In 2004, a group of rookies burst onto the baseball scene and shocked the world with their talent. This group of players, who came to be known as the “Baby Braves”, brought a new energy to the game and showed that the future of baseball was in good hands.
Now, it’s been 15 years since that group of players first graced the diamond, and many of them are still going strong. While some have retired, others have moved on to different teams, and a few have even taken on coaching roles. But one thing remains the same: these players are still the future of baseball.
In this post, we’ll take a look back at the Baby Braves of 2004 and see what they’re up to now. We’ll also take a closer look at their careers and see how they’ve progressed over the years. So, without further ado, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the Baby Braves of 2004.
The Atlanta Braves were in the midst of a rebuild in 2004, and their rookie class reflected that. The group was headlined by future superstar outfielder Jason Heyward, who was drafted out of high school with the 14th overall pick. Heyward was joined by first baseman Freddie Freeman (32nd overall), third baseman Chipper Jones (1st overall), and pitcher Craig Kimbrel (3rd round).
Other members of the rookie class included outfielders Jordan Schafer and Nate McLouth, infielder Martin Prado, and pitchers Kris Medlen and Mike Minor.
The 2004 rookie class was one of the best in baseball history
The 2004 rookie class was one of the best in baseball history, and they quickly made an impact on the game. Heyward, Freeman, and Jones all made their debut in April of 2004, and they didn’t disappoint. Heyward hit a home run in his first at-bat, Freeman went 5 for 5 in his first game, and Jones hit a grand slam in his first start.
Many of these players have gone on to become some of the biggest stars in the game
Heyward is a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, Freeman is a three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, and Kimbrel is a six-time All-Star and two-time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
These players have also had a major impact on the Braves franchise. Heyward, Freeman, and Jones were all key members of the Braves teams that won division titles in 2010, 2013, and 2014. Kimbrel was a key member of the bullpen during those years, and Medlen and Minor were key starters on the pitching staff.
The Baby Braves have grown up, but they’re still the future of baseball
The Baby Braves of 2004 may have grown up, but they’re still the future of baseball. Many of them are still playing in the majors, and they’ve continued to make an impact on the game.
2004 mlb rookies
The Baby Braves got off to a slow start, but they soon caught fire and ended up winning the National League East division. They were eventually eliminated in the playoffs by the St. Louis Cardinals, but they still made history as the youngest team ever to make it to the postseason.
Now, 15 years later, many of the Baby Braves are still playing in the majors. Jason Heyward is now a two-time World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs, Freddie Freeman is an All-Star first baseman for the Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones is a Hall of Famer, and Craig Kimbrel is one of the most dominant closers in baseball.
Others have retired or moved on to other teams, but the Baby Braves of 2004 have left a lasting impression on baseball. They proved that the future of the game is in good hands, and they continue to be a model for up to youngsters. We can only imagine what the next 15 years will hold for them.
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