Atlanta Braves legend Rico Carty died on November 23, 2024, at the age of 85. Rico Carty is an Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame member and currently holds the designation as our best Atlanta Braves left fielder of all time.

Carty played in parts of 15 seasons in the Major Leagues and was, at times, one of the best hitters in the game. His career was hampered by injuries and a bout with tuberculosis. Oh, and fights… lots and lots of fights.

Carty debuted with the then-Milwaukee Braves on September 15, 1963, and appeared in two games. In 1965, he played 133 games in his rookie season at age 24. He slashed an impressive .330/.388/.554 with 28 doubles, four triples, and 22 homers to go with 88 RBI. He finished second in the league in batting average behind only the legendary Roberto Clemente.

Carty played 15 seasons in the big leagues, accumulating 32.7 rWAR and finishing with a .299 career batting average. His career OPS+ was 132. He spent the most time with Milwaukee (8 seasons) and slashed .317/.388/.496 in his time with the Braves.

Carty finished second in the 1964 NL Rookie of the Year voting. He earned his lone All-Star nod in 1970 when he posted a 5.8 rWAR and led the league in batting average with a .366 mark. He also led the league in on-base percentage at .454. Carty was an on-base machine while slugging a phenomenal .584 that season. He finished with 23 doubles, three triples, 25 homers, and 101 RBI with 175 hits in 136 games. He also walked a career-high 77 times in 1970.

Between 1964 and 1970 (his All-Star campaign), Carty slashed .322/.390/.507 with an average of 23 homers, 93 RBI, 61 walks, and amassing 21.7 of his total 32.7 career rWAR. He was one of the best in the game.

Carty missed the 1968 season as he battled tuberculosis. He missed all of the 1971 season due to a fractured left knee he suffered while playing in the Dominican Republic in the December following his 1970 All-Star campaign. He injured his knee in a collision with Matty Alou. A blood cot ended his attempt at returning to the field in the back half of 1971.

played 86 games with the Braves in 1972 and was traded on October 27th to the Rangers. He played for six Major League teams (including the Braves).

Carty was inducted in the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame in 2023.