RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Eddie Mathews, a legendary figure in the annals of Major League Baseball, is often remembered for his powerful left-handed swing and his role as a cornerstone of the Milwaukee Braves. Born on October 13, 1931, in Texarkana, Texas, Mathews grew up in Santa Barbara, California, where he honed his skills on the baseball diamond. His talent was evident
The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game Double Header. The first game of 1959 was held at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The second game would be played a month later in Los Angeles. The experiment of two All-Star Games continued for four seasons; the league returned to just one annual game in 1963. In this first game of 1959, the American League started the 39 year old veteran Early Wynn while the National League went with 22 year old Don Drysdale.
The Milwaukee Braves of the 1950s were one of the National League’s most formidable and...
1963 - Baseball Clip - 1950s Braves Milwaukee Braves - Highlights / The Milwaukee Braves of the 1950s were one of the National League’s most formidable and exciting teams, known for their powerful lineup, dominant pitching, and passionate fan base. After relocating from Boston to Milwaukee in 1953, the franchise quickly became a central force in the leagueThe move sparked a surge in attendance, with fans packing County Stadium and giving the team one of the most loyal followings in baseball at the time.
Led by a core of future Hall of Famers—Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn—the Braves combined offensive firepower with a reliable pitching staff. Aaron and Mathews consistently ranked among the league leaders in home runs and RBIs, while Spahn remained a workhorse on the mound, racking up wins well into his late 30s.
The peak of the decade came in 1957, when the Braves won the World Series, defeating the New York Yankees in seven games. They returned to the Fall Classic in 1958 but fell short in a rematch with the Yankees. Throughout the decade, the Braves remained contenders, often finishing near the top of the standings and challenging the National League’s elite.
By the end of the 1950s, the team was still strong but beginning to show signs of transition. While the stars remained productive, questions about long-term depth and rising competition foreshadowed the shifts that would define the 1960s. Still, the 1950s Braves left an enduring mark as one of the decade's most respected and balanced clubs.