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Former Braves No. 1 Pick Bob Horner Dies at 68

5/27/2026

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Summary

Bob Horner Dies

The Atlanta Braves announced No. 1 overall pick Bob Horner died at age 68, after Ted Turner (May 6) and Bobby Cox (May 9) died that month.
He homered in his debut, won NL Rookie of the Year in 1978, hit 218 home runs, 685 RBIs, and entered the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
On July 6, 1986 he hit four home runs, the first Brave and the 11th MLB player to do so.

Summary

Horner Wins Settlement

MLB's collusion settlement awarded Horner more than $7 million for the lost free-agency earnings.
After the 1986 season Horner entered free agency but received no offers because owners colluded to curb salaries.
He signed with Japan’s Yakult Swallows in 1987 and posted a .327/.423/.683 line with 31 homers in 93 games.
His July 6 1986 four-home-run game was the ninth in MLB history and the first such feat since Mike Schmidt in 1976.

Summary

Bob Horner Retires

Bob Horner announced retirement on March 9, 1989 after a shoulder injury limited his 1988 season to 60 games.
He helped lead Arizona State to World Series appearances, won the 1977 national championship, earned Most Outstanding Player honors, and was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame class in 2006.
He signed a $2 million contract with Japan’s Yakult Swallows in 1987 and hit 31 home runs, fifth in Nippon Professional Baseball.

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Bob Horner Dies

The Atlanta Braves announced No. 1 overall pick Bob Horner died at age 68, after Ted Turner (May 6) and Bobby Cox (May 9) died that month.
He homered in his debut, won NL Rookie of the Year in 1978, hit 218 home runs, 685 RBIs, and entered the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
On July 6, 1986 he hit four home runs, the first Brave and the 11th MLB player to do so.

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