Who is the AAA Team for the Atlanta Braves?
The Atlanta Braves are a Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are members of the National League East division. As part of the MLB system, each team is affiliated with a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team, known as their Triple-A (AAA) team. The Braves’ AAA team is the Gwinnett Stripers, also based in Georgia. In this article, we will explore who the Gwinnett Stripers are, as well as the history and benefits of the affiliation between the Atlanta Braves and the Gwinnett Stripers.
Who Are the Gwinnett Stripers?
The Gwinnett Stripers are a Minor League Baseball team based in Lawrenceville, Georgia. They play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The Stripers were formerly known as the Gwinnett Braves, but changed their name in 2017 when they switched their affiliation from the Atlanta Braves to the New York Yankees. After two seasons with the Yankees, the Stripers returned to the Braves’ organization in 2021.
The Stripers play their home games at Coolray Field, a 10,000-seat, state-of-the-art stadium located in Lawrenceville. The team is managed by Dave Brundage and coached by pitching coach Mike Maroth, hitting coach Randy Ready, and bench coach Mike Mordecai.
History of the Gwinnett Stripers
The Stripers have a long history in the Atlanta area. The team was founded in 1966 as the Richmond Braves, and were members of the International League until 1972. From 1972 to 2008, the team was based in Greenville, South Carolina and known as the Greenville Braves. In 2008, the team moved to suburban Atlanta and became the Gwinnett Braves. They changed their name to the Gwinnett Stripers in 2017, and returned to the Atlanta Braves in 2021.
Benefits of the Affiliation
The affiliation between the Atlanta Braves and the Gwinnett Stripers is beneficial for both teams. For the Stripers, it provides access to the Braves’ player development system and resources. This allows the Stripers to acquire and develop young talent, while providing the Braves with a ready pool of potential Major League players.
For the Braves, the affiliation provides a place to send their players for additional training and development. It also gives them an opportunity to evaluate players and determine which ones are ready to make the jump to the Major Leagues. Additionally, the Stripers’ home games provide the Braves with a convenient and accessible place to watch their prospects in action.
Major League Players Developed by the Gwinnett Stripers
Since their inception in 1966, the Gwinnett Stripers have developed many successful Major League Baseball players. Some of the more notable players include:
- John Smoltz – Former All-Star and Cy Young award winner. He is the only pitcher in MLB history to win 20 or more games in a season for five consecutive years.
- Tom Glavine – Former All-Star and two-time Cy Young award winner. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Chipper Jones – Former All-Star and National League MVP. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Andrelton Simmons – Two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove award winner.
- Craig Kimbrel – Four-time All-Star and seven-time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award winner.
- Freddie Freeman – Four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger award winner.
Gwinnett Stripers’ Affiliation with the Atlanta Braves
The Gwinnett Stripers’ affiliation with the Atlanta Braves began in 2021, after two seasons with the New York Yankees. The Stripers are now the Triple-A affiliate for the Braves, and will serve as their primary development team for the foreseeable future. The agreement between the two teams includes a two-year Player Development Contract (PDC) and a four-year stadium lease agreement.
The PDC gives the Braves exclusive rights to the Stripers’ players and personnel, and allows the Braves to send players to the Stripers for additional development and evaluation. The stadium lease agreement ensures that the Stripers will remain in Lawrenceville for the next four years, and allows the Braves to use Coolray Field for player development and scouting purposes.
Gwinnett Stripers’ Impact on the Atlanta Braves
The Gwinnett Stripers’ affiliation with the Atlanta Braves has had a positive impact on the Braves’ organization. The Stripers provide the Braves with a convenient and accessible place to evaluate their prospects, while also giving them access to the Stripers’ player development system and resources.
The Stripers’ affiliation with the Braves has also had a positive impact on the City of Lawrenceville. The Stripers are a popular local team, and their games provide a boost to the city’s economy. Additionally, the Stripers’ partnership with the Braves has brought a renewed sense of excitement to the city, as the Braves’ games are now just a short drive away.
Gwinnett Stripers’ Record and Championships
The Gwinnett Stripers have a winning record, with four International League championships, one in 1978 and three in the 2000s. They have also qualified for the playoffs numerous times, most recently in 2019.
Conclusion
The Gwinnett Stripers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and have been since 2021. The affiliation between the two teams provides benefits for both the Stripers, who gain access to the Braves’ player development system and resources, and the Braves, who gain an easily accessible place to evaluate their prospects and develop their young talent.
The Stripers have a long history in the Atlanta area, and have developed many successful Major League players. The Stripers’ affiliation with the Braves has had a positive impact on both the team and the City of Lawrenceville, and the Stripers’ record and championships speak to their success.