Jim Breazeale, a high school phenom who made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves as a teenager, has passed away at the age of 75. A Houston native, Breazeale was drafted eighth overall by the Braves in 1968. After just over a full season in the minors, he made his major league debut in September 1969, pinch-hitting in the 13th inning against the Houston Astros. With the Braves trailing 2-1 and a runner on second, Breazeale drew a walk in his first MLB plate appearance. Later in the inning, Hank Aaron was intentionally walked to load the bases, and Bob Aspromonte drew another walk, allowing Breazeale to score the winning run in a 3-2 victory.
Breazeale did not play in the 1969 National League Championship Series, which the Braves lost to the New York Mets in three games. He appeared in just one more game that season and spent the entire 1970 campaign with the Triple-A Richmond Braves, Atlanta’s top minor league affiliate. In 1971, Breazeale hit .281 with 23 home runs in 102 games at Richmond, earning a September call-up to the majors. He went 4 for 21 during that stint.
His most extended opportunity with the Braves came in 1972, when he appeared in 52 games as a 22-year-old. While he showed some power with five home runs and 17 RBIs, he struggled to secure a permanent role, batting .247 (21 for 85) primarily as a pinch-hitter. Despite his early promise, Breazeale’s major league career was brief, but his debut moment remains a memorable chapter in Braves history.
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