Bobby Cox, the Hall of Fame manager who transformed the Atlanta Braves into a National League dynasty and won the franchise's 1995 World Series championship, has died. He was 84.
The Braves announced his death on Saturday without disclosing the cause. Cox had battled serious health problems in recent years, suffering a stroke in 2019 and being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2020.
"We are overcome with emotion on the passing of Bobby Cox, our treasured skipper," the team said in a statement. "Bobby was the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform."
Cox managed Atlanta across two distinct periods. His first tenure ran from 1978 to 1981, when owner Ted Turner brought him aboard. Turner later fired Cox but reportedly said he wanted to replace him with someone exactly like him. Cox returned in 1990 as general manager and eventually took over as manager, staying until his 2010 retirement.
The second stint proved transformational. The Braves won 14 consecutive division titles, a streak no professional sports team in any major league had previously achieved. They reached the World Series five times during that span and captured their championship in 1995 by defeating Cleveland, securing the franchise's third title since moving to Atlanta.
Cox's overall managerial record stands as one of baseball's most decorated. He ranks fourth all-time in wins with 2,504, and he holds the record for division titles with 15. He made 16 playoff appearances and won 67 postseason games. His 162 ejections lead all managers in history, a testament to his fierce competitive nature and willingness to challenge umpires.
Before his Braves tenure, Cox spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985 and worked in the New York Yankees organization, including as a coach on Billy Martin's 1977 World Series championship staff.
Cox was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame unanimously in 2014. He missed the 2025 All-Star Game hosted by Atlanta due to his health, but made a notable appearance at Truist Park later that year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1995 championship.
Longtime Braves catcher Brian McCann once captured Cox's legacy simply: "He is the Atlanta Braves. He's the best."
Cox's death comes days after Ted Turner, the media magnate who owned the Braves during much of Cox's tenure, died at 87.
Author James Rodriguez: "Cox was the rare manager who bridged two distinct baseball eras in one city and dominated both, building something that outlasted him."
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