Matt Olson Makes Braves History Record-Breaking Season Ignites Atlanta's Playoff Aspirations

Photo: Instagram/Matt Olson

Matt Olson's journey from a suburban Atlanta kid idolizing Braves legends like Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones to becoming a franchise icon himself has been nothing short of remarkable.

His record-breaking season for the Atlanta Braves in 2023 has etched his name in the annals of baseball history. Growing up with dreams of playing for the Braves, Olson shattered expectations by not only breaking the franchise's home run record but also setting a new standard for RBIs, surpassing Eddie Mathews' longstanding record from 1953.

With 54 homers and 136 RBIs, Olson has become the heart of the Braves' lineup. Olson's achievement would be considered the greatest in Braves history were it not for Ronald Acuña Jr.'s historic 40-homer, 70-steal season.

Photo: Instagram/Matt Olson

His two-run homer in a recent game secured his place in the record books, and he modestly acknowledged the significance of his accomplishments, acknowledging the legends he surpassed. The Braves' victory in that game also ensured them the best record in Major League Baseball, granting them home-field advantage throughout the postseason, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2003 when they tied the Yankees.

The possibility of matching the franchise's win record of 106 from 1998 if they sweep the Nationals adds to the team's historic season. Breaking records set by legendary Braves like Andruw Jones, Hank Aaron, and Dale Murphy, Olson's performance is a testament to his exceptional talent.

Not only has he set a modern-era record for RBIs, but he's also positioned the Braves to challenge the MLB record for most home runs in a season. The Braves' first-inning dominance, marked by Olson's two-run shot, has been a defining characteristic of their season, surpassing the record set by the 2019 Reds.


Olson joins an elite group of Braves who've achieved 130 or more RBIs in a season, further solidifying his legacy. All of this incredible success has come in just Olson's second season with the Braves, following in the footsteps of the beloved Freddie Freeman.

He's not only handled the pressure of playing in his hometown but has thrived and is well on his way to becoming a Braves legend himself. As his teammate Austin Riley aptly puts it, Olson's achievements are undeniably special, and he has truly earned his place among baseball's greats in Braves history.

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Source: MLB

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