Braves remind Hall of Fame franchise icon of 1984 World Series champions

Sporting the best record in MLB as the All-Star break approaches, the Atlanta Braves thus far have many envisioning a deep run in October, even Hall of Fame hurler John Smoltz. 

The former Braves star right-hander recently told Jeff Schultz of The Athletic that this year's Braves club reminds him of the 1984 World Series champion Detroit Tigers. 

"The only team I've seen like this was the (1984) Tigers team that started 35-5," Smoltz said. "You couldn't get through the first inning without them scoring. It's the same with this team, and it starts with [Ronald] Acuna."

The Tigers were a menace in the first inning during the '84 campaign. Led by RBI machines Lance Parrish and Kirk Gibson, the Tigers jumped on opponents early, scoring 129 first-inning runs, more than any other during the season. Detroit rode that wave all the way to the World Series, where the Tigers downed the San Deigo Padres in five games, scoring nine combined runs in the first inning over the series. 

As Smoltz mentioned, Acuna has been the ringleader for the Braves. Acuna is on track to become the first 30-homer/60-steals player in MLB history, and lately, no one is hotter at the plate. Entering play Thursday, Acuna was riding a 16-game hitting streak, batting .379/.468/.697 with six home runs, nine RBI and 11 stolen bases in that span.