Boston Braves Era
A short-lived but transformative chapter where the franchise forged its identity before moving to the nation's capital.
The Boston Braves era represents a pivotal, albeit brief, chapter in the franchise's early history before it became synonymous with Washington D.C. Following their initial founding as the Boston Red Stocks in 1932 and a quick rebrand to the Boston Redskins, the team adopted the moniker 'Braves' for the 1936 season. This period was defined by the leadership of owner George Preston Marshall and head coach/owner Red Grange's successor, though it is most famously associated with the tenure of head coach Ray Flaherty and the emergence of quarterback Sammy Baugh.
- years_active
- 1936–1937
- primary_location
- Boston, Massachusetts (Boston Stadium)
- key_figure
- George Preston Marshall (Owner)
- notable_player
- Sammy Baugh
- league_affiliation
- National Football League (NFL)
- predecessor_name
- Boston Redskins
- successor_name
- Washington Redskins
Lore & Background
Despite the name change, the core identity of the team remained rooted in Marshall's vision of professional excellence and financial stability. The 'Braves' played their home games at Boston Stadium (later known as Fenway Park for baseball), sharing the venue with the city's beloved Red Sox. This era laid the groundwork for the franchise's eventual relocation to Washington D.C. in 1937, where they would become a central pillar of American football history. The 'Braves' name was quickly discarded upon the move, but the talent assembled during these two seasons set the stage for future championships.
In Their Own Story
The November air at Boston Stadium bit through the wool uniforms as Sammy Baugh scanned the field, the crowd's roar a mix of baseball nostalgia and football fervor. The team wore 'Braves' across their chests, a name that felt new yet carried the weight of Marshall's ambition. As he dropped back to pass, the gridiron seemed smaller than usual, but his arm was long enough to bridge any gap. This wasn't just a game for Boston; it was the final act before a journey eastward to the capital, where this team would soon redefine what an NFL franchise could be.
Reader's Guide
The Boston Braves era (1936-1937) serves as the crucial bridge between the franchise's chaotic early years and its establishment in Washington. The period began with a name change from 'Redskins' to 'Braves,' reflecting Marshall's desire to capitalize on local Boston sports sentiment. Sammy Baugh joined the team during this time, revolutionizing the passing game and establishing an immediate dynasty. Under head coach Ray Flaherty, the team achieved significant success, including winning the NFL Championship in 1937 while still technically operating under the 'Braves' moniker before the move was finalized. Culturally, this era marked the shift from a struggling expansion team to a league leader. The decision to relocate to Washington D.C. after the 1937 season was driven by Marshall's belief that the nation's capital offered better financial prospects and stability. This transition ended the 'Braves' identity but cemented the legacy of the players who wore the uniform.
Did You Know?
- The team played as the Boston Braves for only two seasons, from 1936 to 1937.
- Sammy Baugh joined the franchise during this era and immediately changed the landscape of NFL passing.
- The team shared their home stadium with the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
- George Preston Marshall owned the team throughout its time as the Braves, Redskins, and after moving to Washington.