-Staff reports-
Bobby Cox during an appearance at State Mutual Stadium in Rome.
The baseball world is mourning the loss of one of the best—former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, who has died at the age of 84.
During his 29 seasons as a manager, Cox led his teams to 2,594 wins, 4th all-time. Cox was the first base coach with the New York Yankees when he was hired by Ted Turner to lead the Braves from 1978 to 1981. He then went on to manage the Toronto Blue Jays and led Jays to their first-ever postseason appearance.
Cox returned to Atlanta in 1986 as general manager and was back in the dugout as field manager in 1990, leading the team 14 straight division titles, a record that is not likely to be broken. That run included a World Series win in 1995.
Cox retired in 2010 and was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
In 2011, the Rome Braves honored Cox at State Mutual Stadium. Cox was certainly no stranger to Rome and Northwest Georgia. From the Braves caravans back in the late 1970s to attending the hot stoves gatherings, Cox visited Rome many times.
He also had well-known ties to Bartow County. At one time he had a home outside of Adairsville and was involved in the creation of the Lakepoint Sports complex in Emerson.
On Saturday, the Atlanta Braves organization released the following statement:
“We are overcome with emotion on the passing of Bobby Cox, our treasured skipper. 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.
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.
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.”
