The Greatest Teams (according to TCMA) - 1957 Braves

 

Edit: This is a series of posts about TCMA's set from 1987 highlighting some of the best ever teams in MLB history.

Much like the 1955 Dodgers, the '57 Braves finished with nearly the same record, going 95-59-1, good for first place in the NL.  And just like those Dodgers, the Braves defeated the Yankees 4-3 in the World Series, which was also the only time the Braves would win a World Series in Milwaukee. The similarities don't end there.  9 years later, in 1966 the Braves moved to their current home in Atlanta.  And in another ironic twist, the year after each team defeated the Yankees in the World Series, each team would also lose to the Yankees the following year (both 4 games to 3).

The Braves had their share of sluggers.  Hank Aaron had a great year batting .322 with 44 HR's and Eddie Mathews hit .292 with 32 HR's.  I wish TCMA would have used an action shot for Hank.

The pitching staff was led by Warren Spahn (21-11, 2.69) and finished 1 or 2 in most major statistical categories.  

Other then the 3 B&W photos (the color photo for Schoendienst from TCMA's the 50's would have fit right in here), most of these photos look like they were taken in the same location, perhaps spring training.  The background for both Bob Buhl and Johnny Logan look like they could have been taken the same day.  

Though TCMA included the '57 Braves in its Greatest series, we're back to showing 'only' 9 players in the team set.  The design is a yawner but at least the border color matches the team color.  

Next up: 1960 Pirates.