Full Breakdown
Braves Pay Tribute to Ted Turner and Bobby Cox in First Home Game After Their Deaths
5/13/2026, 6:45:21 AM
Tributes Unfold Before Braves’ 5-2 Victory Over the Cubs
On May 12, 2026, the Atlanta Braves opened a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs with a ceremony honoring former owner Ted Turner (d. May 6, age 87) and Hall-of-Fame manager Bobby Cox (d. May 9, age 84). A moment of silence preceded a video montage, and the team displayed “17” and “6” jerseys on the field to represent Turner’s 1976 Channel 17 promotion and Cox’s retired number. The Braves wore No. 6 patches on their caps for the remainder of the season. After the tributes, Atlanta defeated Chicago 5-2, improving its record to 28-13, the league’s best at the time.
Background & Context
Ted Turner purchased the Braves in January 1976, rescuing the franchise from relocation and branding it “America’s Team” through national television exposure on his then-new channel. He owned the club until the 1996 merger that created Time Warner, remaining involved for another decade. Bobby Cox joined the organization in November 1977, guiding the team to 14 consecutive division titles (1991-2005), five National League pennants, and the 1995 World Series championship. Cox retired with 2,401 wins, ranking fourth all-time among MLB managers, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ted Turner – Media mogul, former Braves owner, creator of CNN.
- Bobby Cox – Long-time manager, Hall of Fame inductee.
- Terry McGuirk – Braves chairman, announced the cap-patch tribute.
- Braves organization – Issued statements highlighting Turner’s and Cox’s legacies.
- Fans and local community – Gathered at The Battery and around the tribute displays.
Data & Statistics
- Turner’s age at death: 87; Cox’s age at death: 84.
- Cox’s managerial record: 2,401 wins, 14 straight division titles, 1995 World Series title.
- Turner’s tenure: owner 1976-1996, instrumental in national TV exposure.
- Game result: Braves 5, Cubs 2.
- Team record entering the game: 28-13 (first place in MLB).
- Jersey numbers displayed: “17” (Turner) and “6” (Cox).
Official Statements & Responses
The Braves organization released a statement praising Turner’s “visionary leadership” and noting his role in turning the club into a national brand. It also described Cox as the “heart and soul” of the franchise, emphasizing his impact on player development and the culture of winning. Chairman McGuirk announced the No. 6 cap patches and highlighted a signed baseball from Cox’s 2019 stroke incident, promising its preservation. The team’s spokesperson confirmed the moment of silence, video tribute, and field displays as part of the pre-game ceremony.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans gathered near a tribute at The Battery, with children playing catch beside the memorial. Braves supporters such as Chet Beam expressed sorrow, saying, “It’s very sad. He meant a lot to the club.” Others recalled Cox’s reputation for defending his players and fostering loyalty, noting that the standards he set still influence the organization’s expectations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our good friend and former owner, Ted Turner, was one of a kind — a brilliant businessman, consummate showman and passionate fan of his beloved Braves. Ted's visionary leadership and innovative approach to broadcast television transformed the Braves into 'America's Team',” — Braves organization
- “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,” — Braves organization
- “I don't want to see any more headlines calling Atlanta 'Loserville U.S.A.' I want to see Winnersville U.S.A.,” — Ted Turner, 1976 press conference
- “You could be darn sure that that’s going to get well taken care of for the rest of time,” — Terry McGuirk, Braves chairman
- “It's very sad,” — Chet Beam, Braves fan
What’s Next
The Braves will complete the three-game series against the Cubs, with Chris Sale slated to start the third game. Atlanta’s strong start to the season positions it for a postseason run, while the organization continues to honor Turner’s and Cox’s legacies throughout the remainder of the year.
