Baseball Mourns Hall of Fame Manager Bobby Cox

Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox died at age 84 on May 9, 2024 in Marietta, Georgia. The Braves noted his 2019 stroke, ongoing heart issues and congestive-heart-failure symptoms, though no official cause of death was released. His passing occurred three days after former Braves owner Ted Turner’s death.

Braves legendary manager Bobby Cox, East Cobb resident, dies

Cox managed the Braves (1978-81, 1990-2010) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1982-85) over 29 seasons, compiling 2,504 regular-season wins (fourth all-time) and 15 division titles, including a record 14 straight NL East crowns (1991-2005). He earned four Manager of the Year awards, five NL pennants and the 1995 World Series title. Cox’s ejection total is reported as either 158 or 162, the most in MLB history.

Braves legendary manager Bobby Cox, East Cobb resident, dies

The Braves called Cox “the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform,” citing his 14 division titles, five NL pennants and the 1995 championship. Commissioner Rob Manfred said his clubs “became an October fixture, representing consistency and championship-caliber baseball.” Walt Weiss praised Cox for creating loyalty, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called him a legend.

Associated PressRemembering legendary Atlanta Braves manager Bobby CoxESPNDeion Sanders remembers former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox

Freddie Freeman recalled Cox calming his nerves on his 2010 debut and displayed a jersey signed “To Freddie: keep on hitting.” Chipper Jones called Cox “a second father,” while John Smoltz said, “I’m not a Hall of Famer without him.” Deion Sanders described Cox as “a good man, a more-than-fair person, a legend.”

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Despite five NL pennants, Cox’s teams won only one World Series, losing to the Yankees in 1996 and 1999 and to Toronto in 1992. In 1995 he faced a domestic-violence charge that was later dismissed, a rare blemish on his record.

Remembering legendary Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox

Sources list Cox’s ejection total as 158 or 162, and reports differ on his cause of death—some cite congestive-heart-failure, others note no official cause. The Braves have not announced funeral plans or a commemorative uniform patch.

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Cox’s “Braves Way”—discipline, loyalty and player development—still guides the franchise under manager Walt Weiss and successor Brian Snitker. While no formal memorial has been detailed, fan tributes at his Truist Park statue suggest his influence will endure in Atlanta baseball culture.

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• “I have that autographed Bobby Cox jersey hanging in my house in Atlanta,” — Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman

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• “He was one of the greatest leaders I'd ever been around. He was the best I'd ever been around at creating loyalty amongst the group. It was the way he treated people. The way he encouraged guys. Bobby always made you feel like you were playing better than you actually were.” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager

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• “RIP my second father,” — Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame third baseman

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• “A Good man, a good manager, a more than fair person, a leader and I respected the heck out of him,” — Deion Sanders, former Braves outfielder

Deion Sanders shares heartfelt message about former manager Bobby Cox