A somber day for Atlanta baseball
The Atlanta Braves organization announced with deep sorrow that former star Bob Horner has died at the age of 68, marking the end of an era for one of the franchise’s most dynamic early‑career talents.
Drafted first overall in 1978, Horner burst onto the majors without ever playing in the minors, becoming the first Brave to hit four home runs in a single game in 1986 and finishing his nine‑year stint with 218 homers and an All‑Star selection in 1982.
His 32‑home‑run, 97‑RBI season helped the club capture the National League West title, and his feats remain a touchstone for the team’s early‑1980s resurgence.
Remembering Bobby Cox and Ted Turner
The franchise is also grieving the recent passing of longtime manager Bobby Cox, who died on May 9 at 84, and pioneering owner Ted Turner, who passed on May 6 at 87, both of whom left indelible marks on the club’s history.
In tribute, the Braves will wear a discreet “6” patch on their caps for the remainder of the season to honor Cox, while a special “17” jersey will commemorate Turner’s 1976 acquisition of the team, a move that set the stage for the club’s rise to prominence.
Fans can expect to see commemorative displays throughout Truist Park, where memorabilia and visual tributes will celebrate the contributions of these three icons who helped shape the modern Braves identity.