacity since 1992 as the acting commissioner, and as the official commissioner since 1998...
said that he would take action when the results of the investigation were released.
On April 29, McDowell was placed on administrative leave until the investigation was complete. In response, the team named minor league pitching coordinator Dave Wallace
Dave Wallace (baseball)
David William Wallace was the interim pitching coach for the Atlanta Braves. He spent the majority of his career working for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets organizations.-Playing career:...
to serve as the pitching coach in the interim. On May 1, Major League Baseball levied a two week suspension against McDowell, retroactive to April 29. McDowell was required to attend sensitivity training and personally apologize to Quinn. In response, Braves president John Schuerholz
John Schuerholz
John Schuerholz is the President of the Atlanta Braves of the National League. Before joining Atlanta, he spent twenty-two years with the Kansas City Royals organization, including nine as the club's General Manager. Among the teams he has built are the 1985 Royals and 1995 Braves, both world...
said he agreed with MLB's discipline measures.
Derek Lowe DUI
Around ten in the evening of the scheduled off-day on April 28, Braves starting pitcher Derek LoweDerek Lowe
Derek Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. He throws and bats right-handed. He is 6'6" and 230 pounds.-Early years:...
was arrested in the Buckhead area of Atlanta and charged with a DUI
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence is the act of driving a motor vehicle with blood levels of alcohol in excess of a legal limit...
. The arresting officer, detecting a strong odor from Lowe's vehicle, gave Lowe a field sobriety test. He was subsequently taken to and booked in the Atlanta City Jail. Being released the following afternoon, Lowe said in a statement that he was truly sorry to his family, friends, teammates, fans, and the Braves organization and hoped that the matter would not distract the team.
Nearly a month later on May 26, Cory Yager, the attorney for Derek Lowe, confirmed that the DUI charges have been dropped. Yager cited the reason as a lack of evidence.
Roster
| 2011 Atlanta Braves | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders | Manager Coaches (coach) (bench) (first base) (hitting) (bullpen) (third base) |
||||||
Player stats
Stats complete through September 28, 2011* = Acquired Mid-Season
† = No Longer with Braves
Name = Player Qualifies for Batting Title (batters) or ERA Title (pitchers)
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; AVG = Batting average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In| Player | G | AB | R | H | AVG | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 9 | 0 | 3 | .333 | 0 | 0 | |
| * | 53 | 227 | 30 | 63 | .278 | 1 | 18 |
| 92 | 103 | 11 | 23 | .223 | 4 | 13 | |
| 42 | 109 | 21 | 33 | .303 | 2 | 10 | |
| * | 16 | 35 | 2 | 10 | .286 | 0 | 1 |
| 157 | 571 | 67 | 161 | .282 | 21 | 76 | |
| 149 | 564 | 59 | 136 | .241 | 15 | 56 | |
| 22 | 33 | 4 | 7 | .212 | 1 | 4 | |
| 128 | 396 | 50 | 90 | .227 | 14 | 42 | |
| 17 | 21 | 1 | 1 | .048 | 0 | 1 | |
| 117 | 236 | 24 | 55 | .233 | 10 | 28 | |
| 126 | 455 | 56 | 125 | .275 | 18 | 70 | |
| 22 | 44 | 3 | 6 | .136 | 0 | 3 | |
| 36 | 75 | 4 | 16 | .213 | 1 | 9 | |
| 128 | 466 | 51 | 126 | .270 | 24 | 71 | |
| 81 | 267 | 35 | 61 | .228 | 4 | 16 | |
| 129 | 551 | 66 | 143 | .260 | 13 | 57 | |
| 20 | 26 | 5 | 6 | .231 | 0 | 2 | |
| 9 | 4 | 2 | 2 | .500 | 0 | 0 | |
| 52 | 152 | 14 | 40 | .263 | 6 | 23 | |
| † | 52 | 196 | 32 | 47 | .240 | 1 | 7 |
| 161 | 600 | 88 | 140 | .233 | 36 | 82 | |
| * | 17 | 41 | 3 | 9 | .220 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | 48 | 4 | 10 | .208 | 0 | 1 |
Complete batting stats can be found here.
Pitching
Note: G = Games played; IP = Innings Pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned Run Average; SO= Strikeouts; WHIP = Walks and Hits Per Innings Pitched; HLD = HoldsStarting pitchers
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 141.2 | 7 | 3 | 3.68 | 169 | 1.21 | |
| 7 | 35.0 | 1 | 1 | 2.83 | 18 | 1.23 | |
| 22 | 130.0 | 11 | 7 | 3.60 | 142 | 1.17 | |
| 33 | 215.0 | 16 | 10 | 3.22 | 158 | 1.14 | |
| 23 | 152.0 | 13 | 6 | 2.96 | 90 | 1.22 | |
| 34 | 187.0 | 9 | 17 | 5.05 | 137 | 1.51 | |
| 15 | 82.2 | 5 | 3 | 4.14 | 77 | 1.49 | |
| 5 | 19.2 | 1 | 1 | 5.03 | 10 | 1.47 |
Relief pitchers
| Player | G | W | L | SV | HLD | IP | ERA | SO | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10.1 | 6.97 | 8 | 2.03 | |
| 18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 18.1 | 7.85 | 25 | 1.58 | |
| 79 | 4 | 3 | 46 | 0 | 77.0 | 2.10 | 127 | 1.04 | |
| 64 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 54.1 | 3.64 | 42 | 1.45 | |
| 46 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 77.2 | 3.36 | 58 | 0.97 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.1 | 0.00 | 2 | 0.43 | |
| 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8.1 | 3.24 | 10 | 1.80 | |
| 78 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 32 | 42.0 | 0.98 | 67 | 1.09 | |
| † | 31 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 29.1 | 6.44 | 18 | 1.70 |
| 51 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 36.0 | 3.00 | 38 | 1.25 | |
| 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 24.0 | 2.63 | 23 | 1.08 | |
| 85 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 35 | 88.0 | 1.84 | 96 | 1.09 | |
| 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 17.1 | 4.67 | 17 | 1.44 |
Complete pitching stats can be found here.