Bob Hope talks about the 1969 division-winning Atlanta Braves

Bill Shanks visits with Bob Hope, a former Braves executive, about the Braves winning the division in 1969.

It was only the Braves fourth season in Atlanta. The first three seasons were about as mediocre as a team can be, as the Braves had a 85-77 record in the first season, a 77-85 record in 1967 and then an 81-81 mark in 1968.

So, with a 243-243 record in the first three seasons, the expectations were a big higher entering 1969. The team had traded starting catcher Joe Torre during spring training for future Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda to play first base and add more punch to the lineup.

Divisional play started that season, and the Braves won the National League West by three games over the Giants. Hank Aaron had a big season, hitting 44 home runs and driving in 97. Cepeda hit 22 home runs with 88 runs batted in, while Rico Carty (16 home runs) and Clete Boyer (14 home runs) were additional big bats.

The pitching was led by Phil Niekro, who was in his third season as a member of the rotation. Ron Reed (18-10, 3.47 ERA), Pat Jarvis (13-11, 4.43 ERA), George Stone (13-10, 3.65) and Milt Pappas (6-10, 3.63 ERA) rounded out the rotation.

Cecil Upshaw had 27 saves to lead the bullpen, while Paul Doyle was the main left-handed reliever.

The Braves were swept in the playoffs by the New York Mets, but it was the first experience fans in Atlanta had with winning baseball.

Former Braves executive Bob Hope talks about how exciting the 1969 season was for the Braves in Atlanta.

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