Atlanta Braves: Breaking the Curse
For over two decades, the Atlanta Braves franchise was cursed. After winning the World Series in 1995, the team had gone over 20 years without a postseason win. Many fans believed that the Braves’ championship window had closed, with no signs of it reopening. However, in 2020 the Braves finally broke the curse, clinching the National League East division title and advancing to the playoffs.
The Curse Begins
The Atlanta Braves’ curse began in 1996, the year after their World Series win. After winning the division in 1995, the Braves were unable to replicate the same success in 1996. They finished the season in second place in the National League East and were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round.
The Braves were unable to build on their success in the 1997 season, finishing with a losing record and missing the playoffs. This would be the start of an unfortunate streak for the franchise, with the Braves failing to make the playoffs in any of the next 19 seasons.
The Curse Continues
The Braves were unable to make the playoffs in any of the following 19 seasons, despite having some success in the regular season. In each of those seasons, the Braves finished with a winning record and were in contention for the postseason. However, they were unable to break through the curse and make the playoffs.
The Braves’ inability to make the playoffs during this period was due to a number of factors. Perhaps the most significant was the fact that the Braves faced strong competition in the National League East. During this period, the division was dominated by teams such as the Phillies, Mets and Marlins, who were all able to make the playoffs and compete for championships.
The Curse is Broken
In 2020, the Braves finally broke the curse and clinched the division title for the first time since 2005. The Braves finished the regular season with a record of 35-25 and clinched the division title with a win against the Philadelphia Phillies.
This win marked the end of the Braves’ curse and the start of a new era for the franchise. With the division title, the Braves advanced to the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years.
The Keys to Success
The Braves’ success in 2020 was due to a number of factors. The most significant was the team’s ability to stay healthy throughout the season. The Braves had a relatively healthy roster in 2020, with key players such as Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies avoiding major injuries.
The Braves also had a strong pitching staff in 2020, with Max Fried, Mike Soroka, Ian Anderson, and Josh Tomlin all having strong seasons. The Braves’ pitching staff was one of the best in the league and played a major role in the team’s success.
Additionally, the Braves had a strong offense in 2020, led by the likes of Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuña Jr. The Braves finished the season with the third most runs scored in the league and were able to put up runs in critical situations.
The Future is Bright
The Braves’ success in 2020 has given them a solid foundation to build on in the future. The team has a young core of players, led by Ronald Acuña Jr., Max Fried, and Mike Soroka, who are all under the age of 25. The Braves also have one of the best farm systems in baseball and have committed to building through the draft.
The Braves have also made a number of significant signings in recent years, adding veterans such as Marcell Ozuna, Cole Hamels, and Josh Donaldson to the roster. These moves have made the Braves a much more competitive team and have given them the depth they need to succeed in the postseason.
The Championship Window is Open
The Braves’ success in 2020 has opened the championship window for the team. With a young core and a strong supporting cast, the Braves are well positioned for success in the future. The team has the talent and depth needed to compete for championships and the Braves are now expected to make deep runs in the postseason.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Braves’ curse has finally been broken. After over two decades of playoff disappointment, the Braves finally clinched the National League East division title in 2020 and advanced to the playoffs. The Braves’ success was due to a number of factors, including a strong pitching staff, a healthy roster, and a deep lineup.
The Braves are now in a position to compete for championships in the future. With a young core and a deep roster, the Braves are expected to make deep runs in the postseason. The championship window is now open for the Braves and the future looks bright for the franchise.
Key Takeaways
- The Curse – The Atlanta Braves went over 20 years without making the playoffs after winning the World Series in 1995.
- The Keys to Success – The Braves’ success in 2020 was due to a number of factors, including a strong pitching staff, a healthy roster, and a deep lineup.
- The Future is Bright – The Braves have a young core and a deep roster, and are now expected to make deep runs in the postseason.