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The 1995 Braves associate their World Series win that year with one particular emotion: relief. But first came the pressure. Throughout that season, the Braves were defined as the team that always fell short. In the early 1990s, the Braves had lost in two World Series and one NLCS; in 1994, they were one of baseball’s best teams when a strike abruptly ended the season without a chance to make a run in the postseason. But in 1995, the Braves came back with a vengeance to bring the first sports championship to Atlanta.
The start of the 1995 season was marked by the 1994 MLB players’ strike that cancelled the previous season. (The dispute started after the players union voted against a salary cap that could limit their contracts.) Pitcher Tom Glavine was the union representative for the Braves.
Mark Wohlers, closer: Spring training just felt like there was an unspoken urgency. We had fallen short in the World Series in ’91 and ’92 and were eliminated early in ’93. Then, the strike happened in [August ’94]. We had the best pitching staff in baseball, and the way they went about their business made it feel like you could follow in their footsteps. It was like having Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan on your team.
Tom Glavine, starting pitcher: I actually didn’t feel any different than the years before. I always knew we had the team to win, but coming off the strike, we had a shortened spring training and needed to get ready quickly. At this point in the media though, we were the Buffalo Bills of baseball. People said we choke, so I felt more pressure. Fans were obviously frustrated, but so were we at that point. How many more opportunities are we going to get? Guys are getting older, teams change, and windows close. The pressure wasn’t that we had to win to get people off our backs, but more that we wanted it, bad.
John Smoltz, starting pitcher: We were coming off a strike, and I feel like people were offended by the things we wanted as players. Then you mix in the frustration of not winning yet. We had already proved we were good, but if you don’t win the whole thing, you’re seen as a failure. You couldn’t have a more perfect storm of pressure and noise around us. No one spoke about it, but that spring had this innate feeling to really want to accomplish something. Glavine probably had the most pressure with him being our union rep after the strike, and Bobby [Cox, then Braves manager] did too to get a championship.
Marquis Grissom, outfielder: After the strike, I got the call that I was traded to Atlanta, which was magical to play for my hometown team. I came home and started fishing every single day that offseason, just thinking and getting excited. All I could think about is that we had a chance to win the World Series. I just need to do my job as a leadoff hitter, play good defense, and we had a legitimate chance.
Leo Mazzone, pitching coach: Bobby and I tried to keep the mentality the same going into that spring. No added pressure, but this time we only had three weeks of spring. So instead of prepping the pitchers to go nine innings, I started them at six. As I remember it, we got out of the gate perfectly fine, but it took us a bit to get on a roll.
The 1995 Braves got off to a slow start by their standards and the high expectations. By the beginning of June, they were 20–17 and third in their division. A series at home against the Chicago Cubs shifted the tides.
Glavine: From my first outing that year, I had people getting on me, and yelling at me about the strike. I remember my first game at Fulton County Stadium that I pitched, there was a guy down there that was heckling me, calling me greedy. Then he went around and passed his hat to everybody in the stands, and they were putting quarters and dollar bills in there. He threw it at me down in the bullpen, which I thought was kind of funny, actually. That was the stuff I had to deal with in the beginning of the season, but it gives you tough skin.
Wohlers: I’d been groomed as a closer throughout the previous years and postseason, but I hadn’t proven to Bobby that I could be consistent enough and he could rely on me. I didn’t win the job out of camp, and I was really insecure. My first locker was by the coaches, and I always felt they were thinking about me, so I actually moved my locker next to [pitcher Greg] Maddux, which made me relax.
And when the opportunity came, I seized it. We were at home in June against Chicago, and they brought me in for the 8th inning to pitch, and I pitched well. I just assumed that Brad Clontz (the team’s then closer) was coming in for the 9th, but they sent me back out there. I had a successful 9th in a tight game, and I showed them I could finish games. Once I got in a groove and the bullpen was settled, it felt like the team hit a stride that lasted until the postseason.
Grissom: We took off in June, and we started having fun. I remember not losing a series from then before the All-Star break, and then not one after the break. In the late summer, I kind of tore my Achilles tendon, but I still thought I was the fastest guy on both teams even when I was hurt. Bobby gave me the option to sit out or keep playing, so I chose to keep having fun. I’m a player, and I wanted to be there for my teammates.
After winning the National League pennant at 90–54, the Braves played in the first NLDS against the Colorado Rockies. Today, the Braves would have had home-field advantage in the series, but in 1995, they started on the road in Colorado. It was the first year of the NLDS, which had a different format, and gave advantage to the Wild Card teams.
Mazzone: I thought, You got to be kidding me. We won the division, right? And now, we’re starting on the road in Colorado, where it is a pitcher’s nightmare. I thought if we can get through Colorado, we’re going to win this World Series. Back then, the Rockies had guys who could hit—the Blake Street Bombers—with Larry Walker, Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla. To be honest with you, that’s the only stress I ever felt that season.
Ryan Klesko, outfielder: No offense to Cleveland, but Colorado may have been our toughest matchup. The Rockies were absolutely scary, and they were killing us during the regular season. In Colorado, it’s cold, you can’t get a good grip on your breaking ball, and with the altitude, they made you pay.
Smoltz: In Game 1, we came back and went to extra innings, and Chipper [Jones] got this huge hit that won it. And then we came back again in Game 2, so we won both in Colorado to send the series back to Atlanta, [which] was huge. I remember I didn’t pitch a great Game 3, but we finished it in the fourth game.
Glavine: To go into Colorado, in that environment, pitch against that lineup, and win, it made us feel pretty good. At this point, we were thrown into the fire and battle-tested.
Photograph by Stephen Dunn / Staff / Getty Images
After taking down the Rockies in a 3–1 series, the Braves faced the contact and speed of the Cincinnati Reds in the NLCS.
Mazzone: Reporters were coming to me and asking me, “What are you going to do about Cincinnati’s team speed?” I said, “I’m aware of it.” They said, “Will you practice any pick off moves or timing plays?” I said, “No, not at all.” So they asked, “What are you going to do about the running game then?” I said, “I’ll go down to the bullpen and tell our pitchers to make sure there was no running game.” And we pretty much did that.
Klesko: At this point, we are winning, and people are getting excited. Ted Turner [then Braves owner] started to pop in and out of the clubhouse. He would land his helicopter on the back fields at Turner Field, and he’d walk through the clubhouse trying to fire us up. He’d say “Let’s go, boys. Let’s get ‘em. This is our time.”
The Braves swept the Reds in the NLCS and met Cleveland in the World Series. Atlanta’s infamous starting pitching had its greatest test yet, with the opponent boasting a lineup of some of the best hitters in the league—Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, Jim Thome, and more.
Mazzone: Finally, we get to Cleveland, and we look at the greatest lineup I’ve ever seen in my life. When people asked me how we approached that lineup, it’s really simple. From the first day of spring training to the Game 6 of the World Series, we played to our pitchers’ strengths. We attacked their lineup, and what we realized was that Kenny Lofton, who could get on base and steal, was the key to Cleveland’s offense. We just had to keep him off base.
Glavine: Greg pitched a phenomenal game in Game 1, gave us the lead, and I went out for Game 2. I still look back at that game and the little moments. One of the biggest plays of the series was from [Braves catcher] Javy Lopez. Manny Ramirez got on base very late in the game for Cleveland, and Javy back-picked Ramirez off first base. Those plays right there are what win a series, but people forget.
Photograph by Rick Stewart / Stringer / Getty Images
Smoltz: I was terrible in Game 3, and only lasted like two innings. I had this nerve and circulation problem that when it got cold, I couldn’t really grip the ball. So it was the worst feeling in the world to not be able to spin the ball in a crucial moment. It felt like pitching with a straight jacket, and I remember it so vividly. I lost Game 3, and I remember being so amped to get another opportunity to make up for it. I was ready for Game 7 if it came to that.
Klesko: Thome hit a home run against us, and he tossed his bat, which rolled almost into our dugout. I heard one of the vets, maybe DJ [David Justice] say, “The next guy who hits a home run better pimp the hell out of it, because that was bullshit.” Flipping your bat celebrating wasn’t normal back then.
I hit the next home run in Game 5, and I flipped my bat. It was my third home run in three games, so I was feeling it. And it turns out that I hit it directly to my mom. I only had one ticket in Cleveland. For that game, it went to my sister, and my mom was sitting in the outfield with the Cleveland fans. I hit the ball right to her: She jumped up to catch it, but a fan knocked it out of her hands and took it. We ended up finding the guy, and we gave him a signed Maddux ball to give the ball back to my mom. She was a single mom, who caught my bullpens and taught me the game of baseball. We lost, but it was so special for her to be part of that night on the biggest stage
Photograph by Rick Stewart/Getty Images
The Braves were up 3–2 going into Game 6, and the 1995 World Series is remembered most for that one game and the media swirl that took place beforehand. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a story that quoted Braves outfielder David Justice comparing the rowdiness of Cleveland fans to the complacency at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium. A rambunctious sell-out crowd showed up in response.
Mazzone: With all the talk before the game, Bobby was quick to shut it down. He protected the players from the media and didn’t want narratives before such a big game.
Grissom: I think the press got it all wrong. David didn’t mean disrespect to the fans. It was what it was. We had less fans at the game, and we wanted that support. Ultimately, it didn’t matter if it was 10,000 or 1000 out there: I’m playing my heart out and want to win. He spoke the truth of what he had seen, and I think the press got it twisted around and caused a ruckus for no reason.
Glavine: We had a chance to win in Game 5, and then there’s this media storm after. But I started to really embrace the idea that I was starting in Game 6 and could do something special. The day before the game, Greg and I were driving together to the stadium, and I turned to him and asked if he made any adjustments between his first and second games. Without missing a beat, he said, “Just go out and do your thing. If you pitched the same way you did in Game 2, you’ll be fine.” It’s tempting to switch up the game plan, but Greg relaxed me a bit. It eliminated the noise, the doubts, and I could do my thing.
I still think about warming up for that game because it was phenomenal. It was probably the best bullpen I had ever thrown. Luckily, I brought it out onto the mound, and I had a crisp 1st inning that made me feel like I could do this.
Mazzone: Glavine was incredible, but we couldn’t score. After the 5th inning, he came back into the dugout and said to his teammates, “Somebody score a run because they’re not.”
Grissom: Everything that happened in the media motivated us, the fans, and David. He hit a home run in the 6th inning to finally put us up 1–0. I remember fans booed him the first time he batted. It was all cheers after he hit it.
Glavine: I started to get tired in the 8th inning, and I got away with a couple pitches. I hung a ball to Thome, and he almost hit a home run off of me. So I walked back into the dugout, and didn’t feel the same confidence as I felt in the 1st inning. As much as I wanted to be out there and be that guy that finishes it, I didn’t want to let something personal get in the way of team success.
Mazzone: Tommy came into the dugout after the 8th inning, and said he was done. He looked physically and mentally shot from everything he had put into that game. But you know Tommy and I have had conversations since we retired about this. He had only given up one hit that game, and I’ve asked him if he would have stayed in the game if he was on a no hitter. He said, “Of course, I would have gone for it.”
Wohlers: When the phone rang in the bullpen, I was ready. Bobby had put me in those positions all regular season long. And I had the confidence that when I got out there, I was going to do the job.
The leadoff hitter was Kenny Lofton, and keeping him off base was huge. I threw a pitch, probably a ball, but he swung and popped it up. Rafael Belliard made a long running catch in foul territory that looked routine but I thought it was amazing. Paul Sorrento was the second hitter, and I got him to fly out on an off speed pitch to center. And then, Carlos Baerga was last. I wanted to start him off with a good hard fastball away so that he’d be behind if he swung, and he did. I knew as soon as it left the bat that Marquis was going to catch it.
Grissom: I remember standing in the outfield, and thinking about how I’m here, you know. I am one out from winning a World Series in the place I grew up. I figured Carlos would be aggressive, so I shaded a bit to the opposite field knowing Mark might start him off with a fastball. Then this ball is hit, and everything goes in slow motion. I knew I could catch it, but I didn’t realize how far I actually ran to get it. I was caught up in the matrix, and remember the feeling of clenching my fist around the ball in the glove.
Photograph by Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
Glavine: I remember that last ball was hit, and Marquis ran the ball down to catch it, which I’m sure happened in an instant, but for me, time slowed down, I saw everything that happened before—all the disappointments of ‘91, ‘92, ‘93, all the failures—and next thing I know I’m on the mound in a dog pile with this relief that we got the monkey off our back. It was like a near death experience.
Wohlers: I went totally blank. Javy Lopez comes running at me, and I’m in a dog pile. I was so full of adrenaline I didn’t even feel the weight of all the guys on top. Relief, excitement, satisfaction all come rushing into you, and suddenly you can’t feel anything else but that.
Grissom: Back in the 3rd or 4th inning of that game, Faith, who was a security guard I had a friendship with, told me to give her the ball when I caught the final out. I laughed at the time, of course, but she predicted that I would catch that last out. So after the dog pile, I flipped her the ball. She deserved it.
On October 30, 1995, the Braves held their World Series victory parade. An estimated 500,000 people lined a route that went through downtown Atlanta. Players, coaches, and ownership celebrated on top of fire engines.
Photograph by Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
Smoltz: We were a city that had zero championships. The Atlanta Braves were the doormat of the MLB for years, so to be on top, in this city, it was so freeing. I remember after Game 6 we didn’t know what to do with ourselves. We were just waiting for the parade, and the day before Greg and I went bowling. I think I just called him up and asked him if he was busy. He bowled maybe the greatest game I’ve ever seen, like a 275. This huge crowd was gathering to watch us. Greg bowled strike after strike, and he didn’t even have his fingers in the holes. It was unbelievable.
Klesko: I drove my Harley to the parade, and two miles from the stadium it ran out of gas. This Georgia Patrol guy pulls up next to me, and he says, “Don’t you have a parade to be at?” He drove me to the gas station. I finally made it, and everyone was waiting on me.
Glavine: Seeing the crowds in the parade, I felt I could see the same relief on their faces that we were feeling. It was something to be in Atlanta and experience the first party of being a world champion.
Marquis: It doesn’t get better than seeing your family and friends on the street celebrating like that. It’s a magical moment. I always wanted that experience again. Unfortunately we didn’t get the chance, but at least I got that one opportunity to get a parade for the city, from the city. That’s the top right there. And in the offseason, I was filled with so much excitement to do it all again that I needed to relax, so I got back to fishing.
This year, the Braves celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the World Series win with another parade through The Battery and onto the field at Truist Park.
Klesko: It stands out because it was a unique experience that I, and most of the guys, only got once. Your career is not about the numbers, but about the memories you make and the camaraderie you have with teammates. A lot of Hall of Famers never made it to the World Series, and I think they would trade that for a World Series ring.
Mazzone: I’m most proud of 1995 and our pitching staff. I keep my uniform and World Series ring under glass, and I have the DVDs of all the games from ‘95. Just last week, I watched Maddux versus Orel Hershiser in Game 5 of the World Series. What control they both had.
Glavine: I’ve got a ticket and a few articles from Game 6 that I keep in a little area in my house that remind me of it. That was easily the best game I ever pitched. There’s a couple games close on a technical level, but I was as close to perfection as I could ever want under those circumstances. It will always be the best game I pitched in my life. Timing is everything.
Grissom: The Game 6 ball has found its way back to me actually. Faith sent the Game 6 ball to her son when he was deployed in Iraq as a good luck charm. Years go by, he’s come home from Iraq, and he brought the ball back to her. Over the last three decades, she offered it to me several times. And then her family ran into some health issues in 2016. She wanted to move her dad back to Atlanta from New Jersey and needed cash. So she offered it back to me, for free initially, but I wanted to give her something for it. We were able to move her dad back home, and the ball is back in my hands again.
