The 1992 season was a memorable one for the Atlanta Braves franchise. After finishing tied for first place in their division the previous year but losing out on the division title in a one-game playoff, the Braves were looking to take that extra step and win the division in 1992. Behind the pitching of their “Big Three” of Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Steve Avery, they did just that, capturing the NL West title with an record of 98-64, giving them home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.
The 1992 Topps baseball card set featured over 700 cards and included all the key members of the Braves roster from that season. Some of the most notable Braves cards from the set included #1 Deion Sanders, #9 David Justice, #27 Tom Glavine, #29 John Smoltz, #30 Sid Bream, #31 Terry Pendleton, #35 Steve Avery, #37 Alejandro Pena, #38 Greg McMichael, #39 Jeff Blauser, #40 Chipper Jones, #41 Otis Nixon, #47 Ron Gant, and #49 Steve Bedrosian.
Deion Sanders’ card showcased his rare two-sport talents, as he was a starting cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons in addition to playing center field for the Braves. The back of his card highlighted how he became just the 2nd man ever to play in the Super Bowl and the World Series in the same year. David Justice’s card reflected his status as one of the Braves’ emerging young power hitters, as he clubbed 25 home runs in 1992.
The cards of Braves’ “Big Three” starters Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery emphasized their dominant pitching. Glavine’s card noted he went 20-8 with a 2.76 ERA and 151 strikeouts to lead the Braves staff. Smoltz notched 21 saves out of the bullpen and 163 strikeouts in addition to starting 13 games. Avery contributed 16 wins and 164 strikeouts of his own at age 23.
Other key cogs on the pitching staff like Pena, McMichael, and Bedrosian also received dedicated baseball cards chronicling their roles. Pena emerged as the team’s top lefty reliever, while McMichael and Bedrosian anchored the bullpen alongside Smoltz. The cards of position players like Justice, Pendleton, Blauser, Jones, Nixon, and Gant gave fans a glimpse of the athleticism and vital contributions up and down the Braves lineup.
In addition to the player cards, the 1992 Topps set included useful manager, coach, and team summary cards focusing on the Braves. Bobby Cox’s manager card on #553 provided career stats and accolades highlighting his steady leadership of the Braves since 1978. Coach cards honoring members of Cox’s staff like Dick Ruthven and Jim Beauchamp gave insight into their roles assisting the Big Three hurlers.
The Braves’ team summary card on #597 detailed their 98-64 record and NL West title in 1992 as well as organizational notes such as their home stadium being Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. With colorful design elements and action photos showcasing stars like Glavine, Justice, and Smoltz, the Braves’ team card commemorated their division championship season.
When it came time for the postseason, the Braves rolled through the NL playoffs, sweeping the Pirates 3-0 in the NLCS behind dominant outings from Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery. They fell just short of a World Series title, losing to the Blue Jays 4-2 in the Fall Classic. Nonetheless, the 1992 season stand outs like Glavine, Smoltz, Justice, and Pendleton received well-deserved honors and postseason stats updates on their baseball cards chronicling a memorable pennant-winning campaign.
For Braves fans who grew up in the early 1990s or came of age during that golden era in Atlanta, the 1992 Topps baseball card set serves as a cherished relic commemorating the breakthrough season that sparked a dynasty. Featuring the who’s who of that club alongside insightful stats and text, the cards transported fans back to a special time in franchise history and allowed them to relive the magic. Over three decades later, those 1992 Braves cards continue to be prized possessions incollections of devoted Atlanta baseball memorabilia enthusiasts worldwide.
