Hall of Famer, Selma Icon Bobby Cox Hospitalized After Stroke

ATLANTA — Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, the Atlanta 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.

An Atlanta television station reported that Cox had been hospitalized with a possible stroke.

The 77-year-old Cox was admitted with undisclosed medical issues on Tuesday. The Braves have not released information on Cox’s condition.

Cox wore his Braves jersey while shouting “play ball!” before the first pitch of Monday night’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs.

Bobby Cox remains hospitalized after suffering a stroke Tuesday & having surgery. He’s been seeing visitors. GM Alex Anthopoulos said on MLB Network that he saw Bobby today & he was “in as good a spirits as can be.” He’s as tough as they come. So many folks pulling for you, Bobby

— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 3, 2019

He ranks fourth all-time 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 starred in baseball at Selma High School but missed his senior season because of arm surgery. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed him anyway and made him a $40,000 “bonus baby.” But bad knees cut his big-league career short, and he was a minor-league manager at 30 years old.

Cox Led the Braves to 14 Straight Division Titles

Cox led the Braves to 14 straight division titles from 1991-2005, 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.

His 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 Maddux and Glavine.

Cox is a Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame inductee.