A Life Cut Short
Bob Horner, the celebrated Arizona State University baseball alumnus, died this week at the age of 68. His passing marks the end of an era for Sun Devil baseball, a program he helped elevate to national prominence in the late 1970s.
Horner’s name will forever be etched in the annals of college baseball, not only for his on‑field heroics but also for the indelible mark he left on the Sun Devil community, where he remained a fixture at games and alumni gatherings for decades.
College Glory at Arizona State
During his three‑year stint with the Sun Devils from 1976 to 1978, Horner set numerous records, including a school‑single‑season home run mark of 25. He was a key catalyst in guiding Arizona State to the 1977 College World Series title, a championship that cemented his status as a legend in Tempe.
His sophomore season was particularly spectacular, as he smashed 22 home runs, a feat that earned him the Golden Spikes Award in 1978, recognizing him as the nation’s top amateur player.
Professional Career and Beyond
Selected first overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 1978 MLB Draft, Horner debuted in the majors on June 16, 1978, and went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year. Over a ten‑year major league career, he compiled a .383 batting average with 229 RBIs and 56 home runs before retiring in 1988.
Even after his playing days, Horner remained deeply involved with the Sun Devil program, frequently attending games, speaking at alumni events, and mentoring current players, ensuring that his love for the sport continued to inspire future generations.
Honors and Lasting Impact
His contributions were recognized with inductions into both the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame (1979) and the College Baseball Hall of Fame (2006). These accolades, alongside his numerous records, serve as a testament to a career that defined an era of college baseball excellence.