Hall of Fame ex-Braves skipper Cox in hospital
ATLANTA — Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, the Braves‘ former longtime manager, has been admitted into an Atlanta-area hospital.
Braves manager Brian Snitker told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he reached out to Cox’s family and was “very concerned” but couldn’t share details of his condition.
“We want to thank all of you who have sent their well wishes or said a prayer,” the Cox family said in a statement released by the Braves. “We know the power of Braves Country and we hope those prayers and positive thoughts continue as Bobby heals. You don’t know how much your support means to Bobby and to our family.”
Cox, 77, was admitted with undisclosed medical issues on Tuesday. The Braves have not released information on Cox’s condition, but they did issue a statement.
“We know no one stronger or more determined than Bobby Cox,” the team’s statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers. We look forward to seeing him soon and would like to thank the baseball community for joining together to support our dear friend.”
Cox wore his Braves jersey while shouting “Play ball!” before the first pitch of Monday night’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs.
He ranks fourth in baseball history with 2,504 wins in 29 years as a manager, including 25 years in two stints with the Braves and four years with Toronto.
Cox led the Braves to 14 straight division titles from 1991 to 2005, including the 1995 World Series title. It is the Braves’ only championship since moving to Atlanta in 1966.
He began his second stint with the Braves as general manager in 1985 when he was lured back to Atlanta by then-owner Ted Turner. As GM, Cox helped to build the team that enjoyed the long run of division titles.
Cox returned to the dugout as manager in 1990. John Schuerholz moved to Atlanta as general manager, forming the successful partnership with Cox.
Cox’s most celebrated draft pick as GM was Chipper Jones, the No. 1 overall selection in 1990.
Jones spent his full career with the Braves and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame last year, joining Cox and former teammates Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.
The Braves retired Cox’s No. 6 following his final season as manager in 2010. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2014 with two of his former pitchers, Maddux and Glavine.