The Atlanta Braves are mourning the death of Bobby Cox, their legendary manager. He was 84. Cox led the Braves to the 1995 World Series title and was a four-time manager of the year. The team announced his death on Saturday.
“We are overcome with emotion on the passing of Bobby Cox, our treasured skipper,” the team wrote in a statement. “Bobby was the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform. He led our team to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the unforgettable World Series title in 1995. His Braves managerial legacy will never be matched.
Cox’s Impact and Hall of Fame Career
Cox was highly regarded in the baseball community, especially by those who played for him. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. His knowledge of player development and managing the game was unparalleled.
“Bobby was a favorite among all in the baseball community, especially those who played for him. His wealth of knowledge on player development and the intricacies of managing the game were rewarded with the sport’s ultimate prize in 2014 — enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Before managing, Cox had a brief playing career, spending two seasons with the New York Yankees. He began his coaching career in the Yankees’ system after his playing career in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Cox joined Billy Martin’s staff for the 1977 season, where the Yankees won the World Series. Following that season, he was hired as Braves manager, but was later fired after the strike-affected 1981 MLB season.
From Toronto to Atlanta’s General Manager
Cox then joined the Toronto Blue Jays. He helped the franchise to its first winning record after going 89-73 in 1983 and 1984.
In 1985, Cox guided the team to a 99-win season and an AL East title.
After resigning from the Blue Jays, Cox returned to the Braves as general manager. During his time as GM, he brought in talent that helped build the Braves’ powerhouse roster of the 1990s. Players such as John Smoltz, Steve Avery, Tom Glavine, Ron Gant and David Justice were brought in. Chipper Jones was also selected first overall in 1990 MLB draft.
Return to the Braves Dugout
Three months into the 1990 season, Cox returned to the bench after firing manager Russ Nixon. He remained as GM through the end of the season before naming John Schuerholz as his replacement.
- Beginning in 1991, the Braves won the first of five National League pennants under Cox.
- The team won a second straight pennant in 1992, but it fell in the World Series both times.
- The Braves finally won the World Series in 1995, defeating the Cleveland Indians.
The Braves reached the World Series twice more under Cox in 1996 and 1999, but lost to the Yankees both times. Cox continued as manager through the 2010 season, leading the franchise to seven more playoff appearances.
“And while Bobby’s passion for the game was unparalleled, his love of baseball was exceeded only by his love for his family. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we send our sincerest condolences to his beloved wife, Pam, and their loving children and grandchildren.”