From Doves to Braves: The Forgotten Flight of a Baseball Legacy
Before there were the Braves.
Before Atlanta.
Before Milwaukee.
There were the Boston Doves — and yeah, that’s a real part of baseball history most people have never heard.
The franchise we now know as the Atlanta Braves actually started all the way back in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, one of the first pro baseball teams in America. By 1876, they were founding members of the National League — and they've been in it ever since.
But here’s the part that caught our attention.
In 1907, the team was bought by the Dovey brothers — no joke — and was renamed the Boston Doves. For four seasons, they flew under that name, competing in the National League with grit and an old-school feel that fits our vibe perfectly.
They weren't dominant, but they were part of something big.
Even Ty Cobb likely faced them in spring exhibitions. Yeah — that Ty Cobb. The legend from the Detroit Tigers. Cobb played in the American League, and while interleague play didn’t exist yet, off-season exhibitions were fair game. It’s highly likely those matchups happened when both teams were active.
By 1912, the Doves were rebranded as the Boston Braves. Then they moved to Milwaukee in 1953. And finally, in 1966, they landed in Atlanta, where they became the powerhouse we know today.
But we haven’t forgotten where they started.
At Dove Bros, we’re all about honoring legacy — the roots of the game, the lost stories, and the names that deserve to fly again. That’s why the Doves still live on in our designs, our storytelling, and the gear we drop.
This isn’t just a history lesson.
It’s a reminder:
Even legends have humble beginnings.
And sometimes… they fly under the radar for a while. 🕊️
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Want to wear the story?
Shop the vintage drops.
And don’t forget to Take Flight.
@DoveBros
Dove Bros “The Closer” Hoodie
The Closer captures that split-second before the final pitch—when the crowd fades, the pressure rises, and everything rides on one arm. Jet stands tall on the mound, storm clouds swirling, eyes locked in. No fear. Just fire.
