That doesn't mean collectors can't pick up more affordable Atlanta Brave rookie cards. Below is a list of the first-year issues for some of the franchise's biggest superstars.
Phil Niekro 1964 Topps Rookie
Image via PSAPhil Niekro had an incredibly long career, spending 25 years in the big leagues and 21 of those years were as a member of the Braves. Thanks to his ability to throw a top-shelf knuckleball, Niekro was incredibly durable and always up to take the mound. He led the league in innings pitched from 1977-1979.
Niekro had several other achievements over the course of his career including making the All-Star team 5 times and winning 5 Gold Glove Awards. Niekro would win 318 games over the course of his career and make the Hall of Fame in 1987. His 1964 Topps rookie card sells for around $400 in a PSA 8.
Dale Murphy 1977 Topps
Image via PWCCThe Braves have been one of the more successful MLB teams over the last 30 seasons, but that hasn't always been the case. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the team was quite bad. The one saving grace during that era, though, was Dale Murphy, their all-world outfielder.
Murphy was a superstar for the Braves, winning back-to-back MVP Awards during the 1982 and 1983 seasons. He also made 7 All-Star games and won 5 Gold Gloves. While not a Hall of Famer, Murphy finished his career about as close as you can get. His 1978 Topps rookie card sells for around $400 in a PSA 9.
Greg Maddux 1987 Leaf
Image via PSAGreg Maddux didn't start his career with the Braves, he started his career with the Cubs and even won a Cy Young Award in Chicago. He signed with the Braves in 1993 and would spend 11 years with the club. During those 11 years, Maddux would win 3 more Cy Young Awards and make 6 All-Star teams.
By the time he was eligible, Maddux was easily voted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 2014. He, of course, wears a Braves hat on his plaque in Cooperstown. Maddux's most popular rookie card is the Leaf version of his 1987 Donruss rookie card. The issue sells for a little under $100 in a PSA 9 but for more than $1,000 in a PSA 10.
Chipper Jones 1991 Topps Desert Shield Variant
Image via PSAThe Braves of the 1990s featured John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. There were several offensive players who took care of business, but no one more than Chipper Jones. Drafted 1st overall in 1990, the soon-to-be 3rd baseman would most quickly through the system.
Jones, who spent his entire career in Atlanta, would make 8 All-Star teams and win the National League MVP Award in 1999. When he was first eligible in 2018, Jones was elected to the Hall of Fame with 97% of the vote. His rarest rookie card is the Desert Shield variety of his Topps rookie card. Due to rarity, the card sells for around $2,000 in PSA 9 condition.
Andruw Jones 1995 Bowman's Best Blue
Image via PSAAndruw Jones didn't need much seasoning in the minor leagues. The Braves called him up in 1996 when he was only 19 years of age. The outfielder blazed onto the national scene during that year's World Series when he hit two home runs in the first game.
Jones was both a power hitter and a spectacular defender who won 10 Gold Glove awards and made 5 All-Star teams. A borderline Hall of Famer, the outfielder finished his career with 434 homers. His best rookie card comes in the 1995 Bowman's Best set and sells for around $300 in Gem Mint 10 condition.
