Behind the Braves

It's time for another edition of the Braves Historian Tour on Behind the Braves! Braves Historian Sam Wallace joins the show to go position by position and reveal who he believes is the greatest defensive player in Braves history at each position on the field. From legends of the past to modern stars, Sam shares the stories and reasoning behind each selection. Want to learn even more about Braves history? Book a tour at Braves.com/tours. Follow Sam Wallace on X: @BravesHistorian and on Instagram: @braveshistorian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎸🤠 Braves Country Fest is almost here! On this episode of Behind the Braves, host Ricky Mast is joined by Braves In-Game Host Mark Owens and Braves Senior Coordinator of Digital Marketing Victoria Rossman to preview one of the biggest summer events at Truist Park. The trio breaks down the star-studded Braves Country Fest lineup featuring Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, ERNEST, Mackenzie Carpenter and the artists performing on the Whiskey Jam Stage. They also share their favorite country artists, discuss live music memories, and offer some "dad advice" for surviving an all-day music festival. If you're headed to Braves Country Fest on June 13, this episode will get you ready for a full day of music, fun and memories in The Battery Atlanta. 🎤 Featured Artists: • Cody Johnson • Ella Langley • ERNEST • Mackenzie Carpenter • Scoot Teasley • Zach John King • Colton Bowlin 📍 Braves Country Fest 🗓 June 13 🏟 Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta 🤠 Braves.com/bcf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Behind the Braves, host Ricky Mast sits down with Atlanta Braves pitching coach Jeremy Hefner for an in-depth conversation about his baseball journey, coaching philosophy, and what makes the Braves pitching staff so successful. Hefner shares stories from growing up in Oklahoma, falling in love with baseball while watching the Braves on TV, and his path from lightly recruited high school pitcher to Major League Baseball. He opens up about getting called up to the big leagues with the New York Mets, battling injuries that ended his playing career, and how he unexpectedly found his way into coaching. Jeremy also discusses what drew him to Atlanta, working alongside manager Walt Weiss, and the day-to-day life of a big-league pitching coach. Plus, he gives fascinating insight into the development of Braves starter Bryce Elder and explains how communication, trust, and relationships are at the center of his coaching style. You’ll also hear Jeremy talk about: -His favorite players growing up, including Ken Griffey Jr. -The surreal story of being recruited in a McDonald’s parking lot -Transitioning from player to coach-Balancing analytics with personal connection -His music taste ranging from grunge and nu metal to country and Christian music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg McMichael joins host Ricky Mast on this episode of Behind the Braves to reflect on the lives and legacies of two towering figures in Braves history: legendary manager Bobby Cox and longtime Braves owner Ted Turner.McMichael shares personal memories from his playing days under Cox during the Braves’ dynasty years, including stories from spring training, Bobby’s loyalty to his players, his unforgettable arguments with umpires, and the leadership style that made players feel like family. He also discusses Turner’s vision for transforming the Braves into “America’s Team” through TBS, his competitive spirit, and the larger-than-life personality that shaped generations of Braves fans across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step back into one of the most colorful—and unconventional—chapters in Braves history. In this installment of Behind the Braves: Historian Tour, team historian Sam Wallace joins the show to unpack the story behind the infamous 1976 “nickname” jerseys—an experiment that saw players swap their last names for nicknames on the backs of their uniforms. Wallace dives into how the idea came to life under new owner Ted Turner, whose bold, outside-the-box approach brought a wave of attention-grabbing (and sometimes head-scratching) promotional stunts to Atlanta. From the inspiration behind the jerseys to why the concept was so short-lived, this episode explores the intersection of baseball, marketing, and personality during a transformative era for the franchise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Behind the Braves, Ricky Mast sits down for a wide-ranging conversation with his boss, Greg Mize, Vice President of Marketing & Innovation for the Atlanta Braves. Greg shares his journey from his early roots and upbringing to his college experience, and he walks through his career path in sports—detailing how he got his start, the key stops along the way, and what ultimately led him to Atlanta and a leadership role with the Braves. The conversation then dives into two of the most exciting recent developments in the organization. Greg gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and launch of BravesVision, the Braves’ new television network, including the vision behind it, and the challenges of building it from the ground up. He also discusses the debut of the Braves’ new City Connect uniforms—breaking down the inspiration, storytelling, and fan impact behind the design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of our Historian Tour series, Braves Historian Sam Wallace takes us on a journey through every home ballpark in the history of the Braves! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler Reddick joins the show to discuss winning the 2026 Daytona 500, his family connection to baseball (his late father-in-law Jose DeLeon was a pitcher in Major League Baseball for 13 seasons), what it's like having Michael Jordan as his boss, and plays a fun game of “Baseball player or NASCAR driver?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime Braves In-Game Host Mark Owens is returning to Truist Park in 2026! On this episode of Behind the Braves, Mark talks about his excitement to be back at the ballpark this season and recalls some of his favorite memories over the years as Braves In-Game Host. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another season of Behind the Braves! In this episode, we’re launching a new series: Historian Tour. Braves Historian Sam Wallace will join us for a monthly sit-down recapping iconic moments in Braves history. Let’s begin by taking it back sixty years to the Braves arriving in Atlanta.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, listeners are given exclusive access to some bonus interview clips from the “FINALLY! The ’95 Braves” docu-series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricky takes listeners behind the scenes to discuss the making of “FINALLY! The ’95 Braves presented by Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos” including the backstory, the process and some interesting moments during the production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 28, 1995, the Atlanta Braves brought home the first major professional sports championship to the City of Atlanta.  “FINALLY! The ’95 Braves” presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casinos tells the story of that historic season through the memories of 20 players and personnel from the 1995 Atlanta Braves, including Baseball Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Fred McGriff, as well as Braves Hall of Famers David Justice, Javy Lopez and Leo Mazzone.Part 2 gives an in-depth look at the key moments and games of the 1995 National League Division Series vs. the Colorado Rockies and the 1995 National League Championship Series vs. the Cincinnati Reds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 28, 1995, the Atlanta Braves brought home the first major professional sports championship to the City of Atlanta.  “FINALLY! The ’95 Braves” presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casinos tells the story of that historic season through the memories of 20 players and personnel from the 1995 Atlanta Braves, including Baseball Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Fred McGriff, as well as Braves Hall of Famers David Justice, Javy Lopez and Leo Mazzone.Part 1 examines the pressure that had been building since the Braves’ arrival to Atlanta in 1966 for the team to win a World Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 28, 1995, the Atlanta Braves brought home the first major professional sports championship to the City of Atlanta.  “FINALLY! The ’95 Braves” presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casinos tells the story of that historic season through the memories of 20 players and personnel from the 1995 Atlanta Braves, including Baseball Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Fred McGriff, as well as Braves Hall of Famers David Justice, Javy Lopez and Leo Mazzone.Part 3 takes listeners on a journey through the entire 1995 World Series and the celebration that followed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our 2025 NL Rookie of the Year, Drake Baldwin, joins us for this week’s episode! Hear all about Drake’s rookie season and how he’s adjusting to life in the bigs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear from Braves Stadium Host Lauren Sadd as she talks about her career path, her upbringing, and the newest Braves podcast she is hosting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Braves Director of Marketing and Advertising Jori Palmer joins the show to talk about the newest official Braves podcast: Braves Country Convos! And for the first time ever on Behind the Braves the tables are turned as Ricky becomes the guest! About Braves Country Convos: Join Jori Palmer and Lauren Sadd for some fun, lighthearted, and unexpected discussions as they interview guests with strong Braves Country ties about the things that connect us all. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just love a good story, you’ll find laughs, insight, and community right here. Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NASCAR Driver Christopher Bell joins the show to talk about his journey as a race car driver and his first visit to Truist Park.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Bowman of MLB.com joins the show to discuss the work to be done to the Braves roster for the 2026 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We take a look back to our interview with Braves Hall of Famer Rico Carty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1995 World Series Champion and current Senior Director of Alumni Relations Greg McMichael joins the show to recap the 1995 World Series Championship team celebration held at Truist Park over the weekend!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Braves Entertainment Host “Chadalac” joins the show to talk about his career and his role as a gameday host.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Team Historian Sam Wallace joins the show for this week’s Front Office Feature. Wallace shares what his day-to-day looks like, how he got his start in sports, and some of his favorite artifacts + stories from over twenty years with the team.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After spending the last few days in Bristol, Tennessee for the Speedway Classic, Ricky is back in the office at Truist Park and answers questions from Behind the Braves listeners! You can submit your questions or comments to [email protected] for a chance to have them answered on a future episode of Behind the Braves! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Rick Mast (also known as Ricky’s Dad) joins Ricky to talk about the Speedway Classic, hanging out with Braves players and coaches in the 90's, their favorite memories of Bristol Motor Speedway, what makes Bristol such a special place, an infamous softball game between the drivers of NASCAR and the NHRA, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We take a look back at Ricky and Greg's conversation with Hank Aaron in 2019! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights from the 2025 All-Star Media Day at the Coca-Cola Roxy with Chris Sale, Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Brian Snitker!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Braves pitcher Grant Holmes joins the show to talk about growing up in South Carolina as a Braves fan, what it was like to grind through a decade in the minors before getting the call to the big leagues, and more!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hank Aaron Fellow Jaylen Holmes joins the show to discuss the Hank Aaron Fellowship, growing up in Atlanta as a Braves fan, playing baseball in college, his career and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Braves Senior Director of Alumni Relations & Growing The Game Greg McMichael returns to Behind the Braves to discuss the effects of extreme heat on big-league ballplayers, what it’s like when a team starts building some positive momentum on the field, last weekend’s Native American Showcase at Truist Park and the upcoming Braves Country Baseball & Softball Championships!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some thoughts from the office at Truist Park and…VOTE RONALD! Braves.com/vote   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we prepare for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park, Braves legends Andruw Jones, Dan Uggla and Bruce Benedict reflect upon their fondest memories of playing in the All-Star Game and participating in the Home Run Derby!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from Spire Motorsports Fan Day with NASCAR Truck Series drivers Rajah Caruth and Andrés Pérez De Lara! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind the Braves travels up to Spire Motorsports to talk about the Speedway Classic and more with NASCAR Cup Series drivers Carson Hocevar, Michael McDowell and Justin Haley!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fanduel Sports Network’s Wiley Ballard joins the show to talk his first full season covering the Braves and his Atlanta-based upbringing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nascar driver Ty Dillon joins the show to talk about his Braves fandom and the upcoming MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol this August. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Byrd joins the show to talk about his hiatus from broadcasting, his family, and his return to TVs across Braves Country Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Braves pregame and postgame radio host Barrett Sallee joins the show to talk about his career in sports media and his first season with Braves Radio Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Bowman joins the show to discuss the Braves offense, the impact Alex Verdugo is having on the offense, Chris Sale, Drake Baldwin and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode discusses the start of the season, a catch up on Braves Country Baseball & Softball, another Strider Vinyl Night, and the Speedway Classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricky answers questions from Behind the Braves listeners! To have your questions possibly read and answered in future episodes, please send them to [email protected]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atlanta Braves President & CEO, Derek Schiller, sits down to preview all the exciting things happening around the ballclub and ballpark this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professional race car driver Austin Dillon joins the show before tearing up the outfield at Truist Park! Hear why we let him do donuts on the field and all about his loyalty to Braves Country Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver joins the show at Spring Training to talk about his offseason, his MLB debut, and preparing for the 2025 season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Brave Marvin Freeman joins the show this week to talk about his journey in professional baseball, his baseball academy and coaching, as well as the upcoming 2025 Swingman Classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Culberson joins the show this week! Culberson talks growing up a Georgia native, his rise to professional baseball and what he is working on next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode is a front office feature with Executive Director of the Atlanta Braves Foundation, Danielle Bedasse. Bedasse shares the career path that brought her to Atlanta, as well as some of her favorite Braves memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Mark Bowman joins this episode where he shares a special holiday promotion of his book “The Franchise: A Curated History of the Braves.” He also shares some snippets of Braves history from the book, as well as discusses the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Best I Could: The Chuck Goggin Story” chronicles the incredible life and career of a former Braves infielder who narrowly escaped death multiple times en route to becoming the most decorated Vietnam War veteran to play in Major League Baseball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices