Bob Horner, Former Braves Slugger and First Overall Draft Pick, Dies at 68

Bob Horner died on May 26, 2024, at age 68; cause not disclosed. The Atlanta Braves posted on X that “Bob Horner built a career out of being first,” extending sympathies to his wife Chris and sons Tyler and Trent. Major League Baseball also issued a statement expressing sadness.

Remembering Bob Horner, the former Braves slugger who became an Atlanta icon

James Robert “Bob” Horner (born Aug 6, 1957, Junction City, Kansas) grew up in Glendale, Arizona, and starred at Apollo High School. At Arizona State he led the Sun Devils to three College World Series, a 1977 title, and earned the Most Outstanding Player award and the inaugural Golden Spike Award. The Braves drafted him first overall in 1978 and he debuted in the majors without minor-league experience.

Remembering Bob Horner, the former Braves slugger who became an Atlanta icon

Horner hit 215 home runs for Atlanta (218 total), posted a .277 average, and recorded 652 RBIs (some sources list 685). He earned NL Rookie of the Year in 1978 (some sources list 1979) after 23 homers in 89 games, and was an All-Star in 1982 with 32 homers and 97 RBIs. On July 6, 1986 he became the first Brave to hit four homers in a game, a rare MLB feat. He played for Japan’s Yakult Swallows in 1987, hitting 31 homers, and finished with a brief 1988 stint with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Another Atlanta Braves Legend Has Died: Team Confirms Bob Horner's Death

The Braves’ tribute highlighted Horner’s historic “firsts” – top draft pick, direct major-league debut, and four-home-run game – and noted his role in the Braves’ resurgence. MLB’s statement echoed the Braves’ condolences and recognized his rookie achievement. Both organizations placed his passing among recent Braves losses that also included former owner Ted Turner and manager Bobby Cox.

The Sun - USAnother Atlanta Braves Legend Has Died: Team Confirms Bob Horner's DeathPeople MagazineDaily BeastRemembering Bob Horner, the former Braves slugger who became an Atlanta iconBS Report: Remembering Bob Horner - 41NBC News

Shoulder, leg and wrist injuries limited Horner’s playing time, causing him to miss large portions of the 1979, 1980, 1983 and 1984 seasons. Analysts also cite 1980s owners’ collusion as a factor that reduced his free-agency earnings, prompting his move to Japan.

Remembering Bob Horner, the former Braves slugger who became an Atlanta icon

Fans called Horner “their first, favorite baseball player” and recalled meeting him in the early 1980s.

The Sun - US

• “The Braves announced Horner’s death and released a statement honoring Horner, which read in part: “Bob Horner built a career out of being first.” — Atlanta Braves, X statement

Remembering Bob Horner, the former Braves slugger who became an Atlanta icon

• “It’s something you dream about but never expect to happen,” — Bob Horner, after four-home-run game, *Atlanta Constitution*

Remembering Bob Horner, the former Braves slugger who became an Atlanta icon

• “We are saddened by the passing of former Braves third baseman Bob Horner,” — Major League Baseball

Another Atlanta Braves Legend Has Died: Team Confirms Bob Horner's Death

• “I’m very sad. He was my first, favorite Baseball player. I had watched the Braves since 1969, but never latched onto a favorite until Bob. What a wonderful experience he brought to the Braves. Prayer,” — Fan, social media

The Sun - US

Sources differ on Horner’s Rookie of the Year year (1978 vs. 1979) and his career RBI total (652 vs. 685). No cause of death has been released.

Daily Beast

The Braves plan commemorative events during spring training and early home games as the 2024 season begins.

The Sun - US