So did every soul who ever met the man.
Thoseclose to Cox knew this day was coming, and really were preparing since he suffered a massive stroke in 2019.
Still, when the news hit Saturday that he passed away at the age of 84, it still hit hard, bringing tears and memories
“He’s in a better place," said former Atlanta manager Brian Snitker, who visited Cox at least once a homestand when he managed, and told USA TODAY Sports he was the greatest influence in his baseball career. “I loved the man. Bobby had a way of making everybody feel as if they’re the most important person in the world.”
It was a sentiment shared among anyone that knew Cox, the Hall of Fame manager, who led Atlanta to 14 consecutive division titles, five pennants and a World Series championship during his 21-year career with Atlanta.
In the words of Hall of Fame GM John Schuerholz, who worked alongside Cox as the architect of their dynasty: “He’s the heart and soul of the Braves."
There may not have been more of a beloved manager in the history of the game than Cox. When his team struggled, or a player would struggle, they would feel awful, not for themselves, but knowing they let Cox down.
“Bobby is one of the best human beings any of us have ever met," former Atlanta catcher Brian McCann said. “He’s touched so many lives in here. … He’s an icon. He is the Atlanta Braves.”
Hall of Fame center fielder Andruw Jones, who once was yanked from a game after failing to hustle in his rookie season, said he owes his career to Cox where he became a 10-time Gold Glove outfielder who hit 434 home runs.
“To be honest with you, Bobby’s always been a second dad to me from the beginning of my career," Jones told USA TODAY Sports last summer. “He wanted you to do the right things and grow up the way he’d want. Obviously, we’re not perfect, but we wanted to carry ourselves the way he’d want on and off the field.
Source: Drudge Report
