On this Day in Braves History: Former Braves Manager Bobby Cox Turns 79

Born May 21, 1941, the most famous manager in the history of the Braves organization turns 79 years old today. Bobby Cox’s managerial career began with the Braves in 1978 and ended in 2010. Cox holds a record of 2149 – 1709 as manager of the Atlanta Braves. Cox’s overall record as manager is 2504 – 2001. He also spent four years (1982 – 1985) as the Toronto Blue Jays manager with a record of 355 – 292. Cox took a siesta from baseball from 1986 until 1990 when he rejoined the Braves during the season. Cox’s most memorable time came the next 14 years beginning in 1991 where he managed the Braves to 14 straight National League East Division Championships, five World Series appearances and one World Series Title in 1995 versus the Cleveland Indians. Some other accolades for Cox during his managerial career are:

Manager of the Year

• 1985 Toronto Blue Jays (AL)
• 1991 Atlanta Braves (NL)
• 2004 Atlanta Braves (NL)
• 2005 Atlanta Braves (NL)

MLB Hall of Fame

• 2011 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee

The most memorable accolade, if you want to call it an accolade, came from the fans perspective. Bobby Cox was always the one that would stick up for his players. If he ever saw one of his players about to get into an argument with an umpire, he would be right there in the middle of the argument as well. He would rather get himself thrown out of the game than one of his players. I remember watching numerous games where he would get thrown out. And instead of going back to the locker room, I would see him at the bottom step of the dugout where the tunnel was located at Fulton County Stadium. Nowadays they can’t be anywhere near the dugout. Cox holds the record of getting thrown out of the game 158 times. He set the record on August 14, 2007 against the New York Mets with his 132nd ejection, previously held by John McGraw (1873 – 1934).

Heres to you Bobby!!!

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