1985 Atlanta Braves

1985 Atlanta Braves / Franchise: Atlanta Braves / BR Team Page

Record: 66-96, Finished 5th in NL Western Division (1985 NL)

General Manager:John Mullen (To Oct. 23) Bobby Cox (Since Oct. 23rd)

Managed by Eddie Haas (50-71) and Bobby Wine (16-25)

Coaches: Bobby Dews, Clarence Jones, Leo Mazzone, Johnny Sain, Brian Snitker and Bobby Wine

Ballpark: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium

History, Comments, Contributions

The 1985 Atlanta Braves were a poor team, using two managers, Eddie Haas and Bobby Wine, and replacing their general manager (John Mullen) in October (by Bobby Cox). Dale Murphy led the offense with 37 home runs, 111 RBI, 118 runs scored and a .300/.388/.539 slash line, while Bob Horner contributed 27 more dingers. With little speed on the base paths, the team's stolen base leader was Claudell Washington, with just 14. Hitting .302 in a reserve role, Milt Thompson was a secret weapon off the bench. It was a bad year to have one of the best seasons of one's career, but that's what happened to Rick Mahler, who went 17-15 with a 3.48 ERA in a league-leading 39 starts. The other starters' records more accurately depicted the team's success -- or lack thereof -- in 1985, however: Steve Bedrosian was 7-15, Pascual Perez was 1-13 and Len Barker was 2-9. In his second poor year in three seasons, future Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter had a 4.48 ERA in 58 games, saving 23. Terry Forster was among the bullpen's best, posting a 2.28 mark in 46 appearances. At 21, Andres Thomas was the team's youngest player. 37-year-old Gene Garber was its oldest.

Awards and Honors

• All-Star: Dale Murphy
• NL Gold Glove: Dale Murphy (OF)
• NL Silver Slugger Award: Dale Murphy (OF)

Further Reading

• Murray Chass: "COX GETS RECORD CONTRACT FROM BRAVES", New York Times, October 23, 1985