It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Buzz Capra, a talented right-handed pitcher whose brief but extraordinary peak with the Atlanta Braves left a lasting legacy in 1970s baseball. Capra passed away on May 11th at the age of 78. Born on October 1, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Buzz’s career was a testament to perseverance and moments of brilliance that continue to inspire fans and players alike.
Drafted by the New York Mets in the 27th round of the 1969 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Illinois State University, Capra made his Major League debut with the Mets in 1971. His early years saw limited appearances—just three games with an 8.44 ERA—while serving mainly as a spot starter and reliever over the next two seasons. Despite showing promise, inconsistency kept him from establishing himself firmly in the majors.
In March 1974, Capra was purchased by the Atlanta Braves—a move that would change his career trajectory. That season, at age 26, he produced one of the most remarkable single-year turnarounds in franchise history. Capra led the National League with a 2.28 ERA, threw five shutouts, and completed 11 games over 217 innings. His performance earned him an All-Star selection, a top-10 finish in Cy Young voting, and 20th place in MVP voting.
The 1974 season remains Capra’s crowning achievement—marked by exceptional control, resilience, and dominance. He struck out 137 batters, walked 84, and posted a league-best WHIP of 1.138. His adjusted ERA+ of 166 underscored his excellence, placing him first in the league.
Injury setbacks limited his career after 1974, but his legendary season endures as a shining example of fleeting greatness. Capra’s career concluded with a 31–37 record, a 3.87 ERA, and 362 strikeouts over 544.1 innings. Despite his career’s brevity, Buzz Capra’s 1974 season remains a testament to his skill and determination, forever etched in Braves history.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.
