Sports

Bobby Cox - Atlanta Braves

Bobby Cox is best known for managing the Atlanta Braves. He began his brief playing career with the Yankees in the 60s and moved to coaching in their farm system when injuries ended his playing career

He managed the Braves in the late 70’s then moved to Toronto for 4 years before returning to Atlanta as GM in 1986 when Ted Turner owned the team. He appointed himself Manager in 1990 and stayed in that role for 20 years.

I heard John Smoltz talk at a Business meeting a year after he retired from playing for the Braves. He said the best thing that ever happened to him in his entire career was when he was traded by Detroit to Atlanta in 1987 as an 18 year old pitching prospect. He was able to spend four years developing the skills needed in the Big leagues thanks to Bobby Cox. Smoltz said the Sparky Anderson ( of the Detroit Tigers) had a philosophy for his young players: "If Babe Ruth didn't have it, you don't need it!"

This old school attitude towards rookie players would have shortened his career if he had stayed with Detroit

Bobby Cox's players loved him. His teams won 14 consecutive division championships and 1 World Series. He also set the MLB record for ejections by being tossed from a total of 169 games (regular and post- season). Most of these were in defense of his players who were arguing calls with the umpire crew. He was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame in 2014.

Calligraphy and drawing by me May 2026

11" x 14" Numbered Print on Archival Quality, Acid Free 110lb paper