Bobby Cox, who guided the Braves' 1990s dynasty, dies at 84

May 10, 2026 - 02:17

Bobby Cox, the folksy manager who turned the Atlanta Braves into a powerhouse that won 14 consecutive division titles and the 1995 World Series, has died. He was 84.

The Braves confirmed his passing on Thursday, though they did not provide a cause. Cox had been in declining health in recent years.

Cox managed the Braves across three separate stints, but his legacy was forged during the 1990s. After taking over as general manager in 1985, he rebuilt the team from the ground up. He returned to the dugout in 1990 and led a young core that included pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, along with sluggers Chipper Jones and David Justice.

The Braves won the National League West in 1991, their first division title in nine years, and went to the World Series, losing in seven games to the Minnesota Twins. They won the World Series four years later, sweeping the Cleveland Indians. Atlanta then won the NL East every year through 2005, an unprecedented run of sustained success.

Cox was known for his calm demeanor and his fierce loyalty to his players. He rarely criticized them publicly, even when they made mistakes. He was ejected from 158 games, a record, often for arguing calls he felt were wrong.

He retired after the 2010 season with 2,504 career wins, ranking fourth all time at the time. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Cox is survived by his wife, Pam, and their children.