October 28

Ted Turner called them “America’s Team,” but for most of their time in Atlanta they were lovable losers.

The Braves played their first Atlanta season in 1966. In 25 years, they made the playoffs twice.

There were a few highlights, some great players, like Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, and Phil Niekro, but the Braves lost more games than any other Major League franchise between 1966 and 1990.

That all changed in 1991. General manager John Schuerholz and manager Bobby Cox joined the team and the Braves began one of the most remarkable runs in American sports history.

Behind the pitching trio of Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux, and hitters David Justice and Chipper Jones, the Braves won 14 consecutive division titles and five National League pennants.

Then in 1995 — their 30th season in Atlanta — announcer Skip Carey couldn’t stop saying,” Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!”

The Braves beat the Cleveland Indians and won the World Series.

It was the first time any Georgia sports franchise took a major world championship. The team went worst to first on October 28, 1995, Today in Georgia History.