Braves Manager Bobby Cox Dies at 84

Longtime Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, whose teams dominated the National League in the 1990s and won the World Series in 1995, has died. He was 84.

The Atlanta Braves announced Cox's death Saturday. Details were not immediately available. Cox had a stroke in 2019.

"Bobby was the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform," the Braves said in a statement. "He led our team to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the unforgettable World Series title in 1995. His Braves managerial legacy will never be matched."

Cox took over a last-place team in June 1990. He guided the Braves to a worst-to-first finish in 1991, losing the World Series to the Minnesota Twins in seven games. That marked the start of a record 14 consecutive division titles, a feat no professional team in any sport had matched.

He managed the Braves for 25 years and delivered Atlanta's only World Series title in 1995. Cox retired after the 2010 season and entered the Hall of Fame in 2014.

"Bobby was a favorite among all in the baseball community, especially those who played for him," the Braves said. "His wealth of knowledge on player development and the intricacies of managing the game were rewarded with the sport's ultimate prize in 2014, enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame."

As of Saturday, Cox ranked fourth all-time with 2,504 wins, fifth with 4,508 games, first with 15 division titles including a record 14 straight, first with 16 playoff appearances and fourth with 67 playoff victories.

Only Connie Mack, John McGraw and Tony La Russa had more regular-season wins than Cox. His 158 regular-season ejections ranked as the most among managers.

"He is the Atlanta Braves," catcher Brian McCann said in 2019. "He's the best."

McCann called Cox an "icon" and "one of the best human beings any of us have ever met."

The Braves retired Cox's No. 6 jersey in 2011, when he joined the team's Hall of Fame.

Cox spent 29 seasons as a major league manager, including four with Toronto. He managed 16 postseason teams. He brought an old-school approach to the dugout, always wearing spikes and stirrups. His fatherly demeanor inspired loyalty from his players.