It Started in 1991

A sports dynasty is a team that dominates their sport or league for multiple seasons or years. The New York Yankees have won many titles in the 90's. But this article is not about them, it's about one team did something amazing. We are talking about a team that won 14 straight division pennants. A team that ended last in their league from 1988 to 1990. A team known for losing., with their own national cable station, that's right the Atlanta Braves led by players name Bream, Gant, Justice, Smith, Pendleton, Nixon and a pitching staff that was young and unhittable. The Braves were the first team to go from last to first since 1890 Louisville Colonels of the American Association (Minnesota Twins joined the Braves in 1991). As a kid growing up I got to experience this team. I have been watching Braves baseball since Dale Murphy was a hero in Atlanta. To some thats not very long ago to others they never saw Murphy play. But many saw the Braves play from 1991 to 2005 (1994 season was cancelled due to players strike), now that was a dynasty. Players came and players went but the winning continued in Atlanta. They became America's team, people from North Dakota to Maine watch the Braves on T.V. No other team had that benefit. Whats amazing about this team was that no one saw this coming. In 1991 they surprised the world, they where blue collar players on this team. Led by skipper Bobby Cox, who never hid his emotion.
Who can forget on August 21, 1991 with the Braves trailing the Cinncinnati Reds 9-6 in the ninth, little used backup catcher Francisco Cabrera's three run shot off Ron Dibble to tie the game, which the Braves won in the 13th inning. Players say, that moment defied their season, after that blast, they ended the season 29-12 and won the division by one game over the Los Angeles Dodgers. They defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games in the NLCS, but were defeated by the Minnesota Twins in an epic 7 game series that went to extra innings in game 7. To this day many say that was the greats World Series ever. Pitching was the teams strength led by Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smotlz together they won six Cy Young Award and Hitters like Chipper Jones, Ron Gant, David justice. But the biggest reason for the Braves success was when they lured GM John Schuerholz away from the Kansas City Royals. He built this dynasty making all the right trades and signing key free agents. Signing Chipper Jones number one overall in 1991 draft. Keeping the nucleus of this team together for years.
This is a feat that will never be duplicated, yes they only won one world series, but 14 straight pennants. True the New York Yankees will always be able to sign the top free agents. but that doesn't guarantee wins, as proven in the last 5 years, and in this day and age it is very hard to keep the same team intact for years. The Braves were a team of destiny.
2009 the Braves are in a pennant chase with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Florida Marlins. It has been 4 years since the last division win, the players of new know this. They have a chip on their shoulder and a never give up attitude. One thing this team doesn't lack is toughness. They are built the same as the old Braves with strong pitching and timely hitting i wouldn't be surprise if this team makes a run in the near future. I may not be a Braves fan but I can see this team on the up and up. So people in Atlanta get those tomahawks chopping the Braves are back in town ,root for your team, and lets see if destiny repeats itself.