Former Braves Star Bob Horner Dies at 68

May 26, 2026 - 20:20

Bob Horner, the former Atlanta Braves third baseman who won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1978 and later made history by hitting four home runs in a single game, has died at age 68. The Braves confirmed his passing on Tuesday, though no cause of death was immediately released.

Horner played his entire major league career with the Braves from 1978 through 1986, batting .277 with 215 home runs and 685 RBIs. He burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old rookie, hitting 23 homers and driving in 63 runs in just 89 games after being drafted first overall out of Arizona State University in 1978. He won the Rookie of the Year award that season.

His most famous moment came on July 6, 1986, when he became the 11th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game, doing so against the Montreal Expos at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The feat was even more remarkable because Horner was playing with a broken wrist at the time.

After his playing career ended, Horner spent several seasons playing in Japan for the Yakult Swallows, where he continued to display his power. He later worked as a minor league hitting instructor and made occasional appearances at Braves alumni events.

Horner's death comes just weeks after the Braves lost another legendary figure, and the organization has planned a tribute to be held before their next home game. Fans and former teammates have taken to social media to share memories of the slugger who was known for his quick bat and quiet demeanor.